Faraday to William Edmond Logan¹   4 April 1864

London, Royal Institution. | 4th April, 1864.

My dear Sir William,

I received a few days since, by the kindness of Lord Monck², the copy of your great work the Geological Survey of Canada³. It called up in my mind the many and strong impressions which yet remain there associated with your figure, character and personality;- received at the time of the Great Exhibition in 1851. How the lapse of time since then had changed things, i.e. how it has changed me; and in my change it is quite a happiness to be thrown back awhile upon the recollections of the past. For they are very pleasant to me, and I thank you most earnestly for such a reminder.

I am getting somewhat old and my hand refuses to carry the pen over the paper as steadily and freely as it used to do; but here I am still surrounded by the kindness and love of all my friends. Tyndall, Frankland, Dr. Bence Jones and many others comfort me continually. Discovery has come to an end with me, save that I rejoice in the discovery of others; and indeed knowledge is progressing wonderfully.

I wish I knew more of geology than I do, but my memory is gone, and I never had the opportunity of observing in the fields the valleys and the mountains. I hear of you continually from the men I most value.

Ever my dear Sir William, yours most truly, | M. Faraday