Berkeley Westropp to Faraday   19 October 1831

Oct 19, 1831

Sir,

The attention of the Committee of the RH Society having been called by Timy A. Curtis¹ Esq. Vice President of the Institution, to the impression which exists among Sailors and others, that the solution of the copper from the ships bottoms, and the filth which is occasionally brought by them from Foreign Ports, has impregnated the water in the London dock, and that an immersion in it is certain death, and as in furtherance of the objects of the Institution, it is desirable to remove so groundless a prejudice, I have by desire of the Committee procured two bottles of the London dock water with great care, which I have the honor to send you herewith, as you have kindly expressed your willingness to I.K. Brunel Esq to ascertain whether any admixture of water destructive to human life by imbibing really exists.

If it should prove the apprehensions which prevail are groundless, the Committee are anxious to give the subject as much publicity as they possibly can, with a view to remove them, I am therefore instructed to solicit that you will favor them with your report of the result of your experiments.

I have the honor | &c | B. Westropp | Secy

Michael Faraday | Royal Institution | Albemarle St.