William Boggett to Faraday   31 January 1844¹

To Professor Faraday

Sir,

A consideration of the principal phenomena of electricity, so far as my humble capacity, and very limited scientific knowledge enables me to comprehend them, has led me to some conclusions quite at variance with the established theory; the truth or fallacy of which I am wholly unable to decide upon, and therefore, with many apologies for the liberty, respectfully beg leave to submit to your judgement.

I conceive that electricity is a compound of the two important Gases, Oxygen and Hydrogen; or, more correctly speaking, the effect of those gases, which, when excited, within each others influence, either by the machine or voltaic pile, pass through the nearest conducting substance in two distinct streams, and in opposite directions: the Oxygen being the positive and the Hydrogen the negative streams, each attracting its own particles, and repelling those of the other with inconceivable force and rapidity, taking opposite sides of the conductor and keeping as far apart as possible, and when the quantity and intensity is so great, or the conductor so small as to prevent their passing each other without friction, intense heat and finally, explosion, are the consequences. Hence the reason why bodies are attracted and repelled almost at the same instance by either of the poles of a battery.

I will endeavour to show that this view of the subject is in accordance with some of the main facts of the science, and would instance many more, but being little accustom'd to writing, I am incapable of explaining my opinions with sufficient clearness.

1st. As respects the decomposition of water. When the two wires are immersed, a double stream of electricity (Oxygen & Hydrogen) passes through the water from one wire to the other, and the attraction of the Gases, each for the particles of its own kind, destroys the affinity by which they are held together in the water, and as a greater amount is liberated than will pass through the wires the surplus is liberated and mounts to the surface, their mutual repulsion keeping each gas apart from the other. Now upon the received theory, the stream of electricity is set down as a non entity (though all experience of its effects proclaims the contrary). No explanation being given whether it remains in the residual water or combines with the Gases as they rise, in which case if the Gases and Electricity are not identical the former cannot be simple elements!

It was whilst reflecting on these anomalies that the idea of electricity being a compound substance first occurr'd to me. The probability of a double current was suggested by a notice in the Literary Gazette for October last, of Notts² Terrestrial magnetism³.

2nd. In the well known experiment where 3 Tumblers of liquid are used, the first containing acid, the second water, and the third alkali, wherein the acid is drawn to the positive and the alkali to the negative pole, and made to return again by changing the position of the wires. In this case as the two streams pass through the fluids, the acid is attracted by the Oxygen and the alkali by the Hydrogen and carried forward till their progress is arrested by the wires, the intersticies of which afford a ready passage to the Gases, but excluding the liquid.

3rd. When Hydrogen is evolved in large quantities by the Earth or by vegetable substances (which takes place to a great extent when the Grass is cut for Hay, or Corn in harvest) it unites with the aqueous vapours of the clouds, the electric equilibrium becomes deranged, and a discharge (lightning) taking place the combustion of the Gases attended by a loud explosion (Thunder) when the Hydrogen and excess of Oxygen being converted into water it immediately falls in heavy rain, and the equilibrium being restored the atmosphere resumes its wonted state.

4th. The fact of the deflection of the Magnetic Needle in one direction while an electric current is passing above it, and its deflection in the opposite one when the current passes below may be explained by supposing that the Gases contained in the Needle take the positions indicated by their respective specific gravities.

5th. The heating effects of the mixed Gases, as shewn by Galvanism and the Oxy-Hydrogen blow-pipe are similar.

6th. The electric current has been obtained directly from the Gases by means of Mr. Groves Gas battery⁴, a fact I have only recently become acquainted with, which appears to confirm my views more than any other circumstance, though it seems probable from His experiments that other gases besides Oxygen & Hydrogen may produce electricity.

7 The greater intensity of static over voltaic electricity is accounted for by its being produced by friction, which is the case also with the electricity of steam.

I am sensible of my great presumption in offering opinions upon a scientific subject which has been the study of thousands infinitely my superiors in intellect and acquirements, but "the race is not always to the swift"⁵ and the above cases, with many others, seem so conclusive to me that I cannot divest myself of the belief of these views having some foundation in truth, and in that case, the boundless light it would afford, not only in the investigation of electricity, but in chemistry, and many other subjects of scientific research, induces me to lay them before you, and in the hope that you will make allowance for errors and imperfections[.]

I remain, Sir, | With great respect | Your very humble & obedient Servant | William Boggett

50 St Martins Lane | 31st January 1844