TYNDALL AND HIS AMERICAN VISIT. 507 



some blocks of granite naked to my clothes when I staggered and fell all my 

 weight against the sharp crystals. Three of them stamped tliemseh'es into the 

 fiber of ray sbin, and the shin was generally much bruised. But four days of 

 perfect quiet destroyed all pain, and there was no inflammation. So I came down 

 stairs, moved about, excited inflammation, had erysipelas twice over, and was six 

 weeks in bed. It required three months to set me right. I am now well, and 

 just on the point of beginning the Christmas lectures. 



I wish much you would tell me*what kind of lectures (scientific) you are ac- 

 customed to in New York. Yours ever, 



John Ttndall. 



The subject is again alluded to in the following letter : 



April 13, 1870. 



My Dear Yotjmans: I thank you more fully for the friendly interest you 

 have taken in my affairs than for the money which has resulted to me througli 

 the exerci^-e of your kindness. 



I have had many letters of the most gratifying description from the United 

 States, and this is why I mentioned lectures in my last note to you. I am not, 

 however, certain whether it would not be better to pay you a visit without 

 any thought of lecturing. I love freedom, and a scamper through the States, 

 without the incubus of lectures, would be as instructive to me as it would be 

 pleasant. 



I saw Huxley last night. To him you have been acting as you have to me. 

 The philosophers of England have much to thank you for. I was sorry to hear 

 from Huxley that his little ,book is not so succe^^sful in America as it might be. 

 This surprises me, for it is an excellent piece of work. I wish I had time to do 

 something similar in physics. 



"When I last saw Spencer he was flourishing. He told me he had written to 

 you regarding an amanuensis. He endeavors to persuade me to lighten my 

 labors in this way. But with me an amanuensis would not be so successful as 

 with him. I have to rasp and rasp at my work myself before it pleases me. 



With regard to the future I have to say that I am pinned this year by the 

 meeting of the British Association at Liverpool ; next year I am pinned by my 

 lectures and researches. If I go to the States without lecturing I could probably 

 fly off in 1872. But should I lecture, the needful preparations would throw the 

 visit back to 1874. This is a long time to look forward to. 



But whether I go or tarry, or whether I go as a lecturer or as a friendly 

 visitor, it will make no difference in the feelings with which I reciprocate the 

 kindness shown to me by your countrymen and yourself. 

 With best regards to Mrs. Youmans, 



Believe me, yours ever faithfully, John Tykdall. 



Tyndall's next letter referring to the subject is interesting as 

 showing the force of custom upon a man of such independence of 

 character : 



March S6, 1871. 



My Dear Yotjmans: . . . The desire for lecturing in America seems to be 



very strong. My relative. Hector Tyndale, who is now in this country, was the 



bearer of a very flattering proposal to me. Suppose I ask you what would be 



expected of me were I to close with the terms suggested in your last letter ? I 



