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diff --git a/79044-src/README-math.txt b/79044-src/README-math.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7be885 --- /dev/null +++ b/79044-src/README-math.txt @@ -0,0 +1,115 @@ +MathJax HTML source file instructions +==================== +This project has math with high complexity equations (integrals, partial +derivatives, gradients, matrices, etc.), grouped equations, etc. The source is +a preliminary HTML file that uses MathJax to define mathematical expressions, +which is processed to generate a final HTML file, along with SVG images with +file names consisting of a number and “.svg”, such as “4.svg”. + +This source file is kept for the purpose of applying errata fixes. Although the +MathJax takes some learning, it is clearer than the generated final. This also +allows the SVG images to be regenerated with changes. + +Owing to the complexity of this type of book, it is not required to submit a +text file. + +Inline svg note +==================== +It is possible to use inline svg in the html file rather than images. It is +essential in this case also to keep the source file. + + +MathML note +==================== +For books with less complex math, this may be a good choice. It does not +require extra processing. + + +Tools +==================== +See the ppmath GitHub repository: + https://github.com/DistributedProofreaders/ppmath. +Follow the instructions to install m2svg. Don't forget to run "npm update -g" +before installing m2svg. + +Command line: + m2svg -i input.htm -o output.htm + +- The SVG files will be placed in a subdirectory of the working directory + called "images". + +- In the converted file, the maths expressions, delimited by the tags `\[` + and `\]` for *display* expressions or `\(` and `\)` for *inline* + expressions, are replaced by `<img>` links. + +- The "data-tex" attribute will contain the original maths expression. + + +Inline code example +==================== +For the expression AB^2 = AG × BD +the input + `\(\mathrm{AB}^{2} = \mathrm{AG} \times \mathrm{BD}\)` + +becomes + `<span class="nowrap"><img style="vertical-align: -0.186ex; width: 16.872ex; + height: 2.253ex;" src="images/4.svg" alt="" data-tex="\mathrm{AB}^{2} + = \mathrm{AG} \times \mathrm{BD}">,</span>` + +The file images/4.svg displays the desired expression. + + +Source files structure on Project Gutenberg +==================== +(eBook 75107 is used as an example) + +- 75107/ + - 75107-0.txt (optional) + - 75107-h/ + - 75107-h.htm (final HTML file) + - images/ (generated SVGs + other images) + - cover.jpg + - 1.svg + - (etc.) + - 75107-src/ + - 75107-src.htm (source HTML file with MathJax) + - README-math.txt (this file) + + +Submission process +==================== +- Generated final HTML and images should be submitted as normal. +- In addition, the source HTML will be included in a "source/" subdirectory. +- This readme will also be included in the "source/" subdirectory. + - Having it with the eBook makes it obvious, and avoids issues with + procedures changing in the future. +- The submitter should add a note that this is a MathJax project, and whether a + text file is included. +- Workflow will rename the source/ subdirectory and HTML file. + + +Errata process +==================== +(eBook 75107 is used as an example) + +1. Download the project files using Errata Workbench, and unzip. +2. Install m2svg if not already done. +3. Make the desired changes to 75107-src.htm. +4. Execute command line "m2svg -i 75107-src.htm -o 75107-h.htm". + - The image files will be placed in a subdirectory of the working directory + called "images". + - Check error report: filename_svgerr.err (as generated by Guiguts 2) + - Preview 75107-h.htm in a browser to make sure that all changes are properly + added. +5. Move 75107-h.htm to the 75107-h directory. +6. Move the contents of the images directory to the 75107-h/images directory. + - The generated images are just a number with .svg extension. There could be + other svg files which are not generated by m2svg. It is best to remove the + existing generated files from 75107-h/images first. + - Any non-generated images should be kept. Otherwise, if the edit results in + there being fewer generated images than before, some old ones could be left + behind. +7. Remove the generated images subdirectory and any other temporary files. +8. Run PPhtml from Guiguts 2 or Post-Processing Workbench to verify all images + are used, and none are missing. +9. Zip the project directory and upload to Errata Workbench. diff --git a/79044-src/maxwell.html b/79044-src/maxwell.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0b44372 --- /dev/null +++ b/79044-src/maxwell.html @@ -0,0 +1,29740 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html> +<html lang="en"> +<head> + <meta charset="UTF-8"> + <title> + Life of James Clerk Maxwell | Project Gutenberg + </title> + <link rel="icon" href="images/cover.jpg" type="image/x-cover"> + <style> + +body { + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; +} + +/* General headers */ + +h1 { + text-align: center; + clear: both; +} + +h2, h3 { + text-align: center; + font-weight: bold; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-bottom: 1em; + } + +p { + margin-top: .51em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .49em; + text-indent: 1.5em; +} + +.nind {text-indent:0;} + +.nindc {text-align:center; text-indent:0;} + +.large {font-size: 125%;} + +.space-above2 { margin-top: 2em; } +.space-below2 { margin-bottom: 2em; } + +.hanging2 {padding-left: 2em; + text-indent: -2em; + } + +.spa1 { + margin-top: 1em + } + +hr { + width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: 33.5%; + margin-right: 33.5%; + clear: both; +} + +hr.tb {width: 45%; margin-left: 27.5%; margin-right: 27.5%;} +hr.chap {width: 65%; margin-left: 17.5%; margin-right: 17.5%;} +@media print { hr.chap {display: none; visibility: hidden;} } + +hr.r5 {width: 5%; margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 47.5%; margin-right: 47.5%;} + +div.chapter {page-break-before: always;} +h2.nobreak {page-break-before: avoid;} + +ul.index { list-style-type: none; } +li.ifrst { + margin-top: 1em; + text-indent: -2em; + padding-left: 1em; +} +li.indx { + margin-top: .5em; + text-indent: -2em; + padding-left: 1em; +} +li.isub1 { + text-indent: -2em; + padding-left: 2em; +} + +table { + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; +} +table.autotable { border-collapse: collapse; } +table.autotable td { padding: 0.25em; } + +.tdl {text-align: left;} +.tdr {text-align: right;} +.tdc {text-align: center;} + +.tdlh { + text-align: left; + margin-left: 2em; + text-indent: 2em + } + +.tdr_bot {text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;} + +.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: small; + text-align: right; + font-style: normal; + font-weight: normal; + font-variant: normal; + text-indent: 0; +} /* page numbers */ + +.blockquot { + margin-left: 5%; + margin-right: 10%; +} + +.sidenote { + width: 5%; + padding-bottom: .5em; + padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; + padding-right: .5em; + margin-left: .5em; + float: left; + clear: left; + margin-top: .5em; + font-size: small; + color: black; + background: #eeeeee; + border: 1px dashed; +} + +.sidenote2 { + width: 5%; + padding-bottom: .5em; + padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; + padding-right: .5em; + margin-left: .5em; + float: right; + clear: right; + margin-top: .5em; + font-size: small; + color: black; + background: #eeeeee; + border: 1px dashed; + } + +.bb {border-bottom: 2px solid;} + +.center {text-align: center;} + +.right {text-align: right;} + +.allsmcap {font-variant: small-caps; text-transform: lowercase;} + +.caption {font-weight: normal; + font-size: 90%; + text-align: right; + padding-bottom: 1em;} + +.caption p +{ + text-align: center; + text-indent: 0; + margin: 0.25em 0; +} + +/* Images */ + +img {max-width: 100%; width: 100%; height: auto;} +.width500 {max-width: 500px;} +.x-ebookmaker .width500 {width: 100%;} + + +.figcenter { + margin: auto; + text-align: center; + page-break-inside: avoid; + max-width: 100%; +} + +.figleft { + float: left; + clear: left; + margin-left: 0; + margin-bottom: 1em; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-right: 1em; + padding: 0; + text-align: center; + page-break-inside: avoid; + max-width: 100%; +} +/* comment out next line and uncomment the following one for floating figleft on ebookmaker output */ +.x-ebookmaker .figleft {float: none; text-align: center; margin-right: 0;} +.x-ebookmaker .figleft {float: left;} + +.figright { + float: right; + clear: right; + margin-left: 1em; + margin-bottom: 1em; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-right: 0; + padding: 0; + text-align: center; + page-break-inside: avoid; + max-width: 100%; +} +/* comment out next line and uncomment the following one for floating figright on ebookmaker output */ +.x-ebookmaker .figright {float: none; text-align: center; margin-left: 0;} +.x-ebookmaker .figright {float: right;} + +/* Footnotes */ +.footnotes {border: 1px dashed;} + +.footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + +.footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} + +.fnanchor { + vertical-align: super; + font-size: .8em; + text-decoration: + none; +} + +/* Poetry */ +/* uncomment the next line for centered