What is the relationship between the color of socks and their ability to generate static electricity? Those interested will find no better place to start their enquiries than the article: New Experiments and Obſervations Concerning Electricity, written by Robert Symmer, Eſq; F.R.S., back in 1759.
Symmer was an independent amateur Scottish investigator – or what was at the time called a ‘Natural Philosopher‘ – since the word ‘Scientist’ hadn’t been coined yet. Here is an extract from his notes: (see: Royal Society Phil Trans, Vol LI 340):
“I took a pair of white ſilk ſtockings, and having warmed them at the fire put them both upon the ſame leg After I had worn them for about ten minutes I took them off, and pulled them aſunder, but diſcovered no ſigns of electricity in either. I did the ſame with a pair of black ſilk, but to no other effect.
I then proceeded to the deciſive trial.
I put a black and a white ſtocking upon my leg, and wore them likewiſe ten minutes. I waited with ſome impatience to ſee the ſucceſs of my experiment, and in return had the ſatisfaction of obvſerving, upon their being pulled aſunder, that each of them had acquired a ſtronger degree of electricity than I had before ſeen.”
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