Faraday to Joseph Ellison Portlock   9 February 1852¹

Royal Institution | 9th February 1852

My dear Portlock

As I have already intimated to you in conversation it is my wish to retire from the duty of delivering the chemical lectures in the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich provided that can be without inconvenience to the Establishment. For Twenty two years I have been honored with a hearing there but my memory is failing me & I feel it to be right that I should restrict the field of my exertions. I have long felt that if it were possible the Gentlemen Cadets should have practical instruction combined with the lectures and as far as I can judge of your propositions for a certain amount of change² (though of course I cannot tell how far they consist with the other arrangements of the Academy) they have my full approbation[.] Hoping that you will succeed in arranging all to your own satisfaction & for the good of the Academy and with kindest wishes & remembrances to my friends there

I remain | My dear Portlock | Ever Very Truly Yours | M. Faraday

Coll Portlock RE | Inspector | &c &c &c | Royal Military Academy | Woolwich Common