mecliantcal TJieory of Matter and Motion. 199 



If we present a similar coated surface in opposition to the first 

 excited plate, we then produce a maximum of effect, i. e, two 

 •urfaces which unite all the points of the surfaces of the j)late of 

 air, one of which is oxygenated, or positive, and the other azotic, 

 or negative, hoth exertin;^ considerahle force to co-mix in that 

 •tate of fitness which rendered them atmospheric air"^. 



If then anv light body, or body whose inertia is less than the 

 force with which the atoms seek to reunite, be presented between 

 the surfaces, or to one surface (the other being supposed or un- 

 derstood, and existing in the hand, the operator, or the walls), 

 then the said body will be driven or apparently attracted, and 

 will assist in restoring the equilibrium of the affected electric 

 plate. 



If the surfaces be moved so near, that the excitement which 

 separated the atoms is overcome by the aptitude of their forms 

 to reunite, and if anv small point project on either surface, car- 

 rying the surfaces nearer by the thickness of the said point, then 

 tile reunion of the entire surface takes place through that point, 

 and the concentrated force of the simultaneous rush of the oxy- 

 genous atoms in one direction, and the nitrogenous atoms in the 

 opposite, produces the pxtion called liglit; and also mechanical 

 effects on all bodies which contain either oxygen or nitrogen. 



The restoration, the double current, the spark (the stream 

 being an optical illusion), and most of the other wonders vanish 

 therefore when examined by a rational mechanical theory. 



The great pliaenoineiui of nature, which take place when a 

 Tast affected plate of the atmosphere is coated by clouds, are easily 

 understood. Some exciting cause, generally the atomic motion 

 of heat, has decomposed the air; but the effects are dissipated in 

 space, till a cloud coats the upper surface, and connects all the 

 points pf the affected plate of the atniosphere. Under these cir- 

 cumstances some cloud or point of a cIojkI, sinking below the 

 general level of the surface, or some projecting point on the 

 earth, narrows the plate in that place, and a concentrated resto- 

 ration, or partial restoration, takes place at that point, exhibiting 

 lightning, &;c. &c. in such imposing grandeur that priestcraft in 



• Thhty-two years ago the writer made his prime conductor of a board 

 covered with tin-foil, and adoptin^r the principle that every coirductor is, in 

 f«ct, but a coiUiiiij to a jjlate of air, he arranged simiiiir boards above and 

 below, and thereby decomposed a doubh- plate of air. Galvanism Mfas theo 

 unknown; but if he had beard of the Voltaic pile, he would certainly have 

 Imitated it in a common electrical circle. He conceives that the accelb. 

 H4TKU powKR gained in thia way would be far more .splendid tlian in the 

 paWanic circle, because, in electricity, the power is expanded and result* 

 from the cncr>{y of natural restoration ; but iu galvanism the exciting power 

 is limited, and uot rcttorcd, but dissipated. 



all 



