tLECTRICItY. 107 



contrary electricity is established in both A and C, which 

 act is called the electric distribution. Communication is 

 GTideritly the first, and distribution or division the second 

 indication of electricity. We may denote the first act by Zones of plu« 

 the term, j^r*/ degree of electricity ^ the second by tlw ^^^^"^^^^ 

 second degree of elect riciti/. The former is a polarization ; 

 the latter an identification. By these denominations, we 

 may avoid, even in expression, the false notion of a dis- 

 tribution. The electricity of the body A cannot be 

 communicated from to C) without employing some time, 

 however short it may be. To explain this more clearly, 

 we will imagine, after the manner of mathematicians, that 

 space and time are divided into an infinitude of minute 

 portions. Let us suppose the space infinitely small, 

 wherein an electric polarity is excited ; if, for example, 

 during the first infinitesimal time, B be positive, B b will 

 be negative in B^ and positive in b : during the second mo- 

 ment it will endeavour to augment the negative zone : 

 consequently the positive zone will in like manner be 

 extended, whilst the positive zone of B endeavours to —inferred to 

 establish a negative one farther bif towards C This pro- extend through 

 cess will continue till the negative electricity extends over <^ooauctor«. 

 the whole of the nearer surface of the cylinder, and the po« 

 sitive over the remoter surface, whilst the middle remains 

 indifferent. 



The above process is to be understood as continued and 

 uninterrupted, though for the sake of elucidation, and in 

 order more clearly to describe the internal action of elec- 

 tricity in its propagation, it is here represented as dis- 

 Crete. - 



The propagation of electricity depends on the laws 

 already laid down ; for, admitting that each electricity 

 excites its opposite, it is the very nature of the thing that it 

 should be so propagated. But philosophers require to see 

 their theories confirmed by nature in all points and under 

 all circumstances. It is our intention to shew these 

 proofs. 



The electric fluid passes through good conductors at the Electricity 

 rate of about a German mile in a second. In so rapid a passes thro'one 

 course, it is impossible to follow the successive changes ^""*^ ^^^ 

 «f negative and positive electricity: but with bad con- 

 ductors 



