To John Barlow   5th July 1853

Queenwood, 5th July 1853

Sir,

I am deeply sensible of the honour done to me by the Members of the Royal Institution in choosing me as their Professor.¹ Had I indeed the control and choice of the events of my life I could not have guided them to a result more in accordance with my own feelings. Knowing as I do the rank which the Royal Institution holds in the scientific thought of Europe, I might well be excused a feeling of pride at the present moment. But I trust such feelings, as far as they exist, may manifest themselves in the endeavour to contribute something not unworthy of the present renown of your Institution. In scientific matters this is my highest hope at present, and this shall constitute my aim in future.

I have the honour to be to be, Sir, your most obed[ien]^t servant │John Tyndall

Rev. John Barlow, V.P.S.² │Secretary, Royal Institution.

Minutes of the Managers’ Meeting, RI MS AD/02/B/02/A/11/31

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