89 



F.lectnVity, :ill those being the result >f different unions of thu 

 tame l . ; ni % null-rial, under \ari"d conditions. 



"Where a cloud thus formed is insulated, and is moved within 

 the influence of others, they resemble decomposing galvanic 

 hatteries, and act uj>..n .<r dl--eliargc into cadi other, the lesser 

 into the greater, by their instantaneous chemical action. The 

 trillion of the. atoms produces combustion, and this is exhibited 

 as electricity being similar to that (Derived from the poles of a 

 Ixittory. When th^se thunder clouds with this excess of action-, 

 move within the attracting influence of an object connected with 

 the earth, its mineral particles are concentrated into a ball-like- 

 mass of liquid fire, and through this point of contact such as a 

 lightning rod or church steeple the earth, as the greater mag- 

 net, attracts the fire ball to its surihce. Its contact, in passing, 

 will destroy any small moist or large dry object, but will bo 

 immediately dissipated when coming in contact, either with the 

 wet earth, or a large metallic surface. The remaining oxygen 

 and hydrogen, or vegetable and mineral atoms, in the cloud, 

 being shaken and brought together, then combine, form water, 

 and fall us rain to the eartlu 



