Faraday to William Hosking   5 March 1829¹

Royal Institution | Mar. 5. 1829

Sir

I have placed Dr. Roget’s letter before our Friday Evening Committee & also explained to them the nature of your offer as I learnt it from you in conversation. Our Committee return you their best thanks for your kind offer but think the subject one which in its nature does not consort with the character of the Friday Evening meetings as they wish to preserve them[.]

New points in philosophy - or new modes of experimental illustration - or new applications to useful purposes are what is wished for after these follow new matters in taste or literature[.] But mere matter of opinion which can be settled only by reference to taste and not by reference to natural facts is they think inadmissible at our Lecture table on the Friday Evenings[.]

I am Sir | Your Very Obedient Servant | M. Faraday

W. Hosking Esq.