poetry */ +.poetry-container {display: flex; justify-content: center;} +.poetry-container {text-align: center;} +.poetry {text-align: left; margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%;} +.poetry .stanza {margin: 1em auto;} +.poetry .verse {text-indent: -3em; padding-left: 3em;} + +/* Transcriber's notes */ +.transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA; + color: black; + font-size:small; + padding:0.5em; + margin-bottom:5em; + font-family:sans-serif, serif; +} + +/* Poetry indents */ +.poetry .indent0 {text-indent: -3em;} +.poetry .indent1 {text-indent: -2.5em;} +.poetry .indent10 {text-indent: 2em;} +.poetry .indent11 {text-indent: 2.5em;} +.poetry .indent12 {text-indent: 3em;} +.poetry .indent14 {text-indent: 4em;} +.poetry .indent2 {text-indent: -2em;} +.poetry .indent22 {text-indent: 8em;} +.poetry .indent4 {text-indent: -1em;} +.poetry .indent6 {text-indent: 0em;} +.poetry .indent7 {text-indent: 0.5em;} +.poetry .indent8 {text-indent: 1em;} +.poetry .indent9 {text-indent: 1.5em;} + +/* css needed in m2svg output: displayed equations and prevention of bad breaks*/ + +__style_holder + + .align-center { + display: block; + text-align: center; + text-indent: 0; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-bottom: 1em; + } + .nowrap { + white-space: nowrap; + } + + </style> +</head> +<body> + + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="cover" style="width: 2560px;"> +<img src="images/cover.jpg" width="2560" height="4490" alt="This +1882 biography explores Maxwell's personal history, groundbreaking +scientific mind, private letters, and poetry."> +</figure> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p class="nindc space-below2 space-above2"><span class="large">LIFE OF JAMES CLERK MAXWELL</span></p> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_008" style="width: 200px;"> +<img src="images/i_008.jpg" width="200" height="101" alt="decorative"> +</figure> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_010" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/i_010.jpg" width="500" height="561" alt="A portrait +engraving of James Clerk Maxwell — shown in profile with his +characteristic full beard."> +<figcaption class="caption"> +<p>James Clerk Maxwell. Engraved by G. D. Stodart from a +Photograph by Fergus of Greenock.</p></figcaption> +</figure> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<h1>THE LIFE<br> +<span class="allsmcap">OF</span><br> +JAMES CLERK MAXWELL</h1> + + +<p class="nindc space-below2 space-above2">WITH A SELECTION FROM HIS CORRESPONDENCE +AND OCCASIONAL WRITINGS</p> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">AND</span></p> + +<p class="nindc space-below2 space-above2">A SKETCH OF HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO SCIENCE</p> + +<p class="nindc space-below2 space-above2"><span class="allsmcap">BY</span></p> + +<p class="nindc">LEWIS CAMPBELL, M.A., LL.D.</p> + +<p class="center"><span class="allsmcap">PROFESSOR OF GREEK IN THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. ANDREWS</span></p> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">AND</span></p> + +<p class="nindc">WILLIAM GARNETT, M.A.</p> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">LATE FELLOW OF ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE +PROFESSOR OF NATURAL PHILOSOPHY IN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, NOTTINGHAM</span></p> + +<p class="center"><span class="allsmcap">WITH THREE STEEL PORTRAITS, COLOURED PLATES, ETC.</span></p> + +<p class="nindc space-below2 space-above2"><span class="allsmcap">London</span><br> +<span class="allsmcap">MACMILLAN AND CO.</span></p> + +<p class="nindc">1882</p> +</div> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>And so thou wast made perfect! Not a friend</i></div> + <div class="verse indent2"><i>Might step between thee and the sore distress</i></div> + <div class="verse indent2"><i>Which thou with strong and patient godliness</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Enduredst uncomplaining to the end.</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Heroic saint! Bright sufferer! Thou dost lend</i></div> + <div class="verse indent2"><i>To science a new glory. Midst the press</i></div> + <div class="verse indent2"><i>Of boasters, all thy meek-eyed fame confess,</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>And worldlings thine unworldliness commend.</i></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Shine on, pure spirit! Though we see thee not,</i></div> + <div class="verse indent2"><i>Even in thy passage thou hast purged away</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>The fogs of earth-born doubt and sense-bound thought</i></div> + <div class="verse indent2"><i>From hearts that followed thine all-piercing ray.</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>And while thou sourest far from human view,</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Even thy faint image shall our strength renew.</i></div> + </div> +</div> +</div> +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_vii">[Pg vii]</span></p> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="PREFACE">PREFACE.</h2> +</div> + +<p class="nind"> +IN a work which has more than one author, it is right to distinguish as +far as possible what has been contributed by each.</p> + +<p>The first part of this book, then, has been mainly composed by the +present writer (who has acted as editor), and the second by Mr. +Garnett; but it is due to Mr. Garnett to add that, while he had the +chief share of the labour of collecting materials for the whole +biography, and the entire burden of the account here given of Maxwell’s +contributions to science, the substance of <a href="#CHAPTER_XI">Chapters XI.</a> <a href="#CHAPTER_XII">XII.</a> <a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">XIII.</a> is +also largely drawn from information obtained through him. The matter +of whole pages remains almost in his very words, although for the sake +of uniformity and simplicity the first person has still been used in +speaking of my own reminiscences.</p> + +<p>The narrative of Maxwell’s early life has been facilitated—(1) by a +diary kept by Maxwell’s father from 1841 to 1847, and often referred to +in these pages as “the Diary;” (2) by two albums containing a series of +water-colour drawings by Maxwell’s first cousin, Mrs. Hugh Blackburn +(<i>née</i> Isabella Wedderburn), the value of which may be inferred +from the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_viii">[Pg viii]</span> outlined reproductions of a few of them prepared by Mrs. +Blackburn herself as illustrations for this book. They are literally +<i>bits out of the past</i>, each containing an exact representation, +by a most accurate observer and clever draughtswoman, of some incident +which had just happened when the sketch was made. The figures, even as +outlined, bring back the persons with singular vividness to the memory +of those who knew them.</p> + +<p>For these and many other advantages the thanks of the authors are due +to Maxwell’s relatives, but above all to his widow, not only for the +free access she has given them to various documents, such as those +mentioned above, but for the generous confidence she has reposed in +them throughout, and for many important suggestions made by her during +the progress of the work.</p> + +<p>Their thanks are also due in an especial manner to Professor G. G. +Stokes of Cambridge for his kindness in reading most of <a href="#PART_II">Part II.</a> in +MS., and for many valuable suggestions both with regard to the subject +matter and the mode of treating it, which were received from him; and +to Professor P. G. Tait of the University of Edinburgh for his zealous +and able assistance in many ways.</p> + +<p>The book owes much, of course, to those who entrusted the letters here +published to the authors’ care. Their names are duly mentioned in +the course of the work. Our task has also been lightened by the help +of those friends whose contributions are inserted with their names. +In describing the life of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_ix">[Pg ix]</span> one who was so many-sided, it is no small +advantage to be thus enabled to register the impression which he made +on different men. Even should this occasion slight repetitions and +discrepancies, the reader may thus form a fuller and, on the whole, a +truer image than could be conveyed by a single narrator. Attention is +here particularly directed to the statements in <a href="#CHAPTER_III">Chapter XIII.</a> by Dr. +Paget, the Rev. Dr. Guillemard (of Little St. Mary’s, Cambridge), and +Professor Hort.</p> + +<p>As a general rule, no attempt has been made to weave the correspondence +into the narrative. The facts relating to each period have been grouped +together, and the letters have been appended to these in chronological +order.