Faraday to the Trustees of the British Museum   20 August 1853

Royal Institution | 20 August 1853

My Lords & Gentlemen

I am engaged in the investigation of a great object in natural science, namely the relation of light to Electricity and Magnetism. I have advanced so far as to prove the influence and power of the two latter forces over a ray (Philosophical Transactions 1846 p1¹), and now hope to reverse the order and evolve or disturb these forces by the action of light. For these researches I need the use of a peculiar crystal of Silica. I have sought for such and have obtained some specimens; but they are too small to allow much hopes of success. In the British Museum I have found one, which for its clearness, size, position of the plagiedral planes, and other circumstances, is eminently fitted for the research, and I cannot find such another. Under these circumstances I take the liberty of making application for the loan of this crystal, for the service of science. It is about 13 1/2 inches long, 4 1/2 in diameter and is well known to Mr. Waterhouse and the attendants². I shall not, in the slightest degree, injure or even affect it; my only object being to pass a ray from the Sun through it whilst it is surrounded by a helix and in relation to a Galvanometer. I need hardly say that I will take the utmost care of it: my willingness at all times to assist the Museum authorities in the preservation of the objects under their care, when they think that I can, by my advice, aid them in such matters, will I hope give assurance in that respect³. I cannot tell for how long I may want it, for the experiments have to wait upon the Sun. If I could transport the apparatus to the British Museum I would propose that course; but the Galvanometer is an especial instrument from Berlin⁴, and requires fixing with the care of an astronomical instrument[.] I therefore hope that the Trustees will permit me the use of this crystal in the Royal Institution. I would express my own deep thanks for such a favour, but, that I feel it would be unmeet for me to offer private feelings or desires in such a case; and as I work for the pure good & advancement of science, I have no doubt that the Trustees will do all that lies within their power to aid me. If by the use of the crystal an affirmative result were to be obtained, it would give the specimen a value far beyond any it could possess as a simple mineralogical illustration⁵[.]

I have the honour to be | with profound respect | My Lords and Gentlemen | Your Very humble & faithful Servant | M. Faraday

To | The Trustees of | The British Museum

Endorsement: Acknowledged 23 Augt