Canton, John

Canton, John (kăn'tun) [key], 1718–72, English physicist. He is known for his research in magnetism and in electricity, especially his experiments in electrostatic induction. Canton was the first in England to verify Benjamin Franklin's conclusions about lightning. He invented an electroscope and an electrometer and demonstrated the compressibility of water.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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