The present letter might be entitled “An account of some motions recently discovered, to the manifestation3 of which an influence proceeding4 from the living human body is necessary.” The contrivance by which these motions are elicited5 I have called an Odometer, from the conviction that the force which sets it in movement is no other than the Od-force of Von Reichenbach. For the same reason I have called the objects with which it is tested Od-subjects, and the motions themselves Od-motions.
The odometer is a pendulum7, formed of a ring, or other small body attached to a thread, the other end of which is wound round a finger or the thumb. The odometer employed in the following experiments was a light gold ring, having a greater mass of metal on the unattached side, and suspended to the last joint8 of the right forefinger9, the suspending medium being either silk, or fine cotton, or the hair of a horse. The experiments were made by myself. In order to avoid the confusion resulting from220 a multiplicity of details, I shall state the results obtained through testing a limited number only of Od-subjects, so selected as to represent the leading divisions of the provinces of nature, and of dynamics10. With some of the principal the reader will be already acquainted through Letter XII., the contents of which will have prepared him for, and probably suggested to him, the following question, as a desirable subject of preliminary consideration.
I. Are the motions referred to worth examining at all? Are they more than the simple results of impulses conveyed to the pendulum by movements of the hand or wrist, or some general sway of the experimenter’s person, unintentionally going with the expectation or conception of this or that motion of the ring? Such a solution of the phenomena is not wanting in probability. It is metaphysically and physically11 certain, that when we maintain one and the same bodily posture12 or gesture, as in standing13, sitting, or holding out the hand, whatever be the seeming continuousness and unity14 of the effort, the posture or gesture is really maintained only by a series of rapidly succeeding efforts. What is more likely than that, in such a continual renewing of voluntary actions, our fancy, or the sympathy between our will and our thoughts, should give a bias15 to the results, even when we most try to neutralize16 its influence? The fact which I propose first to mention is in complete agreement with this view. I can at will cause the odometer to move exactly as I please. Although I hold my hand as steadily17 as possible by leaning the arm against a table, and endeavour to keep my person absolutely still, yet I have only to form a vivid conception of a new path for the odometer, and a motion in the so-imagined direction is almost immediately substituted for that which was be221fore going on. In like manner, I have only to conceive the cessation of motion, and the odometer gradually stops. I must farther admit that my first trials of the odometer were made under the full expectation that the results which ensued would follow. And I cannot say that it is impossible, that when other and new motions emerged, they were not often either realizations20 of a previous guess, or repetitions on the same principle of what occurred at first as an accident.
On the other hand, I am not unprepared with an array of facts which seem to me capable not only of neutralizing21 the force of the preceding argument, but of making it appear, most likely, that some other influence than that of the experimenter’s mind is often in operation in bringing about these results; an influence sufficiently22 curious, as I think, to justify23 me in continuing this investigation24 and the present letter. I beg the reader’s candid25 construction of the following statements.
If, when trying the odometer, I have caused it, by conceiving a different motion, to change its path and move in a wrong direction, I now endeavour to divert my mind from considering its motion at all, the odometer invariably resumes its previous right movement. It is, indeed, difficult to observe a strict mental neutrality in this instance. For the odometer moves imperfectly and uncertainly, unless I frequently look at its performance. Or, as I interpret the fact, unless I keep my attention fixed27 to a certain extent on what I am doing, my hand loses its steadiness, and communicates all sorts of distracting impulses to the pendulum. And the uncertainty29 hence arising admits, it appears to me, of being obviated30 by the comparison of numerous careful repetitions of the experiments.
Many of the motions which I at first thought were222 genuine Od-results, I afterwards found out I had been mistaken in. And the correction of these errors was mostly due to frequent and careful repetitions of the experiments, unattended by an expectation of finding the results reversed or otherwise modified, and instituted simply to secure their genuineness and certainty.
Then there was one result which at one time I confidently anticipated; but it never came up. I had found the ring make gyrations in the direction of those of the hands of a watch, when held over the small end of a living unincubated egg. Opposite gyrations were obtained over the big end. I thought this might have to do with the sex of the embryo33. And I tried, accordingly, a dozen eggs, expecting that in some the direction of the gyrations at the two ends would be reversed. But this event never occurred, much as I laid myself out for it. If my fancy could have decided34 the matter in spite of my care to prevent its interference, I am clear that for a time, at least, I should have obtained in these experiments upon the egg a double set of results. I was much delighted two months later at coming upon the explanation of the question, why gyration32 like that of the hands of a watch is manifested at the little end of the egg. I had known from nearly the first that this direction of the rotatory Od-motion is manifested when the pendulum is swung over the right side of the human body. Then I fell upon an old physiological35 reminiscence, (and found a drawing of the fact in my outlines of Physiology,) that the embryo chick lies in the egg transversely upon its face, with its right side towards the little end.
Then there were two other results, which were directly at variance36 with my anticipations37, but which never failed to present themselves. I made a voltaic arrangement by means of two plates, one of zinc38, the other of223 copper39, fixed in contact in a solution of salt in water. Now, when held opposite the middle of the zinc disc, the odometer always rotated like the hands of a watch; while over the copper disc the phenomenon was reversed. These results are constant. But I have had the satisfaction of lately discovering that, if I present the ring to any part of the circumference40 of the two discs, its motion is the opposite, and in accordance with theory.
