384 LIFE AND EXPERIENCES CHAP. 



heard of Andrew Carnegie and of his gift of two 

 millions of money to assist the Scottish Universities. 

 Half of the income of this, namely ,50,000, was to 

 be applied to the payment of the class fees of the 

 students of the four Universities, and the other half to 

 the general improvement of the Universities, for en- 

 dowment, building, and research. A considerable 

 body of trustees was appointed with an executive 

 committee. In June, 1901, I was asked to join this 

 executive committee by Lord Elgin, who had been 

 appointed chairman, from whose letter on that occasion 

 I may quote : 



You will have seen the announcement of Mr. Carnegie's 

 gift to the Universities, but its objects have not yet been 

 correctly explained. As was arranged, its first purpose will be 

 the expenditure of the annual sum of ^"50,000 for the benefit 

 of Scientific Education in the Universities. Mr. Carnegie has 

 requested me to act as chairman of the trustees, and, as my 

 first duty, to suggest to him the names of the executive 

 committee of nine members, by whom it is proposed to carry 

 out the administration. 



Looking to the nature of the first purpose, as above stated, 

 it is essential that some members of the committee should 

 have knowledge of scientific requirements. We propose to 

 include two members nominated by the University Courts in 

 rotation, but to my mind it is even more important to have 

 the advice of an authority absolutely impartial because not a 

 member of any one of the Universities, and of undisputed 

 pre-eminence. I consulted Lord Kinnear and Lord Balfour, 

 both of whom will, I hope, be members of the committee, and 

 we are of opinion that no one could so completely answer the 

 description I have given of the colleague we desire as yourself. 

 Mr. Carnegie has telegraphed this morning his hearty con- 

 currence. 



I feel I need not ask you to give your sympathetic con- 

 sideration to this proposal, for I know your interest in our 

 Universities, but you may think we are making too heavy a 

 call upon your time. 



I had much pleasure in acceding to this request as 

 I had previously taken much interest in the Scottish 



