Faraday to Jane Barnard   5 May 1821

Royal Institution: May 5, 1821.

My dear Jane,- I know of no circumstance in my life that has contributed, or promises to contribute, so much to my happiness as my acquaintance at your house. In addition to the pleasures that you know of which have become mine, there are others which it has produced that none but myself can feel or understand. Among those which are evident is the possession of your kind good-will and sisterly affection, for though I may flatter myself that it is greater than it really is, yet I hope and believe you will not refuse it me entirely in return for mine. Your sister has managed to open my heart, and set the springs of my affection flowing, when I supposed there had been no source for them; and I shall not be happy unless they embrace and receive a welcome from all that love her. I want to be truly one of your family, and not the separator of Sarah from it. Receive, therefore, this little gift from me as from a brother, and in receiving it let it be as a sister. The pleasure which I shall feel on its acceptance will be greater than any it can cause you, and will be still increased the more readily it is received. So that you observe, I shall every way be still your obliged, and let me add by anticipation

Your affectionate brother | M. Faraday

Miss Jane Barnard, with a gift of a work-box.