Johann Jakob Guggenbühl to Faraday   24 December 1857¹

Abendberg, Interlachen | Decr 24th 1857.

My dear Prof. Faraday!

It is a long time since I have had the pleasure of seeing you², as I was not able last spring to make my usual turn to London in consequence of indisposition. But I have frequently spoken of you and your great discoveries, of w[h]ich I have just read an interesting chapter in the german translation of Dr Whewell’s, “history of the inductive sciences”³.

It give me a great pleasure, my dear Prof. Faraday to forward you a picture of the glorious and blessed Abendberg⁴, in the agreeable hope that you will make it sometimes your home, and spend the holydays in our fine air; I should be most happy to see you there. The following Reports of distinguished writers, will shew you how much the Lord has blessed the work to w[h]ich is devoted my life and all my power. I should be very thankful, if one or the other of your literary friends, would give some accounts in the most circulated English papers, because I find that this important truth is not yet enough known and appreciated.

I propose to continuate my researches about the causes of Cretinism throughout all Europe and America the next ten years (D.v.) and to bring this matter to a decided conclusion. It seems most probable that a malaria is the chief predisposing cause in the valleys but besides this are a great number of secondary causes, w[h]ich must be particularly studied in each country. I have dict[at]ed to one of my most advanced patients a s[c]heme of question, w[h]ich will be printed, if once completed. I beg to look it o[v]er, that we can speak about it if I come once again to London[.]

With My heartly gratulations for the | new year, | Believe me, my dear Prof Faraday | With the highest esteem | Your | Dr Guggenbühl

Address: Via Paris. | Professor Faraday F.R.S. | Royal Institution | Albemarle Street. | London.