Faraday to Charles Stokes   16 October 1832

Royal Institution | 16th Octr. 1832

My dear Sir

The substance you sent me is of animal origin and I think may have been originally animal fat but I cannot assert that for it is just possible that it may be analogous in its source to adipocere though it differs from that body at present and from all other varieties of fat with which I am acquainted[.] This difference & the present state of the matter is probably due to the prolonged action of Sea water upon it¹[.]

Its most marked characters after those which decide it as a fatty body are the comparatively high temperature which it requires for fusion (above 212°) its being somewhat heavier than water - and its being but slowly acted upon by alkalis. It is not in the state of fatty acid analogous to the margarine acid &c &c &c of Chevreul²[.]

I imagine some accident sufficiently rare in its occurrence yet common place in its character must have put the mass where it was found[.]

I am | My dear Sir | Most Truly Yours | M. Faraday

Charles Stokes Esq | &c &c &c

Endorsed: M. Faraday 16 October 1832[.] Lump of animal fatty matter from the Donegal Man of War[.]

Address: Charles Stokes Esq | &c &c &c | Verulam Bdgs | Grays Inn