Faraday to William Buckland   8 June 1847

Royal Institution | June 8, 1847

My dear Buckland

We talked about a certain course of lectures and Dr. Carpenter¹ but our talk was quite private & therefore when I hear others speak who have been spoken to on the matter I cannot join in consciously²[.]

I find however that three or four different sets of impressions are by this desultory mode brought into existence and I therefore mention it to you giving you (still in a private manner) my own impressions. I think it would be better when the time comes to communicate that we should hear from & communicate with the Trustees or with some one deputed by or representing them than to hear from the Lecturer only or from his friends which is one shape assumed by the (probably inaccurate) reports reaching me.

Again I may say that we cannot shut out the Members & subscribers to our Institution from any lectures given in it & I think we could not shut out the subscribers to the whole season of lectures here but I do not think this arrangement would bring more of our people than have usually attended Dr. Carpenters lectures at our house³ & that would be but a small number compared to what the room will hold.

We spoke together of the Trustees having the power to admit by a certain No of Tickets 100 or 200 or what may be thought right. We could not open our doors to the Public in an unrestricted manner and yet I think it would be desirable to know before-hand the bodies, members of which are to be admitted or else that we should have the assurance by a trustee ticket of their respectability and fitness in the room.

I am writing without communication with any body else and entirely for the purpose of limiting the variety of reports & understandings which might else if they assumed a semi official character become embarrassing.

Ever Yours | M. Faraday

The | Very Reverend | The Dean of Westminster | &c &c &c