One of the tests on which I have much relied in determining whether the motions I obtained were genuine Od-motions, consisted in producing their reversal by altering the Od-relations of my hand or of my person. What gives particular value to this test is, that the versed31 or complimentary41 motion is subject to different laws. One set of secondary oscillations changes into oscillations in a plane at right angles to the plane of the primary oscillations. In another series the motion continues in the same plane; but the excursions, which were before longest in one direction, are now longest in the opposite, as if a repellent current had been substituted for an attracting one. The Od-oscillations, it may be observed, are always dependent upon the action of a constant rectilinear force counteracted42 by the gravitation of the pendulum. The means I usually employ to reverse the primary Od-motions is, bringing the end of the right thumb into contact with the odometer-finger, where the thread is wound round it. But the experimenter cannot be too careful not to bring the thumb even near to the odometer finger, or to allow his other fingers to close upon the ball of the thumb, for the phenomena are thus again liable to be reversed.
The other means of reversing the results of the experiments are:—
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a. To substitute a hair of a mare43 for the suspending media above-named.
b. To hold a sovereign in the left hand.
c. To apply the forefinger of the left hand to the odometer finger.
d. To have either hand of a person of the same sex laid on your right hand or right ear.
e. To have either hand of a person of the opposite sex laid upon your left hand or left ear.
The various substances employed as Od-subjects admit of being divided into two great classes; one consisting of unorganized or organized bodies in which a minimum of internal activity is present; the other, of bodies of both classes, in which the more energetic properties of matter are at work.
I. Let me first notice the results obtained with the first class of bodies. These, again, are reducible to two forms. The Od-subject may either be of a regular figure and equal thickness throughout—as a piece of money, for instance; or it may be of an irregular figure, with an unequal mass of matter at one part—as, for instance, when it consists of an aggregate45 of several pieces of money variously arranged. I shall first treat of the first and simpler case.
It does not matter how you face in making these experiments. The influence of your person makes the various meridians46 of the Od-subject. The movements which we have first to examine are the results of holding the odometer over the middle of various uniform discs, such as I have supposed. They consist of two series of oscillations—one directed longitudinally to and from the experimenter; the other transversal, or in a plane at225 right angles to the plane of the first series of oscillations. Then it is highly convenient to have terms denoting the four cardinal47 points at which these oscillations cut the edge of the circular disc. These points may be termed distal, proximal, dextral, sinistral. It will likewise be found convenient to have terms to denote the direction of the motions manifested. The terms distad, proximad, dextrad, sinistrad, will serve our purpose. These terms refer to the person of the experimenter. Two other terms are still wanting; sometimes rotatory motion supervenes, which maybe either in the direction of the motion of the hands of a watch, or the reverse. I call the first of these two motions clock-rotation48, the second versed-rotation.
The present class of Od-subjects present the following remarkable49 differences among themselves:—
Over one class, including gold, zinc, and polished glass, a circular mass of bicarbonate of soda50, the odometer primarily oscillates longitudinally.
With the other class, which includes pearl, ground glass, copper, a circular mass of tartaric acid, the odometer held over the centre primarily oscillates transversely.
Over polished glass, an odometer of resin51 oscillates transversely; over ground glass longitudinally.
Each of these movements is replaced by the other, when the thumb is brought into contact with the odometer-finger. (See figs52. 1 and 2, in which the continuous line represents the primary motion; the dotted line, the secondary or complementary or reversed motion.)
II. Analysis of the forces, or currents conducing to, or implicated53 in the movements of the odometer just described.
It has been said that the above movements manifest226 themselves when the odometer is held over the centre of the Od-subject. Let us now examine the consequences of holding the odometer extra-marginally to, or beyond the edge of, the Od-subject.
Figs. 1-8
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Figs. 9-14
a. Let the odometer be held a quarter of an inch away from, and over each cardinal point of a sovereign, or zinc circular disc, in succession. Result—Held near the distal point, its motion is proximad. Held near the proximal point, its motion is proximad. Held near the dextral point, its motion is sinistrad. Held near the sinistral point, its motion is sinistrad. (See fig44. 3.)
But the first two impulses thus attained55 correspond with the direction of the primary oscillations of the odometer, the last two with its complementary oscillations;228 and if the odometer be held now over different points in succession of the two diametral lines, suspended, of course, by the finger alone over the first series of points, and by the finger touched by the thumb over the second, it will be found that the primary oscillations originated over every point of the longitudinal diameter of the zinc disc are proximad; and that those obtainable over any part of the transverse diameter of the zinc disc are sinistrad.
Then the forces or currents are made manifest by which the two sets of oscillations are produced; and the marvel56 of the prompt substitution of one for the other is at an end; for it is evident that these two forces, whether produced or only revealed by the presence of the odometer, co-exist; and that the changed Od-relations of the experimenter to the odometer, (effected by disjoining the thumb from, or joining it to, the forefinger,) simply act by giving temporary predominance to one of the two co-existent currents.
If these experiments be made at the edge of the copper disc, they elicit6 opposite but parallel results. (See fig. 4.) They evince the existence of two currents, one dextrad, the other sinistrad, from which the same conclusions may be deduced.
It is important to notice, that in all this class of the experiments, the distad and dextrad currents are manifested in combination; and in like manner the proximad and sinistrad.
This combination is further exemplified in the next experiment, which I shall describe.
b. Excite the above extra-marginal motions of the odometer held near the two plates in succession; and then apply the thumb to the finger in each experiment. Result—Tangential58 motions are manifested parallel to the diametral motions before displayed. (See figs. 5 and 6.)
