Conversations on Chemistry, V. 1-2 / In Which the Elements of that Science Are Familiarly Explained and Illustrated by Experiments

by Mrs. Marcet

p. 151.

Fig. 3. A the Cylinder. B the Conductor. R the Rubber. C the Chain.

[Larger view] (complete Plate)

CAROLINE.

But does not the conductor, as well as the rubber, require a communication with the earth, in order to get rid of its electricity?

MRS. B.

No; for it is susceptible of receiving and containing a considerable quantity of electricity, as it is much larger than the rubber, and therefore has a greater capacity; and this continued accumulation of electricity in the conductor is what is called a charge.

EMILY.

But when an electrical machine is furnished with two conductors to receive the two electricities, I suppose no communication with the earth is required?