Frederick Madan to Faraday   13 September 1842¹

Trinity House | Septr 13th / 40 [sic]

My dear Sir

I regret that I was not here when you called. My attendance is not very regular now that I am only junior Member of the Light Committee.

I am much obliged to you for your explanation. I conclude from it that you do not think the effect at 20 or 30 miles distance would be different from that at the length of a room, which was the point to which I alluded in the observation in my last², that it would be difficult to prove it practically. I think it turns upon the facility with which the alteration can be made; if there is any difficulty I would give it up, & only raise the Lamp if it can be done easily, I would do it.

I believe it has been determined that the principal ray shall be directed to the surface at 15 miles distant, & that Mr. Wilkins has been instructed accordingly.

I am sure this note requires no answer[.]

Yours in haste | very sincerely | Fredk Madan

I rejoice to find that you are about to take in hand the ventilation of the reflecting Light Lanterns. I would have set you to work two years ago, if I had had my will.

You will find Beachy Head Light the best to begin with, as it has thirty Lamps, & it is near at hand, only a few miles from Eastbourn, or Newhaven.