Faraday to Peter Henry Berthon   23 June 1862

Royal Institution, 23rd June 1862.

Sir,

The letter which you sent me last Thursday¹ (which I now return) is from M. Berlioz², the Director of a Company existing in Paris for the manufacture and supply of Magneto-Electric Machines;- One of their machines is in the International Exhibition³; this he proposes to sell to you, either entirely or upon return, but mentions no price.

I am not aware that the Trinity House Authorities have advanced so far as to be able to decide whether they will require more Magneto-Electric Machines or not; or whether, if they should require them, they see reason to suppose the means of their supply in this country, from the source already opened to them, would not be sufficient. Therefore I do not see that at present they want to purchase a machine: but I am not in possession of the general opinion formed by the Deputy Master⁴ and Brethren of the general working of the present Magneto-Electric Light at Dungeness.

I have seen the Magneto-Electric machine which M. Berlioz refers to and think its light and action very good; but of course no comparison of it with other machines can be made under such circumstances.

I have, &c. | (signed) M. Faraday

P.H. Berthon, Esq., | &c. &c. &c.