ELECTRIC PHA NOMENA OF THE ATMOSPHERE. 38) 
10. The results of the numerous experiments which have been 
made on atmospheric electricity have often been contradictory ; 
Romas, the Prince Gallitzin and Mussenbrock remarked that the 
electric signs varied with the progress of the kite; a fact which 
De Saussure and Erman showed with the portable electroscope 
by raising or lowering it. On the other hand, Beccaria, Read, 
Schubler complained of the want of agreement of the fixed 
apparatus. Numerous anomalies and still more numerous ab- 
sences of indication constantly occur and disturb the received 
theory, and have determined most observers to occupy them- 
selves no longer with electrical manifestations. What appears 
the most contradictory is the absolute silence of the fixed appa- 
ratus, when the least elevation gives powerful signs of electricity 
in the moveable electroscope; and the progress in a contrary 
direction of the electric and the hygrometric signs observed by 
Mr. Clarke of Dublin*. 
For if vapour were vitreous, as it is said to be, the instruments 
should act with greater energy when the atmosphere contains 
much, and the wind which strikes the exploring wires ought 
perpetually to charge them. All these difficulties should long 
since have witnessed against the received theory, and have caused 
the experiments to be renewed without any preconceived notion. 
This is what we have done, and of which a detailed account will 
be given in the treatise upon electric Meteorology that we are 
‘preparing, and of which the present Memoir is but an extract. 
We have reviewed the facts and have drawn the deductions 
which appeared to come out in the most rational manner from 
them, without troubling ourselves with those which had been 
drawn before us. 
11. We shall first notice and reproduce Saussure’st+ and 
Erman’s experiment {, an experiment which alone sufficed to 
prove the error of the ancient theories and to open a new path 
for meteorology; but these celebrated physicists were not able 
or did not dare to place themselves in opposition to the re- 
ceived theories; but one of them was content to connect it with 
them by impossible suppositions, the other to remain in uncer- 
tainty and silence. 
* Atheneum, 14th March 1840, No. 646. 
+ Voyage dans les Alpes, § 791 and following. 
t Annal. Phys. Gilbert, year 1803, t. xv. p. 385-118; Journ. Phy, An. 12, 
A. 59, p. 98-105. 
