Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Pollution, Physics, Gas Chemistry, Experiment, Health, Amusement

    The spoof letter-writer asks his correspondent, Smith, whether his wife knows about John Tyndall's claim that pure alpine air can be brought into the 'chamber of an invalid' by cotton wool. Rejoices at this news because it implies that they will not have to take their wives to Switzerland 'when their health requires recruiting'. Suggests that when his wife requires pure alpine air, he will simply 'get a respirator made of cotton wool' and allow his invalid wife to breathe as much pure air as she needs. Adds that she can gain exercise by ascending Primrose Hill or St Paul's Cathedral.