XIV. Electrical experiments made in order to ascertain the non-conducting power of a perfect vacuum

Abstract

The non-conducting power of a perfect vacuum is a fact in electricity which has been much controverted among philosophers. The experiments made by Mr. Walsh, F. R. S. in the double barometer tube clearly demonstrated the impermeability of the electric light through a vacuum; not was it, I think, precipitate to conclude from them the impermeability of the electric fluid itself. But this conclusion has not been universally admitted, and the following experiments were made with the view of determining its truth or fallacy.