Static electricity: Glass globe machine produces a charge of static electricity which is transmitted to the upper floor of a house by a chain. Upstairs someone, insulated either by being suspended by silken cords or by standing on a block of wax, is 'charged' and is attracting scraps of paper. At the door downstairs, another spark is being drawn from the finger of a 'charged' subject. From Recherches sur les Causes Particulaires des Phenomenes Electriques by Abbe Nollet (Paris, 1753). Engraving.