</p> + +<p>A word should be said respecting <a href="#PART_III">Part III</a>. Whatever may be the judgment +of critics as to the literary merits of Maxwell’s occasional writings +in verse, there can be no doubt of their value for the purpose of the +present work. Like everything which he did, they are characteristic of +him, and some of them have a curious biographical interest. Maxwell was +singularly reserved in common life, but would sometimes in solitude +express his deepest feelings in a copy of verses which he would +afterwards silently communicate to a friend. Again, he shrank from +controversy. But his active mind was constantly playing on contemporary +fallacies, or what appeared so to him, and his turn for parody and +burlesque enabled him to give humorous expression to his criticism of +mistaken methods. Of the later pieces here reproduced, several appeared +in <i>Nature</i> with the signature \(\dfrac{d p}{d t}\) (which<span class="pagenum" id="Page_x">[Pg x]</span> +happens to be the analytical equivalent of the thermodynamical formula +JCM); and one (the “Notes on the President’s Address”) was published in +<i>Blackwood’s Magazine</i> for December 1874. The greater number are +now printed for the first time.</p> + +<p>The juvenile verses and translations have been included for the same +reason which has led to the prominence given to the early life in <a href="#PART_I">Part +I</a>. If we are right in our estimate of Maxwell, it must be interesting +to watch the unfolding of such a mind and character from the first, +and this not only for the psychological student, but for all those who +share Wordsworth’s fondness for “days” that are “linked each to each +with natural piety.”</p> + +<p>While the last sheets were being revised for the press the sad news +arrived that Maxwell’s first cousin, Mr. Colin Mackenzie, had died on +board the <i>Bosnia</i>, on his way home from America. There was no one +whose kind encouragement had more stimulated the preparation of this +volume, or whose pleasure in it would have been a more welcome reward. +But he, too, is gone before his time, and this book will be sent into +the world with fewer good wishes. He deserves to be remembered with +affection wherever the name of James Clerk Maxwell is honoured or +beloved.</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="allsmcap">LEWIS CAMPBELL.</span></p> + +<p><i>August 1882.</i></p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CONTENTS">CONTENTS</h2> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_xi">[Pg xi]</span></p> +</div> + +<table class="autotable"> +<tbody><tr> +<td class="tdc">PART I.—BIOGRAPHICAL OUTLINE.</td> +<td class="tdr"></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdc">CHAPTER I.</td> +<td class="tdl"></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"></td> +<td class="tdr"><span class="allsmcap">PAGE</span></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">Birth and Parentage</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdlh"><i>Note</i>.—The Clerks of Penicuik and Maxwells of Middlebie</td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_16">16</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdc">CHAPTER II.</td> +<td class="tdl"></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">Glenlair—Childhood—1831-1841</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_24">24</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdc">CHAPTER III.</td> +<td class="tdl"></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">Boyhood—1841-1844</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_45">45</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdc">CHAPTER IV.</td> +<td class="tdl"></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">Adolescence—1844-1847</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_66">66</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdlh"><i>Note</i>.—Oval and Meloid</td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_91">91</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdc">CHAPTER V.</td> +<td class="tdl"></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">Opening Manhood—1847-1850</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_105">105</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdc">CHAPTER VI.</td> +<td class="tdl"></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">Undergraduate Life at Cambridge—1850-1854</span><span class="pagenum" id="Page_xii">[Pg xii]</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_146">146</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdc">CHAPTER VII.</td> +<td class="tdl"></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">Bachelor-Scholar and Fellow of Trinity—1854-1856</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_197">197</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdc">CHAPTER VIII.</td> +<td class="tdl"></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">Essays at Cambridge—1853-1856</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_223">223</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdc">CHAPTER IX.</td> +<td class="tdl"></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">Death of his Father—Professorship at Aberdeen—</span><br> +<span class="tdlh">1856-1857</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_247">247</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdc">CHAPTER X.</td> +<td class="tdl"></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">Aberdeen—Marriage—1857-1860</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_274">274</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdc">CHAPTER XI.</td> +<td class="tdl"></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">King’s College, London—Glenlair—1860-1870</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_314">314</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdc">CHAPTER XII.</td> +<td class="tdl"></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">Cambridge—1871-1879</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_348">348</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdc">CHAPTER XIII.</td> +<td class="tdl"></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">Illness and Death—1879</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_406">406</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdc">CHAPTER XIV.</td> +<td class="tdl"></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">Last Essays at Cambridge</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_434">434</a><span class="pagenum" id="Page_xiii">[Pg xiii]</span></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdc">PART II—CONTRIBUTIONS TO SCIENCE.</td> +<td class="tdr"></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">1. Experiments on Colour Vision, and other Contributions</span><br> +<span class="tdlh"><span class="allsmcap">to Optics</span></span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_465">465</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">2. Investigations respecting Elastic Solids</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_491">491</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">3. Pure Geometry</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_496">496</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">4. Mechanics</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_498">498</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">5. Saturn’s Kings</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_501">501</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">6. Faraday’s Lines op Force, and Maxwell’s Theory of</span><br> +<span class="tdlh"><span class="allsmcap">the Electromagnetic Field, including the</span></span><br> +<span class="tdlh"><span class="allsmcap">Electromagnetic Theory op Light, and other</span></span><br> +<span class="tdlh"><span class="allsmcap">Investigations in Electricity</span></span></td> +<td class="tdr_bot"><a href="#Page_513">513</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">7. Molecular Physics</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_559">559</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdc">PART III.—POEMS.</td> +<td class="tdr"></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">1. Juvenile Verses and Translations</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_577">577</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">2. Occasional Pieces</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_593">593</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">3. Serio-Comic Verse</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_609">609</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl">INDEX 653</td> +<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_653">653</a></td> +</tr> + </tbody> +</table> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_xv">[Pg xv]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="LIST_OF_ILLUSTRATIONS">LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.</h2> +</div> + +<table class="autotable"> +<tbody><tr> +<td class="tdc">STEEL PLATES.</td> +<td class="tdr"></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">JAMES CLERK MAXWELL</span>. Engraved by Stodart, after a<br> +<span class="tdlh">Photograph by Fergus of Greenock</span></td> +<td class="tdr_bot"><i>Frontispiece</i>.</td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">John Clerk Maxwell</span>, <i>Æt</i>. 66. Engraved by Stodart,<br> +<span class="tdlh">after Sir John Watson Gordon, R.A.</span></td> +<td class="tdr_bot"><i>To face page</i> <a href="#Page_11">11</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">Mrs. Clerk Maxwell and “Boy.”</span> Engraved by Stodart,<br> +<span class="tdlh">after William Dyce, R.A.</span></td> +<td class="tdr_bot"><i>To face page</i> <a href="#Page_29">29</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdc">LITHOGRAPHS.