Page images
PDF
EPUB

TO PETER COLLINSON, ESQ. F. R. S. LONDON.

SIR,

Electrical Kite.

Philadelphia, Oct. 19, 1752. As frequent mention is made in public papers from Europe of the success of the Philadelphia experiment for drawing the electric fire from clouds by means of pointed rods of iron erected on high buildings, &c. it may be agreeable to the curious to be informed that the same experiment has succeeded in Philadelphia, though made in a different and more easy manner, which is as follows:

Make a small cross of two light strips of cedar, the arms so long as to reach to the four corners of a large thin silk handkerchief when extended; tie the corners of the handkerchief to the extremities of the cross, so you have the body of a kite; which being properly accommodated with a tail, loop, and string, will rise in the air, like those made of paper; but this being of silk is fitter to bear the wet and wind of a thunder gust without tearing. To the top of the upright stick of the cross is to be fixed a very sharp pointed wire, rising a foot or more above the wood. To the end of the twine, next the hand, is to be tied a silk ribbon, and where the silk and twine join, a key may be fastened. This kite is to be raised when a thunder-gust appears to be coming on, and the person who holds the string must stand within a door or window, or under some cover, so that the silk ribbon may not be wet; and care must

be taken that the twine does not touch the frame of the door or window. As soon as any of the thunder clouds come over the kite, the pointed wire will draw the electric fire from them, and the kite, with all the twine, will be electrified, and the loose filaments of the twine will stand out every way, and be attracted by an approaching finger. And when the rain has wetted the kite and twine, so that it can conduct the electric fire freely, you will find it stream out plentifully from the key on the approach of your knuckle. At this key the phial may be charged; and from electric fire thus obtained, spirits may be kindled, and all the other electric experiments be performed, which are usually done by the help of a rubbed glass globe or tube, and thereby the sameness of the electric matter with that of lightning completely demonstrated.

B. FRANKLIN.

[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small]

Self-denial not the essence of virtue.

On the usefulness of the mathematics

39

45

53

59

62

[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small]

Necessary hints to those who would be rich

Advice to a young tradesman .

89

91

The way to make money plenty in every man's pocket 93

New mode of lending money

95

[merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small]
[blocks in formation]

Precautions to be used by persons going to sea
Dialogue between Franklin and the Gout.

127

132

[blocks in formation]

On the effect of air on the barometer, &c.

151

[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small]

Tendency of rivers to the sea.-Effects of the sun's

rays on cloths of different colours

On the magnetism and theory of the earth

Queries and conjectures relating to magnetism and the

theory of the earth

[ocr errors]

On the nature of sea coal

Effect of vegetation on noxious air

Observations on the prevailing doctrines of life and

death

An Allegorical dream

Singular,custom among the Americans entitled White-
Washing

Of lightning and the best Method of guarding against

164

[ocr errors]

164

170

175

[ocr errors]

179

180

[ocr errors][merged small]

183

[blocks in formation]
« PreviousContinue »