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We cannot, however, suppose these extra-marginal tangential motions to be the lateral59 limits of the four great currents, inasmuch as they are obtained by the versed process to that which obtains the central motion; and the question arises, what then are the limits of the central currents?
c. Hold the odometer over the zinc disc at its centre; of course, longitudinal oscillations determined60 by the proximad current manifest themselves. Then shift its place on the transverse diameter more and more to the left. First Result—For something more than a quarter of the whole diameter, the motion continues longitudinal, proving that the central current has a breadth at least something exceeding half the diameter. Same result on the other side of the centre. Second Result—When the odometer nears the sinistral cardinal point of the zinc disc, its longitudinal proximad motion is replaced by the motion I have called clock-rotation. When it is held near the dextral cardinal point, versed rotation manifests itself.
This second result establishes that the longitudinal proximad current extends laterally61 to the edges of the disc; but that, when near to them, the force of the co-existing transverse current asserts itself, driving the odometer (on the left) off in a sinistro-proximad diagonal, which ends in the establishment of clock-rotation; on the right driving the central current off, in a dextro-proximad diagonal, resulting in versed rotation. (See fig. 7.)
Parallel and opposite results are obtained by the odometer when these experiments are repeated with the copper disc; and necessarily the clock-rotation appears near the proximad margin54 of the disc, the versed rotation near the distal edge.
Therefore it is evident that the great longitudinal and transverse currents extend over the whole disc, but not beyond it. Experiment a, section II., and figs. 3 and 4,230 show that, immediately beyond the cardinal points, single forces are in operation.
Other interesting results follow from trying with the odometer the extra-marginal spaces between the cardinal points.
d. First let the central points between each pair of cardinal points be tried with the zinc disc. Result—(see fig. 9,)—a dextro-proximad current is manifested between the sinistral and distal points, and between the proximal and dextral points; a sinistro-proximad current is manifested between the dextral and distal, and between the proximal and sinistral points—giving the impression that there exist two diagonal forces, comparable to the longitudinal and transverse forces.
Fig. 10 gives the corresponding, but opposite, results obtained upon the copper disc.
It is, however, doubtful whether these currents traverse the whole disc. For if the experiment is made of following each upon the disc, their influence disappears at less than a quarter of the diameter, where the odometer is found to obey on the zinc disc the proximad current, on the copper disc the dextrad current. Or, probably, these currents are the simple expression of the action of two equal forces moving the body operated on by them (at right angles to each other) in the diagonal. These effects thus form a remarkable contrast with the results given in figs. 7 and 8, wherein rotatory movements are manifested; and they seem to show that an essential element in these rotatory movements is, that one of the two currents acting28 on the odometer must, in the latter case, be of superior force to the other.
e. Repeat the last experiments versed, or with the thumb applied62 to the forefinger. Results—(see figs. 11 and 12)—Tangential forces are developed, the directions of which are opposite, as obtained over the zinc and over the copper discs.
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f. Repeat the extra-marginal trials of the odometer in all the halves of the inter-cardinal spaces, both with the zinc and with the copper discs. (See figs. 13 and 14.) Result—A complicated series of rotatory movements, eight for each disc; four in each case showing clock-rotation—four versed rotation—but opposite in the corresponding spaces of the two discs. On applying the thumb to the odometer finger, the rotations63 become exactly inverted64 so that, in that case; fig. 14 represents what is now manifested in the zinc disc, fig. 13 what is now manifested in the copper disc.
III. Motions of the odometer obtained over the same class of substances, when of irregular figure and unequal thickness.
a. Let the odometer be held over the middle of a line of four sovereigns disposed either longitudinally, transversely, or obliquely66. Result—Long oscillations over the axis67 of the line of sovereigns. But the oscillations are not of equal length. At one end of the line they extend to the edge of the fourth sovereign. At the other, they pass an inch beyond it.
b. Repeat the experiment, touching68 the odometer-finger with the right thumb. Result—Axial oscillations as before, and unequal as before, but in the contrary direction.
c. Dispose four sovereigns in a line; then place two others upon any one of the four, and hold the odometer over the table at three inches to one side of the middle of the line. Result—The odometer swings in each instance towards that sovereign on which the two additional are placed—but unequally. We will suppose that it has swung with sufficient strength to reach the disc of the loaded sovereign,—the oscillation in the contrary direction is but two inches in length.
d. Repeat the experiment, with the thumb applied. Results—Oscillations ensue of the same length, and they are again unequal, but in the contrary direction. Now they do not reach the pile of sovereigns by an inch, but they pass three inches in the opposite direction.
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Figs. 15-24
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Figs. 25-29
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Thus a force is brought into view having this new quality: when the Od-relations of the experimenter are versed, a change ensues, not into motion in a plane transverse to the former one, but the direction of the new motion is simply the opposite of the first, or the odometer appears to be attracted or repelled69 towards the Od-subject alternately.
e. Try the same experiment with a single sovereign, or with the zinc disc. Result—The odometer held at four inches distance is attracted and repelled just as in the preceding instance.
