Faraday to Christian Friedrich Schoenbein   28 July 1858

Royal Institution | 28 July 1858

My dear Schoenbein

Though I date as above yet I am residing in the country & that has caused me to miss your friend M. Vischer¹ which I was very sorry for[.] I called in Golden square - and wrote a letter in hopes he might return there but have heard nothing yet direct from him.

But I saw Miss Schoenbein last Sabbath day² and she gave me the papers & letters from you & your portrait³ all of which I was very glad to have[.] I like the portrait very much & was vastly glad to have it[.] It is very like my old friend but I perceive he is getting a little a very little older - when you see my photograph which Miss Schoenbein has you will see that is my case but then I have the advantage of you by 8 or 10 years - and am getting not merely older but idler & that is a worse thing.

I like your summary⁴ brief as it is of your views very much & was just on the point of sending it off to Mess Taylor & Francis for the Phil Mag when I doubted a little about the latter end & as the date was too late for this month thought I would write to you. It is the part about Davy & the criticism on his view, & those of chemists generally. I have no objection to them for I think all hypotheses unwholesome unless accompanied by criticisms - but I was not sure whether you might object intending it for me only. As there is time tell me so in a short note before I send the M.S. to the Editors for their acceptance or judgment[.]

Miss Schoenbein seems quite well - So are we generally & so must you be considering your intentions[.] I have no philosophy for you I am idle

Ever Truly Yours | My dear friend | M. Faraday