Obfervatians in EkBricity. 93 
metallic communication might be made from the mail 
to the water in the manner I have before mentioned, in 
Phil. Tranf. vol. LXIV. p. 41 2. This method of making 
conductors to fhips, from its fimplicity and practicability, 
I had fome thoughts of recommending to my acquaint- 
ance in the marine department; but there is one objec- 
tion to it, which I think a very material one, and fhall there- 
fore ftate it in its full force : it is this ; the lamp-black and 
tar, or lamp-black and oil, though they protet, by their 
property of repelling the eleCtric matter, thofe parts of the 
malt which are coated with them, yet being perfect non- 
conductors, thofe things or perfons which might hap- 
pen to ftand in their vicinity (as in the tops, &c.) would 
be in danger of a fevere itroke, perhaps deftruCtion, by 
the lightning. How far the other oil colours, viz. thofe 
prepared from minerals and metals, may anfwer thefe 
purpofes, may perhaps deferve enquiry, and the morefo, 
as the experiments are not difficult to make. The belfry- 
pofts painted with white lead, mentioned in the letter 
above recited, were much ffiivered. 5thly, As oiled liik 
teems to be fo good a fecurity againft the effects of a 
charge of electricity, may not garments, viz. cloaks and 
hats, covered with that fubftance, contribute in fome 
meafure to protect the wearers (if overtaken by a ftorm) 
from a ftroke of lightning? particularly, if the precau- 
a tions 
