From
Dr Forbes Watson
In 76313
Reporter on the products of India
to the Secretary of State.
I consider Mr Frederick Manning to be eminently qualified for undertaking the duties of demonstrator of Chemistry to any public institution in the country.
My opportunities for forming that opinion are as under.
For two years (1857-8) Mr Manning acted as my principal assistant in a Laboratory specially devoted to the chemical examination of the chief substances used for food.
Since that period I have had frequent opportunities to avail myself of his services in connection with my duties as Reporter on Indian products to the Secretary of State, and he has likewise, to my knowledge, been occupied during the last four years not only in teaching Chemistry, but been engaged in researches tending to still further fit him for the important post at Guy's Hospital he now seeks.
Mr Manning is not only an accomplished Practical Chemist, but a gentlemanly and conscientious man whose first consideration will, I feel convinced, be the welfare of any institution with which he may become connected.
(Signed) John Forbes Watson, M.D., F.R.S., F.L.S., F.R.A.S.,
India Museum
Whitehall Yard
3rd Novr 1863