[ 4*4 ] 
liair-cafe, which reaches to the bottom of the 
building, and forms a fubftantial, regular con- 
ductor of metal the whole length. The monu- 
ment was eredted by Sir Christopher wren 
in remembrance of the fire of London, which 
happened in the year 1 666. It was compleated 
by that great architect, in the year 1677; is, 
including the blazing urn at its fummit, about 
two hundred and two feet in height, from the 
pavement; and hath never (fo far as I have 
been able to learn) been ftruck by lightning. 
The antenna and legs of the grafshopper on the 
Royal Exchange in Cornhill ; and the tongue and 
tail of the dragon on the fpire of Bow church in 
Cheapfide, London, are alfo remarkable in- 
stances (m) : indeed I have often thought it rather 
a favourable circumftance, that moft of the lofty 
public buildings in this metropolis which have 
metallic terminations, have generally been furnifhed 
with weather-fanes, which fanes commonly end 
in fharp points : for had they been terminated with 
large round balls of metal, perhaps many more of 
them might long fince have been demolifhed. 
Here therefore I cannot but exprefs my earned; 
wifhes, that, on all future occafions, where lofty 
public edifices are to be ereCted; a good pointed 
condudor for the lightning, may be confidered by 
every architect, or furveyor, as an effential part of 
the edifice itfelf. 
EXPERIMENT VI. 
I attempted to afcertain the condu&ing power, 
of different metals, in the manner following. I 
( m ) A great variety might be produced, but Dr. franklin 
hath himfelf rendered this unnecefTary. 
took 
