| RefNo | MS/603/2/60 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from G [George] Chrystal, 5 Belgrave Crescent, Edinburgh, to [Joseph] Larmor |
| Creator | Chrystal; George (1851-1911); British mathematician |
| Recipient | Larmor; Sir; Joseph (1857-1942); Irish theoretical physicist |
| Date | 30 December 1903 |
| Description | Chrystal writes that, with regards to the Government Grant Committee, he felt out of place and 'of no use whatsoever', as he was unfamiliar with the names discussed and feels that his experience as a teacher was too narrow for these discussions. He suggested other names that may be better suited for this position. He then states many reasons for his unwillingness to join the Royal Society of London, such as 'some points about its constitution which I dislike, and think harmful to the progress of science, especially in outlying parts like Scotland'. He is uncomfortable with the fee he must pay if he is successful, and the reputational risk if his application is unsuccessful. He is also resentful of particular candidates who apply to be Fellows of the Royal Society of Edinburgh merely to appear as though they are part of the Royal Society of London, which he feels discredits the Society of Edinburgh. Chrystal states 'I can be of absolutely no use to the Royal Society and it can do nothing for me. It cannot mend my broken arm or restore my lost youth and opportunities.'
|
| Extent | 11p |
| Format | Manuscript |
| PhysicalDescription | Ink on paper |
| AccessStatus | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA7894 | Larmor; Sir; Joseph (1857 - 1942); physicist | 1857 - 1942 |