Faraday to Henry Bence Jones   30 June 1854

South Cliff Cottage | Shanklin | Isle of Wight | 30 June 1854

My dear friend

I do not know why I write to you but that you are a friend and are called specially to my mind by any indisposition coming over me or my wife. She has I suppose caught cold very easily and in order in part to avoid the consequences we have removed from Ventnor where we were to this place. But at Ventnor her ear plagued her & since we have been here (the second day now) a serious gathering occurred in it causing her much pain & trouble. Now I think it is going off after breaking - & she is easier but very deaf & very weak. She has brought no medicine or prescription with her hoping all from the air & place that was needful. I have an impression (and she has also) that the frequent syringing with warm water has made the ear susceptible to cold - perhaps the blistering has helped. I dare say all will come right again but the fact is I am somewhat of a coward on my wifes account and so I trouble you. If there is nothing to say do not think of writing. The place is very beautiful and the birds singing sweetly; and we are now on the top of the cliff. I am quite well and idling to perfection - it is the only thing that suits me. I forget where Lady Millicent¹ & the family are at present but I hope in such health as to cheer you. What a blessing health is? I hope you are enjoying it - and with it a cheerful active mind[.]

Ever My dear friend | Yours faithfully | M. Faraday

Dr. B. Jones | &c &c &c