374 Prof. Faraday on Electric Conduction. 
It may be imagined that a certain polarized state of tension 
occurs in these cases in static induction, which is intermediate 
between it and electrolytic conduction (Hxp. Res. 1164); or 
that a certain preparatory and as it were incomplete condition 
may be assumed, distinguishing the case of static conduction 
with globes of water, which I have taken as the ground of con- 
sideration from the same case when presented by globes of metal. 
Our further and future knowledge may show some such state ; 
but in respect of our present distinctive views of conduction 
proper and electrolytic conduction, it may be remarked that such 
discovery is just as likely to coincide with the former as with 
the latter view, though it most probably would alter and correct 
both. 
Falling back upon the consideration of the particles between 
e and n, we find, that whether we consider them as respects the 
current which has passed through them, or the charge which 
they have taken, they form a continuous series; the particle at e 
has had most current, that at m none, that at ra moderate cur- 
rent; and there are particles which must have transmitted every 
intermediate degree. So with regard to charge; it is highest at 
n, nothing at e, and every intermediate degree occurs between 
the two. Then with respect to these superficial particles, they 
hold all the charge that exists, and therefore all the electricity 
which has been conducted is in them; consequently all the elec- 
trolytic results must be there ; and that would be the case, even 
though for the shell we were to substitute a sphere of water. 
For, if those particles which have had more current through 
them than others be supposed to have more of the electrolytic 
results about them than the others, then that electricity which is 
found associated chiefly, if not altogether, with these others, 
could have reached them only by conduction proper, which for 
the moment is assumed to be non-existent. So, to favor the 
electrolytic argument, we will consider the conduction as ending 
at, and the electrolytic results as summed up in, these superficial 
particles, passing forthe present the former objection that though 
the electricity has reached, it has not gone through, these parti- 
cles. Taking, therefore, a particle at r, and considering its elec- 
trolytic condition as proportionate to the electricity which has 
arrived at that particle, and given it charge, we may then assume, 
or we have the power of diminishing the inductive action in 
any degree, that the electricity, the conduction of which has 
ceased upon the particle that was there has been just enough to 
decompose it, and has left what was the under but is now the 
surface particle, charged. In that case, some other particle, 1 a 
higher state of charge, and nearer to m, as at s, will have hac 
enough electricity conducted towards its place to decompose two 
particles of water ;—but it is manifest that this cannot be the 
