Louis Napoleon to Faraday   1840¹

Le Pn Napoléon fait ses compliments à M. Faraday et le remercie des renseignements qu’il lui a transmis il y a quelques semaines; il espère que ce n’est pas abuser de sa complaisance que de lui adresser aujourd’hui la question suivante: Quelle est la plus grande dimension que l’on peut donner à la mousse de platine. (cette préparation chimique du métal qui a la propriété d’inflammer l’hydrogène). Le Pn sera tres obligé à Monsieur Faraday s’il veut bien lui répondre un de ces jours, quand il n’aura rien de mieux de faire, car il serait desolé de le détourner même pour un moment de ses occupations qui sont si importantes pour la science.

1 Carlton Gardens, Friday.

TRANSLATION

The Prince Napoleon presents his compliments to Mr. Faraday and thanks him for the information which he sent him several weeks ago; he hopes that it is not an abuse of his goodwill to address to him today the following question: What is the greatest dimension that one can give to platinum wool. (The chemical preparation of the metal which has the property of setting light to hydrogen). The Prince would be very obliged to Mr. Faraday if he would be kind enough to reply to him one of these days, when he has nothing better to do, for he would be distraught to turn him away for a single instant from his works which are so important for science.

1 Carlton Gardens, Friday.