Royal Institution | 16 Nov 1859
My dear Mr. Faraday,
Would you think for a moment at your leisure over the subject of this letter.1 I have already had one from Playfair,2 to which I have replied3 in the terms indicated in the first lines of his present letter.4 I have also been called upon by people of influence from Edinburgh, unconnected with the University.5
I want as much light as possible on the question before deciding6 and therefore I am anxious to secure the thoughts of yourself and one or two more of my friends—my own feelings are distinct enough. Still a case of the kind is too important to be decided without reflection
Ever yours | J. Tyndall
RI MS JT/1/TYP/12/4092
Faraday Correspondence 5: 3674
the subject of this letter: It is uncertain if ‘this letter’ refers to this specific letter, or a missing enclosed letter. Based on Tyndall’s wording regarding Playfair’s letters (see n. 2), Tyndall is likely referring to letter 1648 where Playfair outlined in more detail the circumstances of the Chair of Physics at the University of Edinburgh which would soon be vacant. See also letter 1645.
had one from Playfair: likely letter 1645; see also letter 1648.
to which I have replied: likely letter 1646.
his present letter: likely letter 1648, see n. 1.
I have also been called upon by people of influence from Edinburgh, unconnected with the University: see for example letter 1651.
before deciding: Tyndall was deliberating whether he would become a candidate for the post in Edinburgh, see letter 1645, n. 3.
Please cite as “Tyndall1652,” in Ɛpsilon: The John Tyndall Collection accessed on