350 Lightning Conductors in Ships. 
the clouds, was fully accomplished, the effects produced on bodies 
by these minor electrical discharges with their mode of action ac- 
quired a new interest; and many important experimental researches 
into the laws and operation of the great natural action, were suecess- 
fully carried on by means of the ordinary artificial one. 
8. Amongst the many important results arrived at by such inqui- 
ries, are the following :— 
First, In every case of electrical explosion, there are universally 
two points of action, one from which the electric matter may be sup- 
posed to proceed, and another ‘owards which it may be considered 
as determined. — 
Secondly, At the instant before which an explosion takes place, 
the stream of electricity moving to restore the equilibrium of natural 
disposition, seems by a wonderful influence to feel its way, and mark 
out as it were, in advance, the course it is about to follow; which 
course is invariably determined through the line or lines of least re- 
sistance between the points of action. 
A few illustrations from experience of damage by lightning, may 
serve to render these facts evident. 
(a.) The brig Belisle, of Liverpool, in November, 1811, was ly- 
ing afloat, abreast of Mr. Evan’s yard, at Bideford, when a vivid 
flash of lightning shivered her fore-top-mast and fore-mast, tore UP 
the forecastle deck, and struck a hole through her starboard side, 
starting several butts in the bends, whence it passed into the sea. 
(2.) The French ship Coquin, at anchor in the bay of Naples, 
was struck by lightning in the afternoon of Christmas day, 1820. 
The electric matter passed, in this case, close to the main hatchway, 
upon a spare anchor, and from thence through her bottom a jittle 
below the water’s edge on the larboard side. The boats of the 
squadron in Naples Bay, assisted to slip her cables and run her 
ashore in the mole. : 
(c.) The United States ship Amphion, Blone master, of and i 
teen days from New York, bound to Rio, was struck by lightning 0” 
the 21st of September, 1822. The lightning descended by z 
mizen-mast, destroyed the compasses and cabin furniture, splinter 
and tore to pieces the ceiling, bulk-heads, and rudder trunks, shiver 
ed two hold beams, and passed out through the quarter into the seas 
tearing off part of the sheathing in its course.* 
: ., Com| 
* Extracted from the log of the brig Mirabiles, and given to Mr. Lockyer» © of 
troller of the Customs at Plymouth. 
