or even larger pieces of water. The experiments of MM. Becquerel
and Pouillet proved that the resistance of water to the passage of
electricity is one thousand million times greater than that of iron;
consequently, if the current conveyed by a wire one square mm. thick
were to be carried off by water without increased resistance, a surface
of contact between the wire and the water of not less than 1,000 square
meters must be established.

It is obvious that a wire let down into a well is simply useless. On
the two-fluid theory, it offers no effectual way of escape to the
terrestrial electricity; according to the older views, it would be
absolutely dangerous, by attracting more electricity from the clouds
than it could dispose of. The author advocates connecting lightning
conductors with water or gas pipes, which have an immense surface of
contact with the earth.

* * * * *




CONDITION OF FLAMES UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ELECTRICITY.


The experiments of the author have been principally directed to the
alterations in shape and color produced in a flame when under the
influence of positive or negative electricity. The flames were arranged
so as to form one electrode of a frictional machine. When charged with
positive electricity the flame became more blue, narrower, and pointed
at the top, while little or nothing of the result was observed in