Faraday to Jöns Jacob Berzelius   27 November 1838

To Baron Berzelius | &c &c &c &c

Royal Institution | 27, November 1838

Sir

It is with sincere gratitude to the Academy of Sciences of Stockholm that I offer through you my respectful thanks for the very high honor it has conferred upon me¹[.] I hope that my future exertions will not leave them any occasion to regret the mark of approbation so bestowed.

And to you My dear Sir allow me also to offer my earnest thanks for the value which your name and character has had upon me[.] When I was young & unknown the mere Laboratory assistant of Davy & Brande, I heard you so spoken of by all around especially by the late Dr. Marcet² that a lasting impres‑sion was made on my mind from which time you have seemed to me as a model of intellect & industry combined worthy the humble imitation of every lover of chemistry & science. I do not say these as words of course indeed I think that on the whole I am too reserved in my manner & communication, and now that the opportunity does occur for a few words I cannot make them altogether a reply to the official part of your letter; but breaking through formality, must let you know that I am not unconscious of or ungrateful for the kindnesses you have at several times shewn me[.]

Your asking for certain papers of mine makes me very proud. I have sent the Series ix. x. xi. xii & xiii³. to Mr Hudson of the Royal Society for you as they appeared. xi. xii. & xiii. I found a day or two ago were not gone but will go immediately. Series ix & x have I fear been lost on the road or perhaps you will still receive them[.] ix I cannot find but x and xiv⁴ I will send by favour of Mr. Tottie⁵[.]

I am preparing a reprint in one volume of the electrical papers⁶ & shall then have the honor of sending a copy to the Academy[.]

I am | My dear Baron | Your Obliged & faithful Servant | M. Faraday