Faraday to John Frederick William Herschel   24 June 1828

Royal Institution | July [sic] 24, 1828

Dear Sir

Our furnace is breaking away at the top so fast that I am afraid we cannot make more that 2 or 3 more experiments in it. I have therefore had Ramsey to look at it & he has sent me the accompanying estimate for what repairs & alterations we thought fit¹. Now it would be an excellent job done whilst I am out of town (& I leave London next Tuesday) for it would partly employ Anderson in watching the men & seeing they do work rightly and also would be drying for us again on returning to London. Can this be done? Can we do it or can you report to a council of the Royal Society so as to get it done? Although perhaps this Council may not decide before I go out of Town Yet if you thought it likely I could have Anderson so far instructed that he could when you gave him authority inform Ramsey & let the work proceed[.]

I have not spoken to Mr Dollond for I have but just got the paper and am anxious to save the post[.]

I am dear Sir | Truly Yours | M. Faraday

J.F.W. Herschel | &c &c