Then an irregular form of the Od-subject, or its unequal mass at different parts, have nothing to do with this new motion; and it is evident that the relation of the latter to the former class of oscillatory motions will be easily determinable.
f. Lay the proper disc before you (see fig. 15,) and hold the odometer over the production in each direction of its transversal line beyond the limits of the disc. Results—When held near the right edge of the disc, as before mentioned, a dextrad motion is developed; that is to say, the odometer moves off from the dextral cardinal point of the disc, oscillatively. This movement, or those oscillations outward, are fainter and fainter, as the odometer is held over points more and more remote from the disc. At length, at the distance of an inch and a half, the odometer becomes absolutely stationary70. When moved, however, still farther off, motion begins again, which is very lively at four to five inches distance from the disc, its direction being sensibly toward the disc. Moved farther off, still the same motion continues, and is detectable71 ten to twelve inches off the Od-subject.
When the same experiments are made on the left edge of the Od-subject, phenomena just the reverse are manifested for the same distance. The extra-marginal dextrad motion is transverse for an inch and a half. Then there235 occurs a point of quiescence72; on the other side of which the odometer swings in free and long sinistrad or repelled oscillations.
g. Repeat these experiments (fig. 16,) with the thumb applied. Result—On the left side the near extra-marginal dextrad motion is replaced by a tangential proximad motion; and the centrifugal oscillations beyond the point of quiescence are replaced by centripetal73 oscillations. On the right side again, the near dextrad extra-marginal oscillations are replaced by a proximad tangential current: while beyond the point of quiescence, the remote centripetal oscillations are reversed into centrifugal ones.
Effects parallel to these are attained at each of the cardinal and inter-cardinal points of the whole circumference, upon the zinc or copper disc, but as usual always reversed.
Opposite to the eight intervening spaces, the character of the remote motion is changed. There it is a rotatory motion in a direction the reverse of the rotatory motion shown in figs. 15 and 16.
Thus, there exists all round the disc, at a distance of about an inch and a half, a circle of complete repose74. Within this the proper, or near, extra-marginal movements of the odometer are manifested: without it, the motions of the second and remote force last described.
But to return to the facts mentioned at the beginning of this section.
The movements of the odometer over a line of sovereigns, or from a distance towards its centre of gravity, are evidently the consequences of this remote force coming into operation; the long and forcible oscillations caused by which toward or from a remote point override75 the smaller near extra-marginal, and the super-discal forces of the Od-subject.
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IV. I have next to deal with the effects obtained by trying the odometer with mineral bodies, in which electric, chemical, or magnetic forces are energizing76, or that force on which crystalline structure depends, and with organized bodies in possession of life.
In this section, I propose to describe the simple resultants, analogous77 to the two diametral movements, obtained when the odometer is held over a sovereign. It will be remembered that, of these two, one only manifested itself at a time; and that their meridians were determined by the person of the experimenter. One movement was either in the direction of the mesial plane of his person, or in one parallel to it—namely, the longitudinal oscillations; the other was in a plane at right angles to the first.
The corresponding movements of the odometer with the class of bodies now to be considered are rotatory; and two, at least, are always simultaneously78 manifested—one a clock rotation, the other a versed rotation. These opposite rotations are likewise always manifested on opposite sides or opposite ends of the Od-subject, indicating the development of polarity. Finally, the force of this polarity is such as to render the influence of the person of the experimenter nugatory79 as to the direction of the forces. Accordingly, if a horse-shoe magnet is laid in any position in reference to the experimenter, clock-rotation is always obtained by holding the odometer half an inch above, and beyond its northward80 pole; and versed rotation is invariably obtained in like manner at its southward pole. The effect of touching the odometer-finger with the thumb is exactly to reverse the two rotations.
I will now describe the individual instances in which237 these rotations are manifested; or the parts of each Od-subject over which the odometer rotates in opposite directions.
CLOCK-ROTATION. VERSED-ROTATION.
a. A stick of sealing-wax excited by friction81 with flannel82 or silk. A glass tube excited by rubbing it with fur. A glass tube similarly excited.
b. The zinc disc of an arrangement of two zinc and copper discs moistened with salt and water, the odometer being held opposite to the middle of the zinc disc; for if it be held beyond the disc, half an inch from and on the exact level of the zinc disc, versed-rotation is manifested round the whole circumference. The copper disc of the same, the odometer being held over against the surface of the copper disc; for again, if it be held to the edge of the copper disc, the opposite result follows, and the rotation is clock-rotation.
c. A mixture of half a drachm of bicarbonate of soda and five grains of tartaric acid, when effervescing83 upon a plate after the addition of water. A mixture of half a drachm of tartaric acid and five grains of bicarbonate of soda.
d. The northward pole of a horse-shoe magnet, or of a magnetic needle freely suspended. The southward pole of the same.
e. One pole of a large crystal, which, is to be found out by this experiment. The opposite pole.
f. The root of a garden weed freshly taken from the ground. The leaves of the same.
g. The stalk end of an orange, and of an apple, and of an orange pip. The opposite points of the same.
h. The small end of an egg. The large end of the same.
i. The tips of the fingers on either hand, and of the toes of either foot. The top of the thumb and great toe.
k. Right side of the head of a sparrow. Left side.
The last holds likewise with the greater part of the238 human body; but the results of trying the odometer with the human frame are so complicated, that I shall reserve their consideration for a separate section.
V. The mechanical solution of these phenomena is simple enough. The odometer must be under the influence of two constant and unequal rectilinear forces, operating at right angles to each other on the gold ring, the effects of which are modified by the centripetal force of its gravitation. All that is required is, to determine by observation the place, direction, and limits of the two forces.
