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 j and many important experimental researches 

 into the laws and operation of the great natural action, were success- 

 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 towards 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 iufluence 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 Behsle, 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 forecasde deck, and struck a hole through her starboard side, 

 starting several butts in the bends, whence it passed into the sea. 



(6.) 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 t spare anchor, and from thence through her bottom a little 

 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 thir- 

 teen days from New York, bound to Rio, was struck by lightning on 

 the 21st of September, 1822. The lightning descended by her 

 mizen-mast, destroyed the compasses and cabin furniture, splintered 

 and tore to pieces the ceiling, bulk-heads, and rudder trunks, shiver- 

 ed two hold beams, and passed out through the quarter into the sea, 

 tearing off part of the sheathing in its course.* 



* Extracted fiom the log of the hiig Mirabiles, and given to Mr. Lockyer, Comp- 

 tioller of the Customs at Plymouth. 



