MEMOIR OF THE LATE PROF. E. HODGKINSON, F.R.S. 153 



These authors had been instrumental in producing a great 

 change in the mathematical sciences at Cambridge ; their 

 investigations were models of elegant algebraical demon- 

 stration, both with regard to symmetry of notation and 

 subject-matter of inquiry. The friendship of Dalton and 

 Hodgkinson, cemented by genial minds and kindred pur- 

 suits, continued uninterruptedly till the death of Dalton. 

 Though each of these men had his distinctive field of labour, 

 yet each could hold converse with the other on their 

 respective researches, and Mr. Hodgkinson entertained 

 through life a profound respect for the high character and 

 great chemical discoveries of his friend. The extent of his 

 mathematical reading at this period may be estimated by 

 referring to his paper entitled '^ On the Transverse Strain 

 and Strength of Materials," printed in the Fourth Volume 

 of this Society^s Memoirs. 



His Character. 



The late Professor Hodgkinson, like a true philosopher, 

 was satisfied with a small but adequate competency, and, 

 retiring from business at an early period, he devoted a 

 long life and rare mental gifts to the development of science. 

 And it is a pleasing reflection, that while many men very 

 eminent in the history of science have had to wait a long 

 time before their discoveries have been recognized and 

 adopted, Mr. Hodgkinson had the unusual pleasure of 

 seeing the fruits of his labours appreciated and applied to 

 the construction of great practical engineering enterprises. 

 The youthful days of Mr. Hodgkinson were not marked 

 by precocious talents and wonderful achievements; still 

 he possessed, even in youth, a quick perception of the 

 relations of abstract magnitudes, and manifested, like 

 Newton and Stephenson, a strong propensity for making 

 sun-dials. 



Manhood developed in him a profound intellect, a highly 