It will render the description which follows easier, to suppose that the pole of the Od-subject which causes clock-rotation be turned directly from the experimenter; for example, that an egg be placed longways to the experimenter with its small end from him, or a bar magnet with its northward pole from him. In the case of a horse-shoe magnet, both poles are then turned from you. So, too, in the case of the hand, the fingers and thumbs are both to be turned away.
a. Odometer held immediately before, and a quarter of an inch from, the small end of an egg. Result—Distad motion, or motion in the direction of the long axis of the egg, from the egg.
b. Odometer similarly held to the great end. Result—Proximad motion of the odometer—that is, again, motion directly from the axis of the egg.
c. Hold the odometer near either side of the egg, one-fifth of the distance from either end. Results—Transverse sinistrad oscillations. The same current may be detected above the egg on the same parallels.
The effects described are given in fig. 17. Then here are, at either end of the egg, two rectilinear currents acting at right angles to each other. Fig. 18 represents239 the complementary motions to the above, which are obtained by touching the odometer finger with the thumb. A parallel combination of rectilinear motions is produced, but in another way.
The next three figures exemplify the composition of forces necessary to produce the rotatory motion of the odometer.
Figs. 19 and 20 are intended to represent the large ends of two eggs, so placed that the axial currents of the two shall cross at right angles, at a point equidistant, let us say at half an inch exactly, from the end of each egg. If the ring be suspended exactly at the point of meeting of the two forces, it will be driven off in the diagonal, and continue simply to oscillate in the line A B. But if either of the eggs is moved back to double its former distance from the point of intersection84 of the two forces, the forces will be rendered unequal, and new results will ensue. The two experiments by which the results of this arrangement may be tried are represented in figs. 21, 22, and figs. 23, 24. The longer current is necessarily thereby85 the weaker of the two in each combination. Accordingly, rotatory motion supervenes in each case instead of diagonal oscillation; and the direction of the rotation is from the stronger towards the weaker current.
Figure 25 represents the various motions which may be elicited by holding the odometer at the sides or over different parts of a horse-shoe magnet. The continued lines in all the diagrams represent the primary motions, the dotted lines their complementary motions.
Figures 26 and 27 represent, in the same way, the primary and secondary oscillations obtainable over the centre of, or parallel to the needle.
Figures 28 and 29 represent the motions displayed by240 the odometer, when it is held above various points in the interval86 between two sovereigns, placed upon the table an inch and a half asunder87. Compound effects follow, produced by the joint influence of the two bodies.
VI. I will finally describe the phenomena elicited by the odometer from the living human frame, including those which are dependent on difference of sex.
Parties to experiments with the odometer may be in the position either of Od-subjects, or of reversers of its effects in the hands of others, or they may be themselves components88 of the odometer.
I can discover absolutely no difference in the results obtained by the odometer on men and women, when treated as Od-subjects. The following results appear to me equally obtainable with persons of both sexes.
With the exception of the arms below the elbows, the wrists and hands, and of the legs below the knees, the ankles and feet, the two sides of the person display the polar differences already noticed. If the odometer be held over the right side of the head, (either front or back,) over the right side of the face, over the right shoulder or elbow, or right knee, it exhibits clock-rotation. Held over the same parts on the left side, it exhibits versed-rotation. On touching the odometer-finger with the thumb, these effects are of course reversed.
If the odometer be held over the middle and outside of either arm, or over the middle and back of either fore-arm or hand, it oscillates longitudinally and towards the hand or foot. On reapplying the thumb, these longitudinal oscillations are replaced by transverse oscillations, having a direction outwards—i. e., away from the mesial plane of the frame.
The phenomena last described show that the primary241 idea of a transverse polarity for the whole frame is still verifiable, even in the extreme parts of either limb. But below the elbows and knees a second polarity is superinduced upon the former. Below the elbows and knees, one side of each limb repeats the phenomena of the right side of the body, the other those of the left. The odometer held over the tips of the fingers of either hand exhibits clock-rotation, over the thumb of either hand versed-rotation; and with these, as I have mentioned, all the other effects that can be elicited out of the two limbs of a horse-shoe magnet. The same rotatory movements may likewise be obtained by holding the odometer near the two edges of the hand, wrist, fore-arm. The latter singularity, which contrasts with the simpler effects on the upper arm, must result from the combination of the two polarities—the systemic and the submembral one.
The odometer, held over the back of the neck or throat, oscillates transversely. When versed, longitudinally.
It appears to me now that women generally are incapable89 of eliciting90 the movements of the odometer when held by themselves, without touching a second party.
I have already, in the introductory part of this letter, given a summary of all the modes I am acquainted with of reversing the motions of the odometer.
Perhaps I have presumed too much in heading this letter with the title of “The Solution.” But what is the solution of physical phenomena but the displaying of the forces which compel their sequence? As an inquiry91 progresses, a few general expressions take the place of the first imperfect and complicated explanation. But the first step made was still a solution; and the highest solution ever yet obtained has probably still to be merged19 in some expression yet more general. So the attraction242 of gravitation is probably connected with, or balanced by, a corresponding repulsive92 force, coming into operation at some enormous distance from the centre of each planetary sphere, and the two may eventually prove to form one law.
