Faraday to Henry Wyndham Phillips   14 March 1846¹

R Institution | 14 March 1846

My dear Sir

I am constrained to say in reply to what I consider great kindness on your part that I cannot let papers of the kind you mention lie on our tables. I have so often had to refuse others (one I mentioned to you) that I must not be partial and even if there were not that difficulty I could not for my own sake do it. Every body here knows that it could not be done without my consent & that would be seen to be considered as an expression of desire on my part. Whereas I have every reason to fear that the Institution has too much of me in the shape of likeness. As it is so much does not look well in the eyes of strangers[.] Whatever is done must be done out of my reach[.]

Ever Very Truly Yours | M. Faraday

H.W. Phillips