Franklin Coxworthy to Faraday   23 December 1846

84, Pall Mall, | 23rd December, 1846.

Sir – Since I did myself the honor of submitting for your perusal my papers of March, 1845¹, I have made certain discoveries connected with their subjects, which not only bear out the opinion I then ventured to advance, but also have such a direct bearing on your elaborate and profound investigations in electrical science, that I trust you will excuse my again troubling you on the subject; and I venture, at the same time, to express a hope, that your love of science will induce you to take such steps in the matter, as shall place beyond all doubt the correctness, or otherwise, of my theory of the formation and constitution of the atmosphere, since on that point must depend, not only the formation of a correct system of ventilation, but also very material improvements in agriculture.

Whether the atmosphere is or is not a chemical compound, and is now regenerated by plants, may most readily be decided, and in addition to the facts I have already adduced against the doctrine of the diffusion of gases, and of that of the atmosphere being merely purified of its carbonic acid, it may be observed, that it would be difficult to understand, what has become of the vast amount of oxygen that must have been liberated during the production of the vegetable matter that formed the coal beds, since it is reasonable to suppose, that, before the existence of the vegetable kingdom, all the oxides had been formed.

On the 16th instance, when the barometer stood at 29.65, and the thermometer at 30°, and the water in the scales was turned to solid ice, the insulated scale evaporated 35 grains more than did the non-insulated one; whilst, on the 19th and 20th, when the barometer fell only from 29.80 to 29.63, but the thermometer rose to 48°, the air being surcharged with moisture, the non-insulated scale evaporated 35 and 25 grains more than did the insulted one; which I think clearly indicates that there is an electrical action going on, between the earth and the atmosphere, well worthy of your inquiry.

If you will favor me with an interview, I shall feel great pleasure in showing you the register of my scales, and in affording any explanation you may require; and I need scarcely remark that, if my views respecting the constitution of the atmosphere be correct, you will materially improve the conditions of society by bringing them under public notice.

Had I made my discoveries in former days, I am aware that, in all probability, their value would be appreciated only after my death; but I feel confident that an appeal to a mind constituted as yours must be, will not be made in vain, and that you will obtain for me that inquiry which the importance of my subject demands.

I have &c., | Franklin Coxworthy.

To Professor Faraday, | &c., &c., &c.