Frederick Ransome¹ to Faraday   4 December 1860

Ipswich, Dec.4.

Dear Sir,- So much has been inferred and publicly stated to my disadvantage, as the result of your opinion expressed concerning the comparative merits of Mr. Szerelmey’s² process and mine for preserving the stone of the New Palace at Westminster³, that I hope you will pardon me for asking you whether your report was not in substance to the following effect:-

First.- That, although it appeared to you that the composition of Mr. Szerelmey rendered the stone at that time less absorbent of water than mine, it was impossible within so short a period as had elapsed from the time of the application of the two processes to come to any satisfactory conclusion as to which of the two would be more or less permanently beneficial; or whether either would ultimately be attended with failure or success.

Secondly.- I would further venture to ask you whether it is possible for the most able and competent judges, in the absence of chymical analysis, or a full knowledge of the details of the processes, to pronounce an opinion, within the time that had elapsed, upon the permanent and final effect of either process, which would justify its application at once to the entire surface of so important a building.

If you would kindly favour me with a reply at your early convenience, informing me how far I have in the foregoing fairly stated the facts of the case, and will, at the same time, express your consent that I may place the same before the public, for the purpose of correcting the erroneous statements which have been publicly made, I shall feel greatly obliged, and I beg to remain,

Dear Sir, your obedient servant, | Frederick Ransome.

M. Faraday, Esq., D.C.L., &c.