On the Connexion of the Physical Sciences

When both are good conductors they must be separated with extreme rapidity to prevent a return to equilibrium. When the separation is very sudden the tension of the two electricities may be great enough to produce light. M. Becquerel attributes the light produced by the collision of icebergs to this cause. Iceland spar is made electric by the smallest pressure between the finger and the thumb, and retains it for a long time. All these circumstances are modified by the temperature of the substances, the state of their surfaces and that of the atmosphere. Several crystalline bodies become electric when heated, especially tourmaline, one end of which acquires positive, and the other negative electricity, while the intermediate part is neutral. If the tourmaline be broken through the middle, each fragment is found to possess positive electricity at one end and negative at the other. Electricity is evolved by substances passing from a liquid to a solid state, and by chemical action during the production and condensation of vapour, which is a great source of atmospheric electricity. In short, it may be generally stated, that when any cause whatever tends to destroy molecular attraction there is a development of electricity; if, however, the substances be not immediately separated, there will be an instantaneous restoration of equilibrium.