ANTHONY TROLLOPE.
Feb. 11, 1882.
SIR WILLIAM THOMSON, M. A., LL. D., D. C. L., F. R. S.
The question of usefulness or the reverse of tobacco or alcohol is one of health, and to be answered by medical men, if they can. It seems to me that neither is of the slightest consequence as a stimulus or help to intellectual efforts, but that either may be used without harm or the reverse if in small enough quantities, so as not to hurt the digestion.
WILLIAM THOMSON.
Feb. 13, 1882.
PROFESSOR TRANTMANN, BONN UNIVERSITY.
I am not a smoker, so that I am unable to make any statement regarding the effect of tobacco. As to alcohol, I never make use of spirits in order to stimulate my brain, but often, after working hard, I drink a glass of beer or wine, and immediately feel relieved.
M. TRANTMANN.
March 14, 1882.
PROFESSOR TYNDALL, LL. D., F. R. S.
With regard to the use of alcohol and tobacco, I do not think any general rule can be laid down. Some powerful thinkers are very considerable smokers, while other powerful thinkers would have been damaged, if not ruined, by the practice. A similar remark applies in the case of alcohol. In my opinion, the man is happiest who is so organised as to be able to dispense with the use of both.
JOHN TYNDALL.
Feb. 14, 1882.