XXXV 



examination of proposed plans and experiments, in trials, &c. made as my 

 convenience would allow, and with an honest sense of a duty to be per- 

 formed, then I think it would consist with my present engagements. You 

 have left the title and the sum in pencil. These I look at mainly as regards 

 the character of the appointment ; you will believe me to be sincere in this, 

 when you remember my indifference to your proposition as a matter of 

 interest, though not as a matter of kindness. 



" In consequence of the goodwill and confidence of all around me I can 

 at any moment convert my time into money, but I do not require more of 

 the latter than is sufficient for necessary purposes. The sum therefore of 

 ^6200 is quite enough in itself, but not if it is to be the indicator of the cha- 

 racter of the appointment ; but I think you do not view it so, and that you 

 and I understand each other in that respect ; and your letter confirms me 

 in that opinion. The position which I presume you would wish me to 

 hold is analogous to that of a standing counsel. 



" As to the title, it might be what you pleased almost. Chemical ad- 

 viser is too narrow ; for you would find me venturing into parts of the 

 philosophy of light not chemical. Scientific adviser you may think too 

 broad (or in me too presumptuous) ; and so it would be, if by it was under- 

 stood all science. It was the character I held with two other persons at 

 the Admiralty Board in its former constitution. 



" The thought occurs to me whether, after all, you want such a person 

 as myself. This you must judge of ; but I always entertain a fear of taking 

 an office in which I may be of no use to those who engage me. Your ap- 

 plications are, however, so practical, and often so chemical, that I have no 

 great doubt in the matter." 



On the 4th he was made Scientific Adviser in experiments on lights to 

 the Corporation. 



For thirty years nearly he held this post. What he did may be seen in the 

 portfolios, full of manuscripts, which Mrs. Faraday has given to the Tri- 

 nity House, in which, by the marvellous order and method of his notes and 

 indices, each particle of his work can be found and consulted immediately. 



His first work was to make a photometer. Throughout the whole year 

 he was busy on the subject, making three photometers, and ascertaining 

 the capability and accuracy of the instruments. He also experimented on 

 the preparation of oxygen for the Bude light, drawing up the most exact 

 tables for the record of the manufacture; for example, the 10th of November 

 he says, " hence oxygen costs very nearly twopence per cubical foot ; exactly 

 1-909 pence." 



He was made Senator of the University of London ; Hon. Member of the 

 Society of Pharmacy of Lisbon and of the Sussex Royal Institution ; Fo- 

 reign Member of the Society of Sciences of Modena, and the Natural-His- 

 tory Society of Basle. 



Mt. 45 (1837). 



This year the 'Eleventh Series of Experimental Researches in Electricity' 



c 2 



