Chapter 16.
Illustrations of Character.


Preface to the fifth edition.

Daily and weekly, from all parts of the world, I receive publications
bearing upon the practical applications of electricity. This great
movement, the ultimate outcome of which is not to be foreseen, had
its origin in the discoveries made by Michael Faraday, sixty-two
years ago. From these discoveries have sprung applications of the
telephone order, together with various forms of the electric
telegraph. From them have sprung the extraordinary advances made in
electrical illumination. Faraday could have had but an imperfect
notion of the expansions of which his discoveries were capable.
Still he had a vivid and strong imagination, and I do not doubt that
he saw possibilities which did not disclose themselves to the
general scientific mind. He knew that his discoveries had their
practical side, but he steadfastly resisted the seductions of this
side, applying himself to the development of principles; being well
aware that the practical question would receive due development
hereafter.

During my sojourn in Switzerland this year, I read through the
proofs of this new edition, and by my reading was confirmed in the
conviction that the book ought not to be suffered to go out of
print. The memoir was written under great pressure, but I am not
ashamed of it as it stands. Glimpses of Faraday's character and
gleams of his discoveries are there to be found which will be of
interest to humanity to the end of time.