CHAP. VI.] SCHOLAR OF TRINITY. 189 



ences that I can trace have been internal and not external, 

 you know what I mean that I have the capacity of being 

 more wicked than any example that man could set me, and 

 that if I escape, it is only by God's grace helping me to get 

 rid of myself, partially in science, more completely in society, 

 but not perfectly except by committing myself to God as 

 the instrument of His will, not doubtfully, but in the certain 

 hope that that Will will be plain enough at the proper time. 

 Nevertheless, you see things from the outside directly, and 

 I only by reflexion, so I hope that you will not tell me you 

 have little fault to find with me, without finding that little 

 and communicating it. 



In the Athenceum of the 2d there is Faraday's account 

 of his experiments on Table-turning, proving mechanically 

 that the table is moved by the unconscious pressure of the 

 fingers of the people wishing it to move, and proving besides 

 that Table-turners may be honest. The consequence has 

 been that letters are being written to Faraday boastfully 

 demanding explanations of this, that, and the other thing, as 

 if Faraday had made a proclamation of Omniscience. Such 

 is the fate of men who make real experiments in the popular 

 occult sciences, a fate very easy to be borne in silence and 

 confidence by those who do not depend on popular opinion, 

 or learned opinion either, but on the observation of Facts in 

 rational combination. Our anti-scientific men here triumph 

 over Faraday. 



I hope the Eectory has flourished during the absence of 

 you and Mrs. Tayler. I had got into habits with you of 

 expecting things to happen, and if I wake at night I think 

 the gruel is coming. 



Macmillan was talking to me to-day about elementary 

 books of natural science, and he had found the deficiency, 

 but had a good report of " Philosophy in Sport made Science 

 in Earnest," which I spoke of with you. When I am settled 

 I will put down some first principles and practicable experi- 

 ments on Light for Charlie, who is to write to me and 

 answer questions proposed ; but this in good time. Your 

 affectionate friend, J. C. MAXWELL. 



