Nor is it reattracted while it retains its electric quality.

But if while it is thus sustained in the air it chance to light on some other body, it straightway loses its electricity, and in consequence is reattracted by the tube, which, after having given it a new electricity, repels it a second time, which continues as long as the tube keeps its electricity.

Upon applying this principle to the various experiments of electricity, one will be surprised at the number of obscure and puzzling facts that it clears up.
For Mr.Hauksbee's famous experiment of the glass globe, in which silk threads are put, is a necessary consequence of it.

When these threads are arranged in the form of rays by the electricity of the sides of the globe, if the finger be put near the outside of the globe the silk threads within fly from it, as is well known, which happens only because the finger or any other body applied near the glass globe is thereby rendered electrical, and consequently repels the silk threads which are endowed with the same quality.

With a little reflection we may in the same manner account for most of the other phenomena, and which seem inexplicable without attending to this principle.
"Chance has thrown in my way another principle, more universal and remarkable than the preceding one, and which throws a new light on the subject of electricity.