Enlightenment.

In reference to John Derbyshire's amusing column on electricity (August 7): If the voltage is high enough, the "electricity" will spill out of a cut cable, despite what he may have been told.

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Michael Kornitzky

Via e-mail

JOHN DERBYSHIRE REPLIES: I really can't claim ignorance on this point anymore, as I have had so many kind explanations, and I do believe I now thoroughly understand. The little electrons all want to go to a place where there are no electrons (or many fewer). They are like wagon trains heading west.

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