Menges' apparatus is, on the contrary, wholly automatic.
We proceed to give a free translation of the description furnished us by
the inventor.
In attempting to employ the thermo-magnetic properties of iron or nickel
in the construction of machines for the generation of electricity upon
an industrial scale, we are met with the difficulty that the heating and
cooling of large masses of metal not only involves great loss of heat,
but also requires much time. Hence, to obtain a useful effect of any
importance, it would appear necessary to employ machines of dimensions
altogether impracticable. By the device and method of construction now
to be explained this difficulty has, however, been completely overcome.
The action of a magnetic pole diminishes so rapidly with the increase of
distance that it may suffice to remove the armature to a distance
relatively small compared with its own dimensions, or with those of the
magnet, in order to reduce the action to a negligible value. But if the
magnet, N S, and the armature, A, being at a certain distance, we bring
between them a piece of iron or nickel, d, then the magnetic force
upon A is immediately and very considerably increased. In modern
language, the resistance of the magnetic circuit has been reduced by the
introduction of a better magnetic conductor, and the number of lines of
force passing through A is proportionately increased.
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