A very small part of anything, corresponding in a general way to a differential, as the element of a current.

The original forms of matter that cannot be separated into constituents by any known process. They are about seventy in number. Some of the rarer ones are being added to or cancelled with the progress of chemical discovery. For their electric relations see Electro-chemical Equivalents–Electro-chemical Series. The elements in entering into combination satisfy chemical affinity [...]

The reproduction of a form of type or of an engraving or of the like by electroplating, for printing purposes. The form of type is pressed upon a surface of wax contained in a shallow box. The wax is mixed with plumbago, and if necessary some more is dusted and brushed over its surface and [...]

An altered condition of functional activity occurring in a nerve subjected to the passage of an electric current. If the activity is decreased, which occurs near the anode, the state is one of anelectrotonus, if the activity is increased which occurs near the kathode the condition is one of kathelectrotonus.

The science treating of the effects of electricity upon the animal system in the treatment and diagnosis of disease.

The stress produced upon a transparent medium in an electrostatic field of force by which it acquires double refracting or polarizing properties as regards the action of such medium upon light. (See Electrostatic Refraction.)

A table of substances arranged in the order in which they are electrostatically charged by contact, generally by rubbing against each other. The following series is due to Faraday. The first members become positively excited when rubbed with any of the following members, and vice versa. The first elements correspond to the carbon plate in [...]

Dr. Kerr found that certain dielectrics exposed to electric strain by being placed between two oppositely excited poles of a Holtz machine or other source of very high tension possess double refracting powers, in other words can rotate a beam of polarized light, or can develop two complimentary beams from common light. Bisulphide of carbon [...]

The division of electric science treating of the phenomena of electric charge, or of electricity in repose, as contrasted with electro-dynamics or electricity in motion or in current form. Charges of like sign repel, and of unlike sign attract each other. The general inductive action is explained by the use of the electrostatic field of [...]

Lines of force assumed to exist in an electrostatic field of force, and to constitute the same. In general they correspond in action and attributes with elcctro-magnetic lines of force. They involve in almost all cases either a continuous circuit, or a termination at both ends in oppositely charged surfaces. The cut, Fig. 161, shows [...]