Fig. 238.
Deflagration of iron wire.
Fourth Experiment.
The combustion of ether or other inflammable spirit may also be demonstrated with the aid of this powerful apparatus, and the arrangement, in common with the others employed by Mr. Clarke, is shown in Fig. 239.
Fig. 239.
The break is removed, and the double blades, b, fixed in its place. The brass cup, a, containing mercury is so adjusted that the points will leave the surface of the mercury when the armature is vertical. Ether or alcohol poured on the surface is quickly inflamed by the electric spark.
With the assistance of the magneto-electric machine, telegraphic communication may be conducted without the assistance of a battery. It has also been applied to the art of electro-plating by Mr. J. P. Woolrich, of Birmingham; and whilst visiting that place, the author had the opportunity of witnessing the arrangement employed.
It consists of a very powerful magneto-electric machine turned by a steam-engine, and connected with the large troughs containing the silvering solution. If it is required to deposit a thin coating of silver on the article, a short period suffices for the action of the machine, whilst a thick deposit of the precious metal is only obtained by the constant operation of the magnets for several hours. At Mr. Woolrich's factory, the goods which were being coated with silver were all kept in motion, moving slowly backwards and forwards in the trough by means of an eccentric connected with the same steam-engine that worked the electro-magnetic machine. (Fig. 240.)
