338 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF THE \M9'^ 



of true philosophy, that he received the first information of this power 

 from Mr. Thomas Hopkinson,* who had used such points, expecting 

 by their means to procure a more powerful and concentrated discharge 

 of the Leyden-phial; but found the effect to be directly contrary. It 

 was, undoubtedly, the discovery of this wonderful power of metalline- 

 points, in carrying off and silently dispersing the electric fluid when 

 accumulated, and the similarity and resemblance which he observed 

 between the effects of lightning and electricity, which first suggested to 

 him the sublime and astonishing idea of draining the clouds of their 

 fire, and disarming the thunder oi its terrors; flattering himself at the 

 same time with the pleasing hopes of gratifying a desire, long before 

 become habitual to him, of rendering this discovery in some manner 

 useful and beneficial to his fellow-creatures. This appears by his notes 

 of November 7, 1749, when enumerating all the known particulars of 

 resemblance between lightning and electricity, he concludes with saying : 



The electric fluid is attracted h-^ points. We do not know whether this properly he 

 in lightning; but since they agree in all the particulars in which we can already com- 

 pare them, it is possible that they agree likewise in this: Let the experiment be made. 



Difficulties, without doubt, occurred in making this experiment, both 

 as to the manner and least expensive way of reaching the clouds with 

 his points ; for we do not find that he accomplished his grand experi- 

 ment, till in June, 1752. In a letter to his friend Collinson, not dated, 

 but probably written in 1749, he communicates his "Observations and 

 suppositions towards forming a new hypothesis, for explaining the 

 several phenomena of thunder-gusts;" which was followed in July, 

 1750, by another letter to the same, containing "Opinions and conjec- 

 tures concerning the properties and effects of the electric matter," and 

 giving particular directions for determining whether clouds containing 

 lightning are electrified or not; for ascertaining of which, his idea at 

 this time was, "the placing a pointed iron rod on some high tower or 

 steeple, and attempting to draw sparks from it," there being at that 

 time no lofty spires in Philadelphia. But his ever-inventive genius, 

 which could derive lessons of philosophy even from the play cf children, 

 soon furnished him with a more simple and less expensive method: For 

 in June, 1752, he took the opportunity of an approaching thunder-storm, 

 to walk into a field, where there was a shed convenient for his purpose. 

 Dreading the ridicule which too commonly attends unsuccessful at- 

 tempts in science, he communicated his intended experiment to no per- 

 son but his son, who assisted him in raising a kite, which he had pre- 

 pared of a large silk handkerchief, extended by two cross sticks. After 



*".This pawer of points, to throw off the electrical fire, was first communicated to 

 me by my ingenious friend, Mr. Thomas Hopkinson, since deceased; whose virtue 

 and integrity, in every station of life, public and jirivate, will ever make his memory 

 dear to those who knew h'm, and knew how to value him." 



