Autograph letter signed, probably to Latimer Clark

Tyndall, John (1820-93). A.L.s. to an unnamed recipient, possibly Latimer Clark. [London], April 17, n.y. 1 page. 178 x 116 mm. Small hole punched in upper margin, minor soiling. Provenance: Latimer Clark.

Tyndall, a physicist, is best known for his investigations of atmospheric dust, which led to his discovery of "Tyndallization," a sterilization process that uses discontinuous boiling to render infusions completely free of microorganisms. In his letter, Tyndall refuses to sign a memorial for Edward Highton, a writer on telegraphy, as Tyndall was "wholly ignorant" of Highton's merits. Origins of Cyberspace 207.