But I had hoped that I was not presuming in asserting that the present inquiry has immediate18 practical applications, such as seldom fall to the lot of so young an investigation. The odometer may prove a useful test of the presence and qualities of electric, chemical, and magnetic actions; it will probably help to determine the electrochemical qualities of bodies; and in large or small crystalline masses—in the diamond, for instance—will serve to show the axes and distinguish the opposite poles. In reference to biology, it will probably furnish the long-wanted criterion between death and apparent death; for I observe that, with an egg long kept, but still alive, though no longer likely to be very palatable93, the odometer freely moves in the way described in the fourth section. But it treats the freshest egg, when boiled, as if it were a lump of zinc.
Nevertheless I am not without certain misgivings94. I suspect that the divining-ring will be found to manifest genuine Od-motions in the hands of as small a number as succeed with the divining-rod. And I fear that overhasty confidence in results only seemingly sound, may lead many astray into a wide field of self-deception.
POSTSCRIPT95.
An accident has given me the opportunity of making further additions to this little volume, of which I proceed to avail myself; and, first, by communicating my latest experiments with the divining-ring, July 24.
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I. I have stated that, if a fresh egg be placed upon the table, with the small end directed from me—or a crystal, with one definite pole so turned from me—or a bar-magnet, with its northward pole so disposed—and I then suspend the divining-ring half an inch above either of the three so averted96 ends, and half an inch further off from me, the ring exhibits clock-rotation in each instance. Held in a parallel manner over the opposite ends—that is, half an inch from, and half an inch higher than, the same—the ring exhibits versed-rotation. If the three Od-subjects be moved round, so that their hitherto distal ends point to the right, or if they be further turned, so as to bring the previously97 distal ends now to point directly towards me, the ring continues to exhibit exactly the same motions as in the first instance.
If, these objects being removed, I lay a horse-shoe magnet on the table before me, with its poles turned directly from me, the northward limb being on my left hand, the southward limb-pole on my right, and experiments parallel to those just described are made, the results remain the same. If, near one side of the horse-shoe magnet, I lay my left hand on the table, the palm downwards98, the thumb held wide of the fingers, the ring, if suspended half an inch from and above either of the finger-points, displays clock-rotation; suspended similarly before and above the point of the thumb, versed-rotation. Or the fingers of the left hand, so disposed, may be compared, in reference to Od, to the northward pole of a horse-shoe magnet, while the thumb corresponds with its southward pole.
If, removing my left hand, I turn the horse-shoe magnet, without altering the side on which it rests, half round, so that the poles point directly towards me, the244 northward pole being now, of course, on my right, the southward pole on my left, the ring held as before over either of the two poles, displays the same results. If I now move the magnet still nearer to me, so that its two poles are an inch beyond the edge of the table, I can obtain results which furnish a more precise explanation of the two rotatory movements already described, than I had before arrived at.
If I now suspend the ring, with its lowest part on a level with the magnet, and half an inch from its northward pole—that is, half an inch nearer me—it begins to oscillate longitudinally, with a bias towards me, as if it were repelled from the pole of the magnet. If I then suspend the ring an inch vertically99 above the first point of suspension, it begins to oscillate transversely, with a bias towards the right, or as if impelled100 by a dextrad current. If I then lower the ring half an inch, the first effect observed is, that it oscillates obliquely, being evidently impelled at once to the right and towards me—that is, in the diagonal of the two forces, of each of which I had before obtained the separate influence. In this third variation of the experiments, I have brought the ring to the limit of the two currents, where both tell upon it. This oblique65 oscillation soon, however, undergoes a change: it changes into clock-rotation, showing that the transverse or dextrad current is stronger than the longitudinal or proximad current.
If parallel experiments be made at levels below that of the pole of the magnet, corresponding but opposite results ensue. If the whole series be repeated upon the south pole of the magnet, opposite but perfectly26 corresponding results are again obtained: and similar results may be obtained with the two poles of an egg.
245
II. The mode in which I have latterly educed57 the rotatory movements depending upon galvanism, has been this. I have laid two discs, one of zinc, the other of copper, one on the other, having previously moistened their surfaces with salt and water. Then, as I mentioned, the ring held over the middle of the zinc disc (that being uppermost) exhibits clock-rotation. Held over the middle of the copper disc, when that is laid uppermost, versed-rotation. I mentioned, too, that if held beyond, but near the circumference of the same discs, the direction of the motion of the ring is reversed.
The discs which I employ are circular, an inch and a half in diameter, and about as thick as a sovereign. Upon these I do not fail to obtain, when dried and used singly, the first series of phenomena described in the preceding letter. But it occurred to me to try what would be the result of suspending the ring over the two together, and alternately laid uppermost, when they had been well cleaned and dried. This is evidently a still simpler voltaic arrangement than when the salt and water is additionally used. The result was in the highest degree interesting. When I suspend the ring half an inch above the centre of the copper disc, (that being laid uppermost,) the first motion observed is transverse; but after a few oscillations it becomes oblique—dextrad and proximad combined, in the diagonal between the primary influences of the zinc and of the copper. This change does not last long; the transverse force again carries it, in this instance, and clock-rotation is permanently101 established. When the zinc is uppermost, the corresponding opposite phenomena manifest themselves; and in either case a reversed movement occurs, if the ring is held extra-marginally to the discs.
