The Poetry of Science; or, Studies of the Physical Phenomena of Nature
CHAPTER IX.
ELECTRICITY.
Discovery of Electrical Force--Diffused through all Matter--What is Electricity?--Theories--Frictional Electricity--Conducting Power of Bodies--Hypothesis of two Fluids--Electrical Images--Galvanic Electricity--Effects on Animals--Chemistry of Galvanic Battery--Electricity of a Drop of Water--Electro-chemical Action--Electrical Currents--Thermo-Electricity--Animal Electricity--Gymnotus--Torpedo--Atmospheric Electricity--Lightning Conductors--Earth’s Magnetism due to Electrical Currents--Influence on Vitality--Animal and Vegetable Development--Terrestrial Currents--Electricity of Mineral Veins--Electrotype--Influence of Heat, Light, and Actinism on Electrical Phenomena 193