482 MEMOIR OF GEORGE WILSON. CHAP. XI. 



of matters there to amuse him, and added, that if I could do 

 anything for him I should be glad. It never, however, entered 

 my head that he would ask such a non-mathematician as 

 myself to open his classes for him. When he did I could not 

 refuse, and I am glad I did not, for the lecture was graciously 

 received by a crammed class-room, and the class has not fallen 

 off in numbers. Neither has my own class suffered. To get 

 all ready I have, indeed, had a battle, which would only have 

 exhilarated me had it not overtasked me physically, and ended 

 in giving me so scattered a series of domains, that I am con- 

 stantly providing what an Irishman loves so much, i.e., an alibi. 

 My laboratory is in two places ; my lecture room in a third ; 

 my Museum in a fourth. Nevertheless, the lecture-room within 

 the University is a great matter, and old students have returned, 

 and new ones have come, till I have enrolled eighty-three as 

 pupils the biggest class I have had, .and considering that it is 

 not imperative, very creditable to all concerned. 



" When the Friday came I could have gone to bed, but instead 

 I had to travel to Glasgow in most inclement weather, and 

 thereafter to drive five miles out, through darkness and rain. 

 Next day I was up before breakfast, and at work from about six 

 onwards in connexion with a patent-infringement, affecting a 

 very kind friend. 



" The result was a terrible cold, cough, etc., which blisters I 

 hope are dispelling, but I lost last Saturday with election for 

 Eector by the students, at which we all had to be present. 

 What a row in the quadrangle ! I could scarcely reach the 

 Senatus Eoom, but fortunately had on my gown and cap (we 

 have taken to square caps), and when the students saw that, 

 they handed me through the shouting crowd, who were waiting 

 to hear how the vote had gone, and seemed on both sides coming 

 to Nieves ! l 



" All this is terribly egotistical I hope to add a P.S. 



to-morrow. Ever lovingly yours, GEORGE." 



The severe cold under which he had laboured all that week 

 did not cause special anxiety. Frequently in the years gone by 



1 The choice was between the Right Honourable W. E. Gladstone, M.P., and Lord 

 leaves. 



