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18

The following deductions of thunderbolt phenomena are not to be ignored, if close observations and a long experience can serve to establish scientific facts.

That Thunderbolt Electricity is an accumulation of force in the thundercloud. That the cloud when surcharged explodes its force. That this force moves in the direction of least resistance, as does steam force from [[strikethrough]] subcharged [[/strikethrough]] an exploded steam boiler.  That a lightning rod is not capable of neutralizing this projectile force by carrying it harmlessly into the earth - the earth being a non-conductor.* That in electrical explosions something is put in motion that causes the shattering of objects that happen to be in its line of projection.  Comparatively speaking we may say the cloud is the gun and the Electricity the gun-powder. That electricity has an affinity for metal, and that metal absorbs it as freely, as cold water will absorb steam - houses with metal roofs not being injured from thunderbolts. That the doctrine of disturbed polarization of the atoms of matter alone fails to account for the destructive effects produced by the concussion of the thunderbolt where it comes in contact with solid matter. That the testimony of lightning rod constrictors as to the efficiency of the rod in its protective [[strikethrough]] character [[/strikethrough]] virtue is as unreliable as is the testimony of quack medicine makers in the restorative virtues of their nostrums.

Transcription Notes:
changed last word to "nostrums". Review complete and ready for Completion.