350 PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. [aNNO 1739- 



tricity is to be excited in the paper by rubbing: therefore, perhaps the papers 

 wanted to be drier or warmer, so that I shall try them again. These are the 

 only two experiments that do not agree with the 2d Query ; but I would not 

 omit mentioning them, because it is the part of an impartial philosopher, to 

 mention as well those things which favour, as those that disagree with his 

 hypotheses and conjectures. 



Experiments made before the Royal Society, Feb. 2, 1737-8. By J. T. Desa- 

 guliers, LL.D. F.R.S. N° 454, p. igS. 



In the following account, which is the sequel of former experiments, I call 

 conductors those strings, to one end of which the rubbed tube is applied; and 

 supporters such horizontal bodies as the conductor rests on. 



Exper. 1. — Old packthread supporters transmitted electricity but weakly, 

 though more strongly when twisted with cat-gut; but new packthread did 

 better. 



N. B. Where it is not mentioned otherwise, an ivory ball hangs at the end 

 of the conductor; and its electricity is tried by a thread applied near it. 



Exper. 1. A conducting string of cat-gut received the electricity a little 

 way ; but did not carry it quite to the tube. 



Exper. 3. — Two conducting strings, one of cat-gut, and one of pack- 

 thread, compared, the first attracted less and less, as the distance from the 

 tube increased; and the other more and more; till it was strongest at the sus- 

 pended body: but both ceased immediately after the removal of the tube. 



Exper. 4. — A sealing wax supporter transmitted the electricity, but received 

 little or none when suspended. If it was but just rubbed with the hand, it 

 attracted the thread when first suspended; and strongly, if much rubbed; but 

 that virtue was soon lost, if the tube was applied to the conducting string, and 

 then it would receive no more electricity from the tube. If the stick of wax 

 was wet, then it would strongly receive the electricity. 



A wax supporter wet, and silk string wet, did not transmit the electricity. 



Exper. 5. — Dried ox-guts did not transmit electricity when held in hand; but 

 when tied to cat-gut, transmitted it ; and, when suspended, received it plen- 

 tifully. 



Exper. 6. — The same with a small cord. 



Exper. 7. — The same with a rod of iron, and tube of brass. 



Exper. 8. — A glass tube, made conductor, received the electricity but a 

 little way. 



