Faraday to Percy Drummond   23 January 1830

Royal Institution | Jany 23. 1830

Dear Sir

I know so little of paying by time that I must leave you to decide what would be a proper remuneration[.] Mr Marsh spoke to me on the subject and said he would rather be paid by the year[.] I promised to mention the matter to you but declined saying any more not knowing the relation of him & the Academical service to each other[.]

I can tell you about what time I expect to employ him. I think experimental lectures owe all their value to the experiments & visual illustrations which are given in conjunction with the theoretical details & it will be my object to make these demonstrations as distinct and impressive as possible. Judging from the time it occupies my assistant¹ here who however has other duties in the Laboratory mingling with those of the lecture table I think I should use Mr Marshs time in first preparing & then cleaning up & keeping in order for about 1 1/2 or 2 ordinary days for each lecture. I anticipate there would always be a little running work from the intention which I have of rendering the chemical establishment more & more complete as to its apparatus & preparation[.]

Hence you will be able to judge what a man so occupied ought to have[.]

I am Dear Sir | Very Truly Yours | M. Faraday

Coll Drummond | &c &c &c