Isambard Kingdom Brunel to Faraday   8 February 1844

Fby 8 1844.

My dear Faraday

A medical man Dr Ashburner a firm & honest believer in mesmerism is going to exhibit some experiments this evening in my house on several professional mesmerisees for my private edification. In his exceeding confidence of the truth of his creed he has expressed a wish that some philosopher like yourself shd test the experiments. Now if anything can tempt you to come and pay me a visit it would indeed give me great pleasure - besides that it is perhaps a very good opportunity of making some experiments - if they would interest you - as it is private - nobody is coming here but the Dr and my brother in law Dr Harrison¹ - at 8 1/2 this evening when I shall hope for you[.]

Yours very faithfully | I.K. Brunel