THE REDE LECTURE 



Mr VICE-CHANCELLOR: 



Some six months ago you were good 

 enough to ask me to deliver the Rede Lecture 

 this year. I accepted the invitation gladly, 

 partly because you had asked me, partly 

 because I thought I had something I could 

 usefully say on the subject I have chosen, 

 but as time passed on my pleasure was turned 

 to regret for my own rashness; in the mean- 

 time others well able to express their opinions 

 have written and spoken on my chosen 

 subject. Much that I desired to say has 

 been said and I began to wish that I had not 

 shouldered so serious a responsibility. How- 

 ever, Sir, you reassured me and I trust will 

 not think the result unworthy of the confidence 

 you reposed in me when sending your invita- 

 tion. 



G. 



