Of the ultimate nature of electricity [1] we are at present [2] ignorant. But it has been clearly established that all three phenomena are but manifestations of the energy pervading the universe. [3] The most familiar form of electricity is that known as magnetism.  . The heat of fuel burnt in a boiler furnace develops mechanical energy in the engine which the boiler feeds with steam. The engine revolves a dynamo, and the electric current thereby generated can be passed through wires [4] and if not properly managed, can produce disasterous results. We must remain content, therefore, with assuming that [5] . Scientific investigation has taught us how to produce it at will, how to harness it to our uses, and how to measure it; [6] but not what it is. That question may, perhaps, remain unanswered till the end of human history. A great difficulty attending the explanation of electrical action is this—that, except in one or two cases, no comparison can be established between it and the operation of gases and fluids. When dealing with the steam-engine, any ordinary intelligence soon grasps the principles which govern the use of steam in cylinders or turbines. [7] The process by which electric current passes through a material is termed electrical conduction, and its nature varies with that of the charged particles and the material through which they are travelling." But electricity is [8] elusive, invisible; and the greatest authorities cannot say what goes on at the poles of a magnet or on the surface of an electrified body. Even the existence of "negative" and "positive" electricity is problematical. However, we see the effects, and we know that if one thing is done another thing happens; so that we are at least able to use terms which, while convenient, are not at present controverted by scientific progress.

[9](1) They fly to it, stick to it for a time, and then fall off. (2.)  By rubbing large surfaces and collecting the electricity in suitable receivers the strain can be made to relieve itself in the form of a violent discharge accompanied by a bright flash. This form of electricity is known as static.(3) The rod was electrified—that is, its surface was affected in such a way as to be in a state of molecular strain which the contact of the paper fragments alleviated.(4)  Rub a vulcanite rod and hold one end near some tiny pieces of paper.

[10] 1 If a wire be attached to them a current of electricity is said to flow along the wire. 2 We must not, however, imagine that anything actually moves along inside the wire, as water, steam, or air, passes through a pipe. 3 Professor Trowbridge says, "No other agency for transmitting power can be stopped by such slight obstacles as electricity. 4 A thin sheet of paper placed across a tube conveying compressed air would be instantly [11] ruptured.

^{The Project Gutenberg eBook of How It Works, by Archibald Williams. (2022). Retrieved 6 July 2022, from https://www.gutenberg.org/files/28553/28553-h/28553-h.htm#Chapter_V}