Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 3, 1802).djvu/116

98] a thin iron point, about 12 inches long, on the top of the machine, marked a (see p. 51); then to surround the whole leading string with a thin iron wire, which should be previously connected with the metallic point. Having made these preparations, a strong wooden staff, three or four feet long, must be procured, and likewise furnished with a firm iron point on its lower extremity, and a similar ring on the top, so that it may also serve as a walking-stick. But there ought also to be a stronger iron wire affixed to this statf, either in a perpendicular or serpentine direction, so as to communicate with both the ring and the lower end, which is to be forced about 12 or 18 inches into the ground, according to its softness; in order to support the whole machine, while suspended in the air.—On the approach of a thunder-storm, and before it actually breaks out, it will be advisable, first, to drive the staff sufficiently deep into the ground, so that its strength may be adequate to the force of the wind; then to fly the kite thus prepared with the greatest expedition; and lastly, to fix the string, with its accompanying wire, to the iron ring of the staff before described. In this easy manner, all danger of being struck by lightning may be effectually averted; but it ought to be remarked, that no person should afterwards approach this electric staff; though any number of people working in the fields, even diametrically opposite to the floating body of the kite, will be protected by its conducting power; provided they keep at the distance of twenty yards, at the least, from the staff to which it is fixed.—Nor will it be proper to fly the machine during a shower of rain, or very boisterous weather.

Persons struck with lightning may, in many instances, be restored by proper and timely applications. In slighter cases, where particular limbs are affected, the wounded part has been cured by washing it with a solution of sugar of lead.—According to, considerable relief has been derived from applying opium to the painful part of the breast, after being hurt with lightning; and a person, wounded by this meteor, was perfectly cured in the course of ten days, by the application of ley to the part affected, and by the internal use of carbonate of pot-ash, or fixed vegetable alkali dissolved in water.—Should, however, any person be apparently killed by such an accident, he ought by no means to be neglected, or precipitately committed to the grave; for we are persuaded, that many might be restored, if proper resuscitative means were employed.

In general, there are no external marks discoverable, when the body has been injured by a flash of lightning; though sometimes red streaks appear on different parts, especially on the chest and arms, in which the patient, after recovery, experiences a sense of burning heat.—The first step should be, to remove the body from the farther influence of mephitic air of the place, where the unfortunate blow was inflicted. Clothes and bandages of every kind must be removed; the body placed in a reclining posture; and the head raised, somewhat leaning to the right side: thus the subject is to be covered with warm blankets or cloths; while both the doors and windows are opened for admitting fresh air. Resus-