Faraday to Benjamin Abbott   31 July 1817

Royal Institution | Thursday August [sic] 31st ?

Dear Abbott

It is useless waiting longer for time to write a letter however its length might be increased by so doing for I do not think that would be commensurate with the time delayed[.] Policy therefore & self gratification induce me to snatch a moment from the midst of other duties to perform something towards the one I owe you[.] The policy you will understand easily enough as it is merely that of saving time[.] The gratification will consist in your coming up tomorrow evening if you can & helping to divert me by conversation. I have at present five or six pressing things in hand & what is more pressing than all the Doctor not that I fear him much but because there is such a nonsensical air of importance attaching itself to both the word & the thing which is quite absurd when I am in the case[.] I hope you will come up it is the only evening I have had & mayhap shall have for some time[.]

My remembrances to all | Yours Ever | M. Faraday

Address: Mr. B. Abbott | 4 Long Lane | Bermondsey

Postmark: 1 August 1817