_Electrical Phenomena_ (Vol. vi., p. 555.).--The case recorded by ADSUM is
not at all an infrequent one, and the phenomena alluded to have been
noticed for a very long period, and are of very common occurrence in dry
states of the atmosphere. The following, from Daniel's _Introduction to
Chemical Philosophy_ (a most useful work for general readers), will
probably explain all that ADSUM is desirous of knowing:
"It was first observed by Otto de Guericke and Hawsbee, that the
friction of glass and resinous substances not only produced the
phenomena which we have just described (those of vitreous and resinous
electricity), but, under favourable circumstances, was accompanied by a
rustling or crackling noise; and, when the experiment was made in a
dark room, by flashes and sparks of light upon their surfaces. When
once the attention has been directed to the observation, {52} most
persons will find that such phenomena of electrical light are familiar
occurrences, and often present themselves in suddenly drawing off from
the person a silk stocking, or a flannel waistcoat, or in the _friction
of long hair by combing_. How small a degree of friction is sufficient
to excite electricity in the human body, is shown in a striking way by
placing a person upon an insulating stool (with glass legs). If in such
a position he place his finger upon a gold-leaf electrometer, and
another person flip him lightly with a silk handkerchief, the leaves
will immediately repel each other" (resinous electricity has been
excited).--Page 205. par. 307.