In 1746, Abbé Jean-Antoine Nollet conducted experiments demonstrating the transmission of electricity through a chain of people, showcasing the conductive properties of the human body. This public demonstration captivated audiences and sparked interest in the study of electricity. Nollet's work contributed to the early understanding of electrical phenomena and helped lay the groundwork for future scientific exploration in the field.

Jean-Antoine Nollet's demonstrations of electric transmission popularized electricity, entering salon culture and inspiring poetic celebrations of wonder. Poets of the Enlightenment, such as Voltaire, incorporated themes of enlightenment and discovery in their works.