18th Nov. 1853.
My dear Sir,
I am anxious to clear up an ambiguity which may possibly attach itself to my letter to Mr Christie1 and thus prevent the further expenditure of the Council’s2 time upon a subject which I feel has already occupied it too long. The Royal Medal3 was awarded to me for the discovery of a law4 which I for my part firmly believe to be all-pervading. But as I am informed that some men of eminent standing in Science, and upon the council,5 entertain a different opinion, I have to request that you will make no further attempt to confirm the award. For however highly I may value such a mark of distinction, I should, under present circumstances, feel it to be my duty respectfully to decline it.
I remain dear Sir | most truly yours | John Tyndall.
RI MS JT/1/T/579
RI MS JT/2/13b/637–8
my letter to Mr Christie: see letter 0828.
the Council’s: the Council of the Royal Society (see letter 0816, n. 7).
The Royal Medal: see letter 0815, n. 3.
the discovery of a law: see letter 0821, n. 4.
and upon the council: after sending this letter, Tyndall wrote another version and revised this sentence to read: ‘But as I am informed that some eminently qualified judges, men of eminent standing in science, (Fellows of the Royal Society) not upon the Council…’. Tyndall refers to this altered version in letter 0831. This correction is also included in his journal entry for 18 November (JT/2/13b/637–8). See also letter 0828, n. 5.
Please cite as “Tyndall0830,” in Ɛpsilon: The John Tyndall Collection accessed on