Note: Electricity is manifested under following different
forms: (a)
{Statical electricity}, called also
{Frictional or Common}, {electricity}, electricity in the
condition of a stationary charge, in which the disturbance
is produced by friction, as of glass, amber, etc., or by
induction. (b)
{Dynamical electricity}, called also
{Voltaic electricity}, electricity in motion, or as a current
produced by chemical decomposition, as by means of a
voltaic battery, or by mechanical action, as by
dynamo-electric machines. (c)
{Thermoelectricity}, in which the disturbing cause is heat
(attended possibly with some chemical action). It is
developed by uniting two pieces of unlike metals in a bar,
and then heating the bar unequally. (d)
{Atmospheric electricity}, any condition of electrical
disturbance in the atmosphere or clouds, due to some or
all of the above mentioned causes. (e)
{Magnetic electricity}, electricity developed by the action
of magnets. (f)
{Positive electricity}, the electricity that appears at the
positive pole or anode of a battery, or that is produced
by friction of glass; -- called also {vitreous
electricity}. (g)
{Negative electricity}, the electricity that appears at the
negative pole or cathode, or is produced by the friction
of resinous substance; -- called also resinous
electricity. (h)
{Organic electricity}, that which is developed in organic
structures, either animal or vegetable, the phrase animal
electricity being much more common.
2. The science which unfolds the phenomena and laws of
electricity; electrical science.
3. Fig.: Electrifying energy or characteristic.