Electricity may reveal itself as a charge residing on the surface of a body or as a current flowing through its substance. By means of friction, the glass rod or the sealing-wax acquired an electrical charge and, consequently, the power of attracting and repelling light bodies; by means of chemical action, the voltaic cell generated electricity that manifested itself as a current. (a.) The electrified body is said to be charged. When the electricity is removed, the body is said to be discharged. Good conductors are instantly discharged when touched by the hand, or by any good conductor connected with the earth. A poor conductor may be readily discharged by passing it rapidly through a flame, as of a lamp or candle.