Faraday to Charles Babbage   30 January 1832

Royal Institution | Jany 30 1832

My dear Sir

The person I thought of for chemistry has left his occupation & can be of no use to your friend[.]

Do you think my assistant Mr Pearsall would do (not my own servant Anderson whom you saw today). He is engaged all day but could have his evenings as a favour but he cannot have pupils in the laboratory[.] I have not spoken to him but if you think he would do, and he knows plenty for the purpose being really a good chemist but very prosy & prolix in his language, he should call on your friend - only let terms be made before business is entered upon for then there can be no mistake[.]

Your shilling is an alloy of Silver and Zinc i.e of standard silver & zinc. The copper in it is no more I believe than the usual alloy of silver[.] There is no nickle - I have not ascertained proportions[.]

Will you allow me to offer you a copy of my last paper¹[.] If you look at it I wish you would begin at the end. I am really anxious to obtain an opinion however vague from such a man as yourself or Sir John Herschell on the paragraphs 128. 129. at page 340 - But do not go from more serious matter to it[.] Only take it up as recreation when you wish to forget the Engine²[.]

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

Charles Babbage Esq | &c &c &c