This is a new angle, to me:

"B. does not want to make, alter, devise, or control anything: just to observe and take joy in the contemplating the things that are not himself. The spirit of the [deleted: world > this earth] made aware of itself. He is more like science (utterly free from technological blemish) and history than art. He represents the complete fearlessness of that spirit when we can catch a little of it." - JRRT, letter to Nevill Coghill, 8/21/54 (copyright Tolkien Estate).

I shudder to think that this introduction of the word "science" in the context of Tom's relationship to nature may be used to support the unsound but popularly circulated hypothesis that Tom and Goldberry are the Valar Aule the Smith and Yavanna the Gardener. Oh, boy. Well, this is grist for my discussion of the Tom B. chapter later this month. Thanks, a.s.!

I never saw that letter in the perspective that the new one brings fully into the light: Tom as the detached observer, interested in things for their own sakes, rather than with an eye to using them. Tolkien suggests that scientists, at their best, have that same detachment combined with sympathetic engagement.

It does help explain Tom's lack of interaction with the Ring. He has no desire for mastery that the Ring can enhance and seduce; yet he has tremendous power and knowledge on his own terms.

Thanks for the connection!