Henry May to Faraday   6 August 1846¹

5 Brunswick Place | City Road Aug 6th | 1846

Sir

I entreat your pardon for the trouble I am giving you. I have a new Gas and such as has never yet I believe been approached for power and purity - it has three and a half times the power of the present Gas and with the same burner consumes but three and a half feet in the time that five feet is consumed of the present Gas - it is so pure, without the slightest purification, that it is perfectly innoxious and will neither tarnish gold or silver nor will it injure the violet colour, it is manufactured with the utmost simplicity, and strange as it may appear it does not condense. I have some that has been made nine weeks next monday² and it has not wasted the eighth of an inch in a circular Gas holder 26 Inches in diameter on at least 30 Gallons of water. it is not made from coal and its brilliancy is surprising.

I am not a rich man and am desirous to better the condition of myself and family by it - and seeing that you have been continuing the purification of Gas in Buckingham Palace³ &c - I am certain for the Houses of Parliament - Palaces Churches - Theatres - Mansions and Club Houses saying nothing of the Banking houses and all large establishments - nothing has ever yet been discovered to compare to it. I address you as a gentleman of honor of whom I have heard so much (my wife being a cousin of Marsh's whose death⁴ no doubt was known to you from other sources than the newspapers, and who I believe learnt under you the chief knowledge he possessed in Chemistry)[.]

I shall be glad that you should share the emoluments, as coming on the world from you will at once stamp its fame (and of course I am assuming that you find all I state correct before you sanction it with your high name) its merits I have no fear for. I have kept it before for 9 weeks & found it much better for keeping, if I can venture to say so much of an article so pure and so good immediately it is made - if you will favour me with an interview I shall be happy to wait on you and give reference to my respectability. I see by todays paper that there is some difference in "the powers that be", respecting the lighting the new houses of Parliament⁵; again entreating your pardon and indulging the hope of a reply from you at your earliest convenience.

I have the honor to be | Sir Your Obedient Servant | Henry May

To | Farraday Esq | Professor &c &c &c