Faraday to Richard Phillips   29 August 1828

Royal Institution | Aug. 29th. 1828

Dear Phillips

I do not know whether my country rambles are concluded for this year or not[.] I am afraid they are and indeed ought not to grumble except that they have not as yet enabled me or us to see you[.] I have refrained from writing in the obscure hope that perhaps I might have a laugh with you this summer¹ but I have been obliged to laugh without you so far and must still endeavour to be chearful notwithstanding your absence[.] I can’t help wishing you had stopped in London for though acquaintances offer themselves in abundance I do not find that my list of friends increases[.]

Sarah & I have been rambling about for nearly two months - I have not been at home many days. - I am very much better for the country &c and think I begin to feel as usual; all I am annoyed about are the nervous headaches and weakness they unsettle me & make me indisposed to do any thing but they are much better than they were.

I hardly know any thing that is doing here[.] I have not seen the journals these two months - nor have I seen any one to inform me of general proceedings. The London University opens its schools early in October[.] I have not heard a guess about the probable success of the establishment - Nor have I heard any thing about the King’s College except that it is liberally supported by subscriptions in all parts of the country[.] Pray how does Cooper² get on in the Borough? perhaps I ought to ask Dr. Boott³ that question rather than you seeing you are so far from the spot - I am so indifferent to most things except the success of this particular house (the R Institution) that I cannot help laughing at myself at the surprise which strangers feel when they begin to talk to me about scientific concerns in London expecting that I shall be fully informed upon all points & mightily concerned about them and find me less instructed & more indifferent than the merest town-talker[.] And then my bad memory does not mend the matter - I am sorry to say it gets worse[.]

Now about Mrs. Phillips and my wife for they ought to share with us in these communications seeing they are so scarce (wives or communications?). You did not say a word about your wife in you last and we want to hear a little on that point as well also as about the numerous hopes of your family from Miss Phillips to Master Richard - (Sarah tells me there is a smaller hope than him - I had forgotten it)⁴[.] So in your next let us have a fuller account - I think if Mrs. Phillips wrote it it would be more circumstantial[.]

I began this letter directly after breakfast and it is now three o clk. All the rest of the time has been wasted in nearly useless conversation with callers there is no end to them in this house[.] They leave me no time to write my letters[.] Farewell dear Phillips for the present. Sarah begs to be remembered to you & Mrs. Phillips and to Miss Phillips and the rest of her acquaintance and I wish to be remembered <<also.>> I never can close one of these letters in reasonable comp<<ass>> without leaving out some important point but the whole comes to this that we do not forget any of you[.]

Very Faithfully Yours | M. Faraday

R Phillips Esq | &c &c