An Essay to Shew the Cause of Electricity; and Why Some Things are Non-Electricable. / In Which Is Also Consider'd Its Influence in the Blasts on Human Bodies, in the Blights on Trees, in the Damps in Mines; And as It May Affect the Sensitive Plant, &c.

Chapter 2: TO MARTIN FOLKES, Esq; PRESIDENT OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY.

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About This Book

The essay advances a speculative natural-philosophy account arguing that electrical phenomena do not originate in experimental apparatus but from a diffuse vital fire in the air that can be concentrated by friction to produce effects akin to lightning. It offers conjectures about why some substances resist electrification, links electrical action to bodily shocks, plant sensitivity, tree blights, and mine damp hazards, and proposes simple experiments and observations to test these ideas. Presented as a concise letter with a preface and appendix, the piece mixes practical remarks, theoretical argument, and invitations for further inquiry.

TO

MARTIN FOLKES, Esq;

PRESIDENT

OF THE

ROYAL SOCIETY.

SIR,

Those who have the Honour of your Acquaintance, and thence know your many excellent Qualifications, must applaud my Choice in dedicating this small Piece to you; whose Name, if there be any Merit in the Performance, will, before any other, add a Lustre to it. I am, with the highest Esteem,

Your most Obliged,

Humble Servant,

John Freke.