Faraday to Julius Plücker   17 September 1861

Royal Institution | London | 17 Septr. 1861

My dear Profr. Plucker

The progress of decay in memory takes from me all recollection of when I wrote to you¹. Of late years I have kept a record of letters from abroad which I receive and of those I write in answer - but of late I find I forget to record[.] I have nothing to write about to you but I cannot let drop the kind feeling which is betwixt us and so I write without reason or excuse. I have indeed one thing to do - to acknowledge a very kind letter from you but the date is so long ago² that (if I have not written in reply) I will not say how long it is.

Your results on the gas spectra are exceedingly interesting³. What a wonderful branch of research that of the luminous lines has become and great honor belongs to Kirchoff & Bunsen for what they have done in the matter⁴[.] I was tempted to think a little about it but when I tried to experiment a little my memory of the results failed & I was obliged for the time to give it up⁵[.]

I am now luxuriating in the Country & in idleness.

Ever My dear Professor | Yours | M. Faraday