He had the art of making philosophy charming, and this was due in no little measure to the fact that to grey-headed wisdom he united wonderful juvenility of spirit.... Hilariously boyish upon occasion he could be, and those who knew him best knew he was never more at home, that he never seemed so pleased, as when making an old boy of himself, as he was wont to say, lecturing before a juvenile audience at Christmas.
Caroline Fox (in “Memories of Old Friends”), under date June 13th, 1851, wrote in her journal:—
We went to Faraday’s lecture on “Ozone.” He tried the various methods of making ozone which Schönbein had already performed in our kitchen, and he did them brilliantly. He was entirely at his ease, both with his audience and his chemical apparatus.
In the diary of H. Crabb Robinson is an appreciation of Faraday of some interest:—
May 8th, 1840.... Attended Carlyle’s second lecture. It gave great satisfaction, for it had uncommon thoughts and was delivered with unusual animation.... In the evening heard a lecture by Faraday. What a contrast to Carlyle! A perfect experimentalist with an intellect so clear. Within his sphere un uomo compito.
Many references to Faraday’s lectures occur in the life of Sir Richard Owen (published 1894), chiefly extracted from Mrs. Owen’s diary. Two or three extracts must suffice:—
1839, Jan. 8th. At eight o’clock with R. to the Royal Institution to hear Faraday lecture on electricity, galvanism, and the electric eel. Faraday is the beau idéal of a popular lecturer.
1845, Jan. 31. To Faraday’s lecture at the Royal Institution. The largest crowd I have ever seen there. Many gentlemen were obliged to come into the ladies’ gallery, as they could not get seats elsewhere. After an exceedingly interesting lecture, Faraday said he had a few remarks to make on some new reform laws for the Institution. These remarks were admirably made, and no one could feel offended, although it was a direct attack on those gentlemen who helped to render the ladies very uncomfortable, sometimes by filling seats, and often front seats, in the part intended only for ladies. Wearing a hat in the library was one of the delinquencies, likewise sitting in the seats reserved for the directors, who were obliged by their office and duties to be last in. Mr. Faraday also remarked that the formation of two currents caused by certain gentlemen rushing upstairs the instant the lecture was over to fetch their lady friends was not conducive to the comfort of those coming downstairs. Everything taken very well.
ROYAL INSTITUTION LECTURES.
1849, May 28th. With R. to Royal Institution. We got there just before three, and there was a crowded audience as usual to hear Faraday’s lecture. The poor man entered and attempted to speak, but he was suffering from inflammation or excessive irritation of the larynx, and after some painful efforts to speak, a general cry arose of “Postpone,” and someone, apparently in authority, made a short speech from the gallery. Mr. Faraday still wished to try and force his voice, saying he was well aware of the difficulty of getting back the carriages, etc., before the time for the lecture had elapsed, to say nothing of the disappointment to some; but every moment the cry increased. “No, no; you are too valuable to be allowed to injure yourself. Postpone, postpone.” Poor Faraday was quite overcome.