XLIV. New experiments upon the Leyden phial, respecting the termination of conductors.

Abstract

R ead J u ly 9 , the LXivth volume of the Philofophical 17 7 8. 1 Tranfadions there is a paper or Mr. henly’s upon the fubjed of condudors, wherein are con­ tained feveral experiments, intended to fhew that pointed terminations are preferable to lpherical ones for fecuring buildings, &c. from accidents by lightning. Upon thofe experiments I made fome obfervations, and particularly upon the fifth, where a point and ball were placed at the fame diftance from a lphere of cop­ per, fo as to make part of the circuit in the Leyden ex­ periment'^. In the defcription of that experiment I objeded to the two chains employed therein, becaufe the metallic communication was, by that method, confiderably interrupted, on account of a want of contad be­ tween the feveral links compofing the chains. I did not then repeat the experiment becaufe the particular circumftances attending the Leyden phial appeared, in my