</td> +<td class="tdr"></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">Facsimile Letter</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><i>To face page</i> <a href="#Page_58">58</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">The Vampyre, Compylt into Meeter, by Jas. Clerka</span><br> +<span class="tdlh"><span class="allsmcap">Maxwell</span></span></td> +<td class="tdr_bot"><i>To face page</i> <a href="#Page_70">70</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdc">COLOURED PLATES.</td> +<td class="tdr"></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">Diagram showing the Relations of Light</span></td> +<td class="tdr"><i>To face page</i> <a href="#Page_473">473</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">Diagram illustrating the Chromatic Relations of</span><br> +<span class="tdlh"><span class="allsmcap">Coloured Papers</span></span></td> +<td class="tdr_bot"><i>To face page</i> <a href="#Page_474">474</a><span class="pagenum" id="Page_xvi">[Pg xvi]</span></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">Chromatic Effects of a Pentagon of Unannealed Glass</span><br> +<span class="tdlh"><span class="allsmcap">in Polarised Light</span></span></td> +<td class="tdr_bot"><i>To face page</i> <a href="#Page_487">487</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">Isochromatic Lines In A Triangle Of Unannealed</span><br> +<span class="tdlh"><span class="allsmcap">Glass</span></span></td> +<td class="tdr_bot"><i>To face page</i> <a href="#Page_487">487</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl"><span class="allsmcap">Diagram Showing The Colours Exhibited By A Plate Of</span><br> +<span class="tdlh"><span class="allsmcap">Gelatine When Exposed To A Torsional Shear</span></span></td> +<td class="tdr_bot"> <i>To face page</i> <a href="#Page_491">491</a></td> +</tr> + </tbody> +</table> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="PART_I">PART I.<br> +<br> +CHAPTER I.<br> +<span class="allsmcap">INTRODUCTORY—BIRTH AND PARENTAGE.</span></h2> +</div> + + +<p class="nind"> +ONE who has enriched the inheritance left by Newton and +has consolidated the work of Faraday,—one who impelled the mind of +Cambridge to a fresh course of real investigation,—has clearly earned +his place in human memory.</p> + +<p>But there was more in James Clerk Maxwell than is implied in any praise +that can be awarded to the discoverer, or in the honour justly due to +the educational reformer,—much, indeed, which his friends feel they +can but partly estimate, and still less adequately describe.</p> + +<p>We have, notwithstanding, undertaken this imperfect Memoir of him, in +which the purpose of this First Part will be to trace the growth from +childhood to maturity, and to record the untimely death, of a man of +profound original genius, who was also one of the best men who have +lived, and, to those who knew him, one of the most delightful and +interesting of human beings.</p> + +<p>If I can bring before the readers mind, even in shadowy outline, +the wise and gentle but curiously<span class="pagenum" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</span> blended influences which formed +the cradle of his young imagination, the channels through which +ideas reached him from the past, the objects which most challenged +his observation and provoked his invention, his first acquaintance +with what permanently interested him in contemporary speculation and +discovery, and the chief moments of his own intellectual progress in +earlier years,—such record should have a right to live. And it may be +that a congenial spirit here and there may look with me into the depths +of this unique personality, and feel the value of the impulses, often +seemingly wayward, and strange even to himself, with which the young +eagle “imped his wings” for flight, or taught his eyes to bear the +unclouded light. And many to whom modern Science is a sealed book may +find an interest in observing the combination of extraordinary gifts +with a no less remarkable simplicity and strength of character.</p> + +<p>James Clerk Maxwell was born at No. 14 India Street, Edinburgh, on the +13th of June 1831. His parents were John Clerk Maxwell, one of the +Clerks of Penicuik, in Midlothian, and Frances, daughter of R. H. Cay, +Esq. of N. Charlton, Northumberland. Excepting a daughter, Elizabeth, +who had died in infancy, James was their only child.</p> + +<p>Edinburgh was at this time the natural meeting-place for the best +spirits of the North. How much of intellect and individuality; of +genuine though often eccentric worth, of high thinking and plain +living, then forgathered in Auld Reekie, and found ample<span class="pagenum" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</span> scope and +leisure there, is known to the lovers of Sir W. Scott and to the +readers of Lord Cockburn—both prominent figures in the Edinburgh of +1824-1831.</p> + +<p>And the <i>agora</i> of “Modern Athens” was the Parliament House. There +the heir-presumptive could while away his time of waiting for “dead +men’s shoon”; there the laird’s brother might qualify for some berth +hereafter to be provided for him; and the son of those whose ancestral +estates had been impaired by rashness or misfortune, and who had +perchance sought the asylum of the Abbey, might hope through honourable +industry to restore the fallen house, or even to win new lustre for an +ancient name.</p> + +<p>When John Clerk Maxwell, after leaving the University, first sought +those purlieus of the law, he was already a laird, although a younger +brother. For he had inherited the estate of Middlebie, which, by +the conditions of the entail under which it had descended from the +Maxwells,<a id="FNanchor_1" href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> could not be held together with Penicuik, and was +therefore necessarily relinquished by Sir George Clerk in favour of his +brother John.</p> + +<p>This arrangement had been completed when the two brothers were boys +together at the High School, and were living in George Square with +their mother and their sister Isabella. Their father, James Clerk,<a id="FNanchor_2" href="#Footnote_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> +who died before his elder brother, Sir John, was a naval captain in +the H.E.I.C.S., but retired<span class="pagenum" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</span> early, and married Miss Janet Irving, who +thus became the mother of Sir George Clerk and of John Clerk Maxwell. +When Sir George had come of age, and taken up his abode at Penicuik, +John Clerk Maxwell continued living with his mother, Mrs. Clerk, in +Edinburgh. About 1820, in order to be near Isabella, Mrs. Wedderburn, +they “flitted” to a house in the New Town, No. 14 India Street, which +was built by special contract for them. Mrs. Clerk died there in the +spring of 1824.</p> + +<p>The old estate of Middlebie had been considerably reduced, and there +was nothing in what remained of it to tempt its possessor, while a +single man, to leave Edinburgh, or to break off from his profession at +the Bar. There was not even a dwelling-house for the laird. Mr. Clerk +Maxwell therefore lived in Edinburgh until the age of thirty-six, +pacing the floor of the Parliament House, doing such moderate business +as fell in his way, and dabbling between-whiles in scientific +experiment. In vacation time he made various excursions in the +Highlands of Scotland and in the north of England, and kept a minute +record of his observations.</p> + +<p>But when, after his mother’s death, he had married a lady of tastes +congenial to his own and of a sanguine active temperament, his strong +natural bent towards a country life became irresistible. The pair soon +conceived<span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</span> a wish to reside upon their estate, and began to form plans +for doing so; and they may be said to have lived thenceforth as if it +and they were made for one another. They set themselves resolutely +to the work of making that inheritance of stony and mossy ground to +become one of the habitable places of the earth. John Clerk Maxwell +had hitherto appeared somewhat indolent; and there was a good deal +of <i>inertia</i> in his composition. But the latent forces of his +character were now to be developed.</p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_029" style="width: 400px;"> +<img src="images/i_029.jpg" width="400" height="177" alt="It depicts a +harvest scene — figures gathering crops in a field, a horse-drawn cart, +dogs, and onlooking men in top hats."