Faraday to an unidentified Royal Academician   10 May 1858

Royal Institution: May 10, 1858.

My dear Friend,

I am puzzled how to answer your note of the 8th, and our meeting in the evening¹ only adds to my difficulty. The much occupation I have here, the continual delay of the pursuit of my own researches (a delay now extending over two years), and the weariness of head and health resulting from this continued occupation, had made me resolve never to sit again.

There are two or three who claim the first right if I break through the determination, but they are content with such an answer. Nevertheless, if I sit to you now, having done so very frequently, on two former separate occasions, I think they will have a just right to complain. I think you said that I had promised this to you. I do not remember any distinct promise, but as you have understood it so, I will endeavour to arrange for six sittings; I trust that they will be sufficient to complete the last picture (which was left off very suddenly), and then, if I have health and strength, I must go to my research. I think, as far as I can see, that Tuesday mornings, early, would suit my arrangements.

I understood you to say on Saturday², that it was for my sake that you desired to paint another picture. Notwithstanding the high compliment which this implies, all the reasons having relation to me are against it. I should give offence to others, whom I esteem most highly. I want my time, if well enough, for thought and research; exhausting as these are to me, I want time for rest and health. Twice before have I for long periods together been a burden to your genius; and I have arrived at such a time of life as to be no longer vain of what may well be considered as a distinction. I am quite prepared to do what I have said for your sake, but find no motive in any circumstance that is connected with my own.

Ever yours faithfully, | M. Faraday