246
III. I may say that I have now obtained positive evidence that these motions of the odometer do not depend upon my own will, or the sympathy of my will with existing conceptions in my mind; for they succeed nearly equally well when the discs are covered with half a sheet of writing-paper. In nine cases out of ten, when I thus manage to be in perfect ignorance which disc, or what combination of the two, is submitted to the odometer, the right results manifest themselves, and the cause of the occasional failures is generally obvious. Let me add upon this topic, that one day, the weather being cold and wet, and myself suffering severely102 with rheumatism103, the odometer would not move at all in my hand. On another day, late in the evening it was, when I happened to be much fatigued104 and exhausted105, the ring moved, indeed, but every motion was exactly reversed; thus my left hand I found now obtained exactly the results which, on other occasions, I got with the right.
IV. But by what cause, then—through what mechanism106, so to speak, are the movements of the odometer immediately produced? Early in the inquiry I made this experiment. Instead of winding107 the free end of the silk round my finger, I wound it round a cedar-pencil, and laid the latter upon the backs of two books, which were made to stand on their edges, four inches apart, with the Od-subject on the table between them, the ring being suspended half an inch above it. The ring, of course, remained stationary. Then I took hold of the pencil with my finger and thumb, at the point where the silk was wound round it; my finger and thumb rested on the silk; but no motion of the odometer ensued. Hence it follows, that the odometer is, after all, always set in247 motion by the play of my own muscles. I venture then to suppose that my sentient108 nerves, unknown to me, detect on these occasions certain relations of matter—let me call them currents of force—which determine in me reflexly certain sympathetic motions of the very lightest, and even of an unconscious character. This idea, which I am sure affords the just solution of the matter, is highly consistent with some observations which I have before recounted. It explains how the primary delicate impression should yield to the coarser influence of a strong conception in the mind, that this or that other motion of the ring is about to follow, or even to that of a vivid and, so to say, abstract conception of another motion. It explains what I have several times verified, that on certain days a person standing behind me with his hand on my ear, or on my shoulder, can, by an effort of his will (mine not resisting,) make the odometer which I am holding move whichever way he happens strongly to image to himself, without communicating the same to me. It explains to me on what the difference consists between those who can set the divining-ring in motion, without a conscious effort, and those who cannot. The former, it will be found, are persons of so great nervous mobility109, that any such motions, if their occurrence be forcibly anticipated by them, will certainly be realized by their sympathetic frames. Among this class should be sought, and would still remain to be detected by experiment, those whose impressionability by Od should prove commensurate with their nervous mobility. Finally, I cannot doubt that the view which I have thus arrived at respecting the mechanism of the motions of the odometer, is equally applicable to the explanation of those of the divining-rod. I see that, through its means, many before anomalous110 facts, with the narrative111 of which I have not bored the248 reader, which emerged in my former trials of the divining rod, made by the hands of others, lose their obscurity and contradictoriness112, and leave the whole subject in the condition of an intelligible113 and luminous114 conception.
N. B.—It is a pity that of the inquirers who now amuse themselves with investigating these subjects, very few realize in their minds the idea of Von Reichenbach, that Od, though often exhibiting the same relations with electricity and magnetism115, is yet an utterly116 different principle.
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1
phenomena
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| n.现象 | |
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inert
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| adj.无活动能力的，惰性的；迟钝的 | |
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manifestation
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| n.表现形式；表明；现象 | |
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proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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elicited
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| 引出，探出( elicit的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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elicit
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| v.引出,抽出,引起 | |
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7
pendulum
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| n.摆，钟摆 | |
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joint
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| adj.联合的，共同的；n.关节，接合处；v.连接，贴合 | |
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9
forefinger
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| n.食指 | |
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dynamics
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| n.力学，动力学，动力，原动力；动态 | |
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physically
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| adj.物质上，体格上，身体上，按自然规律 | |
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posture
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| n.姿势，姿态，心态，态度；v.作出某种姿势 | |
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standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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unity
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| n.团结，联合，统一；和睦，协调 | |
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15
bias
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| n.偏见，偏心，偏袒；vt.使有偏见 | |
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16
neutralize
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| v.使失效、抵消，使中和 | |
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17
steadily
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| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
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18
immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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merged
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| （使）混合( merge的过去式和过去分词 )； 相融； 融入； 渐渐消失在某物中 | |
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realizations
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| 认识，领会( realization的名词复数 )； 实现 | |
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neutralizing
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| v.使失效( neutralize的现在分词 )；抵消；中和；使（一个国家）中立化 | |
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sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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23
justify
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| vt.证明…正当(或有理)，为…辩护 | |
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24
investigation
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| n.调查，调查研究 | |
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25
candid
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| adj.公正的，正直的；坦率的 | |
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perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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acting
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| n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的 | |
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29
uncertainty
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| n.易变，靠不住，不确知，不确定的事物 | |
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30
obviated
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| v.避免，消除（贫困、不方便等）( obviate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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31
versed
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| adj. 精通，熟练 | |
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32
gyration
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| n.旋转 | |
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33
embryo
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| n.胚胎，萌芽的事物 | |
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34
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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35
physiological
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| adj.生理学的，生理学上的 | |
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36
variance
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| n.矛盾，不同 | |
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anticipations
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| 预期( anticipation的名词复数 )； 预测； （信托财产收益的）预支； 预期的事物 | |
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38
zinc
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| n.锌；vt.在...上镀锌 | |
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39
copper
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| n.铜；铜币；铜器；adj.铜(制)的；(紫)铜色的 | |
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circumference
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| n.圆周，周长，圆周线 | |
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41
complimentary
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| adj.赠送的，免费的，赞美的，恭维的 | |
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42
counteracted
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| 对抗，抵消( counteract的过去式 ) | |
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43
mare
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| n.母马，母驴 | |
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44
fig
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| n.无花果(树) | |
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45
aggregate
