Thomas Graham to Faraday   22 February 1837

Glasgow, Feb. 22, 1837.

My dear Sir,

Nobody can deplore more than I do the melancholy occasion of my addres‑sing you at the present moment, the death of our dear friend Dr. Turner¹. The chair in the London University which he leaves vacant, I am urged by my partial friends to apply for; & altho' I would be well pleased to continue a few years longer labouring quietly in provincial retirement, yet I am satisfied after reflection that it would be imprudent in me to neglect this opportunity of an introduction to the metropolis.

Altho' successful beyond my anticipations as a teacher in the Andersonian Medical School, yet I humbly rest my claim entirely upon my labors in the way of scientific research, which I may at least be allowed to say have been unremit‑ting & disinterested. I make bold to appeal to your sympathy in particular upon this ground.

I am well aware that no ordinary effort must be made by myself in the can‑vass which is likely to ensue, & I am afraid that I will be obliged to tax the kindness of my friends & of yourself especially to the uttermost. In the mean time I am collecting testimonials - I cannot venture to ask you to depart from the rule on which you act in regard to them on my account. But a favorable word from you, the acknowledged head of chemical science in London, to any of the University Professors or the distinguished individuals in the manage‑ment, particularly at an early period of the canvass, would be absolutely invaluable².

It will probably be required of me to present myself in person, & I propose to repair to London in the course of a few weeks, when I shall do myself the honor to wait upon you.

I remain | Dear Sir | Yours with much regard | Tho. Graham

To Michael Faraday Esquire &c &c

Address: Professor Faraday | Royal Institution | Albemarle Street | London