Magnetic lines of force convey a far better and purer idea than the phrase magnetic current or magnetic flood: it avoids the assumption of a current or of two currents and also of fluids or a fluid, yet conveys a full and useful pictorial idea to the mind.

A man who is certain he is right is almost sure to be wrong.

Physicist is both to my mouth and ears so awkward that I think I shall never use it. The equivalent of three separate sounds of "I" in one word is too much.

I cannot conceive curved lines of force without the conditions of a physical existence in that intermediate space.

Speculations? I have none. I am resting on certainties.

Nature is our kindest friend and best critic in experimental science if we only allow her intimations to fall unbiased on our minds.

But I must confess I am jealous of the term atom; for though it is very easy to talk of atoms, it is very difficult to form a clear idea of their nature, especially when compounded bodies are under consideration.