Faraday to John Frederick William Herschel   10 November 1832

Royal Institution | 10 Nov 1832

My Dear Sir

I received your letter introducing Dr. Robinson¹ but fear he was hardly worth such an honor from you[.] At his request I wrote to Cambridge introducing him as the Dr. Robinson you had introduced to me and I find that he has been borrowing Money of the persons there Professor Cumming² & others as he has also done of me. I cannot say he will not repay but under all circumstances I think I ought to let you know the result, that he may not use your name more than you would like elsewhere[.]

I am glad you like my last experiments³ and I have the more pleasure in receiving your commendation than that of another person - not merely because there are few whose approbation I should compare with yours but for another circumstance. When your work on the study of Nat Phil.⁴ came out, I read it as all others did with delight. I took it as a school book for philosophers and I feel that it has made me a better reasoner & even experimenter and has altogether heightened my character and made me if I may be permitted to say so a better philosopher⁵[.]

In my last investigations I continually endeavored to think of that book and to reason & investigate according to the principles there laid down[.]

I am therefore | My dear Sir | Your much indebted & obliged | M. Faraday

Sir J.F.W. Herschell | &c &c &c

Address: Sir J.F.W. Herschell | &c &c &c | Slough