John Tyndall to Faraday   25 June 1854

25th, June, 1854.

My dear Prof Faraday

I was very sorry to find on coming to the Institution on Monday last¹ that you had departed an hour before. I had been in town for two or three days previous, and once called at the Institution: But I had got wet in the country, sat in a draught on my way to town and done sundry other imprudent things: these brought on a cold and confined me to the house for two whole days. When I called at the Institution it was late and I was ill, for otherwise I should have intruded my bodily presence upon you. I am now at work, and as usual sadly bewildered - I know nothing of magnetism - The experiments which every body seems to understand are those which puzzle me most - At least I find the accepted theories of magnetic action no refuge at present. Well patience is sure to bring something out of the bewilderment at least. Magnus informs me that he has sent you a paper on black sulphur² and that some specimens of the substance are also on the way to you. He obtains the black sulphur by melting the substance over and over again - perhaps 20 times - and cooling it very quickly each time. But I dare say you will be glad to forget science for the present so will not trouble you with it further.

Kind remembrance to Mrs Faraday

Believe me | Most sincerely Yours | John Tyndall