22 ELEMENTS OF STATIC ELECTRICITY. 



Such proof will be furnished hereafter, and the further 

 consideration of this question must be deferred till the 

 examination of other phenomena shall enable the stu- 

 dent to comprehend such proof. 



CHARGE DEFINED. The term charge is used to ex- 

 press the condition of an electrified body when its poten- 

 tial is above or below zero. If its potential has been 

 raised above zero by receiving electricity, it is said to be 

 positively charged ; but if its potential has been reduced 

 below zero by the removal of electricity, it is said to be 

 negatively charged. 



Hence we speak of a high negative charge in the same 

 sense as we speak of intense cold, meaning an intensity 

 of the negative condition caused by the absence of heat. 



