Faraday to Benjamin Abbott   25 September 1817

Dear Abbott

I hasten at present to send that answer to your last which it appeared to require immediately but which for two or three reasons I have delayed ‘till now[.] These were first the intimation in yours that no arrangement could be made for this week with your friends[.] Secondly that my next week was so filled I wanted a few days grace to make room in it for you[.] Thirdly that I wished to send Robert an account of his water but was puzzled by some curious appearances in it[.]

Now that I am always glad to see you & your friends you cannot doubt though the tone of your letter implies so much hesitation therefore I pass over all your scruples to to [sic] the appointment of a day - Now as Tuesday & Friday are rejected on your side it follows that we must look to Monday Wednesday Thursday or Saturday - With me Monday is school night - Wednesday Lecture night Thursday Smarts¹ Lecture to which I am engaged & Saturday Business night - I have been endeavouring to get back thursday but have not succeeded therefore I am obliged to point out Monday night as the one on which I can be at home & be glad to see you the school being the only engagement I can break[.] I am sorry for this as it gives but so short a notice to you but I cannot now help it & would have written before but I hoped yesterday for a later day - on monday evening therefore I shall see you[.]

Now with respect to the water Robert left me it is a very pure one containing only 8.9 grs per pint of solid products the salts I at first considered as Sulphate & Muriate of soda with the least possible quantity of Muriate of Lime but at the end of the processes I found a quantity of carb of Soda which I cannot satisfactorily account for². It appears to belong to the water but it may have got in by accident if it is part of the mineral contents of the water it is very curious & I should like to ascertain the fact on a fresh portion of the water mine being all gone[.]

The Specific Gravity of Mr. W’s sea water is 1027.6[.] The SG of common sea water is said to vary from 1026.9 to 1028.5[.]

I am Dear Ben | Yours As Ever | M. Faraday

Royal Institution | Sept. 25th. 1817.

If you could come early on Monday & take also an early tea with me twould be well for I this moment remember that it is Quarterly night with our School & that we have some quarrels to settle[.] If possible I should like to be in the city by 9 o’clk but supposing that will trespass <<on>> you I will give up the idea - however let me know tomorrow if you can & do just what you like with me & the night too[.] | MF

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