Dec. 21st 1863.
Dear Sir
Pray accept my best thanks for the two gifts2 you have so kindly sent me; I shall value them very highly; your photograph is placed in my book side by side with Professor Faraday, these portraits reminding me most agreeably of the many pleasant evenings I have passed at the Royal Institution. For your interesting book3 I am also very grateful; it makes me long to have you as my Pioneer over some of the easiest Passes of enchanting Switzerland.
The Duke4 unites in kind wishes for this season with | yours truly | E Northumberland.
I enclose our photographs, both from pictures by Grant,5 for your acceptance. | Professor Tyndall.
RI MS JT/2/13c/1263
Eleanor Percy: Eleanor Percy (1820–1911), Duchess of Northumberland.
the two gifts: his photograph and book (see n. 3).
your interesting book: Glaciers of the Alps. See letter 2053.
The Duke: Algernon Percy (1792–1865), 4th Duke of Northumberland. He had been President of the RI since 1842.
Grant: Francis Grant (1803–78), a Scottish portrait painter who painted many notable Victorians, including Queen Victoria and a number of prominent aristocrats and politicians (ODNB).
Please cite as “Tyndall2054,” in Ɛpsilon: The John Tyndall Collection accessed on