Lightning-Coyiductors in Ships. 315 



make a complete distinction between Ugldning-aUractors and 

 ItgUnmg-conductors ; that inasmuch as all the materials of 

 which a ship is composed are calculated to transmit electricity, 

 and that detached masses of metal are necessarily found amongst 

 them, and that too in a prominent way, such as studding-sail 

 boom-irons, spindles, iron-hoops, &c. &c., therefore we have 

 these passive metallic attractors of lightning already present ; 

 that if we were even to remove them, the next best conducting 

 body, such as the pointed yards and masts, would supply their 

 place (23) ; that finally, the eontimcous lightning-conductor is 

 made complete, to prevent that mischief which otherwise 7nust 

 occur, in consequence of the electric matter making its way by 

 main force in an irregular and incomplete manner (10) ; and 

 that since we have no power to resist a stroke of lightning, it 

 must be considered as extremely fortunate that we have a power 

 to control it. 



39. That it is of importance to a maritime country to give 

 ships this chance of escaping damage by lightning is very appa- 

 rent, as for example :— In the course of the last war great part 

 of the Mediterranean fleet, consisting of 13 sail of the line, em- 

 ployed in blockading an enemy's port under Lord Exmouth, 

 were disabled by lightning ; at this time there were no hght- 

 ning conductors in the fleet ; but, in consequence of the damage 

 sustained, et'^r^ ship was ordered to be furnished with them 

 from Malta docTc-yard. His Majesty's ship Glory was in great 

 measure disabled by lightning a few days before the ships un- 

 der the command of Sir R. Calder met the combined fleets. 

 His Majesty's ship Duke, of 90 guns, had her main-top-mast 

 shattered by lightning, beside other damage, whilst in action 

 under a battery. His Majesty's ship Russel, was so disabled 

 by lightning on an enemy's coast in October 1795, that, if the 

 squall had lasted but a very short time longer, she must have 

 been lost, since no sail could be carried either on the main or 

 mizen masts. 



40. It is needless to adduce further evidence on this point, 

 and it mte^t be admitted, that, in the present exposed state of 

 shipping to the eff'ects of lightning, there is no fatal consequence 

 incident to their situation by which they may not be suddenly 

 and unexpectedly surprised. The importance of this question 



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