| Reference number | MS/603/1/35 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from F W [Francis William] Aston, 1 Portugal Place, to Sir Joseph Larmor |
| Creator | Aston; Francis (1877-1945); British physicist |
| Date | 22 October 1913 |
| Description | He is sending his name as a candidate for the Clerk Maxwell scholarship and hopes that Larmor will be able to support him, as it seem to be Aston's last hope to devote himself to physical research. He reminds Larmor of some words of approbation he wrote on the manuscript of Aston's first contribution to the Royal Society's Proceedings. He has not been fortunate in obtaining employment. Professor Poynting had told him that he almost received the Mackinnon studentship a few years ago and Poynting almost promised him an 1851 scholarship. He was deprived by a cruel mistake in reading Birmingham University regulations. Professor Thomson attributed his failure solely to his age, which would not be an objection in the case of the Maxwell award. This would be ideal opportunity to continue his work on neon and he would like to produce a systematic piece of research on the effects of positive rays on chemicals. He has been lent quantities of the two components of atmospheric neon by Sir William Ramsay. At a time when the structure of the atom is the subject of controversy, it seems desirable to do the work as soon as possible. The Cavendish is clearly the place where this needs to be done and Aston has unique experience. He concludes with an appeal for support. |
| Extent | 4p. |
| Format | Manuscript |
| Physical description | Ink on paper |
| Access status | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | Name | Dates |
| NA6125 | Aston; Francis William (1877 - 1945); physicist | 1877 - 1945 |