FURTHER PHYSICAL RESEARCH 67 



We can see no reason whatever why the Asiatic mind, turning 

 from its absorption in insoluble problems, should not betake 

 itself ardently, thirstily, hungrily, to the research into Nature 

 which can never end, yet is always yielding results, often evil 

 as well as good, upon which yet deeper inquiries can be based. 

 If that happened and Professor Bose is at all events a living 

 evidence that it can happen that would be the greatest addition 

 ever made to the sum of the mental force of mankind. 



And more briefly The Times wrote : 



The originality of the achievement is enhanced by the fact 

 that Dr. Bose had to do the work in addition to his incessant 

 duties as Professor of Physical Science in Calcutta, and with 

 apparatus and appliances which in this country would be 

 deemed altogether inadequate. He had to construct himself his 

 instruments as he went along. His work forms the outcome 

 of his twofold lines of labour construction and research. 



Many of the leading scientific men wished to show their 

 appreciation of the value of Bose's work in a practical way. 

 Their natural spokesman, Lord Kelvin, strongly realised 

 the all but impossible conditions under which that work had 

 hitherto been carried out ; and he wrote to Lord George 

 Hamilton, then Secretary of State for India : 



It would be conducive to the credit of India and the 

 scientific education in Calcutta, if a well-equipped Physical 

 Laboratory is added to the resources of the University of Calcutta 

 in connection with the Professorship held by Dr. Bose. 



Following on this letter a memorial was sent, drawing 

 the Secretary of State's attention 



to the 'great importance which we attach to the establishment 

 in the Indian Empire of a Central Laboratory for advanced 

 teaching and research in connection with the Presidency College, 

 Calcutta. We believe that it would be not only beneficial in 

 respect to higher education, but also that it would largely 

 promote the material interest of the country ; and we venture 

 to urge on you the desirability of establishing in India a Physical 

 Laboratory worthy of that great Empire. 