> +</figure> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</span></p> + +<p>He was one of a race<a id="FNanchor_3" href="#Footnote_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> in whom strong individuality had occasionally +verged on eccentricity. For two centuries the Clerks had been +associated with all that was most distinguished in the Northern +kingdom, from Drummond of Hawthornden to Sir Walter Scott. Each +generation had been remarkable for the talents and accomplishments +of some of its members; and it was natural that a family with such +antecedents should have acquired something of clannishness. But any +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</span> +narrowing effect of such a tendency was counteracted by a strong +intellectual curiosity, which kept them <i>en rapport</i> with the +world, while they remained independent of the world. And as each scion +of the stock entered into new relations, the keen mutual interest, +instead of merely narrowing, became an element of width. I speak now +of the generation preceding our own. No house was ever more affluent +in that <i>Coterie-Sprache</i>, for which the Scottish dialect of that +day afforded such full materials. It would be pleasant, if possible, +to recall that humorous gentle speech, as it rolled the cherished +vocables like a sweet morsel on the tongue, or minced them with a lip +from which nothing could seem coarse or broad,—caressing them as +some Lady Bountiful may caress a peasant's child,—or as it coined +<i>sesquipedalia verba</i>, which passed current through the stamp +of kindred fancy. This quaint freemasonry was unconsciously a token +not only of family community, but also of that feudal fellowship with +dependents which was still possible, and which made the language and +the manners of the most refined to be often racy of the soil. But Time +will not stand still, and neither the delicate “couthy” tones, nor that +which they signified, can be fully realised to-day. But we can still +in part appreciate the playful irony which prompted these humorous +vagaries of old leisure, wherein true feeling found k modest veil, and +a naive philosophy lightened many troubles of life by making light of +them.</p> + +<p>Mr. John Clerk Maxwell’s own idiosyncrasy, as has been said, was +well suited for a country life. But to give a true idea of him it +is necessary to be more precise. His main characteristic, beyond a +warm, affectionate heart, the soundest of sound sense, and absolute +sincerity, was a persistent practical interest in <i>all useful +processes</i>.<a id="FNanchor_4" href="#Footnote_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> When spending his holidays at Penicuik as a boy +from the Edinburgh High School (as well as long afterwards), he took +delight in watching the machinery of Mr. Cowan’s paper-mill, then +recently established in that neighbourhood. And Mr. R. D. Cay remembers +him, when still a young man living in India Street with his mother +(about 1821-24), to have been engaged, together with John Cay, who +was afterwards<span class="pagenum" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</span> his brother-in-law, in a series of attempts to make +a bellows that should have a continuous even blast. We can readily +imagine, therefore, how closely he must have followed every step in the +gradual application of steam to industry, and the various mechanical +improvements which took place in his youth and early manhood.<a id="FNanchor_5" href="#Footnote_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a></p> + +<p>His practical thoroughness was combined with a striking absence of +conventionality and contempt for ornament. In matters however seemingly +trivial—nothing that had to be done was trivial to him—he considered +not what was usual, but what was best for his purpose. In the humorous +language which he loved to use, he declared in favour of doing things +with <i>judiciosity</i>. One who knew him well describes him as always +balancing one thing with another—exercising his reason about every +matter, great or small. He was fond of remarking, for example, on the +folly of coachmen in urging a horse to speed as soon as they saw the +top of a hill, when, by waiting half a minute until the summit was +really attained, they might save the animal. “A sad waste of work,” he +would say. Long before the days of “anatomical” bootmaking, he insisted +on having ample room for his feet. His square-toed shoes were made by +a country shoemaker under his direction on a last of his own and out +of a piece of leather chosen by himself. This<span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</span> is only one example of +the manner in which he did everything. It was thought out from the +beginning to the end, and so contrived as to be most economical and +serviceable in the long run. In his Diary (1841) we find him cutting +out his own and his son’s shirts, while planning the outbuildings which +still exist at Glenlair. And he not only planned these, but made the +working plans for the masons (1842) with his own hand.<a id="FNanchor_6" href="#Footnote_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a> This habitual +careful adaptation of means to ends was the characteristic which +(together with profound simplicity) he most obviously transmitted to +his son. Its effect, heightened by perfect science, is still apparent +in the construction and arrangement of the Cavendish Laboratory at +Cambridge.</p> + +<p>While thus unostentatious and plain in all his ways, he was essentially +liberal and generous. No one could look in his broad face beaming +with kindliness and believe otherwise. But his benevolence was +best known nearest home. And in caring for others, as in providing +for his own house, his actions were ruled, not by impulse, but +persistent thoughtfulness. By his ever-wakeful consideration, he +breathed an atmosphere of warm comfort and quiet contentment on all +(including the dumb animals) within his sphere. Whoever had any claim +upon his affectionate heart, whether as an old dependant, or as a +relation or<span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</span> friend, might command from him any amount of patient +thought, and of pains given without stint and without complaint. His +“<i>judiciosity</i>” was used as freely for them as for himself.<a id="FNanchor_7" href="#Footnote_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a> And +where need was he could be an effectual peacemaker.</p> + +<p>He was assiduous also in county business (road meetings, prison boards, +and the like), and in his own quiet way took his share in political +movements, on the Conservative side.</p> + +<p>There was a deep unobtrusive tenderness in him, which in later years +gave a touching, almost feminine, grace to his ample countenance, and +his portly, even somewhat unwieldy, frame.<a id="FNanchor_8" href="#Footnote_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a> He was a keen sportsman +(unlike his son in this), and an excellent shot; but it was observed +that he was above all careful never to run the risk of wounding without +killing his game.</p> + +<p>His temper was all but perfect; yet, as “the best laid schemes o' mice +and men gang aft agley,” the minute care with which he formed his plans +sometimes exposed him to occasions which showed that his usual calm +self-possession was not invulnerable. At such times he would appear +not angry, only somewhat discomposed or “vexed,” and, after donning +his considering-cap for a little while, would soon resume his benign +equanimity.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</span></p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_036" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/i_036.jpg" width="500" height="522" alt="An +engraved portrait of a balding, middle-aged or older man with wavy +shoulder-length hair, depicted in formal attire with a high collar and +large bow tie."> +<figcaption class="caption"> +<p>John Clerk Maxwell, “Æt. 66”. Engraved by G.J. Stodart +after Sir John Watson Gordon, R.A.</p></figcaption> +</figure> + +<p>An interesting trait is revealed to us by the Diary. Minute as the +entries are for day after day, things which, if mentioned, might +reflect unfavourably upon others, are invariably omitted. They have +come down through other channels, but in this scrupulous record they +have left no trace.</p> + +<p>His otherwise happy life was crossed with one deep, silent sorrow,—but +was crowned with one long comfort in the life of his son. They were +bound together by no ordinary ties, and were extremely like in +disposition, in simplicity, unworldliness, benevolence, and kindness to +every living thing. Those who knew Maxwell best will be least apt to +think irrelevant this somewhat lengthy description of his father.</p> + +<p>The portrait of Mr. John Clerk Maxwell by Watson Gordon is a faithful +representation of a face which returns more vividly than most others to +the eye of memory, but no portrait can restore “the busy wrinkles round +his eyes,” or give back to them their mild radiance—</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent9">“Gray eyes lit up</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With summer lightnings of a soul</div> + <div class="verse indent2">So full of summer warmth, so glad,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So healthy, sound and clear and whole,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">His memory scarce can make me sad.”</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>He lived amidst solid realities, but his vision was neither shallow +nor contracted. And his sense of things beyond, if inarticulate, was, +in later life at least, not the less serious and profound. Yet those +who shall compare this likeness with the study of James Clerk Maxwells +head by Mrs. Blackburn, may at<span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</span> once detect something of the difference +between the father and the son. In the one there is a grave and placid +acquiescence in the nearer environment, the very opposite of enthusiasm +or mysticism; in the other, the artist has succeeded in catching the +unearthly look which often returned to the deep-set eyes under the +vaulted brow, when they had just before been sparkling with fun,—the +look as of one who has heard the concert of the morning stars and the +shouting of the Sons of God.