Edward Magrath to Faraday   12 February 1831

Athenaeum, 12th Feb. 1831.

Dear Sir,

Can you, from the few experiments you have made in this house, and from your knowledge on the subject of Lighting, answer the following Questions:

1. What is the ratio of light of an oil and gas burner?

2. What is the ratio of heat?

3. Is either sulphurous or sulphuric acid formed by the combustion of coal gas in the ordinary way?

4. From a gas light, properly regulated, is gas respired?

5. Will an oil or gas light soonest soil the ceiling of a room?

6. What effect will the heat evolved have on the temperature of a room?

7. What are the comparative effects of oil and gas lights on the quality of the air, light for light?

8. What are the comparative qualities of the light from oil and gas?

9. Taking all the circumstances into consideration, what, in your opinion, is the cause of the oppressive feeling complained of in certain rooms in the Athenaeum?

10. Why has oil been displaced by gas in the public rooms of the Royal Institution?

I remain, | Dear Sir, | Yours very sincerely, | E. Magrath, Secretary.

Michael Faraday, Esq.