Faraday to Peter Henry Berthon   13 October 1863

Royal Institution | 13 Octr 1863.

My dear Sir

I have reread Mr. Chads former letter (9 Septr. 63¹) and my observations upon it (22 Sept / 63².) I really have nothing to add. I think that if he could with propriety see the latter, it would be sufficient for him:- for though I wished to speak gently, I shewed that I considered him not instructed either in principle or by practice in the matter with which he was trying to deal.

Mr Chads correspondence is so reserved in relation to the proposed battery that I have no desire to see him, & do not expect that any good will result from his coming to London: but if the Trinity house wish it shall be very happy to meet him. Prior to that, however, I think he ought to be informed, that the Trinity house cannot undertake to develop or perfect any principle:- cannot undertake to prove experimentally that a mere proposition brought before them without proof is unfit for lighthouse application:- cannot undertake any manufactory: cannot introduce any imperfect or uncertain arrangement into the lighthouse or any which they have not witnessed to the fullest extent[.]

If Mr Chad should come, I should require, on my part, & before any interview, a clear distinct & categorical statement in writing of the points which he intends to shew or prove by experiment;- also the requisite battery & apparatus necessary for the proof of the statements made when the interview takes place. I must decline entering into any mere discussion with one who is not advanced in either the principles or practices of Electricity.

For the purpose of keeping the subject together and within proper limits I should be glad of a documentary copy of his last letter to you (see 139.II[)]

I am | My dear Sir | Very Truly Yours | M. Faraday

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