The New York herald., 1844-12-13

y HUNHSDHH " VHNINU, DcC. =.
SuRIEcT-" LIGHTNING RODS"

SUBJECT" LIGHTNING RODS"
The peculiar interest OF this subject of enquiry.
whether regarded in its philosophical causes, or its
well experienced effects, as nigh: be supposed, at
tracted many to the scene OF investigation, and
the room presented not only an audience of the
highest respecability, but several Of those to whom
the public are largely Indebted for many prominent
efforts to extend the discoveries n modern science,
and thereby promote the development OF human
genius in the cultivation or further Improvement in
Intellectual research. The chair was taken by the
President, Professor MAPEs, and Mr.. MEIGs, as
usual, recorded the proceedings.
The PREspENT in concise manner, explained the ma.
OF the SUBJECT they invited to investigate, and
alluded to the celebrated discussion Of Dr. Wilson, in
which the respective merits OF the ball and the point
formed exciting debate He then asked, Why alight
ming rod acts ns safeguard to building" when
Mr. oLIvER SMITH rose, and with voubility Of expires
ton which could initiate entered INTO descrif
tion Of his views peculiar to himseo upon the subject
smith had prepared himself by gavanc process the
dsplaybut he rapidly gallopaded his theory
could distinguish an occasional spark from the battery
that evidently communicated to the President and eec
tfifed all within its contact
Mr. sMITn in his opening explanation, declared that he
had formed for himself certain definitions Of terms that
for brevy he would introduce into his remarks, and fur
nshcd us with key, by which his acrostic would be-
serbs positive elsctrcty he would Il by the
word Htyo" contraction Of Vitrious, (glass) and
then when he wanted to contrast this with negative
electricity" he would use the term, Reno" (ethe) II
science was wanting in his amusing illustrations, vast
deal OF ingenuity was exercised to prove his theories con-
sistcnt with truth and reason. This gentleman having
spun out his thread of legitimate time
To question from the Chair ;" Should Lightning Rods
PsSs ONE more p stated s Gci o. st.
AZ to render an investigation necessary how such ca
amty could be cbviated by putting up several rods
Tpr seven sub:sauent year. the Church was never
affected by lightning. He was. Of opinion that all
rods should communicate with the EARTH 1t remained
o COM
ed inbut from this fact alone, he was in favor Of
multiplicity Of points Several members, including the
President afforded proofs OF steam being powerful
ductor Of electricity and furnished ncontebe evidence
oths fact question was proposed at what distance rod
would protect house which was answered by deciding
from the circle, In which the rod the radius. DR.
Jones expressed hi. opinion upon the of the
Americans In negiecting this vital point Of Lightning
regulating their policies according to the adopted
to prevent the effects Of lightning property. To
question"The power ofmeal depends the quantity OF
surface Dr. Jones exempiaed Morse's telegraph -
During thunder storm he heard swapping between the
il conductor Of electricity, and that the points
the attraction, light heat and electricity being the
same, whether in heat or steam.
Mr.. MKIos read article from the London Quarterly in
favor of fiat bars running the ridge OF the roof instead
Of round rods and descending from the ridge to the clay
tons such as" The best mode of attaching lightning
rods p" Are glass rings used "" What kind oil points
are now used 7" Whether patina used which is not
capable of oxidation 7" Here gentlemen stated that
paint conductor, provided the point is bare Of
paint variety OF other questions tending to show the
advantages to be derived from electricity proposed
by the President and will become the means Of further
extending their research into science tharesents many
useful applications in the progress arts agriculture and
medicine.
This being the evening for eectng officers for the
suing year. it proposed by Mr. Leach, that Professor
Mapes should bej reelected President J r. Clinton
and Tbos Stephens Vice Presdents and Judge Meigs
Secretary of which carried by accamation
when the meeting adjourned first announcing the sub
ect Of Electricity" for the consideration Of the men,
bers for the next evenings meeting 1t will be remem
bered that these conversations ree and well worthy
of the attention Of the young as well as the advanced in
age and experience.