Charles William Pasley to Percy Drummond   25 May 1829¹

Chatham the 25th | May 1829

Dear Sir,

I will be much obliged to you to let me know, how many lectures on Chemistry and Geology, were usually delivered as one Course of Lectures at the Academy, and whether there were one or two courses in the year, and how many times a week the lecturer attended, whilst the Lectures were in progress. Also what was the pay granted to the Lecturer, what kind of assistant he had, and what pay was given to the assistant.

The last time I was at the Royal Institution, I asked Mr Faraday, who is certainly the very best Lecturer on Chemistry, whether he could undertake to deliver a course at Woolwich to the Cadets. He informed me, that his present salary at the Institution was so small, that he did not mean to continue there permanently: but as the Laboratory of that Institution had been the origin of his Chemical Knowledge, and Reputation, he felt bound in Gratitude to promote its prosperity by continuing to lecture there for some time to come. If he embraces employment under Government, he would of course expect either a permanent salary, or if he undertook to give an annual Course of Lectures, at Woolwich, it must be on such terms as could remunerate him handsomely for the time and trouble expended in the course, if paid by the Course. You must be aware, that there may be several hours of preparation for a Lecture that is only to last one hour.

Now as I could neither state the number of Lectures given, nor the remuneration enjoyed by the former Lecturers, it was of course impossible for me to give Mr Faraday any data, on which he could make a proposition. I know that second or third rate Lecturers could be had, who would deliver a course of Lectures, probably good enough for the Cadets, on very moderate terms; but I think it an object to have the most eminent man if possible, in that line; and one accustomed to teaching,like Mr Faraday; who is not only one of the best chemists of the day, but certainly the best Lecturer, qualities not always combined; and who if employed would not be satisfied with merely lecturing, but with communicating real knowledge to his Pupils.

Yours very faithfully | C.W. Pasley

Col. Drummond, &c. &c.

Nb. I did not speak to Mr Faraday as a person actually authorized to treat with him, but as a member of a Committee in which the idea has been thrown out, and was under consideration, and would therefore probably be acted upon[.]

Address: Colonel Drummond | Lieut. Governor &c | Royal M. Academy | Woolwich