FIRST RESIGNATION OF PROFESSORSHIP. 39 



for which concluded with these words : 'Kesolved That, 1831. 

 in taking this step, the Council feel it due to Professor 

 Pattison to state that nothing which has come to their 

 knowledge with respect to his conduct has in any way 

 tended to impeach either his general character or profes- 

 sional skill and knowledge.' 



Immediately on hearing of this resolution, Mr. De 

 Morgan sent in the following letter of resignation : 



To the Council. 



GENTLEMEN, I have just seen Mr. Pattison, who has informed 

 me of his removal from his chair, and has also shown me a reso- 

 lution, of which this is a copy. [Copy of resolution as above.~\ 

 Here is distinctly laid down the principle that a Professor may 

 be removed, and, as far as you can do it, disgraced, without any 

 fault of his own. 



This being understood, I should think it discreditable to hold 

 a Professorship under you one moment longer. 



I have, therefore, the honour to resign my Professorship, and 

 to remain, gentlemen, 



Your obedient servant, 



90 Guilford Street, A. DE MORGAN. 



Sunday, July 24, 1831. 



The answer came in the words, ' The Council accept your 

 resignation. 9 



In reply to a letter from my father, he wrote : 



90 Guilford Street, July 29, 1831. 



DEAR SIR, I have just received your kind note, which I Letter to 

 hasten to answer. B^ST 



The Council, in a session held after the meeting on Saturday, 

 deprived Mr. Pattison of his Professorship, alleging at the same 

 time, in vindication of themselves, I suppose, that nothing which 

 had ever come to their knowledge had any tendency to lower 

 their opinion either of Mr. Pattison's general character or of his 

 professional skill and knowledge ; thus laying down the principle 

 that a Professor might be deprived of his office without any fault 

 of his own, and even under a fire of encomiums from the Council. 



I had long fully made up my mind not to hold any office 

 whatever which was not absolutely my own during good be- 

 haviour not even in the service of Government, should such a 



