Faraday to an unidentified correspondent   23 September 1865

I would gladly be of use if I can, but I fear it. Your Lordship knows that I resigned the Senate of the University of London¹, because loss of faculty, and especially memory, took away any useful power, and that loss goes on increasing. Yesterday was my seventy-fourth birthday, and that does not promise any improvement. Nor have I any medical education or experience to give me the force necessary. I would gladly help if I could, and have often thought of applying to Miss B. Coutts, but have felt discouraged. Does your Grace think it is desirable under such circumstances to place me on such a commission?²

M. Faraday