The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1873-11-13
ATMOSPHERIC ELECTRICITY.
KNOWLEDGE WHICH ALL SHOULD KNOW

The nature and properties of this potent
agent, which plays so important part in
the phenomena Of nature, ought to be more
thoroughly understood than generally ap-
pears to be the case. Like almost every
good thing, it has its corresponding disad-
vantage, which it depends upon ourselves in
a great measure to overcome. We're persons
better informed on the nature and action Of
atmospheric electricity, no doubt many of
the accidents which are frequently occurring
from lightning might be avoided. To betray
symptoms of fear in any case, is >nnmanly.
but to use ones knowledge and reason to
avert danger, is quite a different thing,
The best safeguard against lightning is
good rod kept in complete repair, which
should extend down to permanent moisture,
and it would be more reliable if the portion
under the ground were of copper instead of
iron. Next to a rod, for the protection of
building, is group of lofty trees; but where
a building is protected by neither, it is high
ly prudent for the inmates to betake them
selves during severe thunder storm to the
safest place in it. This will be found to be the
centre of the largest room, close up the wind
ward side The reason Of this is, that when
electricity enters room, it usually follows
the walls around seeking for an exit, for
which window should be left open on the
leeward side. Electricity always seeks to
move in and with current of air, hence it
is always dangerous in a thunder storm to
sit down or stand between two windows, or
NJ IL ->-I----s--r a--;---n 10 hpva-
been killed from not knowing or becoming
regardless of the fact
Again, the air in chimney beingrarihed
by the heat below, the electric fluid often en-
ters the house in that direction. Hence per-
sons should never seat themselves Immediate
ly before fireplace during storm. When
the electric fluid does not enter the door, or
the chimney, it usually strikes the corner OF
the roof and passes along the rafters, timber,
or sides of the building until it enters the
earth.
On this account it is unsafe to sit in a cor
ner, OF lean against the side Of room, as
shock might in consequence be sustained
from which the nervous system could not re-
cover It's also considered dangerous to
stand before a mirror, the quicksilver on
which is a good conductor.to lightning; in
decd the presence of all metallic substances
should be avoided on the same principle.
Another safe position is on feather bed,
which is bad conductor of electricity, but
the bedstead should be removed from the
wall as foot or an arm in contact there
with. might be the means of receiving a
shock which might be avoided. 1t Is also
advisable that no part Of the body should oe
in contact with the bedstead. AS before
stated the centre of large room is one OF
the safest places, but safety will be greatly
enhanced by resting the feet on the rounds OF
chair. instead of on the floor, as in the
event of the house being struck, the shock
is thereby lessened. Experience has proved
that person with his feet resting on the
floor has been killed. while at the same time
companion beside him with feet on chair
has escaped with impunity.
During the hearts Of summer, electricity
is abstracted from the earth and surrounding
objects by certain condition of atmosphere,
and It's carried off. together with exhalations
containg what might otherwise prove the
seeds of disease. The clouds produced by
these vapors becoming highly electrical or
positive, commence discharging their elec-
tricity toward the earth, which is now mega
tive In this operation intense heat is gen.
Grated, whereby the unwholesome character
of the mephitic vapors is destroyed, and
their now purified condensed moisture des-
oond. in grateful showers to refresh the
earth, and invigorate its languid vegetation