Page:A Practical Treatise on Brewing (4th ed.).djvu/239

Rh month:—"During a rain-and-hail shower, splendid and nearly incessant torrent of sparks for nearly an hour. The electric current exhibits singular intensity, rapidly decomposing fluids, igniting combustible substances, &c. The lateral discharge partially consumed an iron nail three and a-half inches long, with the brilliancy of an ordinary ﬁre-work." We have here given one of the more decided instances of electrical changes occurring without thunder; but by a perusal of the register for three years, it will be seen, that changes are constantly observed in connection with changes of weather; and even without any decided change of weather, we find this influence, though to a much less extent, ever fluctuating and unsteady. We may consequently presume, if chemical actions are affected by electrical influence, that from the highest intensity of those electrical movements to the most feeble, chemical effects, varying in degree and kind, are produced in matters prone to decomposition. By observing the phenomena which pass around us, we may soon become convinced of the truth of these remarks. For instance; from ponds, the bottoms of which are composed of earthy and vegetable matters, we have, prior to changes of weather, and especially prior to and during rain, quantities of gas escaping in bubbles. Our sense of smell affords evidence of the emanation of effluvia from putrescent matters, being more abundant at