Autograph letter signed from Lyon Playfair, 1st Baron Playfair, sent from South Kensington on 17 February 1889 to Katharine Murray Lyell concerning one of her sons: “Edith has handed me Your letter. I am afraid that I cannot encourage you in regard to the Imperial Institute. There are already some hundreds of Candidates for the few places, which will not be filled for the next five years. If your son wishes to be added to the Candidates he should send in an application to Sir Frederick Abel 1 Adam St Adelphi. I hope however that he will not lose time In waiting for that chance. The London Council looks more hopeful as a suggestion. The man who will have most to say in regard to that is Mr Firth M. P. the Deputy Chairman. I have very slight acquaintance and no Influence with him. But your son I observe sits near him in the house & is probably on friendly terms with him. – There are such a lot of Companies coming out just now – some very good, some very bad – If your son has any City Influence he might get the Secretary ship to one of these [...]”.