322 Dr. Hare on Lightning Rods. 



which has been the prolific source, or rather instrument of the 

 greatest discoveries in mathematics and natural philosophy. 



Thus much appears consistent with our views of asserting the 

 claims of our great author, both physical and mathematical, in 

 opposition to those writers of modern times, who have endea- 

 voured to deprive him of some of the honours of his inventions, 

 especially in the mathematics. Let any one read all his writings 

 on algebra, fluxions, and the geometry of curve lines, and he 

 will hesitate to decide in which he was the greatest, in mathe- 

 matics or philosophy. Mr. Maclaurin was of opinion, that 

 his genius shone most transcendently in optics, though the 

 Principia, on account of the dignity of its subjects, has excited 

 the greatest admiration. It is certain, that our author touched 

 no subject, but with that masterly and almost supernatural 

 power, which was peculiar to him. The style of his writings 

 is indicative of his mind, always clear, but concise, and so 

 much so, that one would suppose he was speaking to none 

 but his equals, who were masters of all the principles of which 

 he was possessed. Hence the advantage of comments and 

 elucidations, and in our opinion, of a review of his works, 

 which, however imperfectly executed, would at least lay open 

 the fountain, from which almost all our boasted discoveries in 

 philosophy are derived. 



Art. VII.— On the causes of the inadequate protection afford- 

 ed by Lightning Rods., in some cases, and the means of in- 

 suring their perfect competency: also, a refutation of the 

 prevalent idea, that Metals are peculiarly attractive of 

 Electricity; by R. Hare, M. D., Professor of Chemistry 

 in the University of Pennsylvania. 



lis some of our American newspapers, a letter has been 

 republished from the London Times, calculated, as I con- 

 ceive, most perniciously to lessen the confidence of the pub- 

 lic in metallic conductors, as a means of protection against 

 lightning. In common with many other persons, the author 

 of the letter appears to suppose, that metals are peculiarly 

 attractive of electricity ; and infers that, when a metallic rod 

 is attached to a house, or ship, a discharge of electric fluid 

 may be induced from a cloud, which otherwise would not- 



