[ 41 ° ] 
diftance of two inches,, from the fide of the con- 
ductor [tab. xiv. fig. 2 .], he will continue to 
draw fuch ftrong fparks as will give him a fenfible 
fhock in both his legs : but if another perfon at the 
fame time prefent the point of a lancet, or a wire 
five or fix inches long, nicely tapered to a point, 
tipped with fieel, towards the conductor; though 
at the diftance of two feet, or fomewhat more, this 
will draw off all its eledtricity Jilently ; and not 
fuffer a fpark to pafs from thence to the bral's ball: 
it is alfo obfervable, that if the point of the wire, 
or lancet, be brought nearly into contact with the 
prime-conductor, yet no ienlation is felt in the 
arm, &c. of the operator: hence, I think, appears 
clearly the preference due to points , rather than 
round balls, or blunted ends, for the termination 
of the conductors ereCted as a fecurity to buildings, 
&c. from damage by lightning : for to me, it feems 
probable, that the fharp point of the conductor 
will aCt upon the eleCtric atmofphere of the cloud, 
and perhaps gradually and filently continue to di- 
minifh the contents,, before the cloud can ap- 
proach near enough to ftrike; and thus contribute 
to leffen, if not actually prevent, a ftroke But 
fhould the point be ftruck, the confequence I fup- 
pofe will not be great, and a curious inftance I 
have- now before me, which 1 fhall beg leave to 
quote as follows. “ About nine o’clock we had a 
“ dreadful itorm of thunder, lightning, and rain, 
“ during which the main-mafl of one of the Dutch 
“ Eaft Indiamen was fplit, and carried away by 
“ the deck ^ ; the maintop-mad and top gallant- 
(f) Captain wxnn’s conductor, though two of the links were 
broken, effedlually anfwered this intention. 
(g) The flays, fhrouJs, &c. being all cut afunder (Dr. so- 
lander. informed me) as with a knife. 
maft. 
