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-pointed apparatus , when the experiment upon light- 
ning was fil'd propofed : what good confequences 
were derived from that experiment: and why, upon 
further experiments and obfervations, fuch points 
ought now to be laid afide, when our intention is 
not to make electrical experiments , but by the means 
of conductors, to preferve buildings from the dangerous 
effects of lightning. 
Dr. Franklin, in his conjectures, that lightning 
and electricity were one and the fame fluid, con- 
fidered how he fhould invite , or bring down and 
collect the lightnings fo as to make experiments 
upon it. 
And he concluded, from obfervation, that the 
likelied method would be, to make ufe of fuch an 
apparatus for the purpofe, as was mod fufceptible 
of eleCtric effeCts ; or, in other words, fuch an ap- 
paratus as would receive the eleCtric fluid with the 
greated eafe. 
Repeated experiments taught him, that metals had 
the property of receiving that fluid, with more eafe 
than other fubdances. 
He alfo learnt, from the like experience, that 
metals by being pointed, were rendered dill more fuf- 
ceptible of receiving it. 
And therefore, he propofed an experiment to be 
tried, tc Whether it was not in our power to invite, 
“ or bring down the lightning, by an apparatus, 
14 confiding of an eleCtric fiand, and an iron rod, 
“ twenty or thirty feet in length, rifing upright 
sc from the middle of the dand, and at the top, 
“ terminating in a very ffarp point.” This appa- 
ratus was recommended to be put upon fome high 
building, 
5 
