INTO THE ATMOSPHERE. 
391 
of the influx-current, a thread perfectly horizontal, and in 
length 10 feet. The angle of vision being particularly fa- 
vourable, I observed an extraordinary aura or atmosphere 
round the thready and which I cannot doubt was elec- 
tric. 
There are many phaenomena that dispose us to believe 
the thread to be electrified. The following diagram will 
afford a representation of one of my experiments made in a 
room. The deflection from the vertical plane in the direc- 
tion of the dotted diagonal line, is, I think, to be ascribed 
to the attraction obtaining between the wall as the conduc- 
tor and the electrified thread. The aeronautic spider threw 
out two threads toward the ceiling, one perpendicular, and 
the other inclined ; and then let itself fall from the end of 
a quill, resting at a woolly ball, and from thence projecting 
a horizontal thread, subsequently descending. 
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