259 



of two distinct states of consciousness, of which she described 

 herself as the subject, was read. 



On motion, the communication was referred to a Committee, 

 consisting of Dr. Hays, Dr. Coates, and Dr. Bell. 



Prof. Henry presented a paper from Capt. Stockton, U. S. 

 Navy, entitled, "On some of the Results of a Series of Expe- 

 riments, relative to different parts of Gunnery," which was 

 referred to a Committee, consisting of Prof. Henry, Prof. Fra- 

 zer, and Dr. Patterson, 



A letter from S. D. Ingham to Dr. Patterson was read, de- 

 tailing cases in which the telegraphic wires were struck by 

 lightning, and asking the attention of the Society to some inte- 

 resting questions connected with the mode in which the wires 

 may be affected by electricity. 



New Hope, 5th June, 1846. 



My dear Sir, — I have recently observed a fact, which it may be 

 interesting to investigate. During a heavy thvnder shower, as 

 VfG say, on the 25th ult., several poles which support the wires 

 of the new telegraph were stricken by the hghtning. In one 

 case, four in succession ; and in another, two; this happened with- 

 in three-quarters of a mile of my house. I hear, also, that many 

 others between this and Doylestown are also marked with the light- 

 ning. The wires do not appear to be affected. The first appearance 

 of effect on the poles is where the tenon enters the cross-bar on the 

 top. A knowledge of the modus in which the electric charge passes 

 along the wires, might aid in determining whether the telegraph, as 

 constructed, will be a protection, or increase the danger from light- 

 ning. Why does the electricity leave the copper wire, and pass off 

 into wood, without affecting the wire? We want to know by experi- 

 ment, from those who are skilled in these matters, and are provided 

 with apparatus, whether our security is increased or lessened by the 

 construction of the telegraphic machinery. The poles are set along 

 the road upon which persons are constantly passing with horses, 

 carriages, &c., which, for aught we know, may be as likely to at- 

 tract the electric matter from the surcharge as a wooden pole; and 

 if such be the fact, what is the best remedy? Will frequent conduc- 

 tors on the poles be a sufficient security? 



This subject deserves consideration in another point of view; for if 

 it should happen that any person should be killed by lightning on the 



