Magnetism, Ampére's Theory of

A theory accounting for magnetic phenomena by a uming the existence of currents circulating around the molecules of permanent magnets. If such currents so circulate and all in the same direction, the result is the same as if the body of the magnet was enveloped in currents representing those of an electro-magnet or solenoid. This is because in the interior the current around one molecule would counteract the current around its neighboring ones in part, so that the only virtual currents left would be represented by those on the outer surfaces of the outer shell of molecules, and these virtually resolve themselves into one general current sheet, surrounding the magnet and coinciding with its surface. The theory a umes that such currents permanently circulate around the molecules of paramagnetic substances. Under ordinary conditions there is no coincidence in their direction and no resultant current is produced. When magnetized or polarized the molecules are brought into order, so that the direction of their current coincides and the body becomes a magnet. 355   STANDARD ELECTRICAL DICTIONARY. IMG:8956969607833025625_355F226.jpg: Fig. 226. AMPÉRIAN CURRENTS IN MAGNETS. At the north pole of the magnet the direction of the Ampérian currents is the reverse of that of a watch when the observer faces the pole; the reverse obtains for the south pole. The attraction of opposite and repulsion of similar poles is explained by the actions of the Ampérian currents upon each other. If north and south pole are placed together these currents will coincide in direction and hence will attract each other. If two like poles are put together the currents will have opposite directions and will repel each other. No energy is supposed to be required to maintain currents around or in a single molecule. IMG:8956969607833025625_355F227.jpg: Fig. 227. NORTH AND SOUTH POLES OF A MAGNET SHOWING DIRECTION OF AMPÉRIAN CURRENTS.