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Dalibards lightning experiment, 1752

Dalibards lightning experiment, 1752


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Dalibards lightning experiment, 1752

Dailbards lightning experiment, 1752. Artwork of French scientist Thomas-Francois Dalibard (1709- 1799) carrying out his lightning experiment on 10 May 1752, at Marly, France. The metal structure pointing upwards is attracting charge from the storm clouds overhead, showing that lightning is the same phenomenon as electricity. This experiment was one of the first to attempt to discover the nature of lightning. The idea for the experiment was from a book by the US scientist Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790), who had intended to conduct this experiment with the spire of a church being built in Philadelphia, USA. Dalibards experiment occurred a few weeks before Franklin, in June 1752, used a kite instead of the spire, but Franklin is usually credited with the discovery of the nature of lightning. Artwork from A Travers l Electricite (G. Dary, Paris, 1900)

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Media ID 6410980

© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

1700s 1752 18th Century 1900 A Travers Electricite Crowd Danger Dangerous Electric Electrical Experiment Experimenting France French History Of Science Lightning Lightning Rod Physicist Researcher Researching Scientist Spectators Storm Thunder Storm Marly Physical


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This artwork captures the historic moment when French scientist Thomas-Francois Dalibard conducted his groundbreaking lightning experiment in 1752. The scene unfolds at Marly, France, as Dalibard stands beneath a metal structure pointing towards storm clouds overhead. This ingenious setup attracts charge from the atmosphere, demonstrating that lightning is indeed an electrical phenomenon. Dalibard's experiment was inspired by Benjamin Franklin's book and intended to uncover the true nature of lightning. While Franklin is often credited with this discovery for his later kite experiment, it was Dalibard who preceded him by a few weeks using a spire instead. This artwork beautifully depicts the pivotal moment in scientific history when researchers began unraveling the mysteries of electricity. The illustration showcases not only the danger and power associated with thunderstorms but also highlights the determination and curiosity of scientists during this era. With spectators observing in awe, Dalibard fearlessly delves into uncharted territory to shed light on one of nature's most enigmatic forces. This remarkable piece of art from "A Travers l'Electricite" (G. Dary, Paris, 1900) transports us back to an age where experimentation and research were paving the way for our understanding of physics and electricity. It serves as a testament to human ingenuity and reminds us how far we have come in unraveling nature's secrets through scientific exploration.

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