binding and selling only. He spent much On the termination of his apprenticeship of this time in reading the books that in 1812, he was employed as a journeyman passed through his hands. And among by a Mr. Delaroche, a bookbinder. His these he especially delighted in works master was so passionate that Faraday treating of chemistry and electricity. By soon resolved to leave. Besides this he this reading he acquired a strong liking for natural philosophy, and was accordingly anxious to attend, whenever he could, the evening lectures delivered by a Mr. Tatum on that subject, the shilling for each lecture being usually paid by his elder brother, Robert, who had been brought up as a blacksmith. Through this Mr. Tatum, he became acquainted with a clerk in the city called Abbott. And it is to his letters to Mr. Abbott that we are indebted for the very clear light that is thrown on his youthful days. The correspondence with this clerk was commenced a little before the end of Faraday's apprenticeship, and it is very curious to observe the objects he had in view in maintaining it. For in his first letter he sets forth without reservation what those objects were:

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equally suited to develop his powers. Here he was in daily intercourse with the greatest chemist of the age. His work for Davy was an "inexhaustible mine of knowledge and improvement." He had opportunities of observing the method of Davy's investigations, and of learning as it were the art of discovery. Here he witnessed, among others, that series of exPeriments which resulted in the invention of the safety-lamp.

was, he says, desirous to escape from trade, which he hated, and to enter the service of science, which he loved. In the last year of his apprenticeship he had attended four of Sir Humphry Davy's lectures at the Royal Institution. He made notes of these lectures, wrote them out fully, and sent his MSS. to_Sir Joseph Banks the President of the Royal Society, together with a note expressing his desire to escape from trade, and to be employed in some work connected with science. Naturally enough, no answer' was the reply left with the porter." However, a similar application to Sir Humphry Davy shortly after produced the wished for result, and he was appointed by Sir Humphry to the post of assistant in the laboratory of the Royal Institution, with a salary of twenty-five shillings a week, and with two rooms at “I, dear A., naturally love a letter, and take the top of the house. Humble as this poas much pleasure in reading one (when ad-sition was, no other would have been dressed to myself) and in answering one as in almost anything else: and this good opinion which I entertain has not suffered any injury from the circumstances I have noticed above. I also like it for what I fancy to be good reasons drawn up in my own mind upon the subject, and from those reasons I have concluded that letter-writing improves, first, the handwriting; secondly, the at this moment occurs an instance of my great deficiency in letterwriting. I have the idea I want to express full. in my mind, but I have forgot the word that exAfter he had been at the Royal Institupresses it, a word common enough too. I mean the expression, the delivery, the composition or tion a few months, he went abroad as manner of connecting words; thirdly, it im- amanuensis to Sir H. Davy. They spent proves the mind by the reciprocal exchange of a year and a half together in France, Italy, knowledge; fourthly, the ideas - it tends I con- Switzerland, &c. During his travels Faraceive, to make the ideas clear and distinct (ideas day kept a journal, every page of which are generated or formed in the head, and I will shows the keenness of his observation. give you an odd instance as a proof); fifthly, it He was by nature very observant, but this improves the morals. I speak not of the abuse, faculty is, we think, brought out and debut the use of epistolation (if you will allow me veloped in all cases by the study of chemto coin a new word to express myself), and that istry. It is even more for this reason than use I have no doubt produces other good effects. for the sake of the acquisition of useful Now I do not profess myself perfect in those points, and my deficiency in others connected knowledge that we rejoice to see the study of chemistry and other sciences added to with the subject you well know, as grammar, the ordinary curriculum of education in etc. therefore it follows that I want improving on these points: and what so natural in a disease as to resort to the remedy that will perform a cure, and more so when the physic is so pleasant; or, to express it in a more logical manner, and consequently more philosophically, M. F. is deficient in certain points that he wants to make up, epistolary writing is one cure for the deficiencies; therefore I should practise epistolary writing."

schools and colleges. Mathematics teaches us to reason accurately, and classics to express our thoughts correctly, but we also want to cultivate habits of observation. The remark of Sir Humphry Davy is nearly as applicable to our times as to his.

