A. The iron shutter-bar is an excellent conductor; and (if a person were touching the bar), the electric fluid passing down it, might run from the bar through the person touching it, and injure him.
Q. Why is it dangerous to be in a crowd during a thunder-storm?
A. For two reasons. 1st—Because a mass of people form a better conductor than an individual: and
2ndly—The vapour from a crowd increases the danger of such a place.
Q. Why is a mass of bodies a better conductor than a single body?
A. Each living body is a conductor of electricity; and a connected mass of such conductors is more likely to be struck, than a single individual.
Q. Why is the danger increased by the vapour which rises from a crowd?
A. Vapour is a conductor, and therefore, may determine the shock; especially when connected with so many living bodies.
Q. Why is a theatre dangerous, during a thunder-storm?
A. Because the crowd assembled there, and the great vapour arising from so many living bodies, render a theatre an excellent conductor of lightning.