| Description | Before he can answer Larmor's question, he asks for information about the duties of Sir George Darwin's successor and who the candidates are. If the duties are unchanged, then E.W. [Ernest William] Brown would be best. But Larmor's letter suggested other factors including helping in the extended [Cambridge] Observatory, and a good mathematical physicist. This is a difficult combination, not easly filled. If the Observatory is enlarged, Gill wonders how [Hugh Frank] Newall would fit in, or if the suggestion is to have a Professor of Astrophysics. Gill does not have a clear understanding on the University's position with regard to the functions of the two or more Chairs, and he cannot have an opinion without knowing who the candidates are. He is about to go to Newcastle, but they could meet at the Royal Society afterwards. |