</p> + +<p>James himself has said to me that to have had a wise and good parent +is a great stay in life, and that no man knows how much in him is +due to his progenitors. And yet the speculative ideal element which +was so strong in him—the struggle towards the infinite through the +finite—was not prominent in either of his parents. Mrs. Clerk Maxwell +was, no doubt, a good and pious (not bigoted) Episcopalian; but, from +all that appears, her chief bent, like that of her husband, must have +been practical and matter-of-fact. Her practicality, however, was +different from his. She was of a strong and resolute nature,—as prompt +as he was cautious and considerate,—more peremptory, but less easily +perturbed. Of gentle birth and breeding, she had no fine-ladyisms, but +with blunt determination entered heart and soul into that rustic life. +It is told of her that when some men had been badly hurt in blasting at +a quarry on the estate, she personally attended to their wounds before +a surgeon could be brought, and generally that wherever help was needed +she was full of courage and resource. She<span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</span> was very intelligent and +ingenious, played well on the organ, and composed some music, but in +other respects was less “accomplished” than most of her family, except +in domestic works, and above all in knitting, which in those days was +an elegant and most elaborate pursuit.</p> + +<p>Her father, E. Hodshon Cay, Esq., of N. Charlton, is thus spoken of +in Lockhart’s <i>Life of Scott</i> (p. 86 of the abridged edition, +1871):—“I find him” (Scott) “further nominated in March 1796, together +with Mr. Robert Cay,—an accomplished gentleman, afterwards Judge of +the Admiralty Court in Scotland,—to put the Faculty’s cabinet of +medals in proper arrangement.” Mr. Cay at one time held the post of +Judge-Admiral and Commissary-General, and while thus dignified in his +profession used to reside for part of the year on his hereditary estate +of Charlton, which had been freed from certain burdens<a id="FNanchor_9" href="#Footnote_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a> upon his +coming of age.</p> + +<p>He married Elizabeth Liddell, daughter of John Liddell, Esq., of +Tynemouth, about the year 1789. The eldest son, John, has been already +mentioned as an early companion of John Clerk Maxwell’s, and both his +name and those of Jane and E. D. Cay will reappear in the sequel. +Between Frances (Mrs. Clerk Maxwell) and her sister Jane, who was never +married, there existed a very close affection. There is a picture of +them both as young girls (a three-quarter length in water-colours) done +by their mother, who was an accomplished artist. Her gift in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</span> this +way, which was very remarkable, and highly cultivated for an amateur, +was continued in Jane and Robert, and has been transmitted to the +succeeding generation. Miss Jane Cay was one of the warmest hearted +creatures in the world; somewhat wayward in her likes and dislikes, +perhaps somewhat warm-tempered also, but boundless in affectionate +kindness to those whom she loved. Mr. E. D. Cay, W.S., married a +sister of Dyce the artist, and, after acting for some time as one of +the Judges' clerks, proceeded in 1844 to Hong-Kong, where he had an +appointment. His wife joined him there in 1845, and died in 1852. In +two of their sons, besides the artistic tastes which they inherited +through both parents, there was developed remarkable mathematical +ability. It should be also noticed that Mr. John Cay, the Sheriff of +Linlithgow, though not specially educated in mathematics, was extremely +skilful in arithmetic and fond of calculation as a voluntary pursuit. +He was a great favourite in society, and full of general information. +We have already seen him assisting at experiments which might have led +to the invention of “blowing fans,” but seem to have produced no such +profitable result. And we shall find that his interest in practical +Science was continued late in after life.<a id="FNanchor_10" href="#Footnote_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a></p> + +<p>In speaking of the Cay family it has been necessary to anticipate a +little, in order to advert to some particulars which, although later in +time, seemed proper<span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</span> to an introduction. Having departed so far from +the order of events, I may before concluding this chapter make explicit +mention of the loss which coloured the greater part of James Clerk +Maxwell's existence, by leaving him motherless in his ninth year. Mrs. +Clerk Maxwell died on the 6th of December 1839. There was extant until +after Professor Maxwell's death a memorandum or diary kept at the time +by her husband, describing the heroic fortitude which she had shown +under the pain of her disease, and of the operation by which they had +attempted to save her. Anæsthetics were then unknown. She had nearly +completed her forty-eighth year, having been born on the 25th of March +1792, and married at the age of 34 (October 4, 1826). Mr. Maxwell was +aged fifty-two at the time of his wife's death. He did not marry again.</p> + +<p>We now return from this sad record to the birth of the son and heir, +which was the more welcome to the parents after the loss of their +first-born child. At this joyful epoch Mr. and Mrs. Clerk Maxwell, +though retaining the house in India Street, had been already settled +for some years in their new home at Glenlair.</p> + + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_1" href="#FNanchor_1" class="label">[1]</a> +See below, <a href="#Page_16">pp. 16</a>-<a href="#Page_23">23.</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_2" href="#FNanchor_2" class="label">[2]</a> +He is said to have played well on the bagpipes, and a +set of pipes was until recently preserved at Glenlair, of which the +following singular story was told:—Captain James Clerk was wrecked in +the Hooghly and swam ashore, using the bag of his pipes for a float; +and when he gained the shore he “played an unco’ fit,” whereby he not +only cheered the survivors, but frightened the tigers away.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_3" href="#FNanchor_3" class="label">[3]</a> +The note appended to this chapter contains a sketch of the +family history of the Clerks and Maxwells, which those who believe in +heredity, as Maxwell did, will do well to read.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_4" href="#FNanchor_4" class="label">[4]</a> +He never lost an opportunity of inspecting manufactures, +or of visiting great buildings, ecclesiastical or otherwise, and he +impressed the same habit upon his son. The “works” they “viewed” +together were simply innumerable, but it will be sufficient to cite +one crowning instance. When James Clerk Maxwell was in the midst of +his last year’s preparation for the Cambridge Tripos, he proposed to +spend the few days of Easter vacation which the pressure of his work +allowed to him, in a visit to a friend at Birmingham. His father had +seen Birmingham in his youth, and gave him the following instructions, +which were mostly carried out:—“View, if you can, armourers, +gunmaking and gunproving—swordmaking and proving—<i>Papier-mâché</i> +and japanning—silver-plating by cementation and rolling—ditto, +electrotype—Elkington’s works—Brazier’s works, by founding and +by striking out in dies—turning—spinning teapot bodies in white +metal, etc.—making buttons of sorts, steel pens, needles, pins, and +any sorts of small articles which are curiously done by subdivision +of labour and by ingenious tools—glass of sorts is among the works +of the place, and all kinds of foundry works—engine-making—tools +and instruments—optical and [philosophical], both coarse and fine. +If you have had enough of the town lots of Birmingham, you could +vary the recreation by viewing Kenilworth, Warwick, Leamington, +Stratford-on-Avon, or such like.” James began with the glassworks.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_5" href="#FNanchor_5" class="label">[5]</a> +In 1831 he contributed to the <i>Edinburgh Medical +and Philosophical Journal</i> (vol. <span class="allsmcap">X</span>.) a paper entitled, +“Outlines of a Plan for combining Machinery with the Manual Printing +Press.” His acme of festivity was to go with his friend John Cay (the +“partner in his revels”), to a meeting of the Edinburgh Royal Society.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_6" href="#FNanchor_6" class="label">[6]</a> +The following entry from the Diary (1842) will be +appreciated by those who are interested in the country life of a past +generation:—“Wrote to Nanny about check of the yarn of the dead Hogs, +to make trowser stuff or a plaid.