New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-08-17

WILL. ''r .."
iFRoM AN OCCASIONAL CORRESPONDENT l.l
BADEN BADEN. July 29s-One of the most agree
able features of my brief visit in London was the
acquaintance, which through the kindness OF friends
at home, was enabled to make with several eminent
scientific men whose names are cherished with equal
honor ON both sides Of the Atlantic. Soon after my
arrival called Professor Tyndall at his rooms in
the Royal Institution. learned society which from
the commencement of the present century has ex-
erted marked influence the development and
popular diffusion of scientific knowledge in England.
It's history is illustrated by some of the most
important discoveries of the age in the natural sci
ences, including the labors of Count Rumford, Sir
Humphrey Dayy, Faraday, and Professor Tyndall
himself, whose enthusiastic, pOetieal temperament
and remarkable gifts of expression. combined with
the habit of rigid scientific analysis have contrib
uted largely to create and crafty the taste for pOpu
lar science which prevails among very considerable
portion OF the cultivated classes in English society,"
Professor Tyndall has all the ardor of a re-
former without any tendency to vague and rash
speculations. Recognizing whatever is valua-
bic in the researches of former age, ho
extends gracious hospitality to new sug-
gestions With a noble pride in his fa-
vorte branches of inquiry he is not restricted to an
exclusive range of research but extends his nellee
tnal vision over wide field of observation The
English, a rule are inclined to be suspicious OF
man who ventures beyond special walk IN the
pursuit Of knowledge. They have but little sympa-
thy with the catholic taste which embraces yari-
ETY. of Objects and is equally at home in the re-
searches of science, the specuations of philosophy.
the delights of poetry, and the Rraces Of elegant
literature. But signal exception to this trait is
presented by Professor Tyndall. His mind is singu-
larly comprehensive in its tendencies, and betTays
versatility of aptitude and reach of cultivation,
which rarely found in union with
spicu0us eminence in purely scientific pur-
suits. In his own especial domain, his repu-
tation is fixed. His expositions of the theory OF
heat, and light and sound, and Of some of the more
interesting Alpine phenomena, are acknowledged TO
be masterpieces of popular statement to which few
parallels can be found in the records of modern sell
ence. But in addition to this he possesses q raro
power of eloquence and manifold attachments in DIFF
ferent departments Of learning. do not know that
he has written poetry. but he is certainly poet
in the fire of his imagination and in his love for all
the forms of natural beauty. Nor has he dsdained
TO make himself familiar with the leading meta
physical theories of the past age in spita
of the disrepute and comparative ObscuTty into
which that science has been thrown by the brlians
achievements of physical research l noticed with
pleasure in his conversation his illusions 20 Fchte,
Goethe X. w. Emerson, Henry Heine, and other
superior lights OF the literary world showing An APP
probation of their writings, which could only have
been the fruit of familiar personal studies Beside
the impression produced a stranger by his genius
and learning, may be permitted to say, that have
met with few men of more attractive manners. His
mental activity gives air Of intensity to his e1-
preston though without trace of vehemenee, or an
eager passion for utterance. In his movements, he
is singularly alert, gliding through the streets
with the rapidity and noiselessness of an
arrow paying little attention to external objects.
and if you are his companion, requiring your
part, nimble step and watehful eye not to lose
sight of him. Though overlooking with thought,
which streams from his brain. as from o. capaeious
reservoir while his words trip around airy seryi-
tors he is one of the best of listeners, never assum
ing an undue share Of the talk, and lending an at
tentive and patient ear TO the common currency OF
conversation without demanding of men the Ian
guage of the gods. The singular kindness of his
bearing, am sure. must proceed from kind and
generous heart. With no pretense Of sympathy, and
no uncalled for demonstrations OF interest, his
name will certainly be set down by the recording
angel as lone who loves his fellow-men." 81
short time after making the acquaintance of Pro-
fessor Tyndal he invited me to dine with him at
Williss Rooms in company as he said with an Amer
lean scientific gentleman, when had had the pleas
nre of meeting in New York. and few other men Of
science residing in London. After disclaiming all
title to the honor on the score of scientific preten~
,ions accepted the invitation. and in the evening
found myself at table with about forty gentlemen,
many of whose names had long been familiar TO me
IS foremost among the cultiyatOrs OF physical
cience in Great Britain. The occasion
proved to be the monthly meeting of tho
Philosophical Club" an association consisting
Il forty-fve of the elite of the Royal
Society, who dine together once month, with the
liberty of inviting such foreigners visiting London
IS may be deemed suitable, but with the rigid exclu-
lion of all residents as guests. Among the company
we're Sir Charles WheatstOne, Mr. Grove. the author
# the remarkable work entitled The Correlation Of
Forces, DR.. Carpenter. the distinguished physolo-
yist and several eminent amateurs, who combinede-
,oton to science with the pursuits of business, and
Who have obtained honorable place among the
British Swans by their personal experiments and
discoveries The occasion to me was one of unnsnai
interest as an illustration of English life among tho
highest intellectual class. struck with the sin
,lcity and dignity of to which there was no
EXCEPTION No one betrayed the slightest lncLnauoh
% put himself forward or to make an impression Oh
his associates The conversation was Tree ana uh-
restrained with as little approach to ostentaton as
n the formality which has been so often nouced az
trait of English society. The tone, indeed, was
,ot that of gayety much less of excessive conViyi-
tv but il had nothing of the stiffness and reserve
without which, it is often supposed, that dstin-
,uished people cannot come together. There was
he greatest raDkness of expression, but no attempt
{ argument, display of learning, no hint
f conscious superiority. The dinner was abundant
nd elegant of the substantial character in which
he robust Englishman delights rather than in the
rtistic delicacies of the French cuisine, showing
hat philosophers may recognize the stomach as we'll