Chemical Theory of Electricity and Magnetism. 63 



As the flame of a candle is blown from a point fixed on an elec- 

 trised conductor, whether vitreous or resinous electricity is accumu- 

 lated on it, it shows that in both cases electricity passes from the 

 point, which is a forcible argument against the mechanical theory of 

 positive and negative electricity; because then the flame should be 

 blown towards the point in one case, and from it in the other. 



So the electric fly, as it turns horizontally, recedes from the direc- 

 tion of the points of the tangents, whether it be electrised with 

 vitreous or resinous electricity; whereas if it was supposed to receive 

 electricity, when electrised by resin, and to part with it when elec- 

 trised by glass, it ought to revolve different ways; which also forci- 

 ably opposes the theory of positive and negative electricity. 



As an electrised point with either kind of electricity causes a stream 

 of air to pass from it in the direction of the point, it seems to affect 

 the air much in the same manner as the fluid matter of heat affects 

 it; that is, it will not readily pass through it, but will adhere to the 

 particles of air, and is thus carried away with them. 



From this it will also appear, that points do not attract electricity, 

 properly speaking, but suffer it to depart from them; as it is there 

 less attracted to the body which it surrounds, than by any other 

 part of the surface.. 



And as a point presented to an electrised conductor facilitates the 

 discharge of it, and blows the flame of a candle towards the conductor, 

 whether vitreous or resinous electricity be accumulated upon it ; it 

 follows, that in both cases some electric matter passes from the point 

 to the conductor, and that hence there are two electric ethers; and 

 that they combine or explode when they meet together, and give out 

 light and heat, and occupy less space in this their combined state,, 

 like the union of nitrous gas with oxygen gas. 



IV. Accumulation of Electric Ethers by Contact. 



The electric ethers may be separately accumulated by contact of 

 conductors with nonconductors, by vicinity of the two ethers, by 

 heat, and by decomposition. 



