Faraday to Edward William Brayley   28 February 1854

Royal Institution | 28 Feby 1854

My dear Sir

In signing certificates it is not my inclination but my rules which govern. I am sorry your case does not come in my rules but perhaps I am wrong & have forgotten and you may have a paper in the P. Trans. then I sign at once. In the absence of that qualification the other is some striking and philosophical work or operation like the construction of the Crystal Palace - or the first Submarine telegraph cable or some other object of equal interest & importance that I may be a judge of. I am very sorry that I cannot do myself the pleasure of signing on the present occasion but I am obliged to deny myself almost weekly at this time of the year¹.

Ever Truly Yours | M. Faraday

E.W. Brayley Esq | &c &c &c