1. magnetization by the earth
The earth imparts magnetism to iron masses. If a rod of steel is held parallel to the inclination and in the magnetic meridian it exhibits polarity, which by jarring or hammering, can be made to some extent permanent. A piece of soft iron held vertically, or still better in the line of the dip as above, and which is twisted when in that position, becomes magnetized with some degree of permanence. Many other instances are cited, such as fire-irons, lamp-posts, iron gates, lathe turnings, all of which often exhibit polarity, having been magnetized by the earth's field.
[Transcriber's note: The earth's magnetic field is believed to originate it electric currents in the moving molten core.]
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Definitions of magnetization by the earth
