Faraday to Peter Henry Berthon   3 December 1862

Brighton 3 Decr. 1862

Sir

I have received your letter¹, with the copy of one from Mr James Chad, the latter dated 27 November 1862².

Mr Chad is manifestly unacquainted (practically or experimentally) with the nature & requirements of lighthouse illumination. The Naphthalising of gas, either hydrogen, coal gas, common air, or other gases, has been long known & understood;- the application of heat to the gases to be Naphthalized is accompanied by no description, or any word which implies a knowledge of the consequences <therefore> - the proposed mixture of oxygen gas with the gas to be burnt is accompanied by no word or thought relating to possible explosion; - and the proposed use of the voltaic battery to provide gases for the illumination of the lighthouse, satisfies me that Mr Chad is so entirely unacquainted with the end in view & the means he proposes to obtain that end, that no possible good could result from his presence in London.

I am Sir | Your Very Obedient Servant | M. Faraday

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