In other
words, a large mass of conducting material, partially or perfectly
insulated, is, during a thunderstorm, in considerable danger. With this
portion of the subject I shall, however, deal more fully when discussing
the merits of lightning protectors.
Lightning discharges do not take place between cloud and earth only, but
also, and perhaps more frequently, between too oppositely charged clouds.
We then get atmospheric lightning, the flash often extending for miles.
This form of lightning is harmless, and in all probability what we see is
only a reflection of the discharge. The oft-told tale of the lightning
flying in at the window, across the room, and out of the door, or up the
chimney, is all moonshine, and before dealing with lightning protectors I
intend to expose some of the fallacies concerning lightning. Were the
discharge to pass through a house, it would infallibly leave more decided
traces and do more damage than simply scaring a superstitious old lady now
and again. Many people are often and unnecessarily frightened during a
thunderstorm, but it may be safely predicted that a person under a roof is
infinitely safer than one who is standing alone on level ground, and
making himself a prominence inviting a discharge.
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