260 3E0RGE JOHN ROMANES 1889- 



CHAPTEE IV 



OXFORD 



Life had run very smoothly during these years from 

 1879 to 1890, only now and then fits of gout had 

 shaken the belief Mr. Eomanes had hitherto felt in 

 his own strength, in his possession of perfect health. 



But about the end of 1889 other signs of ill-health 

 appeared in the shape of severe headaches ; he began 

 to weary of London and the distractions of London life. 



By degrees his thoughts and inclinations turned 

 strongly in the direction of Oxford. Oxford seemed 

 to satisfy every wish. The beautiful city gratified his 

 poetic sense ; there were old friends already there to 

 welcome him, and there seemed abundance of appli- 

 ances and of facilities for scientific work. 



Also the ease with which he could get into the 

 country, the opportunities for constant exercise, the 

 freedom he would obtain from councils and com- 

 mittees, were tempting. A beautiful old house oppo- 

 site Christ Church was to be had, and this finally deter- 

 mined him. He fell absolutely in love with Oxford, 

 and brief as his connection with her was to be, the 

 University has had few more loyal sons, nor has she 

 ever exercised more complete influence over any who 

 have fallen under her sway. 



It is surprising, as one looks back on the Oxford 

 years, to realise how short a time Mr. Romanes spent 



