[ 33* ] [Book IV. 



CHAP. V. 



ELECTRICAL PHENOMENA. 



f-.f K.rwna, of Attraction and Repul/ton. Eleclrical Atmofpkerej Dif- 

 ferent Effefls on different SubJlances.-EUlrical Cobejton.'Experi- 

 'i Silk Stockings. On the Evaporation of fluids. Vegeta- 

 tion. Animal Perfpiration. Inflammation of Spirits. Animals 

 killed by Elt&ricitj. Curious Phenomena in vacua. Recapitulation 



. of Principles. 



H E various phenomena of electricity may, for 

 the fake of perfpicuity, be divided into two 

 clafles -, the firft of which may be included under the 

 general head of attraction and repulfion ; and under 

 the fecond may be ranged all thofe phenomena which 

 are accompanied with the luminous appearances, and 

 that effect on the animal frame which is termed the 

 electrical ihock. Though fome of thefe may appear 

 at firft to have very little analogy with the former clafs, 

 yt we fhall have frequent opportunities of iaferring, 

 that they are only neceffary effects from one common 

 caufe, and rather differ in their circumflances than in 

 their nature. The atmofpherical phenomena will de- 

 mand a diftinct chapter. 



It follows, from what has been already ftated, that 

 every body electrified, whether by friction, or by com- 

 munication ; whether by the means of glals, or any 

 refinous fubfhvnce ; is furrounded by a kind of atmo- 

 fphere of that fluid which is called the eleclrical mat- 

 ter. 



The 



