George Gabriel Stokes to Faraday   25 October 1856

69 Albert Street Regent’s Park | Oct 25th 1856

My dear Sir,

I had hoped to have the honour of calling you by your name, but in a host of official R.S. letters the “Sir” slipped out unawares¹, and I was inclined to write my letter over again, but thought it was not worth while. But as you think it necessary to apologize I suppose I must keep to the “Sir” for I feel it due to your age and standing in the scientific world that you should make the change if any is to be made.

I know well that you carefully criticize your own papers. Still my optical studies render it so difficult for me to believe that the colour of the ruby glass is due to metallic gold² that I cannot be content without scrutinizing for myself. I shall take great interest in reading your paper when it is ready³.

I am dear Sir | Yours very truly | G.G. Stokes