Miscellaneous observations, together with a collection of experiments on electricity. With the manner of performing them. Designed to explain the nature and cause of the most remarkable phenomena thereof. With some remarks on a pamphlet, intituled, A sequel to the experiments and observations tending to illustrate the nature and properties of electricity / [by Sir W. Watson] To which is annexed, a letter, written by the Author to the Academy of Sciences at Bordeaux, relative to the similarity of electricity to lightening and thunder.

  • Rackstrow, Benjamin, -1772.
Date:
1748
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Miscellaneous observations, together with a collection of experiments on electricity. With the manner of performing them. Designed to explain the nature and cause of the most remarkable phenomena thereof. With some remarks on a pamphlet, intituled, A sequel to the experiments and observations tending to illustrate the nature and properties of electricity / [by Sir W. Watson] To which is annexed, a letter, written by the Author to the Academy of Sciences at Bordeaux, relative to the similarity of electricity to lightening and thunder. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    49/80 (page 43)
    [43] in his hands; upon touching the gun-barrel he will receive no lliock; the Electricity having no occafion to pafs through him, as finding the rea¬ died way through the Wires. 5. The Chain look¬ ing luminous is owing to the links, and the man¬ ner of their linking together, which does not caufe them to touch; and it is in thofe parts which do not touch that we fee the electrical fire; its explo- fion being confin’d to thofe parts only. Exp. XXVII. A perfon ftanding upon a cake of Refin, hold¬ ing the Phial of Water by the Wire in one hand, and a Bafon of Water in the other, and is electri¬ fied ; another. Handing upon the ground, grafps the lower part of the Phial with one hand, and en¬ deavouring to touch the middle of the Water in the Bafon with one of his fingers of the other hand, or with a large Key, they both receive a ihock. W. B. It is to be obferv’d, that, at the approach of the Finger or Key to the Water, the Water rifes up in a fmall cone, and a fnap is to be heard, and the fire to be feen, efpecially if the Room be dark. Query^ Whether the Water’s rifing up in a fmall cone might not help to account for the Water- fpouts at fea ? Exp. XXVIII. If a Lady electrified Hands upon Refin, and holds the Phial of Water by the Wire in her hand, and a Gentleman grafping the lower part of the Phial, as he Hands on the ground, and if both endeavour all that is in their power to falute, they cannot: no fooner do their heads come within about half an inch of each other,' but they meet G 2 with