308 1HTLOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. [aNNO 17b2. 



the gentlemen next show their 4 terminations ; which it hence appears were far 

 from being so proper or fit as they ought to have been.; being carried but a few 

 inches below the surface of the ground, and dry ; instead of being continued to 

 many feet in depth, and ending in water, or very moist earth, as is generally directed 

 in such cases, to render the conductors safe and effectual. The gentlemen, after 

 a minute and careful examination and measurement of all the parts of the build- 

 ing, give a very clear and ample description of them, in their report to the So- 

 ciety ; but which may well be omitted, being particulars of very little conse- 

 quence, and the case itself unimportant. One hip of the extreme corner of the 

 building, at the greatest distance from the conductors, was struck and set on 

 fire, by a very loud explosion of lightning; but the fire was quickly extinguished, 

 and little or no damage was sustained. The gentlemen then conclude their re- 

 port as follows. 



Such are the facts we were able to collect from an assiduous examination of 

 the poor-house at Heckingham, and of those witnesses in the neighbourhood 

 who knew any thing of the accident. We have stated the appearances as they 

 presented themselves to us, with all the minuteness that could be preserved 

 without too much crowding the narrative, and independently of any opinions. 

 Whether the earth or the clouds were positive at the time ; whether the top or 

 bottom of the hip was first affected by the stroke ; whether all the lightning took 

 its course through the hip, or part went that way, and part through the con- 

 ductor ; and how far the conductors were properly constructed, or adequately 

 terminated ; are questions which will naturally suggest themselves to your con- 

 sideration. (Signed) C. Blagden, and Edw. Nairne. 



XXIII. On the Organ of Hearing in Fishes. By John Hunter, Esq., F. R.S. 



p. 379- 

 Reprinted with additions in Mr. J. H.'s Observations on the Animal 

 OZconomy, 4to. 1786. 



XXIV. Of a New Electrometer. By Mr. Abraham Brook, p. 384. 

 This new electrometer appears to be of very complex structure. It has a 

 broad square wooden board, as a foot to stand on. Into this is fixed an upright 

 glass rod, to insulate the machine from the table the foot stands on. To this 

 upright rod are attached horizontal arms, of brass wire, terminated by large thin 

 copper shells ; the electricity being presented to these balls, they are moved and 

 turned round the upright rod. The degree or strength of the electricity is mea- 

 sured either by an index to a graduated circle, or by different weights that are 

 raised at the extremity of another index or lever. 



