Faraday to Peter Henry Berthon   30 May 1862

Royal Institution | 30 May 1862

My dear Sir

Besides the former questions¹ which may go either first or last, I should like the following to be put & answered²[.]

If this be a newly patented lime light what is the date of the Patent & who is the Patentee?³

In what essential (lighthouse) point does this lime light differ from that of Prosser?

In what essential (lighthouse) point does this lime light differ from that of the Hon: Major Fitzmaurice?

What is the essential point which makes it differ from & be superior to every other for lighthouse purposes?

I assume that you are about to write in answer to the application and intend to avoid personal communication until you see greater reason for it. I am glad of that for I am sure that any real superiority can be stated more clearly and more briefly in writing than in conversation; and then it with its data remains for a reference & a test at future communications[.]

Ever My dear Sir | Very Truly Yours | M. Faraday

P.H. Berthon Esqr