Faraday to Benjamin Abbott   20 January 1817

Royal Institution Jany. 20th. 1816 [sic]

Dear Abbott

The irresistible propensity in the human breast to draw conclusions before every circumstance has been examined or even before every possession is obtained of the necessary data is so general that it passes unnoticed altho constantly active in ourselves until some very flagrant instance in others draws the attention to the results of such irregular and improper proceedings and points out the folly of immature judgements[.] Now though it happens that these flagrant instances occur frequently and are continually reminding us of our own delinquency yet some how or other the fault still retains its ground and even appears at times to increase in strength.

T’would be a source of much useful consideration to endeavour to point out those causes which support & strengthen this ill habit of the mind and the comparative strength of them in persons differing in intellectual powers & tempers - It is not however my intention at this time to take up this subject though I am con[s]cious it would * be of much service to me by giving me a more direct and positive knowledge of the peculiar manner in which I am affected to the production of this effect but I have been led thus far into the subject by hearing from Farley¹ that Mr. Murray² had informed him Sir H. Davy had stolen some experiments from the french chemists and adopted them as his own[.]

(I received yours of the 27 at the above scratch [*] but being determined to finish my sentence proceeded - to continue).

Murray has told Farley that Sir H. keeps a platinum wire red hot by holding it over ether & he says the effect is produced by the sulphur of the ether combining with the platinum & that the experiment is the same with that of the french chemists where they combine sulphur & copper leaf directly[.] Now least you should be troubled by these queer explanations of an impossible effect I shall (being now permitted) lay this (a) new discovery before you[.]

Sir H. Davy has lately been engaged in an investigation of the nature of flame and combination³[.] During the progress of his experiments he observed many appearances which led him to conclude that combustible bodies (the term includes supporters) combined at a temperature less than that necessary for their inflammation but a grand difficulty occurred in making this combination if it took place he has however succeeded & produced one of the most beautiful & magical experiments in the science of chemistry - Heat a fine wire of platinum coiled at the end in the flame of a spirit lamp to very dull redness or even beneath & then introduce it into a phial of mixed oxygene & hydrogene gases the wire immediately becomes hotter rises to a bright red & fires the mixtures - This effect is produced by the gases combining at that temperature and producing heat which though not sufficient itself to enflame the mixture can elevate the temperature of the wire untill by accumulation the gases are fired - A more beautiful experiment is made with coal gas for not being so combustible as hydrogene it permits the wire to rise to a higher temperature in it before it enflames - Hold a wide mouthed phial over a burner until it is filled with gas & then place the heated platinum wire just in the neck where the common air can mix with the gas & the phenomena will occur with great splendour the wire becoming white hot[.] As it forms a current in the middle air passes by the sides into the phial & renders the whole explosive & then by lowering the wire you will get effects that will astonish you by their brilliancy[.]

The success of the experiment when made with ether depends on the circumstance that it is always rising in a vapour & forming on its surface an explosive atmosphere[.] Into a wine glass put a little ether & then hold the heated platina wire about 3/8 of an inch from its surface & rather to one side that a descending current of air may be established the wire will remain red hot as long as any ether is in the glass - This experiment is peculiar from the circumstance of a new substance being formed it rises in vapour from the hot wire has much of the smell of chlorine & I would advise you not to get in the way of the fumes - they produce white vapours when ammonia is near & possess some acid properties[.]

When the experiment with ether is made in a very dark room a pale flame is seen rising from the hot wire & generally most abundant when the wire is not visibly red[.]

These experiments succeed with all the combustible gases & vapours even with that of warm alcohol but the only metals that are efficaceious are platinum & palladium the others possess too much radiating & conducting power - I need not now point out to you the inapplicability of Murrays explanations they will strike you at once and perhaps tomorrow evening should he accost you you will be able to inform him on this point as well as on many others⁴[.]

Now in answer to your letter. - I shall be very happy to see your acquaintance on Thursday[.] Chambers⁵ has invited a few of the society to sup with him & as he did it formally and I with others formally accepted his invitation I am fixed[.] Friday & Sat are out of the question - you have a lecture one day & I have two the next but suppose we say Monday - or if you like tuesday & let me know if he will take tea or not and at what time you will come (Sunday I had forgotten) - I allow you to scold me as hard as you please for non-appearance at Bermondsey for I deserve it but I must get scolded somewhere & I dont know how to choose so I let chance decide it - What with Sir H._ Mr. Brande, our twofold series of Lectures - original investigations - the Society & its committee - my time is just now so closely cut up that sunday will hardly suffice for my Mother Brother & Sister & as your hospitality constantly presses me to dinner which when accepted as constantly makes me too late I hardly know what to do - I have determined as far as I can to see you next Sunday but write me for fear of a failure[.]

I am very glad to hear Mrs. Abbott is better remember me to her kindly & express warm wishes from me for her recovery - I hope Mr. Abbott Miss Abt & Robert are well remember me to then & I’ll thank you for your trouble on Sunday

I am | Dear Ben | Yours ever M. Faraday

I never can get through a letter with any regularity you must excuse every thing.

Address: Mr. B. Abbott | 4 Long Lane | Bermondsey