The gradual increase or creeping up of magnetization when a magnetic force is applied with absolute steadiness to a piece of iron. It may last for half an hour or more and amount to several per cent. of the total magnetization. It is a true magnetic lag.

A phenomenon of magnetization of iron. It may be attributed to a sort of internal or molecular friction, causing energy to be absorbed when iron is magnetized. Whenever therefore the polarity or direction of magnetization of a mass of iron is rapidly changed a considerable expenditure of energy is required. It is attributed to the [...]

An instrument for determining the moisture in the air. One form consists of a pair of thermometers, one of which has its bulb wrapped in cloth which is kept moist during the observation. The evaporation is more or less rapid according to the dryness or moisture of the air, and as the temperature varies with [...]

An element existing under all except the most extreme artificial conditions of pressure and cold as a gas. It is the lightest of known substances. Atomic weight, 1; molecular weight, 2; equivalent, 1; valency, 1; specific gravity, .0691-.0695. (Dumas & Boussingault.) It is a dielectric of about the same resistance as air. Its specific inductive [...]

An apparatus for generating high potential difference by the escape of steam through proper nozzles. It consists of a boiler mounted on four glass legs or otherwise insulated. An escape pipe terminates in a series of outlets so shaped as to impede the escape of the steam by forcing it out of the direct course. [...]

(a) A current produced by a voltaic couple or the couple itself is sometimes thus characterized or designated as a “hydro-electric current” or a “hydro-electric couple.” It distinguishes them from thermo-electric. (b) Armstrong’s steam boiler electric machine (see Hydroelectric Machine) is also termed a hydro-electric machine.

An apparatus for determining the presence of a concealed mass of metal. The apparatus is variously connected. The cut shows a representative form; a and a’ are two primary coils, each consisting of 100 meters (328 feet) of No. 32 silk covered copper wire (0.009 inch diameter) wound on a boxwood spool ten inches in [...]

A horseshoe electro-magnet with polarized core. It is made by mounting two bobbins of insulated wire on the ends of a permanent horseshoe magnet. It was devised for use in Hughes’ printing telegraph, where very quick action is required. The contact lasts only .053 second, 185 letters being transmitted per minute.

Abbreviation for “horse power.”

A horse power exerted for one hour, or the equivalent thereof. As the horse power is a unit of activity, the horse power hour is a unit of work or of energy. It is equal to 1,980,000 foot pounds.