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which I have tried to develop some theoretical views regardingthc source of voltaic electricity and some electrolytical pheno-rnena. There is also a paper in the book treating of chemicaleffects produced by contact, on which I should like very muchto have your opinion. Having these many years entertainedstrong doubts about the correctness of the atomic theory andbeen inclined to consider what is called a "molecule" of a bodyas a centre of physical forces, I have tried to make that viewbear upon the chemical actions being produced by contact(See page 22—25). Mr. Grove writes nie in his last letter, 1that the other day you had broken a Lance against the atomictheory in the Royal Institution. 2 As our mutual friend does notteil me any particulars about the view you have taken of thesubject, I am indeed very curious to see the next number ofthe Phil. Magazine 3 which I understand will give the substanceof your lecture. Having had no less than 19 hours to lecturea week in the course of this winter, you may easilv imaginethat I had no time for making researches: I grow indeed im-patient of that everlasting schoolmastering and am longing forbeing placed under circumstances more favorable to scientificpursuits.

It is possible that I shall have the pleasure of seeing youin England about the mid-summer holidays, the execution ofthis bold plan of mine does however depend upon circumstancesover which I have got very little control. Once being sureof the possibility of the journey I shall take the liberty toacquaint you with the probable date of my arrival at London.

die Häufigkeit der Berührungswirkungen in der Chemie. 2. Über die Ursacheder Erhöhung des Leitungsvermögens des Wassers durch Säuren, Alkalien undSalze. 3. Über die Ursache der hydroelektrischen Ströme.

1 Jan. 30. 1844-

2 "I saw Faraday a few days ago" he writes ''he has been giving a lectureat the Royal Inst, on some speculations on the nature of matter in which hehas run a tilt against the Atomic Theorists".

3 A speculation touching electric conduction and the nature of matter; Phil.Mag. S. 3. vol. 24. 1844. p. 136.