and on the Effects of Lightning on certain Shijps, 407 
fell on the truck it shivered the top-gallant mast in pieces so 
far as the commencement of the chain at h ; here being as- 
sisted by the chain, it passed on without any damage to the 
topmast, which is extremely worthy of remark, because in the 
former case, where there was no chain, the top-mast was de- 
stroyed. 
Having reached the point c, where the chain terminated, 
it passed with damage over the head of the mast, until again 
being assisted by the lower chain d e^ it passed without da- 
mage to the deck ; on reaching the deck at it passed by 
means of a bolt through a beam in the forecastle upon the 
chain cable, and thence into the sea 
29, These effects are similar to the former, and show the 
protection afforded by the chains, and their power of con- 
ducting heavy discharges of lightning without any of the ill 
consequences insisted on by Mr. Sturgeon ; since in both 
cases the chains were in the vicinity of large metallic masses, 
viz. the iron hoops, iron-bound blocks, &c. about the masts, 
and in both cases the lightning passed through the hull. 
Now as all the laws of nature are general, not partial, it is 
reasonable to infer, that if Mr. Sturgeons view of a lateral 
explosion were true, it ought to apply in such palpable cases 
as these, more especially when he says he can produce a la- 
teral explosion at 50 feet distance with a jar of only ‘‘ a quart 
capacity.” 
30. No. 3. The effects of lightning on H.M.S. Snake, is 
another striking instance of the general laws we have been 
contending for. The phsenomena are detailed with peculiar 
clearness by Capt. Milne in the March number of the Nautical 
Magazine. The electric fluid entered main truck, shivered 
royal mast, splintered top-gallant mast; then over chain main 
topsail tye without damage to within 8 feet of the deck so far 
as the topsail halliards. 
Finding, as observed by Captain Milne, an obstruction 
here in the ropes, it again seized on the mast, and be- 
came divided at the saddle of main boom ; one portion 
passed out of quarter-deck port to the sea, the other to lower 
deck and down the mast, and distributed itself over the hull, 
affecting persons below. The mast, on being examined at 
Halifax, was sprung about the partners two inches deep and 
15 inches round, and 'perfectly hurst asunder at the step'. 
hence the shock had extended to the heel, the electric matter, 
consequently, must have passed by the metallic bolts in the 
keelson to the sea. 
* An interesting and authentic account of this circumstance will be 
found in the Nautical Magazine, vol. viii., p. 114. 