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| adj.总计的，集合的；n.总数；v.合计；集合 | |
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46
meridians
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| n.子午圈( meridian的名词复数 )；子午线；顶点；（权力，成就等的）全盛时期 | |
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47
cardinal
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| n.(天主教的)红衣主教；adj.首要的，基本的 | |
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48
rotation
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| n.旋转；循环，轮流 | |
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49
remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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50
soda
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| n.苏打水；汽水 | |
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51
resin
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| n.树脂，松香，树脂制品；vt.涂树脂 | |
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figs
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| figures 数字，图形，外形 | |
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53
implicated
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| adj.密切关联的；牵涉其中的 | |
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margin
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| n.页边空白；差额；余地，余裕；边，边缘 | |
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55
attained
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| （通常经过努力）实现( attain的过去式和过去分词 )； 达到； 获得； 达到（某年龄、水平、状况） | |
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56
marvel
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| vi.(at)惊叹vt.感到惊异；n.令人惊异的事 | |
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57
educed
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| v.引出( educe的过去式和过去分词 )；唤起或开发出（潜能）；推断（出）；从数据中演绎（出） | |
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58
tangential
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| adj.离题的，切线的 | |
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59
lateral
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| adj.侧面的，旁边的 | |
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determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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61
laterally
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| ad.横向地；侧面地；旁边地 | |
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62
applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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63
rotations
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| 旋转( rotation的名词复数 )； 转动； 轮流； 轮换 | |
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64
inverted
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| adj.反向的，倒转的v.使倒置，使反转( invert的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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oblique
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| adj.斜的，倾斜的，无诚意的，不坦率的 | |
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obliquely
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| adv.斜； 倾斜； 间接； 不光明正大 | |
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67
axis
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| n.轴，轴线，中心线；坐标轴，基准线 | |
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68
touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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69
repelled
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| v.击退( repel的过去式和过去分词 )；使厌恶；排斥；推开 | |
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70
stationary
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| adj.固定的，静止不动的 | |
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71
detectable
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| adj.可发觉的；可查明的 | |
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72
quiescence
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| n.静止 | |
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73
centripetal
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| adj.向心的 | |
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repose
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| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
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75
override
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| vt.不顾，不理睬，否决；压倒，优先于 | |
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76
energizing
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| v.给予…精力，能量( energize的现在分词 )；使通电 | |
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analogous
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| adj.相似的；类似的 | |
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simultaneously
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| adv.同时发生地，同时进行地 | |
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nugatory
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| adj.琐碎的，无价值的 | |
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northward
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| adv.向北；n.北方的地区 | |
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81
friction
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| n.摩擦，摩擦力 | |
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82
flannel
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| n.法兰绒；法兰绒衣服 | |
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83
effervescing
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| v.冒气泡，起泡沫( effervesce的现在分词 ) | |
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intersection
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| n.交集，十字路口，交叉点；[计算机] 交集 | |
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85
thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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interval
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| n.间隔，间距；幕间休息，中场休息 | |
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87
asunder
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| adj.分离的，化为碎片 | |
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components
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| （机器、设备等的）构成要素，零件，成分； 成分( component的名词复数 )； [物理化学]组分； [数学]分量； （混合物的）组成部分 | |
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incapable
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| adj.无能力的，不能做某事的 | |
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eliciting
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| n. 诱发, 引出 动词elicit的现在分词形式 | |
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91
inquiry
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| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
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92
repulsive
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| adj.排斥的，使人反感的 | |
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93
palatable
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| adj.可口的，美味的；惬意的 | |
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94
misgivings
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| n.疑虑，担忧，害怕；疑虑，担心，恐惧( misgiving的名词复数 )；疑惧 | |
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postscript
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| n.附言，又及；(正文后的)补充说明 | |
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96
averted
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| 防止，避免( avert的过去式和过去分词 )； 转移 | |
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previously
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| adv.以前，先前（地） | |
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98
downwards
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| adj./adv.向下的（地），下行的（地） | |
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99
vertically
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| adv.垂直地 | |
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impelled
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| v.推动、推进或敦促某人做某事( impel的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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101
permanently
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| adv.永恒地，永久地，固定不变地 | |
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102
severely
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| adv.严格地；严厉地；非常恶劣地 | |
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103
rheumatism
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| n.风湿病 | |
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104
fatigued
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| adj. 疲乏的 | |
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105
exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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106
mechanism
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| n.机械装置；机构，结构 | |
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107
winding
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| n.绕，缠，绕组，线圈 | |
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108
sentient
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| adj.有知觉的，知悉的；adv.有感觉能力地 | |
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109
mobility
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| n.可动性，变动性，情感不定 | |
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110
anomalous
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| adj.反常的；不规则的 | |
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111
narrative
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| n.叙述，故事；adj.叙事的，故事体的 | |
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112
contradictoriness
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| 矛盾性 | |
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113
intelligible
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| adj.可理解的，明白易懂的，清楚的 | |
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114
luminous
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| adj.发光的，发亮的；光明的；明白易懂的；有启发的 | |
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115
magnetism
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| n.磁性，吸引力，磁学 | |
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116
utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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