"The voice of the Lord is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth; the Lord is upon many waters."—Psalm xxix.
629. Why do electric storms purify the air?
Because they restore the equilibrium of electricity which is essential to the salubrity of the atmosphere; they intermix the gases of the atmosphere, by agitation; they precipitate the vapours of the atmosphere, and with the precipitation of vapours, noxious exhalations are taken to the earth, where they become absorbed; they also contribute largely to the formation of ozone, which imparts to the air corrective and restorative properties.
Ozone is an atmospheric element recently discovered, and respecting which differences of opinion prevail. It is generally supposed to be oxygen in a state of great strength, constituting a variety of form or condition.
631. Why do we know that electricity contributes to the formation of ozone?
Because careful observations have established the fact that the proportion of ozone in the atmosphere is relative to the amount of electricity.
632. What are the properties of ozone?
It displays an extraordinary power in the neutralisation of putrefactions, rapidly and thoroughly counteracting noxious exhalations; it is the most powerful of all disinfectants.