Charles Lock Eastlake to Faraday   23 October 1844¹

7 Fitzroy Square | 23 Octr. 1844

My dear Sir

Thank you for your clear and satisfactory statement respecting the lime². You have been very kind in reporting so fully on this matter, of this the Commissioners will be sensible. I have only now to hope that you will at your convenience let us have the benefit of your examination of the fragment of painting. I also venture to remind you of a wish I expressed that the proportions of stearine & elaine in lindseed, wall nut & poppy oil, and the respective drying power of stearine & elaine generally, & if those oils comparatively could be ascertained. This perhaps you can tell me from some other authority without much trouble to yourself but the analysis of the fragment of painting I recommend to your own careful & accurate investigation, as it is a matter of some consequence. The external varnish should be entirely removed first, because it is essential to determine whether there was any resinous matter in the body of the pigment together with oil. The superadded varnish ought not therefore to come into the account or vitiate this inquiry.

It is important to determine whether there is any extraneous very hard matter (of course in minute particles) in the body of the pigment besides the substance of the pigment itself.

The composition of the ground (probably size and whiting) it is also desirable to ascertain.

The nature of the pigments themselves is the least important point but will probably be apparent, & if so may be recorded, with the other facts.

I remain My dear Sir | Your obliged & faithful Servant | C.L. Eastlake

Professor Faraday | &c &c &c