To John Tyndall   27 December 1874

My dear Tyndall

I know how deep an interest you feel in Lady Lubbock, & I believe that you are more likely to be able to influence her than any other person. Mr Birkbeck called here yesterday & said he thought she was dying, as she eats nothing; but I think this is too gloomy a view—¹

She is attended only by D^r Erasmus Wilson, who, some time ago, said he was puzzled by her case. Mr B. has tried to persuade her to see some other D^r; but she answered it w^d only send her to her grave so much the sooner. He seemed rather huffed at Sir John, & said it was of no use speaking to him again. Now I believe diet, restriction of stimulants &c, will alone save her. Therefore I further believe that D^r Andrew Clark, who does not trust in physic, but has the great art, of compelling his patients to obey him, would be the best man.² If you agree with me, & can do any thing, I am sure you will be anxious to do so. I feel sure that my intervention ought in no way to appear—

I ought to add that Mr B. thought that Sir John is now thoroughly alarmed, but has no influence over her—

yours very sincerely. | Ch. Darwin