Richard Owen to Faraday   8 January 1844

R. Coll. of Surgeons, Jan. 8th / 44.

Dear Faraday,

When Clift¹ was a young boy (he still is one though somewhat older) he one day had a holiday to catch bees and other live things for John Hunter²: he found a frog with five legs: Hunter was delighted, gave him half a crown & made a preparation of the quinqueped monster. As everything is balanced in time I suppose your example³ is the unhappy individual fated to pay for his ancestor's profusion and it seems that they were also destined to come together and preach a perpetual lesson of moderation. If one frog has five legs another must have three: the proper quantity only being allowed.

I need not add that I shall receive the specimen with many thanks. I shall not be able to attend the Zoological tomorrow evening, but if Barlow should wish to exhibit it himself or by a friend, it can be sent to the College from Hanover Square the next morning⁴.

Ever your's, | Richd. Owen.

Would you oblige me with the address of the Manufactory entrusted to execute your improved mode of burning gas?⁵