Faraday to the Managers of the Royal Institution   11 October 1861

Royal Institution | 11 October 1861.

To the Managers of the Royal Institution

Gentlemen,

It is with the deepest feeling that I address you.

I entered the Royal Institution in March 1813, nearly fortynine years ago; and, with the exception of a comparatively short period during which I was absent on the continent with Sir Humphry Davy, have been with you ever since.

During that time I have been most happy in your kindness, and in the fostering care which the Royal Institution has bestowed upon me. I am very thankful to you, and your predecessors, for the unswerving encouragement and support which you have given me during that period. My life has been a happy one and all I desired. During its progress I have tried to make a fitting return for it to the Royal Institution and through it to Science.

But the progress of years (now amounting in number to three score and ten) having brought forth, first, the period of development, and then that of maturity; have ultimately produced for me that of gentle decay. This has taken place in such a manner as to render the evening of life a blessing;- for whilst increasing physical weakness occurs, a full share of health free from pain is granted with it; and whilst memory and certain other faculties of the mind diminish, my good spirits and cheerfulness do not diminish with them.

Still I am not able to do as I have done. I am not competent to perform as I wish, the delightful duty of teaching in the Theatre of the Royal Institution; and I now ask you (in consideration for me) to accept my resignation of the Juvenile lectures. Being unwilling to give up, what has always been so kindly received and so pleasant to myself, I have tried the faculties essential for their delivery, and I know that I ought to retreat:- for the attempt to realize (in the trials) the necessary points brings with it weariness, giddiness, fear of failure and the full conviction that it is time to retire. I desire therefore to lay down this duty; and I may truly say, that such has been the pleasure of the occupation to me, that my regret must be greater than yours need or can be.

And this reminds me that I ought to place in your hands the whole of my occupation. It is, no doubt, true that the Juvenile lectures, not being included in my engagement as Professor, were, when delivered by me, undertaken as an extra duty, and remunerated by an extra payment. The duty of research, superintendence of the house, and other services still remains;- but I may well believe that the natural change which incapacitates me from lecturing, may also make me unfit for some of these. In such respects, however, I will leave you to judge, and to say whether it is your wish that I should still remain as part of the Royal Institution.

I am Gentlemen, with all my heart; | Your faithful and devoted Servant | M. Faraday¹