To William Francis   25 Nov. 1850

Marburg 25^th Nov. 1850

Dear Sir.

I forward you the first part of Clausius’s memoir.¹

Two things have conspired to delay it a little – first I was anxious to make myself acquainted with the literature of the subject, as this increases my confidence, and found some difficulty in obtaining the necessary books. Secondly the subject is a new one and to grapple with it an ejection of my old notions was to some extent necessary. To translate such a paper without understanding it would be a perilous adventure.

I don’t know whether you will allow my patching to pass. I am rather merciless in striking out on a reperusal and generally find much that does not please me even after the fair copy has been made. To lessen the trouble of re-copying I have adopted the expedient of piecing – If you don’t like it tell me and I will abandon the practice – indeed I should always feel thankful for any hints you might consider calculated to render the translations in any degree more suited to your wishes.

I am dear sir | most truly yours | John Tyndall

William Francis Esq^re

The remainder of the memoir shall be forwarded in a few days² | J.T.

StBPL T&F, Authors’ letters