"We are falling," he says, "into an error,

the very reverse of that of our ancestors. We suggestions for the ordinary management perhaps neglect facts too much, or at least, ex- of education, and a sure example for those cept in chemistry, we are not sufficiently atten- who have the misfortune to be without the tive to the records of facts. We are too fond of advantages of a long school life, but have substituting literature for science, talents for neverthelesss a desire for the privileges of information, and wit or brilliant execution for education. The following quotation from accurate and deep research." one of these youthful lectures shows that he had at an early age mapped, out the

Now for the purpose of producing habits of observing facts, no pursuit is more suit-course of his journey through life :ed than the study of chemistry and similar studies. Great chemists have almost invariably exhibited stroug observant powers, not only in their scientific investiga- costly luxury; but it is he who has done most tions but in the ordinary matters of every-good to his fellows, he who has directed them in day life.

In this his first absence from home, Faraday realized the depth of his affection for his relations. His letters are full of expressions of love and regret for those at home. On his way back he wrote to his mother

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You may be sure we shall not creep from Deal to London; and I am sure I shall not creep to 18, Weymouth Street; and then- but it is of no use, I have a thousand times endeavoured to fancy a meeting with you and my relations and friends the reality must be a pleasure not to be imagined or described."

"It is not he who has soared above his fellow creatures in power, it is not he who can command most readily the pampering couch or the

the weak moment, aided them in the necessity, and enlightened them in their ignorance, that leads the ranks of mankind.”

At the Institution Faraday plodded on quietly for some time, carrying on his selfeducation side by side with his ordinary duties of chemical assistant. He was after a while entrusted by Davy with some simple work, and in process of time he began to make investigations for himself. The results of these investigations were published in some of the journals of science. In this way he gradually became known to On his return to England in 1815, he the scientific world. When he was once went back to his old post at the Royal known, honours were showered upon him Institution. Not long after he began to from all parts. He was elected member or deliver lectures on chemistry at the City correspondent of various scientific sociePhilosophical Society. This was a society ties, and in 1823 attained the much-prized which met at Mr. Tatum's house every title of F. R. S. This latter honour was, Wednesday evening for mutual instruc- however, not unaccompanied with alloy. tion. Every other week a lecture was de- He had at the end of 1821 written some livered by one of the members, each taking articles on electro-magnetism for the "Anhis turn, and on these occasions strangers nals of Philosophy." The experiments he were admitted. The society had also a made for this purpose led him to make "class book," which contained essays by some discoveries, which he published in a the members, and was passed on from one paper on "New Electrical Motions." He to another for perusal. Faraday had be- had some time before heard Dr. Woollascome a member on going to the Royal ton and Sir H. Davy conversing on the Institution, and at once entered with en- subject of electro-magnetism, after an exthusiasm into the spirit of the society. He periment they had made at the Royal Indid not rely merely on his own individual stitution, and he knew that Dr. Woollaston exertions in seeking after knowledge, but had been engaged on this subject. Acfelt that the intercommunication of thought cordingly, before publishing his paper, he was one of the greatest aids to those who called on Dr. Woollaston to obtain leave to were educating themselves. In addition make some reference to his ideas and disto the ordinary meetings of this society, a coveries. The Doctor had left town, and few of the members met once a week at his "by an error of judgment the paper was rooms "to read together, and to criticize, published without any allusion to his opincorrect and improve each other's pronun- ions and intentions." It was, we think, ciation and construction of language. The indeed a great error of judgment. Faradiscipline was," he says, "very sturdy, the day showed by his wish to see Dr. Woolremarks very plain and open, and the re- laston that he himself felt he ought to results most valuable." We like to dwell on fer to the Doctor; and such reference the method of his self-education. His re-might have been attained by no other sacsources were apparently so small, and the result so grand, that the consideration of the method cannot but be pregnant with

rifice than the mere delay of the publication for a short time. It was very natural for those who knew of Dr. Woollaston's

ideas and work as to this subject to think that some explanation was necessary, but it was hard on young Faraday to be at once accused of dishonesty; for he soon heard of rumours that he was charged "with concealing the theory and views of Dr. Woollaston, with taking the subject while Dr. Woollaston was at work on it, and with dishonourably taking Dr. Woollaston's thoughts and pursuing them without acknowledgment." Faraday hastened at once to clear himself of the charge. He wrote to Dr. Woollaston the following frank and manly letter:

