Such unlooked for results called for yet higher magnification, and at
first it seemed that further multiplying lever might be added to the
previous system. But this failed on account of added mass and friction;
and some altogether new solution had therefore to be sought. Material
contact having proved unworkable the ideal weightless and frictionless
linking was obtained by introducing a new magnetic contrivance, and this
with the surprising potency of magnification from 5 to 100 million
times. The mind cannot grasp the meaning of this stupendous
magnification; how then could we translate it in terms which may be
understood? Let us take once more our slow-footed snail, a
magnification of ten million times would convert its speed to something
for which there is no parallel even in modern gunnery practice. The 15
inch cannon of the "Queen Elizabeth" has a muzzle velocity of 2360 ft.
per second or 8-1/2 million feet per hour. But the speed of the snail
when magnified ten million times would render it 200 million ft. per
hour or 24 times faster than the fastest cannon shot. We may next turn
to the cosmic movement for a parallel: A point in equator whirls round
at the rate of 1037 miles per hour. But a snail with the magnified speed
would beat the earth by going round 40 times during the period the earth
makes but one revolution!