What did people think about static electricity before the advent of electricity?

by davehunt00

It is a cold day today and I stopped to kiss my wife, receiving a static shock as I touched her. Made me wonder what people thought that was before we knew about electricity. It there mention of the phenomenon in historic literature?

KimberStormer

This question can be found in the science section of the FAQ, which I mention because it's full of interesting answers, and links to this awesome answer by u/hillsonghoods!