58 MR. WILLIAM STURGEON ON LIGHTNING 



period, however, the effects of lightning have been more 

 closely attended to, and minutely observed, and an abun- 

 dance of data respecting the influence of pointed conduc- 

 tors, unknown to Franklin and his contemporaries, have 

 been collected, which furnish new arguments in the discus- 

 sion, and open a more expanded view and a clearer aspect 

 of the whole subject, than any that could possibly be laid 

 open to the famous electricians of the last century. 



5. Under these circumstances, there is much reason for 

 supposing, that such new arguments as are derivable from 

 facts, and susceptible of legitimate introduction to the 

 theory of lightning conductors, would not only effect an 

 important step in the advancement of electricity, but might 

 lead to advantages of great consequence in the practical ap- 

 plication of its principles in the protection of persons and 

 property from the effects of lightning. Moreover, as her 

 Majesty's palace, Osborne House, has suffered from light- 

 ning within the last year, although eight tall pointed con- 

 ductors were attached to different parts of the building at 

 the time, the subject has derived a new interest, and of 

 sufficient import to recall the attention of philosophers to its 

 investigation; and it is with a view of conducing to the use- 

 fulness of this branch of physics, that this Review is respect- 

 fully sjibmitted to the consideration of this Society. 



6. The principal topics unknown to Franklin and his 

 contemporaries arise from events of comparatively recent 

 date, and supply arguments of high importance to electri- 

 cians of the present day. The number of instances in which 

 lightning has struck objects close to tall pointed conductors, 

 whilst others, situated at a greater distance, and equally 

 exposed, have escaped injury — is a fact that requires the 

 deepest consideration ; and a rigid investigation for ascer- 

 taining the cause is imperatively demanded at this moment. 



7. The well-known cases at Purfleet, Tenterden, and 



