To May Ann Coxe   12th April. 1854.

Queenwood 12^th April. 1854.

My dear M^rs. Coxe

Most heartily do I thank you for your friendly note¹ and D^r. Coxe² for his valuable present.³ I shall undoubtedly study the book⁴ and hope to have sufficient pace to enact to some extent the sound practical wisdom which it contains. I came to Queenwood on Thursday and for two days did nothing but amuse myself. I ran, jumped, climbed and played cricket and was astonished to find the change wrought in the state of my health. A vigour of new life seemed to run through my veins and I was surprised at the elasticity of my constitution. I commenced however to work a little – only a little – and today I find myself the worse for it – So I suppose I must give up work for a day or two longer. I am sometimes discontented to find what a trifle affects my health at present, but I dare say my duty is to accept such things as admonitions and shape my conduct accordingly. Be assured of it both your letter and your book will have due effect in promoting this resolution upon my part.

Your reference to the words of D^r. Playfair made me laugh.⁵ at all events it proves how willing you are to remember any thing that may be said in my favour. I have often thought that there must be a kind of moral gravitation in this world which draws towards me those people whose friendship I prize most highly. My last accession in this line is yourself, and the thought of your kindness will often furnish me with a pleasant Subject for Contemplation. I am very glad you saw D^r. Playfair – He is a man of much practical knowledge and of great influence in England at present – He may possibly furnish efficient help in the solution of the problem regarding Alick.⁶

With all kind wishes | Believe me dear M^rs. Coxe | Most truly yours | John Tyndall

RI MS JT/1/T/246