| RefNo | MS/603/8/76 |
| Previous numbers | 1415 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from J T [John Theodore] Merz, the Reform Club, to [Joseph] Larmor |
| Creator | Merz; John Theodore (1840-1922); British chemist and historian of science |
| Recipient | Larmor; Sir Joseph (1857-1942); Irish theoretical physicist |
| Date | 1 March 1898 |
| Description | He received part three of Larmor's paper on the aether, which is of great interest and he read a considerable portion on the train. He cannot grasp it all yet, but intends to persevere until he at least understands its elements. He notes Larmor's attention to the question of how mechanical models can answer 'fundamental contradictions'. Merz's own progress in chapters for his second volume [of 'A history of European thought in the nineteenth century'] is described; and he thinks that after the next four chapters he should write another on the reconcilation of different views of Nature. He wonders whether he should treat Larmor's work here, or under the kinetic view. He may come to Cambridge to talk with Larmor on this. Larmor's letters may have brought a troublesome friend upon him. He has had some useful conversations with Lord Kelvin, but lately 'he seems to have thrown aside the vortex atom' and he would not reprint his papers on the subject. He seems to be in love with the Boscovich atom. |
| Extent | 4p. |
| Format | Manuscript |
| PhysicalDescription | Ink on paper |
| AccessStatus | Open |