Faraday to William Buckland   8 December 1830

Royal Institution | Dec 8th 1830

My dear Sir

I have received your packet¹ and as to its contents the little piece of resin is shell lac - the three portions are I think some gum resin but they are so imbued with oil of turpentine that it is now impossible to say what has been their precise origin. They may be bits of old varnish and I think a little oil is present in them. At all events they are very combustible but will not inflame of themselves[.] The tar generally has been imbibed with oil or spirits of turpentine not common turpentine & I imagine it is now some time since that was done.

From your description of the ball I have little doubt it was made to burn[.] Tar mixed with shell lac & combustible resins then made into a ball; fastened round with wire this covered with more tar the whole impregnated with spirits of turpentine & attached to a string could only be so arranged for the purpose of making a blazing ball. The ball would not inflame of itself but would burn furiously when inflame & allow of being thrown through the air without being extinguished[.]

You have possession of the circumstantial evidence belonging to this ball & can best judge of its intended application. But allow me to suggest one cause for its existence. It is not unusual with boys on Guy Faux² night to make such ball[s] & slinging them by thick string or wire to light them & wheel them about until extinguished and I have seen them used on such occasions as blazing foot balls[.] Can this have been intended for such a purpose? The 5th Nov has not long passed bye. If not I am sorry for it. My impression is that the ball was prepared for burning. Pray had it been alight? was its exterior blackened or burnt[.]

With best respects to Mrs Buckland I am dear Sir | Most faithfully but I | fear illegibly | Yours | M. Faraday

Rev: Dr. Buckland | &c &c &c

Address: Revd. Dr. Buckland | &c &c | Christ Church | Oxford