Faraday to Joseph John William Watson   20 December 1852

Royal Institution | 20 Decr. 1852

Sir

On Saturday¹ I was at the Trinity House & consulted with the Secretary² who agreed with my general statement³ of what I had said to you & Mr. Presler⁴. It will therefore be expedient first to have a day of 8 hours at the Trinity house placing the Electric light in the Dioptric light room in the corner by the steps so as to have it as far from the French light as possible but with the sight clear from one to the other between the Iron pillars[.]

If the days trial is encouraging then a daily trial for a fortnight excepting Sunday of at least 8 hours each day will be required - also at the Trinity house. Upon the result of these trials further steps can be taken[.]

Now the single days trial might be this week excepting Saturday⁵ - but the successive trials could not well come on until the week beginning 10th January because of the possible absence of some who would have to regard the light from day to day. I leave it with you therefore to decide whether the single trial shall take place this week or at that time - & would be glad if you would let me know at once on what you decide and when the day is to be[.] Above all I most earnestly beg of you to produce no imperfectly prepared apparatus or any thing that requires excuse. If the apparatus is not yet complete keep it back until it is. The Trinity house has not time to Witness incomplete trials and it would only do harm to call their attention to any thing avowedly imperfect[.]

I think I have said nothing here to which you did not freely assent[.] If you make a trial this week let me know the day as soon as possible⁶[.]

I am Sir | Your Obedient Servant | M. Faraday

Dr. Watson | &c &c &c