Faraday, Michael (1891-1867) English chemist and physicist, known for his discoveries of electromagnetic induction and of the laws of electrolysis; he invented the electric motor. Autograph Letter Signed "M. Faraday," 1½ pp, 10 x 7¾ in., Royal Institution, Dec. 28, 1846. With integral address leaf and intact black wax seal with initials "MF". To French chemist Pierre Hippolyte Boutigy (1798-1884). He thanks Boutigny heartily for a book and adds, "I always think of you and your experiments with great interest. Last June…I gave our members an experimental illustration of your beautiful subject and shewed them some of the results which you shewed me. I added one which I do not see in your book though it comes near that made by M. Dumas [French chemist Jean-Baptiste Dumas] and described p. 102; by virtue of your spheroidal state I was enabled to freeze mercury in the red hot crucible with the utmost facility. First the crucible was made (spheroidal) red hot - then some ether introduced, then solid carbonic acid - and lastly a metallic capsule holding about an ounce of mercury was dipped into the spheroidal mixture until the mercury was frozen which happened in two or three seconds. It seemed very strange to dip the liquid mercury into the red hot crucible and bring it out frozen. I am not in good condition being under the Surgeon's hands for an affection of the knee…." Fine.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,200.