138 MEMOIR OF AUGUSTUS DE MORGAN. 



A few days after the writer added some exhortation 

 and remonstrance to his former missive : 



' Omne ignotum ' how can you fancy that a practical or 

 gazing Astronomer is wanted for our Pres. ? Airy and Main and 

 Challis and Johnson are the only members within reach who are 

 strictly practical Astronomers, though several have, each in our 

 way, practical knowledge. But I don't remember any instance 

 where this knowledge was required in a Pres., nor can I well 

 conceive a case wherein it would be required. 



I say, as a nailer, how dare you report the proceedings of the 

 R. A. S., not having sufficient knowledge, as you say, for Presi- 

 dent ? Answer me that, good man, ' and thou shalt be to me a 

 very stout Apollo.' 



I may just ask here, with reference to my old friend's 

 allusion to my husband's Athenceum reports did Mr. 

 Sheepshanks credit all the reporters of the learned So- 

 ciety's proceedings with knowledge which would qualify 

 them for the President's chair ? But Mr. S. at length 

 gave in. 



If Sir J. H. will take the Presidency, it being understood not 

 merely that he is not required, but really not wanted, except on 

 anniversaries and when he can make it convenient, it is the best 

 move we can make. Pearson would do very well if we could be 

 sure he would never come at all. Lord Wrottesley is a capital 

 fellow, but, considering some of your arguments, is scarcely the 

 person you should choose. Airy will take it if necessary, but 

 I don't like to propose him for several reasons, one of which 

 is that I dislike tasking his time and health so severely. 



Sir John Herschel terminated the embarrassment by 

 consenting to the wishes of his friends. Mr. De Morgan's 

 views of the subject will be found in his letters. 



