Queenwood | near Stockbridge | Hants. | Sunday
My dear Pollock,
Your note reached me2 as I was stepping into a cab to quit London for a week. Since I saw you I have had very little rest, nor can I now afford myself such, but I thought a little pure air combined with my writing might do me good. I have therefore located myself on the Hampshire downs for a week or so, perhaps longer, if I am not tempted to go to Aberann.3
I finished my work in the Alps, much sooner than I expected4 and tho’ work at home called me too urgently to permit of my allowing myself much pleasure. I took a tent up to the summit of Mont Blanc and remained a night upon the top. A strong north wind swept over the summit, but we dropped down a few yards to leeward, and thus found the mountain itself our protector. Our tent was 10 feet wide and 11 people were crammed into it—this kept us warm.
The sunrise I cannot describe—a hundred elements conspired to give it indescribable magnificence. I have heard it said that Mont Blanc was too high for a good view, too high certainly for a view of the pine trees and chalets of the valley of Chamouni5 but not too high for the grand congregation of mountains which surrounded him. All were clear, and of a majesty not to be described. When the sun rose the transmitted light which is red, fell upon one side of the mountain, and caused it to blush but the other was illuminated by the pure firmamental blue: and the contrast of both was astonishing. As day advanced the wind veered and attacked us covering us with showers of the light dry snow.
We planted a cross twelve feet high upon the summit, fixing 6 feet in snow and leaving 6 feet in air. Between the top and bottom we fixed 6 stations at each of which a cross is planted, and maxima and minima thermometers attached to each.6 This done, and as I had a pressing invitation from De la Rive to join a scientific reunion at Geneva7 I turned my steps homeward.
Frankland accompanied me and acquitted himself most creditably.
I spent an extremely pleasant day at Geneva, made the acquaintance of Agassiz, <1 word excised>, [Plantamon],8 Escher and many others, we all dined together, and afterwards went to the country house of [M.] Favre9 where we were entertained with the most liberal hospitality—the grounds commanded a view of the lake of Geneva, and we saw the evening red upon the snows of Mont Blanc. As darkness fell all the trees were overhung with lamps of various colours which had a most charming effect. Tho’ much pressed to remain for some days I left them with these pleasant memories laid up in store. I have written a little note to Walter.10 With kindest regards to Mrs Pollock and to Fred
Believe me | most truly yours | J. Tyndall
RI MS JT/1/TYP/6/1915–16
LT Typescript Only
[4 September 1859]: This letter is dated based upon Tyndall’s return to London on or around 29 August 1859. He was at Queenwood by 7 September (letter 1639). The Sunday before was 4 September 1859.
Your note reached me: letter missing.
Aberann: Likely a mistaken transcription of Aberdeen, the location of the BAAS meeting, or of Abbots Anne, referenced in letter 1775, n. 1.
I finished my work in the Alps, much sooner than I expected: Tyndall visited the French Alps during August 1859, and returned to London around 29 August 1859.
Chamouni: see letter 1633, n. 3.
We planted a cross twelve feet high upon the summit … and maxima and minima thermometers attached to each: see letters 1634 and 1635.
I had a pressing invitation from De la Rive to join a scientific reunion at Geneva: see letter 1633.
Plantamon: not identified.
Favre: not identified.
I have written a little note to Walter: Pollock’s son, note missing.
Please cite as “Tyndall1636,” in Ɛpsilon: The John Tyndall Collection accessed on