Faraday to John Frederick William Herschel   14 November 1825

Royal Institution | Nov. 14th. Monday

Dear Sir

I am quite of your opinion with regard to the fritting & think that an operation similar to that which commences the crown glass maker’s proceedings is what is wanted though I dare say we shall have to feel our way a good deal by experiment before we attain the best or even a good mode of doing it. I am afraid we shall not do much by the present desultory mode of discussing the matter (i.e. by notes & at a distance from each other) and think that the sooner we can meet at the works to examine the annealing furnace and turn it or other parts of the place to account as fritting furnaces the better. One thing I think is pretty certain, that we shall want many pots probably both open & covered and I should think the man might as well get a stock ready made[.] It is hardly worth while making three only & then waiting two or three months for three more. And though it may be objected that we do not at present know the best material with which to line them yet I think that is of but minor importance until we have learnt how to treat the materials we put in as to get them combined into one homogeneous substance - that done we may proceed to the discovery of the best method of preventing it from being spoiled again by the matter of the pot[.]

I must confess I should like to have some of the old glass after being heated & thrown into water pulverised sifted well mixed and two pots filled with it, one well stirred up according to an early suggestion of yours - the other taken out thrown into water pulverised mixed - re-fused &c &c - I should like too to have a small pot in the hot corner containing good glass to see whether by fusion & time any separation of parts would take place[.]

I suppose you will soon be enabled to authorize our meeting and working at the glass house[.]

I am dear Sir | Very faithfully yours | M. Faraday

J.F.W. Herschell Esq | &c &c

Address: J.F.W. Herschel Esq | 54 Devonshire Street | Portland Place

Postmark: 15 November 1825