Faraday to John Stevens Henslow   3 January 1851

R Institution | 3 Jany 1851

My dear Sir

I found that if I did not prepare the tubes at once¹ I might not be able to do so for months so you will shortly receive a box with the four named[.] I have tried to put up the phosphorous dry it was very good but I fear the surface will alter it does so either in or out of water. The chlorine colour is scarcely sensible unless you look along the tube. The bromine atmosphere is far more sensible or rather visible. The sealing of the Chlorine & bromine tubes is rather a ticklish matter for both act on the glass & the latter is very volatile. Both are safe now & I trust will reach you so. Remove the cork protections carefully. Beware of the bromine if the tube should break at the end for the vapour is very deleterious[.]

Ever Most Truly Yours | M. Faraday

Professor Henslow | &c &c &c