But I found that in the case of
elemental solids the effect was a remarkable one. The element slowly
decreased in weight, without perceptibly altering in composition.
I hope that I make myself clear to you?"
"I follow you entirely," said Robert, deeply interested in his
companion's narrative.
"I tried upon several elements, and always with the same result.
In every case an hour's current would produce a perceptible loss of
weight. My theory at that stage was that there was a loosening of the
molecules caused by the electric fluid, and that a certain number of
these molecules were shed off like an impalpable dust, all round the
lump of earth or of metal, which remained, of course, the lighter
by their loss. I had entirely accepted this theory, when a very
remarkable chance led me to completely alter my opinions.
"I had one Saturday night fastened a bar of bismuth in a clamp, and had
attached it on either side to an electric wire, in order to observe what
effect the current would have upon it. I had been testing each metal in
turn, exposing them to the influence for from one to two hours. I had
just got everything in position, and had completed my connection, when I
received a telegram to say that John Stillingfleet, an old chemist in
London with whom I had been on terms of intimacy, was dangerously ill,
and had expressed a wish to see me.
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