( 440°) 
Some Observations on Atmospheric Electricity. By Joun Davy, 
M. D., F. R. S$. Communicated by Professor Forzes. 
(Read 4th January 1836.) 
Tue few facts we possess relative to the chemical agency of 
atmospheric electricity, and a certain degree of obscurity con- 
nected with these facts, as pointed out by Mr Farapay,* in com- 
menting on the late Mr Barry’s results, published in the Phi- 
losophical Transactions for 1831,+ have induced me to institute 
some experiments on the subject, with the hope of acquiring ad- 
ditional information. 
Reflecting on the manner in which, in certain instances, the 
great experiment of FRaNKLIN, in apparent proof of the identi- 
ty of common and of atmospheric electricity, had been repeated, 
especially in our own country ;} reflecting also on the experi- 
ments of M. Cotiapon on atmospheric electricity,§ made by 
means of a lightning-conductor,—it appeared to me not impro- 
bable that results might be witnessed of some interest by substi- 
tuting for an electrical kite, the means employed by Mr Barry, 
an insulated wire raised a few feet above the summit of any 
building of moderate height. 
As most convenient for the trial, I chose a turret just fifty 
feet above the street, the highest part of my own house—situa- 
ted rather high—though not in the loftiest part of Valletta, and 
overtopped considerably by the summits of several of the public 
buildings of the city. There I elevated, by means of an iron rod 
* Philosophical Transactions, 1833, p. 42. 
+ On the Chemical Action of Atmospheric Electricity, by Alexander Barry, Esq. 
F.L.S. 
+ Phil. Trans. abridged, vol. x. p. 303. 
§ Annales de Chimie et de Physique, tome xxx. p. 72. 
