Faraday to John Phillips   21 October 1859¹

[Royal Institution embossed letterhead] | 21 Octr. 1859. | Albemarle St | London W.

My dear Phillips

I have received your letter of the 15th September². I have several times considered, very carefully, the matter it refers to, namely the Humboldt testimonial³, and I cannot bring myself to think that it is a step in the right direction. Humboldt’s memory cannot, according to my view, be honored by any act of the kind. A feeling of the highest and finest character belongs to the name; and in my opinion that feeling is lowered by the association of the name with any thing partaking of the character of a testimonial. No such act can, in any shape, do honor to Humboldt’s memory; for that stands alone in its glory. On the contrary, the system has been abused so frequently of late, that I, for one, feel Humboldt’s name would be hurt by association in any way with it.

As to the aid that may come to science by the means proposed, I do not think that any who may be willing to yield it, would not do so as freely for science’[s] own sake, as for the sake of an oblique and posthumous association with the name of Humboldt. Indeed I cannot bring my mind to the conclusion that, Humboldt himself would, if he were in the flesh, approve of such a motive and manifestation.

Nevertheless, doubting my own judgment, and seeing how many appear to be in favour of the proceeding, of whose judgment and feeling I cannot but think most highly, I beg to fill up the paper you have sent me for the sum of £5; and enclose it in this letter. I hope you will bear with these remarks. I should not have felt true to you and myself if I had not made them[.]

Ever My dear Phillips | Most truly Yours | M. Faraday