Isambard Kingdom Brunel to Faraday   c June 1837¹

To Mr Faraday

Thursday

Just run this through and read the latter part.

My dear Sir

As I must not see you may I write to you because otherwise I fear I may not be able to communicate so soon as I would wish.

I am about to use Kyans process on a very large scale². If I can come to terms with them otherwise I have been making some experiments on saturating with coal tar which if thoroughly done would appear to promise well. I want to ask you professionally from your late experiments do you think that the effect is deep in non resinous woods and how deep 1/2 1 2 or 3 inches - after a moderate say 7 days soaking.

Do you think that wood fresh soaked and only dried for 2 or 3 days would injuriously affect spikes nails bolts &c of iron.

Do you know anything of experiments having been made and results obtained by the use of copperas or arsenic?

I ask this information professionally because I am acting for a wealthy company and it is an affair of 40 to 50,000 - loads of timber but I should prefer having the answer in an unprofessional shape either vivâ voce or by letter which it is understood is not to be published or publicly made use of because although I know you are always correct and cautious yet the former mode will frequently convey more information and my object is not to seek responsibility from you but simply information for my own guidance.

Can I see you anytime tomorrow that is have you any particular appointments in case I should be unable to remain in town which I fear is impossible.

I will wait for an answer to this latter part.

Yours sincerely | I.K. Brunel

Endorsed by Faraday: 1837