Faraday report to Trinity House   19 May 1862

Royal Institution. | 19th May 1862.

Sir

On the 21st of February last I sent to you a report¹ on the state of the Magneto electric light at Dungeness, and referring to the requisite care and intelligence of the keepers expressed my gladness “when the Deputy master² & committee concluded that this case of the Electric light ought to be made exceptional for the present; that two intelligent young men should be appointed keepers; that they with the engineers should be fully instructed; that after a certain time when declared competent they should be examined;- and if found competent the light should then be reopened with the Engineer as chief keeper - &c”

Two such keepers named Binney³ and Chaplin⁴ have been appointed, instructed, and exercised; and on the 12th & 13th instants I was at the lighthouse (the Deputy master & committee and also Profr. Holmes & Mr. Jas. Chance being present) and examined these Keepers, both by word of mouth & practice with the light. I am of opinion that they, with the Engineer, are competent to take charge of the light, and therefore according to the intention above expressed the Electric light may be reopened whenever the Deputy master and Brethren may think fit; and so the real evidence respecting manageability - power of light - constancy of action - fitness for duty - permanency - peculiar advantages - and expense - may be obtained by continued & public use under the observation of the maritime world.

The steam boilers have been jacketted, the machine room with its ceiling put into excellent order.- Certain alterations in the lantern respecting the course of the stove pipe & a shelter from the rain and dust entry by the cowl have not yet been made, but should be done by or before winter.

I noticed in the former report that the prisms of the optic apparatus do not intercept all the light that proceeds generally towards them; and said that in an apparatus so new and original as this I was prepared to accept them for the present case, but that in future apparatus this escape should be provided against. This is my opinion still #. In reference to a new optic apparatus Mr. Chance and I think there should be many changes in size, arrangement, adjustments &c but we reserve all these points for longer & future consideration, aided by the instruction that will arise from the results of experience. We believe the present apparatus is abundantly sufficient to supply every proof that can be desired to establish the fitness or the contrary of Magneto electric light for lighthouse purposes⁵.

# These apparatus which are of the 6th order according to the modes and practices derived from the use of the oil lamp; for no other practice had these been obtained.