To John Couch Adams   4th Dec. 1864

4^th Dec. 1864

My Dear Adams,

I have a little crib which is scarcely ever occupied and which though far too homely for a philosopher like you will I am persuaded hold you comfortably. I shall guarantee that you shall be fearfully warm, and fairly out of the range of cabs & omnibus growlings. Remember the crib is very modest but sufficient to afford a human being all necessary rest. You shall be moreover as welcome as the flowers of May. So remembering the proverb “better a dinner of herbs where love is than a stalled ox with hatred therewith.”¹ I hope you will make the crib your home whenever you come to London. Do not moreover be afraid that I shall feed you herbs. I long ago learned that they were awfully indigestible & that mutton chops are far to be preferred. On this knowledge I shall act in your case.

I live at 14 Waverly Place St. Johns Wood, within a minute’s walk of the Eyre Acres.² The Atlas from Charing X and the City Atlas³ from the city journey thitherward every four minutes. If you rush on at any hour of the day and demand food or drink from my housekeeper Mrs. Tunstall she will promptly place it before you.

Yours ever | John Tyndall

Cornwall DD.AM 580, Cornwall Record Office, Truro