| RefNo | MS/603/6/161 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from William Huggins, 90 Upper Tulse Hill, S W [South West] London, to the Secretary [Joseph Larmor] |
| Creator | Huggins; Sir William (1824-1910); British astronomer |
| Recipient | Larmor; Sir Joseph (1857-1942); Irish theoretical physicist |
| Date | 17 October 1908 |
| Description | Huggins discusses the awards of the medals. He does not think that [Francis] Galton is 'of the role of man for whom the Copley is intended', but that he has been suitably recognised through his receipt of the Royal and Darwin medals. This explanation 'does not hold' with regards to [Alfred Russel Wallace] Wallace, but Huggins writes 'I fear it may seem to give sanction to [Wallace's] spiritualistic and other questionable views, but this consideration did not prevent [William] Crookes having that medal'. He considers the Rumford as more for experimental work, or he would have preferred [Hendrik Antoon] Lorentz. [Robert Williams] Wood has done 'a good deal of suitable work'. He was sorry to hear that [Simon] Newcomb is considering leaving scientific research for 'commercial invention'. He notes that Wood 'claims to have discovered the special corona lines in the phosphorescent spectrum of sodium and [unclear] vapours'. Huggins wishes to give the Rumford medal to Milne, as he is the 'older man and has had no scientific recognition from the Society'. Goldstein has also not had much recognition, but Huggins considers his claims as weaker. |
| Extent | 4p |
| Format | Manuscript |
| PhysicalDescription | Ink on paper |
| AccessStatus | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA7376 | Huggins; Sir; William (1824 - 1910); astronomer | 1824 - 1910 |
| NA7894 | Larmor; Sir; Joseph (1857 - 1942); physicist | 1857 - 1942 |