Royal Institution. A feature of Faraday's character which I have
often noticed makes itself apparent in this entry. In his relations
to his wife he added chivalry to affection.


Footnotes to Chapter 1

[1] Here is Davy's recommendation of Faraday, presented to the
managers of the Royal Institution, at a meeting on the 18th of
March, 1813, Charles Hatchett, Esq., in the chair:--

'Sir Humphry Davy has the honour to inform the managers that he has
found a person who is desirous to occupy the situation in the
Institution lately filled by William Payne. His name is Michael
Faraday. He is a youth of twenty-two years of age. As far as Sir H.
Davy has been able to observe or ascertain, he appears well fitted
for the situation. His habits seem good; his disposition active and
cheerful, and his manner intelligent. He is willing to engage
himself on the same terms as given to Mr. Payne at the time of
quitting the Institution.

'Resolved,--That Michael Faraday be engaged to fill the situation
lately occupied by Mr. Payne, on the same terms.'

[2] Faraday loved this word and employed it to the last; he had an
intense dislike to the modern term physicist.

[3] To whom I am indebted for a copy of the original letter.