Faraday to William Smith   3 January 1859¹

Royal Institution | of Great Britain | (stamped) 3d. Jany 1859

Dear Sir

Many thanks to both you and Mr. Bentley². Mr. Murray made me an unlimited offer like that of Mr. Bentley’s³ many years ago, but for the reasons I am about to give you I had to refuse his kindness. He proposed to take them by short hand & so save me trouble - but I knew that would be a thorough failure. Even if I cared to give time to the revision of the M.S. still the Lectures without the experiments & the vivacity of speaking would fall far behind those in the lecture room as to effect:- and then I do not desire to give time to them for money is no temptation to me. In fact I have always loved science more than money & because my occupation is almost entirely personal I cannot afford to get rich.

Again thanking you & Mr. Bentley | I remain | Very Truly Yours | M. Faraday

Wm. Smith Esqr | &c &c &c

I am much obliged for your promise of a ticket for the Portrait Gallery⁴. | MF.

Endorsement: Copy of a letter from Mr. Faraday to Wm. Smith in answer to an application made by the latter on behalf of Mr. Bentley to be allowed to publish the lectures delivered to a juvenile audience.