184 Scientific Intelligence. -^Metem-ohgy. 



not in the direct line of its passage, were also shattered, appa- 

 rently from the effects of a lateral explosion ; several doors and 

 partitions were thrown down, a large mirror in the cabin was 

 shivered into small fragments, and a pianoforte was thrown 

 down, its top blown off, and broken in pieces. The loudness of 

 the explosion was appalling, and spread universal consternation. 

 A sulphureous smoke, which had issued with a bluish flame 

 from the hatches, filled the cabins, and at first inspired alarm, 

 lest the cargo in the hold, consisting chiefly of cotton and tur- 

 pentine, had taken fire ; but, on clearing the main hatch, it was 

 soon ascertained that no danger from fire existed. The ship, 

 however, had sprung a leak, which made four inches of water 

 every hour, but which, on working the pumps, was found to be 

 under command, and would not prevent her proceeding on her 

 voyage to England. When the first terror created by the ac- 

 cident had somewhat subsided, it was found that none of the 

 passengers or crew had sustained any injury. The chief mate 

 was sleeping in the birth opposite to the main hatch, near the 

 spot where the lightning entered the store-room, the lock of 

 which was forcibly driven into his cabin ; but he was not him- 

 self affected by the shock, and a quantity of gunpowder which 

 was kept under his bed, was fortunately not ignited by the light- 

 ning. An ewer and a basin, placed in a stand over a child's 

 bed, were thrown down by the explosion, but the child had es- 

 caped unhurt. A remarkable effect was, however, produced on 

 an elderly gentleman, who for the last five years had not been 

 able to walk half a-mile at a time ; terrified by the crash, he 

 forgot his debility, and, springing from his bed, rushed on deck 

 with singular quickness and agility. He has retained, ever 

 since the event, the pow^r over the muscles of his limbs, deri- 

 ved from this sudden motion. The threatening aspect of the 

 heavens, the appearance of numerous water-spouts on the sur- 

 face of the sea, and other electrical indications, gave rise to 

 apprehensions of further danger, and induced the captain to put 

 up the conductor, with which he was provided, but which had 

 not been previously applied. It was made of iron links eigh- 

 teen inches long, connected by iron rings, one inch in diameter ; 

 and was furnished at the top with an iron rod, four feet long, 

 and half an inch in diameter, tapering to a fine point. This 

 rod was fixed so as to rise three feet above the main royal mast- 



