Observations on Electricity, Looming, and Sounds; Together with a Theory of Thunder Showers, and of West and North West Winds ...

Begins with a excerpt from Jefferson's Notes on Virginia and continues with sections on the effect of the atmosphere on electricity, vision and sound. "Looming" refers to distant objects sometimes appearing abnormally large, a phenomenon which Hopkins attributes to the affects of fog. Contains a full-page letter from Th. Jefferson commending Hopkins’ “hypothetical speculation” and deploring the fact that “Electricity stands where Dr. Franklin’s early discoveries placed it.”

First edition with Hopkins' name on the title. "Published in ... 1822 and ... 1823 under the fictitious signature of Hortensius." - Pref. Rare. No copy at auction since 1965. S&S 9056.