Portable conductors have been invented from time to time—silk umbrellas without iron ribs, and clothes of indiarubber and such-like; but they have all been childish things.
Without allowing one's self to get lightning, so to speak, on the brain, it is well to take certain precautions during a storm.
The first and principal one is not to get under a tree.
The second is to give a wide berth to telegraph posts, so as to avoid contact with the sparks that may issue from them.
Movements of the air having the effect of preparing an excellent route for the fluid, it is well not to run in a storm. It is well also not to ring a bell.
It is well, also, to avoid being in the neighbourhood of animals, in view of their attraction for lightning.
In houses, doors and windows should be closed in order to avoid draughts. It is well to keep away from the chimney, too, as well as from metallic objects.
But lightning always has its caprices. It is this that makes its study so interesting.