Faraday to Justus Liebig   17 July 1855

Royal Institution | London | 17 July 1855.

My dear Liebig

Now that I think of writing to you, it seems very long since I wrote last, and I seem as if I had left a pleasure unenjoyed:- but I have often thought of you, & had thoughts even of seeing you; though ever as the proposed time drew near, things before unthought of grew into realities, & the dreams which seemed sometimes as lively as realities, passed away;- & so it is with our life and so I suppose it ought to be. But the thoughts of you are pleasant; and my wife & I often think of the days at York¹, and then set too, to imagine what the years between then & now have done with you. I do not mean as to progress, discovery, and fame for that we know; but as to the personality of the Man Liebig, whose company and converse we enjoyed so much there, that it has left an enduring impression on my failing memory. We both desire to recall ourselves by that time to your kindliest remembrance of us.

And now I want to ask you to do me a favour if it lies within your power.- My nephew Mr. Frank Barnard, who desires to improve himself in Art as applied in Art manufacture, has been in Paris for some years & now purposes to visit Munich, that he may profit by its schools & Art treasures. I should be glad if you could give him the opportunity of a few minutes conversation, and if you know what he ought to do to gain admission to the places of study, to tell him. He is earnest to advance himself, but of course needs the information, which he can gain only by enquiry: If you can in this respect put him in the way it will be a great kindness to him & to me. I am quite sure he will not trouble you more than you will desire.

I hardly know who of my friends is in Munich with you:- for my memory fails me & I forget persons in relation to places. I know that I have many friends every where, & not as I am aware of one enemy or one who dislikes me. I ought to be grateful.

Ever My dear Liebig | Yours Most truly | M Faraday

Profr. Liebig | &c &c &c

Address: The | Baron Liebig | &c &c &c &c | Munich