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_7" href="#FNanchor_7" class="label">[7]</a> +Mr. Colin Mackenzie says:—“He was the confidential friend +of his widowed sister Mrs. Wedderburn’s children, who were in the habit +of referring to him in all their difficulties in perfect confidence +that he would help them, and regarded him more as an elder brother than +anything else.” This is abundantly confirmed by various entries in the +Diary.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_8" href="#FNanchor_8" class="label">[8]</a> +Entry in Diary, Nov. 9, 1844.—Weighed 15 st. 7 lbs.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_9" href="#FNanchor_9" class="label">[9]</a> +Incurred by his father in successfully resisting some +manorial claims. These debts had brought the family to Edinburgh.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_10" href="#FNanchor_10" class="label">[10]</a> +It should be remembered that in the early years of the +century considerable interest in experimental science had been awakened +in Edinburgh through the teaching of Professors Playfair and Hope.</p> + +</div> +</div> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="NOTE">NOTE.<br> +<span class="allsmcap">THE CLERKS OF PENICUIK AND MAXWELLS OF MIDDLEBIE.</span></h2> +</div> + +<p class="nind"> +MISS ISABELLA CLERK, of 3 Hobart Place, London, has kindly +furnished me with the following statement, to which I have added +some annotations. These are chiefly derived from a book of autograph +letters, which was long kept at Glenlair, and is now in the possession +of Mrs. Maxwell.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>“The Clerks of Penicuik are descended from John Clerk, of Kilhuntly, +in Badenoch, Aberdeenshire, who attached himself to the party of Queen +Mary, and had to leave that part of the country in 1568 during the +troubles. His son, William Clerk, was a merchant in Montrose; he lived +in the reigns of Mary and James the Sixth, and died in 1620.</p> + +<p>“John Clerk, his son, was a man of great ability. He went to Paris in +1634, and having acquired a large fortune there in commerce, returned +to Scotland in 1646, and bought the barony of Penicuik, and also the +lands of Wright’s Houses. He married Mary, daughter of Sir William +Gray, of Pittendrum. This lady brought the necklace of Mary Queen of +Scots into the family, through her mother, Mary Gillies, to whom it was +given by Queen Mary before her execution. He died in 1674. His eldest +son John was created a Baronet of Nova Scotia in 1679.”</p> +</div> + +<p>This Sir John Clerk (the first baronet) records a singular affray +with sixteen robbers who attacked the house of Penicuik in 1692. He +kept them at bay until the neighbouring tenants came to his relief. +His pluck, sagacity, presence of mind, good feeling, and piety, are +conspicuous in the narrative.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>“He served in the Parliament of Scotland, and acquired the lands and +barony of Lasswade. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Henderson, +Esq., of Elvington, and grand-daughter of Sir William Drummond, of +Hawthornden, the poet. Sir William Drummond had only two daughters, +the younger of whom married W. Henderson. Their daughter Elizabeth +was wonderfully talented and accomplished, and had a special gift for +music. Sir John died in 1722. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Sir +John Clerk, a man of great learning, who was appointed in 1707 one of +the Barons of the Exchequer in Scotland, which judicial employment +he retained during the remainder of his life. He was also one of the +Commissioners of the Union.”</p> +</div> + +<p>The Baron’s precepts to his son George when at school in Cumberland are +worthy of Polonius. He advises him to be kind to his companions, as he +could not tell what they might be able to do for him thereafter, and to +be sure to take the opportunity of “learning the English language,” in +which the Baron himself regrets his own deficiency. “You have nothing +else to depend on but your being a scholar and behaving well.” He is +described in the autumn of his days as “humming along and stuffing his +pipe in order to whiff it away for half an hour,” while “my lady is +engaged reading over some newspaper. Miss Clerk is labouring with great +industry at a very pretty open muffler. Mrs. Dean is winding three +fine white clews upon a fourth one,” etc. “My lady’s” letters to her +son George dwell much on family matters, and are full of old-fashioned +piety.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p>“He was highly accomplished in music, painting, and languages. At the +age of nineteen he went abroad for three years to finish his education. +He studied one year under the celebrated Dr. Boerhaave at Leyden, where +he was a pupil of William Mieris in drawing. He afterwards went to +Florence and Borne, where he had lessons in music from Antonio Corelli, +and in painting from Imperiale. He wrote an opera which was performed +in Borne. His brother, William Clerk, married Agnes Maxwell, heiress of +Middlebie, in Dumfriesshire.”</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</span></p> + +<p>William also was at Leyden before going into business as a lawyer, +and kept a journal of his tour in Holland, which, like other writings +of the Clerk family, is furnished with pen and ink sketches of what +he saw. His letters are interesting from the combination of earnest, +Covenanting piety, with a gay and chivalrous bearing in what was +evidently the one serious love-passage of his life. His letters to his +wife in the years after their marriage are as full of tenderness as +that in which he makes his first proposal is instinct with old-world +gallantry.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>“They left an only daughter, Dorothea, who married her first cousin, +afterwards Sir George Clerk Maxwell.”</p> +</div> + +<p>This George Clerk Maxwell probably suffered a little from the world +being made too easy for him in early life. Such a misfortune was all +but inevitable, and the Baron seems to have done his best to obviate +it by good counsel; but the current of circumstances was too strong. +George was in the habit of preserving letters, and from those received +by him before succeeding to Penicuik it is possible to form a tolerably +full impression of the man. In some respects he resembled John Clerk +Maxwell, but certainly not in the quality of phlegmatic caution. +His imagination seems to have been dangerously fired by the “little +knowledge” of contemporary science which he may have picked up when at +Leyden with his elder brother James (see p. 19, II. 18, 25). We find +him, while laird of Dumcrieff, near Moffat, practically interested in +the discovery of a new “Spaw,” and humoured in this by his friend Allan +Ramsay, the poet:—by and by he is deeply engaged in prospecting about +the Lead Hills, and receiving humorous letters on the subject from his +friend Dr. James Hutton, one of the founders of geological science, +and author of the <i>Theory of the Earth</i>.<a id="FNanchor_11" href="#Footnote_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a> After a while he has +commenced active operations, and is found making fresh proposals to +the Duke of Queensberry. Then to the mines there is added some talk +of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</span> a paper manufactory, and the Duchess playfully “congratulates” his +“good self on every new sprouting up manufacture by means of so good a +planter and planner.” But by this time it has been found advisable to +add to his studies some more certain source of income, and he applies +for the Postmastership, and (through the Duke of Q.) obtains an office +in the Customs. In this, as in all relations of life, he seems to +have won golden opinions. And ere he succeeded to Penicuik, the loss +of Middlebie proper and Dumcrieff had doubtless taught the lesson +of prudence which his father the Baron had vainly tried to impress +upon his youth. The friendship of Allan Ramsay and the affectionate +confidence of the “good Duke and Duchess of Queensberry,” sufficiently +indicate the charm which there must have been about this man.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>“Sir John Clerk (the Baron of Exchequer) married Janet Inglis of +Cramond, and was succeeded by his eldest son, Sir James Clerk, in 1755. +Sir James died without children in 1782, and was succeeded by his +next brother, Sir George Clerk, who had married his cousin, Dorothea +Maxwell, heiress of Middlebie.”</p> +</div> + +<p>The betrothal of George Clerk and Dorothea Clerk Maxwell is said by +the Baron (in a special memorandum) to have been in accordance with +her mother’s dying wish. (Dorothea was seven years old when Agnes +Maxwell died!) They were married privately when he was twenty and she +was seventeen, but “as they were too young to live together,” he was +sent to join his brother James at Leyden. After a short interval the +marriage was declared, and they lived very happily at Dumcrieff.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>“Sir George Clerk Maxwell was a Commissioner of Customs, and a trustee +for the improvement of the fisheries and manufactures of Scotland. His +brother, John Clerk of Eldin, was the author of the well-known work on +<i>Naval Tactics</i>. He was the father of John Clerk, a distinguished +lawyer in Edinburgh, afterwards Lord Eldin, a Lord of Session.”