Faraday to Angela Georgina Burdett Coutts   19 January 1847¹

Royal Institution | 19 Jany 1847

My dear Miss Coutts

Mr Barlow tells me that he has written to you through a friend, and, therefore, I am moved to add (I hope not impertinently) a word. If you are half inclined to join the Royal Institution as a Member², let me say it would be a great pleasure to me to find, finally, that you were entirely resolved. For twenty years I have devoted all my exertions & powers for the advancement of Science in this Institution; and for the last ten years or more I have given up all professional business & a large income with it, for the same purpose; and, I am happy to say I have my reward. You will not wonder therefore that I am earnest, enthusiastic, & perhaps too forward in such a cause; but, at all events, you will not charge me with any thing selfish in the matter. And after all, though I earnestly desire to see Lady Members received amongst us, as in former times, do not let any thing I have said induce you to do what may not be quite agreeable to your own inclinations[.]

I am as always | Your Very Obliged Servant | M. Faraday