In the course of this research on induction, Faraday had, as we have seen, been compelled to adopt new ideas, and therefore to adopt new names to denote them. The term _dielectric_ for the medium in or across which the electric forces operate was one of these. As in previous cases, he consulted with his friends as to suitable terms. In this instance the following letter from Whewell explains itself. The letter to which it is a reply has not been preserved, but the reference to Faraday’s objection to the word _current_ may be elucidated by a comparison with what Faraday wrote in criticism of that word on pages 146 and 212. [_Rev. W. Whewell to M. Faraday._] TRIN. COLL., CAMBRIDGE, _Oct. 14, 1837_. MY DEAR SIR,--I am always glad to hear of the progress of your researches, and never the less so because they require the fabrication of a new word or two. Such a coinage has always taken place at the great epochs of discovery; like the medals that are struck at the beginning of a new reign:--or rather like the change of currency produced by the accession of a new sovereign; for their value and influence consists in their coming into common circulation. I am not sure that I understand the views which you are at present bringing into shape sufficiently well to suggest any such terms as you think you want. I think that if I could have a quarter of an hour’s talk with you I should probably be able to construct terms that would record your new notions, so far as I could be made to understand them better than I can by means of letters: for it is difficult without question and discussion to catch the precise kind of relation which you want to express. However, by way of beginning such a discussion, I would ask you whether you want abstract terms to denote the different and related conditions of the body which exercises and the body which suffers induction? For though both are active and both passive it may still be convenient to suppose a certain ascendancy on one side. If so would two such words as _inductricity_ and _inducteity_ answer your purpose? They are not very monstrous in their form; and are sufficiently distinct. And if you want the corresponding adjectives you may call the one the _inductric_, and the other the _inducteous_ body. This last word is rather a startling one; but if such relations are to be expressed, terminations are a good artifice, as we see in chemistry: and I have no doubt if you give the world facts and laws which are better expressed with than without such solecisms, they will soon accommodate to the phrases, as they have often done to worse ones. But I am rather in the dark as to whether this is the kind of relation which you want to indicate. If not, the attempt may perhaps serve to shew you where my dulness lies.