C 17 ] 

 CHAP. IL 



ON ELECTRICITY. 



SECTION I. 



Introduction. 



A HE study of Ibis interesting and amusing science belongs equal]/ 

 (o the chemist, the mechanical philosopher, and the physiologist; for 

 the effects of the electrical fluid are in some instances chemical, in 

 some mechanical, and in some, and peculiarly those which belong 

 to roltaic electricity, physiological. We shall here give it a place 

 in the first of these divisions of science : and shall endeavour to 

 trace the nature of the fluid as it appears when quiescent, or in a 

 state of rest or equilibrium ; and when in activity, or in a state of 

 motion. We shall also notice the more curious of the different 

 modes by which it may be accumulated and discharged, and parti, 

 cularly that of the galvanic or voltaic circle. 



[Editor. 



SECTION II. 



Electricity in Equilibrium. 



THE phenomena of electricity are as amusing and popular in 

 their external form, as they are intricate and abstruse in thtir inti. 

 mate nature. In examining these phenomena, a philosophical 

 observer will not be content wi h such exhibitions as dazzle the 

 eye for a moment, without leaving any impression that can be in. 

 structire to the mind, but he will be anxious to trace the connec- 

 tion of the facts with their general causes, and to compare them 

 with the theories which have been proposed concerning them : and 

 although the doctrine of electricity is in many respects yet in its 

 infancy, we shall find that some hypotheses may be assumed, 

 which are capable of explaining the principal circumstances in a 

 simple and satisfactory manner, and which are extremely useful in 

 connecting a multitude of detached facts into an intelligible system. 

 These hypotheses, founded on the discoveries of Franklin, hare 



VOL. vi. c 



