¹Faraday to E.A. Frankland²   20 January 1863

Royal Institution | 20 January 1863

Sir

I am precluded by want of memory & fatigue of head from entering into such considerations as you write about. I am even prevented from pursuing my own thoughts:- I am sorry, therefore, that I cannot grant your request:- it is one which I have very frequently to decline[.]

You speak of a few minutes;- and that phrase makes me think you are not aware, & not able, to estimate the thought & time which belongs to the largeness of view which the principles you also speak of include. If they be as you think so simple & so few, then I am sure you had better write them out plainly. To converse about them would I take far more time & thought than to read them.

There are now many general views of the relations of the sciences & the forces concerned in the actions which they contemplate. I have never found myself able to leave the imperfect notion, found within myself, to adopt the far more comprehensive theories of others. I believe each man must work by his own thoughts; not refraining however from telling others what he thinks, but leaving such others to adopt or reject them without discussion or argument[.]

I am Sir | Your Obedient Servant | M. Faraday

E.A. Frankland Esqr