324 Dr. Hare on Lightning Rods. 



It is not only important that the points of contact, between 

 the metallic mass, employed to afford lightning an adequate 

 passage, and the earth or water, in which it terminates, should 

 be so multiplied as to compensate for the inferior conducting 

 power of the earth or water; but it is" also necessary that the 

 conducting rod be as continuous as possible. When con- 

 ductors are to be stationary, as when applied to buildings, 

 they should consist of pieces screwed together, or preferably, 

 joined by solder, as well as by screwing. Where flexibility 

 is requisite, the joints should be neatly made, like those of 

 the irons in fall top carriages ; and should be rivetted so as 

 to ensure a close contact at the junctures. 



In all cases, the ordinary, but important precaution of 

 having the rod to terminate above, in a fine clean point, 

 should be attended to. Where platina tips cannot be had, 

 multiplying the points by splitting the rod into a ramification 

 of pointed wires, may compensate for the diminution of con- 

 ducting power, arising from rust. 



The efficacy of the point or points, is, however, dependant 

 on the continuity of the conductor of which I have already 

 spoken : since it is well known, that if a pointed rod be cut 

 into parts, so as to produce intervals, bounded by blunt ter- 

 minations, its efficacy will not be much greater than if it had 

 no point ; because the fluid will, in that case, pass in sparks, 

 instead of being transmitted in a current. It is on this account 

 that I object to chains, or rods joined by loops or hooks and 

 eyes. The error of supposing that a metallic rod must be 

 more capable of attracting electricity injuriously, because of 

 its known wonderful power in transmitting it, will be evident, 

 when it is understood that the only difference between metals 

 and other bodies, arises from the superior power of transmis- 

 sion. Hence, when by a defective communication with the 

 earth or sea, the efficacy of the metal, as a conductor, is di- 

 minished, or destroyed, its influence over a charged cloud is 

 proportionably lessened. It follows, therefore, that so far as 

 it acts, its action must be beneficial, unless its lower termina- 

 tion should, by an inconceivable degree of ignorance or in- 

 attention, be so situated, as to render it more easy for the 

 electrical fluid to leave the rod, and pass through a portion 

 of the house or vessel, than to proceed, by means of the rod, 

 into the earth or sea. 



Thus, Richman was killed by a conductor which he em- 

 ployed to receive electricity from the clouds, and to convey 



