Faraday to William Pigott   3 November 1863¹

[Royal Institution embossed letterhead] | 3 Nov. 1863

Dear Sir,

I have been much interested and pleased with the reports you sent me regarding the Hunstanton Light². The manner in which the work has been checked, amended, and commented upon, by Captn Arrow & the Committee is very excellent. I agree with the proposition that it be now finally accepted, but hope the circumstances of its acceptance will do good.

It seems to me to be an odd thing to correct the burning of the lamp by using three wicks of a four-wicked lamp instead of the proper lamp of three wicks: the four-wicked lamp burner throws a greater shadow on the lower reflectors than the other; and the foci have a different relation to its flame. I cannot help thinking that the glasses in use with the lamp at the time of bad burning were too sharp in the shoulder, & so cut down the outer flame.

The instructions about the lamp & the foci (in my letter 1 Nov / 62³) were I believe right. The place of the foci meter must in all examinations have relation to the burner, - but the place of the burner must have relation to the out going or sea horizon ray.

Ever My dear Sir | Yours most truly | M. Faraday

Captn W. Pigott | Deputy Master | &c &c &c