474 The Faraday Centenary, [June 17, 



New Haven, Conn., U.S.A., 

 May 25, 1891. 

 My Dear Sir, 



Your note has been received informing me that T have been 

 elected an Honorary Member of the Royal Institution of Great 

 Britain. Please express to the Managers of the Institution my high 

 appreciation of the distinguished honor which has been conferred on 

 me. I regret that my engagements are not likely to permit me to be 

 present at the interesting occasion of the centennial which is to be 

 celebrated. 



I remain, Sir, with sincere respect, yours faithfully, 



J. WiLLARD Gibes. 



Washington, June 1, 1891. 



Sir, 



I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of the invitation with 

 which you have honoured me, in the name of the Eoyal Institution 

 of Great Britain, to be present at the Centenary of the birth of 

 Faraday and receive the Diploma of honorary membership of the 

 Institution. 



No ordinary engagements would be allowed to prevent my attend- 

 ance at a celebration of such interest by an Institution whose name 

 and organization are so intimately associated with the greatest of 

 experimental physicists. But physical disability renders it im- 

 prudent to undertake a journey abroad at the present time. I can 

 therefore only assure you of my very high appreciation of the honour 

 done me, and my extreme regret that I cannot be present in person 

 to receive it. 



I am, with high respect, your most obedient servant, 



Simon Newcomb. 



University of Rome. May 22, 1891. 

 Sir, 



In reply to your communication informing me of the honor just 

 conferred on me at the General Meeting of the Royal Institution of 

 Great Britain, I can but express my earnest thanks and assure you 

 of the deep sympathy I feel in all that has been, or may be done, to 

 honor the memory of Michael Faraday. 



"With regard to my attending the lectures I fear it will be extremely 

 difficult, as although the University courses finish about the middle 

 of June, they are followed immediately by a long series of examina- 

 tions which carry us into the middle of July. I must reserve, there- 

 fore, my acceptance, but it would give me great satisfaction to be 

 present besides procuring me the pleasure of becoming personally 

 acquainted with many colleagues whom I have not the advantage of 

 knowing. 



