| Citation |
VGW(RI.768.042
11 Aug 1768:14, 21, 22 (118)
Boston, July 11. The identity of lightning and electricity
has been so fully established by our worthy countryman Dr.
Franklin, as to admit of no reasonable doubt. . . . [3
paragraphs]
Harvard-hall and the steeple of the meetinghouse, besides
many private houses in this town, are furnished with such an
apparatus of pointed rods. Last Saturday in the afternoon,
we had the most violent thunder storm that has been known
here for many years; or perhaps, that was ever known here in
my house, that has such an apparatus fitted with bells, to
give notice of the passage of the lightning along the rods,
the bells began to ring as soon as the first thunder was
heard at a distance, and continued ringing briskly for about
an hour; and the lightning not being conducted quick enough
by the tongue, it frequently flashed from one bell to the
other, and with cracks loud enough to be heard in the
farther part of the house. But when the height of the storm
came on, and the rain poared down impetuously, the ringing
ceased; the rain conducting the matter of the lightning from
the upper wire to the lower on the outside of the house,
without its passing thro' the bells. . . . [article
continues for 1 1/3 column]
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