Faraday to John Tyndall   2 and 3 September 1858

Royal Institution, | 2 Sept. 1858.

My dear Tyndall,

I found Anderson a day or two ago about to write to you on a little bit of paper just passable by the post, and I made free with one side of it¹. In the uncertainty of knowing where you might be found, perhaps I might not have written to you again, but for the receipt of your letter by my wife², detailing the ascent of Monte Rosa, and the enormous indiscretion I have committed thereupon. What shall I say? I have sent it to the Times. There, the whole is out. I do not know whether to wish it may appear tomorrow or next day or not. If you should dislike it, I shall ever regret the liberty I have taken. But it was so interesting in every point of view, shewing the life and spirit of a philosopher engaged in his cause: shewing not merely the results of the man’s exertions, but his motives and his nature:- the philosophy of his calling and vocation, as well as the philosophy of his subject; that I could not resist, and I was the more encouraged to do so because, from the whole character and appearance of the letter, it shewed it was an unpremeditated relation and that you had nothing to do with its appearance, i.e. it will shew that if it should appear. Now I hope you forgive me. Nobody will find fault with me but you. It came too late for the Phil. Mag., but if the Times does not put it in, I shall send it to the Phil. Mag. However as this is only the 3rd of the month, there is time enough for that.

I won’t give you any scolding. I dare say my wife will, when you see her: “êtes-vous marié”, indeed! I cannot but feel glad you have done it now it is done, but I would not have taken the least portion of responsibility in advising you to such a thing.

I have no philosophy and no news for you. I feel just out of the world - forgetful, and dull headed in respect of science and of many other things - but well and content, as I have great reason to be. My wife and Jane are pretty well: the latter absent, or she would send her remembrances with ours. I shall send this to Chamouni on the chance of catching you.

Good bye, my dear friend, | Ever truly yours, | M. Faraday

Friday morning, 3rd. The letter is there.

Address: Dr Tyndall | Chamounix | Savoie | Switz