Faraday to John William Lubbock   6 December 1833

Royal Institution | 6 Dec 1833

My dear Sir

As I left the Royal Society Council last Thursday, I was full of regret - for I felt that I had been embarras[s]ing instead of assisting you¹. Not that I wish to negative in spirit any thing that I said but I ought to have remembered what I well know that labouring for the R.S. you are but feebly supported by others and that such an one as myself should not inadvertently throw obstacles in the way of business.

But it is such things as these which make me unfit for a Council or committee man. I have not time to go steadily through with the various points and yet I cannot remain a passive party - however I will try without compromising my opinion or becoming ineffective to behave better for the future[.]

I quite agree with you that the Men who would do the R.S. honor are generally poor men and that the opportunity of associating with men of their own feeling at the R.S. ought not to cost them four guineas a year[.] But you can judge far better on this point than I can. I thought there seemed a notion of making those who have compounded pay annually, that I think would be hard upon other poor men such as myself for instance - but I think the matter is in good hands[.]

With respect to Committees as you would perceive I am very jealous of their formation. I mean working committees. I think business is always better done by few than by many. I think also the working few ought not to be embarras[s]ed by the idle many and further I think the idle many ought not to be honored by association with the working few - I do not think that my patience has ever come nearer to an end than when compelled to hear in the examination of witnesses &c &c in committee the long rambling mal-apropros enquiries of members who still have nothing in consequence to propose that shall advance the business[.] But in all this too I will promise to behave as well as I can[.]

I only wish I were more at leisure that I might without neglecting experimental investigation be able to help you more effectually that I can do in your great object of supporting the Royal Society. I would then perhaps tell you what dreams of thorough change I have about it, but they pass away for as no plans to be useful should be put forward without being deeply & cautiously considered so neither should they be prosecuted in feebleness & indifference if once resolved upon. Now I have no time for either & therefore no right to talk of these things[.]

Ever Dear Sir | Very Truly Yours | M. Faraday

J.W. Lubbock Esq | &c &c &c