Woollaston's opinion was, that if "Farday acquited himself of making any incorrect use of the suggestions of others," he had no occasion to trouble himself much about the matter. Unfortunately, experience shows us that a misrepresentation once made is seldom wholly got rid of unless with the clearest evidence. And in this case the charge arose again with redoubled vigour. When Faraday was proposed for the Fellowship of the Royal Society, a formidable opposition to his election was in preparation; he then published a historical statement respecting electro-magnetic rotation, and this and "Sir, I am urged by strong motives re- other earnest and clear explanations of spectfully to request your attention for a few his conduct made it manifest to his oppomoments. The latter end of last month I wrote

But

a paper on electro-magnetism, which I left in nents that the utmost which could be the hands of the printer of the Quarterly Jour-charged against him was that he had been nal, and went into the country. On returning thoughtlessly hasty in publishing his dishome the beginning of this month, I heard from coveries. This seems at first sight to be two or three quarters that it was considered I one of those unseemly squabbles, which had not behaved honourably in that paper; and sometimes occur among great men. that the wrong I had done was done to you. I it was not so. It is pleasing to find Faraimmediately wished and endeavoured to see you, day saying that the kindness and liberalbut was prevented by the advice of my friends. ity of Dr. Woollaston had been constant and am only now at liberty to pursue the plan I to him throughout the whole affair. Alintended to have taken at first. If I have done though the conduct of Woollaston's friends anyone wrong, it was quite unintentional, and must have been painful to Faraday, yet it the charge of behaving dishonourably is not was, we think, quite natural, although it true. I am bold enough, sir, to beg the favour of a few minutes' conversation with you on this might perhaps have been exhibited less subject, simply for these reasons; that I can acrimoniously. It is only after much paclear myself, that I owe obligations to you, that tient toil, combined with good fortune, I respect you, that I am anxious to escape from that men of the most perceptive and inunfounded impressions against me, and if I have ventive powers make the smallest advance done any wrong that I may apologize for it. I in discovery. Accordingly it is but just do not think, sir, that you would regret allow- that the forger of any additional link in ing me this privilege; for, satisfied in my own the great chain of knowledge should remind of the simplicity and purity of my motives ceive the full honour of his addition to the in writing that paper, I feel that I should sat-world's wealth, and those who are anxious isfy you; and you would have the pleasure of freeing me from an embarrassment I do not deserve to lie under. Nevertheless, if for any reason you do not consider it necessary to permit it, I hope I shall not further have increased any unpleasant feeling towards me in your

mind.

"I have very much simplified and diminished in size the rotating apparatus, so as to enclose it in a tube. I should be proud if I may be allowed, as a mark of strong and sincere respect, to present one for your acceptance. I am almost afraid to make this request, not because I know of the slightest reason which renders it improper, but because of the uncertain and indefinite form of the rumours which have come

about me. But I trust, sir, that I shall not injure myself with you by adopting the simplest and most direct means of clearing up a misunderstanding that has arisen against me; but that what I do with sincerity you will receive favourably.

"I am, Sir, with great respect,

"Your obedient humble servant."

that no portion of that honour should be shared by others are really doing good service to the cause of science.

with this Fellowship. Faraday found that Another painful incident is connected his old friend and benefactor, Sir H. Davy, was opposed to his election. Their long and intimate intercourse must have convinced Davy of Faraday's powers, and the great chemist was most undoubtedly, though probably unconsciously, jealous of his advancement. Nor was it strange that Davy should not see with complacency the success of one who had been a kind of servant of his, but who now seemed likely to rival, if not partially eclipse him.

