Faraday to Peter Henry Berthon   25 August 1861

2 Wentworth Place¹ | Newcastle on Tyne

Sir

Your letter² with a copy of one from Major the Hon Fitzmaurice I have here. With regard to the latter I have to observe that if you wish me to understand that you desire to entertain the proposition, then I should refer the applicant to the series of preliminary questions which he has had before, in relation to a lime light³. I have not the questions here but the Major can very easily select those which apply to the new proposition; and of himself with his knowledge of lighthouse matters supply the further information which the Trinity House may, or is likely to, deem necessary[.]

I may remark that a gas flame is likely to differ much in form from an oil flame:- that a gas flame 5 inches high will probably be accompanied by a contraction in the width:- that it will then give more vertical divergence & less horizontal divergence than the oil flames now in use:- & that it would doubtless require new focal adjustments in respect of the place of the burner[.]

I cannot but feel that a successful application of gas to First order lighthouses might very frequently offer great advantages[.]

As, in a general point of view, there can be but one best light for a first order lighthouse;- as the Trinity house do not intend (as I suppose) to occupy itself with an acknowledged or expected inferior light:- as Major Fitzmaurice has now I think two if not three or more propositions for lights before the board:- it appears to me that he should select one of these propositions as that which he knows to be best, and withdraw the others (in writing) from consideration. If he has not made up his mind which is best, I submit that it is for him to experiment and determine that point & not for the Board to do so:- for it is manifest that if an inventor cannot do that, it is just as likely that none of his plans should be feasible as that all should surpass the present practical arrangements⁴[.]

I am Sir | Your Very Obedient | faithful Servant | M. Faraday

25 Aug 1861

P.H. Berthon Esqr | &c &c &