Faraday to John George Children and Sealed Note   12 March 1832

Royal Institution | March 12, 1832

My dear Sir

Will you do me the favour to ask permission for me that the accompanying sealed paper be deposited in the Strong box of the Royal Society¹[.] It contains certain views of magnetism & Electricity arising from my late investigations which are I believe peculiarly my own[.] I wish to work them out experimentally but as that will require time I am anxious to place a record of my views in a sure place so that if they prove important, a date may be referred to at which they may be proved to be my own[.]

I am Dear Sir | Yours Most faithfully | M. Faraday

J.G. Children Esq | &c &c &c | Secretary Royal Society

Sealed Note

Royal Institution | March 12th 1832

Certain of the results of the investigations which are embodied in the two papers entitled Experimental researches in Electricity ², lately read to the Royal Society, and the views arising therefrom, in connexion with other views and experi‑ments, lead me to believe that magnetic action is progressive, and requires time; i.e. that when a magnet acts upon a distant magnet or piece of iron, the influ‑encing cause, (which I may for the moment call magnetism,) proceeds gradually from the magnetic bodies, and requires time for its transmission, which will probably be found to be very sensible.

I think also, that I see reason for supposing that electric induction (of tension) is also performed in a similar progressive way.

I am inclined to compare the diffusion of magnetic forces from a magnetic pole, to the vibrations upon the surface of disturbed water, or those of air in the phenomena of sound, i.e., I am inclined to think the vibratory theory will apply to these phenomena, as it does to sound, and most probably to light.

By analogy I think it may possibly apply to the phenomena of induction of electricity of tension also.

These views I wish to work out experimentally: but as much of my time is engaged in the duties of my office, and as the experiments will therefore be prolonged, and may in their course be subject to the observation of others; I wish, by depositing this paper in the care of the Royal Society, to take pos‑session as it were of a certain date, and so have right, if they are confirmed by experiments, to claim credit for the views at that date: at which time as far as I know no one is conscious of or can claim them but myself[.]

M. Faraday

Royal Institution | March 12, 1832

Endorsed on outside:Original views - to be deposited (by permission) unopened for the present in the strong box of the Royal Society | M. Faraday

March 12, 1832

Received from Mr. Faraday, - March 12th 1832.

John George Children. Sec.R.S.

Deposited in the Strong Box April 12th 1832 P.M.R[oget]