Faraday to George Towler   23 July 1853

R Institution | 23 July 1853

Sir

I cannot give the opinion you ask for. I can only say that I should not publish such a paper in my own name. My reasons are that being an experimentalist I do not think theory alone of much force in Magnetism; since many theories as to the natural mode of action, are apparently equally probable. When we have devised new experimental proofs, so as to separate these theories from each other, then we shall be better able to judge which is the nearest to the truth of nature. Hence for my own part I refrain from forming any conclusion as to the real nature of magnetic action & am content for the present in trying to find out the laws which govern this extraordinary exertion of force[.]

I am Sir | Your Obedient Servant | M. Faraday

G. Towler Esq