58 Prof. Faraday's Answer to Dr. Hare's Letter 



the term contiguous (11 64-. 1673.), but have I hope sufficiently 

 expressed the meaning I attach to it: first by saying at par. 

 1615, "the next existing particle being considered as the 

 contiguous one;" then in a note to par. 1665, by the words, 

 " I mean by contiguous particles those which are next to each 

 other, not that there is no space between them ;" and further 

 by the note to par. 11 64-. of the octavo edition of my Re- 

 searches, which is as follows : " The word contiguous is per- 

 haps not the best that might have been used here and 

 elsewhere, for as particles do not touch each other it is not 

 strictly correct. I was induced to employ it because in its 

 common acceptation it enabled me to state the theory plainly 

 and with facility. By contiguous particles, I mean those 

 which are next." 



xvii. Finally, my reasons for adopting the molecular theory 

 of induction were the phenomena of electrolytic discharge 

 (1164. 1343.), of induction in curved lines (1166. 1215.), of 

 specific inductive capacity (1167- 1252.), of penetration and 

 return action (1245.), of difference of conduction and insula- 

 tion (1320.), of polar forces (1665.), &c. &c., but for these 

 reasons and any strength or value they may possess I refer 

 to the papers themselves. 



xviii. I will now turn to such parts of your critical remarks 

 as may require attention. A man who advances what he 

 thinks to be new truths, and to develope principles which pro- 

 fess to be more consistent with the laws of nature than those 

 already in the field, is liable to be charged, first with self-con- 

 tradiction ; then with the contradiction of facts ; or he may 

 be obscure in his expression, and so justly subject to certain 

 queries ; or he may be found in non-agreement with the opi- 

 nions of others. The first and second points are very im- 

 portant, and every one subject to such charges must be an- 

 xious to be made aware of, and also to set himself free from 

 or acknowledge them ; the third is also a fault to be removed 

 if possible ; the fourth is a matter of but small consequence 

 in comparison with the other three ; for as every man who 

 has the courage, not to say rashness, of forming an opinion of 

 his own, thinks it better than any from which he differs, so it 

 is only deeper investigation, and most generally future inves- 

 tigators who can decide which is in the right. 



xix. I am afraid I shall find it rather difficult to refer to 

 your letter. I will, however, reckon the paragraphs in order 

 from the top of each page, considering that the first which has 

 its beginning first in the page*. In referring to my own mat- 



* We shall change Prof. Faraday's references for the numbers which we 

 have attached to Dr. Hare's letter, and refer thus, par. 23, &c. 



