44° Letters and Papers .

it; but their explanations have been different, and to menot very intelligible.—Others more deeply fkill’d in thoseprinciples, seem to wonder at it, and promise to considerit. And I think it is worth considering: For a new appear-ance, if it cannot be explain’d by our old principles, mayafford us new ones, of use perhaps in explaining some otherobscure parts of natural knowledge.

I am , & V. B. F.

LETTER XL VI.

From Mr. A. S. to B. F.

I Have just recollected that in one of our great storms dtlightning, I saw an appearance, which I never observedbefore, nor ever heard described. I am persuaded that Isaw the flash which struck St. Bride’s steeple. Sitting atmy window, and looking to the north, I saw what appear-ed to me a solid streight rod of sire, moving at a very sharpangle with the horizon. It appeared to my eye as abouttwo inches diameter, and had nothing of the zig-zag light-ning motion. I instantly told a person sitting with me, that

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