Faraday to James Timmins Chance   4 May 1860

[Royal Institution embossed letterhead] | 4 May 1860

My dear Sir

Can you & will you help me. I want a short right angled prism of glass of about this size the thickness a being from ¾ to 1 inch[.] It is for total reflexion so that the three right angled faces would require polishing but the two triangular faces not. The point however is that it should be moderately good glass and if I set our workers here about it I shall be delayed by the plea that perfect glass is not to be had. Does it so happen that you occasionally may have a spare piece not perfect but moderate in quality which you could let me have out of which I could get a prism cut approaching the size I have drawn. If I am imprudent in my enquiry tell me so at once.

Many thanks for your reply¹ to my Airy note².

With kindest remembrances to Mrs Chance believe me Ever Truly Yours | M. Faraday

Jas Chance Esq | &c &c &c