Faraday to Peter Mark Roget   15 April 1831

R Institution | April 15. 1831

Dear Sir

I have spoken to Mr. Daniell & as far as we can answer question[s] without Committee¹ that if Mr Swainson’s² to you is answered in the affirmative i.e. that Mr Swainson should cut the Engravings[.] But it is irregular to order engravings &c &c before the Committee know any things about the paper & Mr. Daniel[l] tells me that from the arrangements made there might perhaps not be room[.] There is a Journal Committee on Monday. Can Mr Swainson or You send us the paper for that meeting &c &c so as to put things in right order³.

I return you E Davy’s⁴ paper. I am not sure he is not right in the main point of a compound between Chlorine & Nitrous gas but the reasons are put so vaguely & embarrassed by so much little particular detail that weakens instead of strengthens the argument that the paper would not convince me & I should be obliged to make experiments before I should feel satisfied⁵[.] This I have not time to do nor should it be expected. The paper ought to tell the story clearly. If the compound exists & if the account of it had been of one half the length of the paper I should say it would be fit for the Transactions[.]

You will be aware that for the Next three Thursdays I shall not be able to be at the RS. Council (should they happen to fall on those days)[.]

Ever Dear Sir | Truly Yours | M. Faraday

Dr Roget | &c &c &c