Faraday to Miss Hume   23 January 1839¹

I believe there are very few of a philosophical nature. This has often surprised me, for his mind² was very active amongst such subjects, and frequently when he has come in, whilst I have been experimenting, the quickness with which he has caught and canvassed the idea under investigation, has struck me, and made me wish again, and again, that he would turn experimenter. So correctly did he catch my thoughts and views, that I have often gone to him, as the combined philosopher and scholar, for new words, and several that are now current in electrical science, we owe to him³.

Again, in medical cases, his penetration and judgment often surprised me. I was personally much indebted to him in the matter of health, and so were many of my friends, and when he had occasion to attend us, his attention and kindness were never weary. But, besides that, he appeared to have such a clear perception of the nature of the derangement of the system and to pass so well from the mere symptoms, to the true cause of the derangement, and after that, to apply the needful remedies so well, and so quickly, that, though unable to judge of these matters, except from experience, I certainly always considered him as a most philosophic, and yet, a most practical, and safe physician.

All here who knew him, remember, and will continue to remember him; all regret his loss. I never knew a man, who so quickly, and so generally, left pleasant impressions on the minds of those who came into his company:- and then, that we should be so suddenly struck with the news of his death, when we were in a manner, waiting for his re-appearance amongst us!

I owe very much to the kindness of those, who are, or have been around me in life, but in the remembrance of them, Dr. Nicholl's character stands very separate, and independent, and I think will ever do so. I can wish nothing better to his boy, than, that in all these respects, he may prove like his father.

I have the honour to be, | Dear madam, your's very faithfully | M. Faraday

Royal Institution. | Jan. 23, 1839.