To William Frederick Pollock   24th March 1862

24th March 1862

My dear Pollock,

The final revise of my little book¹ is now in my hands and I cannot allow it to quit them without saying to you that I believe your criticisms of the miracle chapter are of the very greatest importance as regards the popularity of the little thing. I am sure I should have altered many things myself, and indeed substantially made all the changes which you have suggested before letting it out of my hands. When I am hard pressed I write with a slight infusion of temper; but I am not perverse, and a little patient consideration afterwards, if I can only spare the time it requires, clears all the clouds away.

Whatever I have to say on the subject in question shall be said upon its merits and with the most earnest desire to offend nobody. I think as long as I adhere to this spirit and confine myself to what clearly connects itself with Natural Philosophy, the public of England will not bring me to the Stake. At least I am sure if they do your wife² will protest against the act.

Yours ever | John Tyndall

RI MS JT/1/TYP/6/1984

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