Faraday to John Barlow   16 August 1850

Upper Norwood | 16 Aug. 1850.

My dear Barlow

If I do not write at once I shall be too late to write at all and so shall send a few scratches. I can make nothing else just now for I am under the dentists hands & what with losing 8 teeth & filings &c &c my head & my hands too are very shaky[.]

All goes on well at Albemarle St where I am 2 or 3 times a week experimenting. Mr. Vincent is taking his holiday in Scotland[.] I have sent him your note[.]

Your description of the route you have taken revives a great many imperfect recollections[.] I could wish we had been with you now & then for the pleasure must have been very great. What does Mrs. Barlow think of it. That glorious scenery & all the fine storms & incidents you have had. I do not mean the Cholera but hail storms & lightning. Perhaps even more striking in the remembrance than at the moment. I shall listen when you come home.

As for me I am weary but hard at work. Magnetism has me altogether & I cannot promise you a thought for machinery until you come home. I think I have hold of some fine things but my head grows weary of the same trains of thought & yet I cannot & dare not throw it off for I would wish to reap my own harvest.

I intend paying Dr Latham a visit as soon as the Dentist has done with me, that he may set me up again.

Mrs. Faraday is out just now but you know what she would say to you both if she could. We live in hopes of having you back again soon well & with a great store of enjoyment in the memory for a continual resource[.]

Kindest remembrances is but poor words to either or both of you[.]

Ever | Most Truly Yours | M. Faraday

Rev. J. Barlow, MA | &c &c &c

Address: Revd. John Barlow MA | &c &c &c | Post Restante | Interlachen | Switzerland