372 Prof. Faraday on Electric Conduction. 
conductive or convective communication with any other sub- 
stance than their own water 
It is well known indeed that by the use of water we may re- 
place metal in all electro-static arrangements, and so form Leyden 
jars, condensers, and other induction apparatus, which are perfect 
in principle though with imperfect action. The principles are 
the same, whether water or metals be used for conductors, and 
the function of conduction is essential to all the results; there- 
fore conduction cannot be denied to the fluid water, which in all 
such cases is acting as the only conductor. In nature, indeed, the 
phenomena of induction, rising up to their most intense degree 
inthe thunder-storm, are almost, if not altogether, dependent 
upon the water which in the earth, or the clouds, or the rain, 1s 
then acting by its conducting power; and if this conducting 
power be of the nature of conduction proper, it is probable that 
that function is as large and as important as any exercise of the 
and about p wil ; 
charged positive, and those ; 
at and about » negative, : 
solely by the disturbance of | 
the electric force originally * 
itive and a negative surface, as in the figure, then 
com , 
difficulties. For consider the particles about the equator e 4, 
they acquire no final charge, and they have conducted, as the ac- 
tion of the tworhalf spheres above referred to show; and they ere 
not in a state of mutual tension, as is fully proved by very simple 
