CHAP. XII.] THE NEW PROFESSORSHIP. 349 



February. 1 There was no opposition, and he was 

 appointed on the 8th of March. 



The following letters indicate the part taken by 

 various persons in bringing about this result : 



FROM THE HON. J. "W. STRUTT (Lord Eayleigh). 



Cambridge, 14th February 1871. 



When I came here last Friday I found every one talking 

 about the new professorship, and hoping that you would 

 come. Thomson, it seems, has definitely declined. . . . 

 There is no one here in the least fit for the post. What is 

 wanted by most who know anything about it is not so much 

 a lecturer as a mathematician who has actual experience in 

 experimenting, and who might direct the energies of the 

 younger Fellows and bachelors into a proper channel. 

 There must be many who would be willing to work under a 

 competent man, and who, while learning themselves, would 

 materially assist him. ... I hope you may be induced to 

 come ; if not, I don't know who it is to be. Do not trouble 

 to answer me about this, as I believe others have written to 

 you about it. 



FROM THE KEY. E. W. BLORE, M.A. (now Vice-Master 

 of Trinity). 



14th February 1871. 



Many residents of influence are desirous that you should 

 occupy the post, hoping that in your hands this University 

 would hold a leading place in this department. It has, I 

 believe, been ascertained that Sir W. Thomson would not 

 accept the professorship. I mention this lest you should 

 wish to avoid the possibility of coming into the field against 

 him. 



1 On 23d February, Professor Stokes (who had been urgent in 

 pressing Maxwell to stand) wrote to him : " I am glad you have 

 decided to come forward." 



