e 
288 Miscellaneous Intelligence. 
3. On Dellman’s Method of Observing Atmospheric Electricity ; by 
Prof. W. Tuomson, (Proc. Brit, Assoc., August, 1856; Ath., No. 1505.) 
The author said : 
uring my recent visit to Creuznach I became acquainted with Mr. 
Bellas of that place, who makes meteorological, chiefly electrical, ob- 
servations for the Prussian Government, and I had opportunities of wit- 
nessing his method of electrical observation. It consists in using @ cop- 
per ball about six inches diameter, to carry away an electrical effect from 
a position about two yards above the roof of his house, depending simply 
on the atmospheric ‘ potential’ at the point-to which the center of the 
ball is sent ; and it is exactly the method of the ‘carrier ball’ by which 
for a few shillings, set one up on his own house, if at all suitable as re- 
gards roof and windows; and, if provided with a suitable electrometer, 
could make observations in atmospheric electricity with as much ease 
ae ; 
thermometric or baro observations. e electrometer used ; 
Dellman is of his own one ates in Poggendorft’s ‘ Annalen, 
1853, vol. 89, also vol ap to be very satisfactory m its 
if di 
o electrical observations. When I told Mr. Dellman that I ae to 
make a suggestion to this effect, he : once 0! eee to have an electrome-_ 
ter, if desired, made under his own care. I wish also to suggest two 
other hinge of observing wahoniihieis electricity which have occurred to 
ing each of them some advantages over any of the systems 
hitherto followed: In one of these I propose to have an uninsulated eyl- 
a half or two noel more, which can be let down or pushed up at pleas- 
ure. Insulated by supports at the t top of the fixed part rt of the funnel, I 
use, the moveable joint would be kept at the highest, and its lid down, 
touching the ball so as to keep it uninsulated. To make an observation, 
the _ would be turned up rapidly, and the moveable joint carrying it 
down, an operation which could be effected in a few seconds by ® 
suitable mechanism. The electrometer would snniasdidiale: indicate an 
