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The History of Bioelectromagnetism

be performed which are usually done by the help of a rubber glass globe or tube, and thereby the

sameness of the electric matter with that of lightning completely demonstrated.

Franklin (1752)

From this experiment, Franklin discovered the atmospheric electricity. Ten, he introduced the concept,

using erected pointed iron rods, that buildings could be protected from lightning (Mottelay, 1922). George

Wilhelm Richmann (1711–1753), a German physicist, member of St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences, con­

structed an apparatus for obtaining atmospheric electricity according to Franklin’s idea. Unfortunately, he

was killed by lightning during a kite experiment with a sharp shaped rod in a thunderstorm. Historically,

he is believed to be the frst victim of the lightning experiment with electricity as shown in Figure 2.5.

FIGURE 2.5 George Wilhelm Richmann and his engraver during the electrocution in St. Petersburg (From

istock.)