6
and divided circuits are accurately stated by Cavendish in Arts. 417, 597, 598.
I have found also that Cavendish communicated to the Royal Society in 1775, "An account of some attempts to imitate the effects of the Torpedo by electricity," in which he delivers the following remarkable statement:—
“When a jar is electrified, and any number of different circuits are made between its positive and negative side, some electricity will necessarily pass along each; but a greater quantity will necessarily pass along those in which it meets with less resistance than those in which it meets with more;" and also "Some electricians indeed seem to have supposed that the electric fluid passes only along the shortest and readiest circuit; but, beside that, such a supposition would be contrary to what is observed in all other fluids—it does not agree with experience."
The above is not referred to as any depreciation of the work of Ohm, but simply as an interesting point in connection therewith.
Ohm's work stands alone, and, reading it at the present time, one is filled with wonder at his prescience, respect for his patience and prophetic soul, and admiration at the immensity and variety of ground covered by his little book, which is indeed his best monument.
It is my experience that many quote Ohm's law, and talk of Ohm's law, who know little or nothing of Ohm himself, or of his book; and it seems