ELECTRICITY. [/.mow xxi. 



they have hitherto done, give directions for the 

 use of the Electrical Machine, and point out in 

 what cases we may have recourse to it with benefit 

 and safety, and in what cases it would be pre- 

 judicial. For I am convinced, that were such di- 

 rections laid down and properly disseminated, many 

 benevolent persons in different parts of the king- 

 dom would, with alacrity, embrace the many op- 

 portunities which would be then afforded them, 

 of removing the infirmities, and allaying the 

 excruciating pains of their indigent neighbours ; 

 thus alleviating distress, and restoring comfort and 

 joy to those who may have been long pressed 

 down with affliction. 



From perusing the imperfect account which .1 

 have here given of the science of Electricity, I hope 

 you will be induced to labour after a more familiar 

 acquaintance with it. Be assured that it possesses 

 every property which can make knowledge interest- 

 ing to the human mind : the power whose laws, 

 whose relations, and whose effects it investigates, 

 has been proved to be one of the most extensive in 

 nature : there is scarcely any science, the light of 

 which may not be increased by it : many are the 

 arts in social life to which it will communicate new 

 powers, and many are the mysterious circumstances 

 in the history of nature and mankind, which by 

 it may properly be developed and explained. 



It must be acknowledged, however, that this 

 science is, as yet, in its infantine state : the Ian" 

 guage by which it is taught is imperfect and ob- 

 scure : aud though various laudable attempts have 



becu 



