1876.] Prevention of Accidents from Lightning. 105 



sage, and otliers woiuided, considerable damage being also done to tbe Hotel 

 and the property of the inmates. 



From the fact of no mention having been made of lightning condnc- 

 tors being attached to these buildings, the author concludes that this means 

 of artificial protection had not been adopted, and goes on to enqu.ire how 

 far are Churchwardens, Hotel Proj^rietors and j)ersons in charge of other 

 large or prominent buildings ju-'itified in endangermg the lives of theii' fel- 

 low creatures by neglecting to adopt precautionary measui'es against acci- 

 dents by lightning— a question which the author has fully treated in his 

 jpamphlet referred to above. 



The avithor then gives a brief notice of what has been done in Europe 

 with regard to the prevention of accidents from Hghtning and goes on to 

 suggest that similar steps should be taken in India. 



At the present time very nearly all vessels carry a fixed Hghtning con- 

 ductor as part and parcel of the vessel, instead of its being stowed away to 

 be run tip to the masthead when required, as was done on the introduction of 

 lightning conductors into the British Navy. The same principle should be 

 carried out with reference to buildings. Dr. Mann, Mr. Preece, Cajitain 

 Galton and others have pointed out that no building should be considered 

 complete •without the necessary protection against Hghtning and there 

 should be no difficulty in j^roviding this at the same time and in the same 

 manner as the rain^iipes or gutters forming part of a building. 



In France, the Prefect of the Seine has appointed a Commission, com- 

 prising several members of the Academy, to inspect and report upon the 

 lightning-rods connected with the buildings of the Municipality of Paris. 

 Their inspection wiU be annual and particular study will be made of cer- 

 tain of the conductors with reference to the thunderstorms which pass 

 over Paris. 



In England, a Committee has been formed under the auspices of the 

 Meteorological Society of London for the purpose of encoui'aging and intro- 

 ducing a proper system of protection against accidents by Hghtning and for 

 supervising and reporting ujjon the means in existence. 



As a member of the Asiatic Society, the author asks if it is not a mat- 

 ter of sufficient importance and within the scoi)e of its action to warrant 

 the Society in taking some such steps for carrying out investigations and 

 practical suggestions, within the limit.s of its operations. 



The author expresses his belief that the Government, through its Me- 

 teorological office, would assist greatly the exertions of the Society, by 

 allowing it to be f m-nished with data and information regarding accidents to 

 life and property already reported and on record ; as also of the present 

 means employed for guarding against snch accidents. The Press and the 

 public can also assist with important information and co-operation ; and if 



