Faraday to Peter Henry Berthon   9 November 1861

Royal Institution | 9 Novr. 1861

Sir

I had examined the two waters from Beachy head¹. I found them very good chemically speaking soft - wholesome and containing no lead & only that small quantity of saline matter which is better present than absent. The Hattam² tank water however had a smell about it which the other had not due to organic matter but whether that was derived from a dirty bottle or cork I could not say. Your letter to me from the keeper at Beachy head shews that that is the ground of complaint. It is due to something which gains access to the water and I suspect is the result of a drain linking into the tank. I have known many cases where a like injury to well water has occurred in this way[.]

I have also examined the water brought away from Dungeness by the Argus³. It is very clear sweet & good - it is soft - contains no lead & only that minute proportion of ordinary saline matter which is desirable rather than not[.]

I have the honor to be | Sir | Your Very faithful Servant | M. Faraday

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