Masterpieces of Science 



than before, but that as much was taken from 

 one side as thrown on the other; and that to 

 discharge it nothing was necessary but to pro- 

 duce a communication between the two sides by 

 which the equilibrium might be restored, and 

 that then no signs of electricity would remain. 

 He afterwards demonstrated by experiments 

 that the electricity did not reside in the coating 

 as had been supposed, but in the pores of the 

 glass itself. After the phial was charged he 

 removed the coating, and found that upon apply- 

 ing a new coating the shock might still be re- 

 ceived. In the year 1749, he first suggested 

 his idea of explaining the phenomena of thunder 

 gusts and of aurora borealis upon electric 

 principles. He points out many particulars in 

 which lightning and electricity agree; and he 

 adduces many facts, and reasonings from facts, 

 in support of his positions. 



"In the same year he conceived the astonish- 

 ingly bold and grand idea of ascertaining the 

 truth of his doctrine by actually drawing down 

 the lightning, by means of sharp pointed iron 

 rods raised into the regions of the clouds. Even 

 in this uncertain state his passion to be useful 

 to mankind displayed itself in a powerful man- 

 ner. Admitting the identity of electricity and 

 lightning, and knowing the power of points in 

 repelling bodies charged with electricity, and in 

 conducting fires silently and imperceptibly, he 

 suggested the idea of securing houses, ships and 

 the like from being damaged by lightning, by 

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