John Dickinson to Faraday and Faraday to Christian Friedrich Schoenbein   c9 March 1846 and 10 March 1846

Abbot's Hill | Hemel Hempstead

Dear Sir

I am much obliged to you for the perusal of the letter of Professor Schoenbein¹ but it would be impossible to pronounce on the value of his invention without more information. I should say that for writing & printing paper it could have no commercial value, because I cannot imagine anything more certain effectual & cheap than our present mode of sizing, which also do not deteriorate the colour of the paper, or at any rate have that effect in a very slight degree. If the process were very cheap & could be brought into operation without any distinct damping or drying, it might have a value in packing roofing & sheathing paper; but such is the state of trade that a great real intrinsic advantage, will realise but a very small increase in price.

If I can assist in turning the invention of Professor Schoenbein to any profitable account I should be most happy to do so & should consider any communication on the subject of it strictly confidential.

I remain | Dear Sir | very faithfully your's | John Dickinson

To | Dr Farraday

Dear Schoenbein - I send you the very letter which I have just received from Mr Dickinson. As I have opportunity I shall endeavour to submit your letter to the judgment of others here[.]

Ever Yours | M. Faraday

Address: Dr. Schoenbein | &c &c &c | University | Basle | on the Rhine

Postmark: 10 March 1846