Some of it is. In magical theory there is a difference between transforming the form of a thing, and its substance, and if you only manage the former you have some odd results. I don't mean to pry, but do you mean there was some sort of...accident in research that affected your family?
I'm terribly sorry for it, whatever it was. You're very kind to write to me. Having something to occupy one's time with takes one's mind off being alone, and writing certainly qualifies. I have learnt, however, that it is far better to be alone than to be under the authority of someone unkind or untrustworthy, so that is why I was so set on it when I first spoke to the staff of the hotel.