Faraday to H. Hopwood¹   Undated

R Institution | June 17.

Sir

I have not time to go into your objection to the atomic theory[.] It would require a view of what we know of chemical affinity but you will find the difficulty referred to in most accounts of the atomic theory especially in the earlier accounts[.]

I do not myself adopt the term atomic theory or atom[.] I do not know what an atom is. The theory of definite proportionals seems to me consistent and being the expression of a multitude of facts is as relates to those facts quite true[.] Whether it be or be not universal is of little consequence to the multitude of useful cases in which it does apply[.]

The hypothetical views which under the term atomic theory have been founded on the theory of definite proportionals I have always held as of very suspicious character[.]

I am sir | Your obedient Servant | M. Faraday

H. Hopwood Esqr