| RefNo | MS/603/10/38 |
| Previous numbers | 1811 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from W N [William Napier] Shaw, 10 Moreton Gardens, Old Brompton Road, to [Joseph] Larmor |
| Creator | Shaw; Sir William Napier (1854-1945); British meteorologist |
| Recipient | Larmor; Sir Joseph (1857-1942); Irish theoretical physicist |
| Date | 23 January 1906 |
| Description | Shaw thought he was meeting Eliot at [Joseph Norman] Lockyer's. H ehas to see [Arthur] Schuster about meteorological societies co-operation on Wednesday, 'a subject even more depressing than solar physics'. Larmor should not hurry to answer his letter on endowed professorships. He has asked Lockyer what his charter is and why solar physics is favoured by Government, which Shaw finds surprising. Lockyer said that the meteorological side was of the essence and that dealing with subjects such as Indian famines and ocean cycles was the particular object. Shaw believes that if he is intended to apply solar physics to terrestrial problems that makes 'a good deal of difference'. He notes the difference in attitude between utilitarian government institutions and endowed researchers. What interests Shaw is the danger of important subjects falling into neglect and the Board of Education's suggestion seems to invite consideration of this matter. He wonders how many students there are studying terrestrial magnetism, seismology and meteorology, thinking that 'we are really extraordinarily behind hand in these matters'. |
| Extent | 8p. |
| Format | Manuscript |
| PhysicalDescription | Ink on paper |
| AccessStatus | Open |