.240  Papers  relative  to  an  Accident 
pear  to  be  an  inconfiftency  in  the  different  methods  of 
fecuring  thofe  buildings. 
My  argument  had  no  other  effect  than  to  occafion,  at 
the  next  meeting  of  the  committee,  a refolution  for  fix- 
ing pointed  conductors  to  all  the  buildings. 
From  this  refolution  I diflented,  and  gave  in  writing 
my  reafons  at  large  for  differing  in  opinion,  which  are 
printed  in  your  TranfaCtions. 
What  has  been  the  confequence  fince  the  conductors 
were  put  up  ? 
Behold ! this  very  Board-houfe,  which  was  never  at- 
tacked before  by  lightning,  hath  very  lately  been  ftruck, 
and  that  within  a few  inches  of  the  conductor;  con- 
trary to  Dr.  franklin’s  affertion,  which  pofitively  fays, 
that  in  fuch  circumftances  the  lightning  paffes  in  the 
metals,  and  not  in  the  walls. 
We  may  refine  in  our  reafoning  upon  the  philofophy 
of  this  event  as  much  as  we  pleafe;  but  let  me  tell  you, 
gentlemen,  there  is  no  getting  rid  of  the  faCt:  which, 
according  to  my  judgement,  appears  to  be  truly  alarm- 
ing. And  as,  I apprehend,  the  reputation  of  this  learned 
Society  is  greatly  concerned  therein,  we  ought  imme- 
diately to  avail  ourfelves  of  this  providential  warning, 
and  rejeCt  an  apparatus  which  threatens  us  every  hour 
with  fome  unhappy  confeguences. 
It 
