iv.j CHOICE OF A PROFESSION, 1831. 71 



Trinity, a very able mathematician : present, Messrs. 

 Hawkin, late M.P., Sedgwick, Clavering, &c. &c. De- 

 lightful rooms, looking into Trinity grounds. Went with 

 Mr. W he well to Mr. Airy's lecture. These lectures by 

 the Plumian Professor, and at present probably the 

 ablest man in the University, are in the highest estima- 

 tion. With great talents for perspicuous though un- 

 adorned explanation, he is able to carry his class through 

 propositions, especially in physical optics, of the highest 

 profundity, and by his singular ingenuity to illustrate 

 some of the finest and most delicate experimental truths 

 on a most magnificent scale. The lecture was upon 

 mechanics. . . . After it was over he exhibited a mag- 

 nificent series of experiments on polarization with 

 apparatus which he had taken the trouble to prepare, 

 hearing that I was to be there. . . . Drank wine with 

 Professor Whewell in his rooms, and had a most delight- 

 ful party, including Airy, Sedgwick, Jarrett, Challis, and 

 Bothman. Much delightful and brilliant conversation. 

 Went at seven to see a boat-race of the University ; a 

 beautiful sight, great crowds assembled, particularly of 

 oarsmen. Went with Sedgwick and Whewell. Charm- 

 ing evening, and enjoyed it much. Professor Sedgwick 

 came and drank tea with me. 



'Dined ill Trinity Hall. Took wine in Sedgwick's 

 room : present, Whewell, Thirl wall, Hare, Bothman, &c. 

 Peacock came in and had some very pleasant talk about 

 Airy, Herschel, &c. Memorandum Herschel in his 

 fortieth year; Peacock the same; Whewell, 37; Airy 

 only 30 inimitable man 1 Average age of taking degree 



i ted pretty late. 



Went to Professor Airy's lecture on mechanics. 

 Beautiful extempore explanation of the three axes of 

 rotation and the cause of precession. After lecture 

 he had tin: kindness to show me soin.- rxj.eriincnts on 

 interferences of light. . . . Mr. Airy n \t showed 

 some beautiful experiments with coloured shadows of 

 bodies thrown from a minute point of light, which he 

 a with eye-glassea 



