Theories of Electricity 127 



spark between them than was between either of them and 

 the person on the floor. 



"After such strong spark, neither of them discover any 



electricity. 



"These appearances we attempt to account for thus: 

 We suppose, as aforesaid, that electrical fire is a common 

 element, of which every one of the three persons above 

 mentioned has his equal share, before any operation is 

 begun with the tube. A, who stands on wax and rubs 

 the tube, collects the electrical fire from himself into 

 the glass, and his communication with the common stock 

 being cut off by the wax, his body is not again imme- 

 diately supplied. B (who stands on wax likewise), 

 passing his knuckle along near the tube, receives the fire 

 which was collected by the glass from A, and his com- 

 munication with the common stock being likewise cut 

 off, he retains the additional quantity received. To C, 

 standing on the floor, both appear to be electrized, for 

 he, having only the middle quantity of electrical fire, 

 receives a spark upon approaching B, who has an over 

 quantity; but gives one to A, who has an under quantity. 

 If A and B approach to touch one another, the spark is 

 stronger because the difference between them is greater. 

 After such touch there is no spark between either of 

 them and C, because the electrical fire in all of them is 

 reduced to the original equality. If they touch while 

 electrizing the equality is never destroyed, the fire only 



