Faraday to John Tyndall   1 August 1851

Tynemouth, | 1 August, 1851.

My dear Sir,

Your letter¹ finds me here ill of a quinsey but now recovering, and though I cannot write much, I determined to answer you at once. In the first place many thanks for the specimens which I shall find presently at home. I was very sorry not to see you make your experiments but hope to realise the profound results which interest me extremely. I want to have a very clear view of them.

But now for the Toronto matter. In such a case private relationships have much to do in deciding the matter, but if you are comparatively free from such considerations and have simply to balance your present power of doing good with that you might have at Toronto, then I think I should (in your place) choose the latter. I do not know much of the university but I trust it is a place where a man of science and a true philosopher is required, and where in return such a man would be nourished and cherished in proportion to his desire to advance natural knowledge. I cannot doubt indeed that the University would desire the advancement of its pupils and also of knowledge itself. So I think that you would be exceedingly fit for the position, and I hope the position fit for you. If I had any power of choosing or recommending, I would aid your introduction into the place, both because I know what you have already done for science, and I heard how you could state your facts and treat your audience.

Now I do not, for I cannot, proffer you a certificate, because I have in every case refused for many years past to give on the application of candidates. Neither indeed have you asked me for one. Nevertheless I wish to say that, when I am asked about a candidate by those who have the choice or appointment, I never refuse to answer; and indeed, if my opinion could be useful and there was a need for it, you might use this letter as a private letter, shewing it or any part of it to any whom it might concern².

And now you must excuse me from writing more, for my muscles are stiff and weak, and my head giddy.

Ever, my dear Dr. Tyndall, | Yours most truly, | M. Faraday