The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1869-09-16
Important Discovery I'm Electro
Magnetism.

New Orleans, made the discovery that the
magnetic power of an electro-magnct OF
given length, breadth, and thickness, is
much increased by the division Of the same
magnet into two or more transversal pieces,
since the two sections or pieces, each sur
rounded by the same original number Of
coils Of copper wire which surrounded the
magnet when entire, will be much stronger
than the original magnet before division,
although the power of the battery remain
the same. For example: q magnet four
inches long, an inch in width and an inch
in thickness, surrounded by one hundred
coils Of copper wire, may have attractive
force enough to sustain q weight Of forty
pounds, with given battery power; but by
splitting the magnet lengthWise into two,
and surrounding each with the same num-
Der of coils as before, without increasing
the battery power, thctwo magnets will sus-
tain weight nearly double that sustained
by the original undivided magnet.
BY the division greater surface Of the
iron is exposed to the action of the electric
currents, and just in proportion to this in
crease of exposed surface is the increase of
magnetic force, the battery power remain
ing the same. Stated mathematically, the
ratio of increase Of power is that Of dou-
bling geometrically with the square of the
area and the surface exposed. The number
of coils of insulated wire remaining on
each separate piece Of iron the same as on
the original magnet from which they are
sliced (the power Of the battery not being
incrcased), the multiplication Of the mag
netic force is in tho ratio of the term Of di-
vision. BY careful experiment DR.. Lamm
has ascertaincd that this subdivision may
be continued with gain of power until the
slices of flat magnets shall be no more than
one fourth Of an inch in thickness, the
power of the magnet residing always i'll the
surface.
Based upon this discovery, DR.. Lamm
has invented an improved electromagnetic
engine, for which caveat has issued. He
has applied for letters patent, which will
doubtless be issued as soon as his final mo-
del in metals can be completed. Hitherto
he has been his own draughtsman and ma
chinist, and his first model was entirely the
work of his own hands. This we have seen
in motion. By simply dipping the ends Of
copper wires in a jar Of acid, IN iron
wheel, with fangcs, was set into rapid
revolution, the motive power and instru-
mcnts being four thin horseshoe magnets,
wound about with insulated copper wire.
The rotary force consists in the success
siye application and interruption Of the
electromagnetic currents, acting through
the ends Of the magnets upon the edges Of
he thin iron tiangcs Of the wheel. These
being twelve in number, at each revolution
there were forty-eight separate and dis
tinct breakings Of the magnetic current,
produced by magical little wheel and
disc, contliycd or adapted by DR.. Lamm,
and the wheel making more than one hun
| drcd revolutions a minute. the number Of
separate electric impulses was necessarily
about lorty-cight hundred in q minute.
| This wheel is about six inches long and
cour inches in diameter, weighing, perhaps,
fifteen pounds. Let us suppose, instead, Il
wheel twenty feet in length and twelve feet
in diameter, Weighing four thousand pounds,
with seventeen hundred fanges and a pro-
rortionate number of magnets and bate
RIGS. Such machine would drive a lathe,
prorcl a boat, draw car, or move other
heavy machinery.
Elcctro-magnetism has long been known
rs a motor, but too expensive for common
use. ThS discovery of DR.. Lamm, by
which The power hitherto developed and
applied from any given battery is greatly
multiplied, will most certainly make clcc-
tro-magnctis;n an available and economical
motor for 4 vast variety of mechanical pur-
poses. Us successful application TO ma
chimes requiring but little force, like tie
common sewing machine, will be worth
heaps OF gold. The finger of child will
suffice to interrupt thc electric current, and
instantly stop the largest wheel, thereby
rendering it far more manageable than
other known motive powers, %.
Whether this discovery shall Or shall no;
prove eirctro-magnctism to be more ccono-
mical than steam, where great power is re-
quired, VIC must still regard it us of incal-
culablc advantage, and its inventor as de-
serving Of all the great wealth and honor ii
must bring.-.Neto Orleans Bulletin.