Lightning Rod Conference

A detailed record of a nineteenth‑century scientific conference, this volume gathers the collective expertise of leading meteorologists, architects, engineers and physicists as they wrestle with the practical problem of protecting structures from lightning. Readers will find a clear statement of the conductor’s purpose, followed by lively debates over rod size, shape, materials and mounting methods, all grounded in real‑world accident data and illustrated with sketches of churches, lighthouses and industrial sites.

Beyond the technical specifications, the work offers a fascinating glimpse into how Victorian experts negotiated standards before modern regulations existed. The extensive appendices – from manufacturers’ replies to international case studies – provide rich context for anyone interested in the history of safety engineering, the evolution of public‑policy science, or simply the meticulous craftsmanship behind the bolts that guard our built environment.