human
Lightning is produced by the rubbing together of clouds, after the manner of flints struck together, the thunder occurring at the same time, but sound reaches the ears more slowly than light the eyes. For all things the collision creates fire. Some say that while air draws water in vapour from the depths, it draws also fire heat-wise, and by their contact the horrid crash of thunder is produced; and _if the fire conquer, it will be injurious to fruits; if water beneficial_; but that the fire of lightning has so much the more penetrative power, from being made of subtler elements than that which is in use by us.