Top, Magnetic

A toy illustrating magnetic attraction. It consists of a disc or body of lead or other material, through which a magnetized steel spindle pointed at its lower end is thrust. A number of short pieces of iron wire are used with it. It is spun like an ordinary top upon the point of the spindle and one of the pieces of iron wire is laid by the side of its point. As it turns the magnetic adherence causes the piece of wire to be carried along in one direction by the rotation of the spindle, until the end is reached, when it goes over to the other side of the spindle and travels back again. By using bent pieces of wire of various shapes the most curious effects are produced. Circles and S shaped pieces give good effects. To increase the mysterious effect covered iron wire (bonnet wire) may be employed. IMG:8956969607833025625_543F338.JPG: Fig. 338. MAGNETIC TOP. 543   STANDARD ELECTRICAL DICTIONARY.