In 1821 Faraday married Miss Sarah Barnard, one of the daughters of Mr. Barnard of Paternoster Row, "an event," he writes in 1849, "which more than any other contributed to his earthly happiness and healthful state of mind. The union

my time into money, but I do not require more ory of my own on voltaic electricity, which was of the latter than is sufficient for necessary pur- the subject of a letter from me to M. Arago on poses. The sum, therefore, of 2001. is quite April 23rd last, and which I here subjoin. M. enough in itself, but not if it is to be the indi- Arago was kind enough to read it to the Acadcator of the character of the appointment; but I emy, but I do not yet know the general opinion think you do not view it so, and that you and I on it. Will you have the goodness to tell me understand each other in that respect; and your sincerely if my theory is good or not, as nobody letter confirms me in that opinion. The posi- is a better judge than yourself. Permit me also tion which I presume you would wish me to hold to ask you another question that interests me is analogous to that of a standing counsel. As much, on account of a work I intend to pubto the title, it might be what you pleased al-lish; what is the most suitable combination to most. Chemical adviser is too narrow; for you would find me venturing into parts of the philosophy of light not chemical. Scientific adviser you may think too broad (or in me too presumptuous); and so it would be, if by it was understood all science. It was the character I held with two other persons at the Admiralty Board in its former constitution. The thought occurs to me, whether, after all, you want such a person as myself. This you must judge of; but I always entertain a fear of taking an office in which I may be of no use to those who engage me. Your applications are however so practical, and often so chemical, that I have no great doubt in the matter."

give to a voltaic battery, in order to produce a spark capable of setting fire to powder under water or under ground? Up to the present I have only seen employed to that purpose piles of thirty to forty pairs constructed on Dr. Woollaston's principles. They are very large, and inconvenient for field service. Could not the same effect be produced by two spiral pairs only, and if so, what can be their smallest dimensions? It is with infinite pleasure that I profit of this opportunity to recall myself to your remembrance, and to assure you that no one entertains a higher opinion of your scientific genius than, yours truly,

"NAPOLEON LOUIS BONAPARTE. South and to Mr. Babbage.' "I beg to be kindly remembered to Sir James

Faraday's life was peculiarly devoid of incident. He lived on quietly year after year, experimenting and lecturing, and occasionally making an excursion into the country or on the Continent for the sake of rest. Though eminently of a social disposition, he went into society but very little. His domestic happiness was so great, and his friendships so firm, that he seems to have found the little time he spared from his work barely sufficient for cultivating these. In a list of things given up by him during the time of his experimental researches in electricity, we find a note for the year 1834: -"Declined all dining out or invitations." But his intimacy with the great scientific men of the day was most close, and it is very interesting to read letters from and to such men as Humboldt, Arago, Liebig, Babbage, &c. At his first interview with Davy, FaraThe following letter, however, is especially day spoke of his desire to escape from valuable from the after-history of the writ- trade, which he thought vicious and selfish, er. It shows that the most depressing and to enter into the service of science, circumstances could not overcome his which he imagined made its pursuers amiever-busy mind, which, when foiled in one able and liberal. Davy smiled at his nodirection, immediately betook itself to tion of the superior moral feelings of philwhat is perhaps, after all, the most sat-osophic men, and said he would leave him isfying the investigation of physical truths.

Those who have seen her Majesty's magnificent yacht, the "Victoria and Albert," have doubtlessly sometimes wondered why it was constructed with paddlewheels. It is due to what Faraday calls a "highly philosophic suggestion" of the late Prince Consort, that inasmuch as a rotating disc resists any force tending to change the plane of its rotation, the rotation of the paddle-wheels has a tendeney to diminish the rolling of a vessel. It was owing to the kindness of the Prince that a house on Hampton Court Green was offered to Faraday by the Queen; accordjingly he left his rooms at the Institution in 1858, and made Hampton Court his residence till his death.

to the experience of a few years to set him right on that matter. This was doubtless good advice to give to a young man in "Fort of Ham, May 23rd, 1843. "Dear Sir,-You are not aware, I am sure; tic ideas naturally appeared somewhat inFaraday's position, with which his romanthat since I have been here no person has afforded me more consolation than yourself. It is indeed congruous. Yet it must be admitted that in studying the great discoveries which science is the principle of "buy cheap and sell dear," indebted to you for, that I render my captivity has a tendency to narrow and degrade a less sad, and make time flow with rapidity. I man's sympathies, and to make him live submit to your judgment and indulgence a the- more and more for himself, however much