C 2 s r ] 
whence I conclude, the eleCtric atmofphere flowing 
round the wire and coating of the tube above the 
oil, did not difplace the air, but exifted in its pores. 
This experiment I formerly tried various ways, as 
I had conceived, if the eleCtric matter would dif- 
place air, it might have been applied to anfwer the 
end of fleam in the fleam-engine, and many other 
great mechanical purpofes. But as from the above 
it appears, that the contrary is true, it is evident, that 
electric matter furrounding particles of vapour muft, 
in faCt, increafe their fpecific gravity, and cannot 
any-ways be imagined to facilitate their afcent. 
I may add further, that if this be true, that it 
pervades the pores of air, its fpecific levity cannot, 
by any means I know, be compared with that of 
air. Its particular attraction to fome bodies, at 
leaft to much the greater part of the terraqueous 
globe, is abundantly greater than that of air to thofe 
bodies : and hence its gravitation to the whole globe 
would appear, at firft view, to exceed that of air. 
But the more I confider this, the more perplexing 
and amazing it appears to me : and thence muft 
leave it to the inveftigation of my very ingenious 
antagonift, or fome other able philofopher. 
I come now to the experiments, that are given us 
to fliow all vapour to be eleCtrifed. In thefe Mr. 
Eeles feems to have been led into error, by not having 
obferved, that many bodies eleCtrifed will retain that 
electricity for fome time, altho’ in contaCt with con- 
ductors. The Leyden phial may be touched three 
or four times by a quick finger before the whole is 
difcharged. Almoft all light dry animal or vege- 
table fubftances, fuch as feathers and cork, do this in a 
. ,• K k 2 much 