</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</span></p> + +<p>The following account of Mr. Clerk of Eldin is from the above-mentioned +biographical notice of Dr. James Hutton:—<a id="FNanchor_12" href="#Footnote_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>“Mr. Clerk of Eldin was another friend with whom, in the formation +of his theory, Dr. Hutton maintained a constant communication. Mr. +Clerk, perhaps from the extensive property which his family had in +the coal-mines near Edinburgh, was early interested in the pursuit of +mineralogy. His inquiries, however, were never confined to the objects +which mere situation might point out, and through his whole life has +been much more directed by the irresistible impulse of genius, than +by the action of external circumstances. Though not bred to the sea, +he is well known to have studied the principles of naval war with +unexampled success; and, though not exercising the profession of +arms, he has viewed every country through which he has passed with +the eye of a soldier as well as a geologist. The interest he took +in studying the surface no less than the interior of the earth; his +extensive information in most branches of natural history; a mind +of great resource and great readiness of invention; made him to Dr. +Hutton an invaluable friend and coadjutor. It cannot be doubted that, +in many parts, the system of the latter has had great obligations to +the ingenuity of the former, though the unreserved intercourse of +friendship, and the adjustments produced by mutual suggestion, might +render those parts undistinguishable, even by the authors themselves. +Mr. Clerk’s pencil was ever at the command of his friend, and has +certainly rendered him most essential service.”</p> +</div> + +<p>In another place the same writer says:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>“Some excellent drawings were made by Mr. Clerk, whose pencil is not +less valuable in the sciences than in the arts.”<a id="FNanchor_13" href="#Footnote_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a></p> +</div> + +<p>John Clerk, Esq., of Eldin, fifth son of Sir John Clerk of Penicuik, +and brother of Sir George, the grand-father of John Clerk Maxwell, +was the author of certain suggestions on Naval Tactics, which had +the credit of contributing to the victory<span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</span> gained over the French by +Lord Rodney’s fleet off Dominique in 1782. It is fair to add that +Sir C. Douglas claimed to have independently hit on the new method +of “breaking the enemy’s line.” But John Clerk never relinquished +his pretensions to the merit of the discovery, and his book on Naval +Tactics in the edition of 1804<a id="FNanchor_14" href="#Footnote_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a> is a thick octavo volume, with +many woodcut illustrations and diagrams. He used to sail his mimic +navies, trying various combinations with them, on the fish-ponds at +Penicuik.<a id="FNanchor_15" href="#Footnote_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a> His eldest son, John Clerk, afterwards Lord Eldin of +the Court of Session, made a vivid and lasting impression on his +contemporaries, and many anecdotes of legal shrewdness and caustic +wit still live about his name.<a id="FNanchor_16" href="#Footnote_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a> A graphic description of him as +the Coryphæus of the Scottish Bar occurs in <i>Peter's Letters to his +Kinsfolk</i>, Letter xxxii.<a id="FNanchor_17" href="#Footnote_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a> Quite recently he has appeared again in +Carlyle’s <i>Reminiscences</i>,<a id="FNanchor_18" href="#Footnote_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a> as the one figure in the Edinburgh +law-courts, which remained clearly imprinted on the historian’s +imagination.</p> + +<p>Lord Eldin’s younger brother, William Clerk, was the trusted<span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</span> friend +and comrade of young Walter Scott. And it may be observed here, by the +way, that the friend of both, John Irving, was half-brother to Mrs. +Clerk, John Clerk Maxwell’s mother.<a id="FNanchor_19" href="#Footnote_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>“Sir George Clerk Maxwell died in 1784, and was succeeded by his eldest +son, Sir John, who married Mary Dacre, but died without children in +1798. His brother James was a lieutenant in the East Indian Navy, and +married Janet Irving of Newton. He died in 1793, leaving two sons and +a daughter. The elder son, afterwards the Right Honourable Sir George +Clerk,<a id="FNanchor_20" href="#Footnote_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a> succeeded to Penicuik on the death of his uncle. Sir John +Clerk, in 1798; and the younger son John succeeded to the property of +Middlebie, which descended to him from his grand-mother, Dorothea, +Lady Clerk Maxwell, and took the name of Maxwell. He married in 1826 +Prances, daughter of Robert Cay of Charlton, and had one son, James +Clerk Maxwell, born in July 1831, and died in Nov. 1879.”</p> +</div> + +<hr class="tb"> + +<p>The Maxwells of Middlebie are descendants of the seventh Lord Maxwell, +and, in the female line, of the Maxwells of Spedoch in Dumfriesshire. +Their early history, like that of many Scottish families, is marked +with strong lights and shadows,<a id="FNanchor_21" href="#Footnote_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a> and John, the third laird, on +coming into his inheritance,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</span> found it considerably burdened. He made +a great effort to liberate the estate from encumbrances, and in 1722 +was able to entail his landed property, and make it inseparable from +the name of Maxwell. But he was by no means ultimately freed from +debts, and he transmitted these, together with the estate, to his +daughter Agnes, who married William Clerk. (See p. 17.) Their daughter, +Dorothea, was left an orphan at the age of seven, and became the ward +of Baron Clerk of Penicuik, who (in accordance, as he declares, with +her mother’s wish), betrothed her to his second son George. They +were married, privately at first, in 1735; and, in order to simplify +their affairs, the Baron obtained a decree of the Court of Session, +followed by an Act of Parliament, by which (notwithstanding the +entail of 1722) Middlebie proper was sold to liquidate the Maxwell +debts, and was bought in for George Clerk, whose title was thus freed +from burdens, and, so far, from the conditions of the entail. At the +same time it was arranged that Middlebie should not be held together +with Penicuik. Whatever crafty views the Baron may have had in this +curious transaction were frustrated by the imprudence of George Clerk +Maxwell. His mining and manufacturing speculations involved him so +deeply that Middlebie proper, which, by his father’s act, was now at +his individual disposal, was sold in lots to various purchasers (of +whom the Duke of Queensberry was chief), and the hereditary estate was +reduced to something like its present limited area. This accounts for +the fact that Glenlair, the present seat of this branch of the Maxwell +family, is so far distant from the well-known town of Middlebie, in +Dumfriesshire.</p> + + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_11" href="#FNanchor_11" class="label">[11]</a> +See “Biographical Account of the late Dr. James Hutton, +F.R.S., Edinburgh,” read by Mr. Playfair, in <i>Transactions of the +Royal Society of Edinburgh</i>, vol. <span class="allsmcap">V</span>. He made a tour in the +north of Scotland in 17 64, “in company with Commissioner, afterwards +Sir George, Clerk, in which Dr. Hutton’s chief object was mineralogy, +or rather geology, which he was now studying with close attention.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_12" href="#FNanchor_12" class="label">[12]</a> +Edinburgh Royal Society’s <i>Transactions</i>, vol. +<span class="allsmcap">V</span>., part iii., p. 97.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_13" href="#FNanchor_13" class="label">[13]</a> +See the collection of his etchings printed for the +Bannatyne Club in 1855, with a striking portrait of him.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_14" href="#FNanchor_14" class="label">[14]</a> +There were in all five issues, viz., in 1781, 1790, 1797, +1804, and (with notes by Lord Rodney) in 1827.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_15" href="#FNanchor_15" class="label">[15]</a> +Miss Isabella Clerk is my authority for this.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_16" href="#FNanchor_16" class="label">[16]</a> +It has been often told how John Clerk, in an appeal +before the House of Lords, when twitted for his pronunciation by +Lord Mansfield,—“Mr. Clerk, do you spell <i>water</i> with a double +<i>t</i>?”—replied, “Na, my laird, we spell <i>wăter</i> wi’ yae +<i>t</i>, and we spell manners wi’ twa <i>n</i>’s.” The following is +less known:—A young advocate in the Court of Session had ventured, +in the vehemence of pleading, to exclaim against some deliverance of +the Court, “My lords, I am astonished,” whereupon my lords contracted +their judicial brows. But Clerk, who by this time was one of them, +is reported to have said, “Dinna be ill at the laddie! it’s just his +inexperience. Gin he had kenned ye, my lairds, as lang as I hae, he wad +no been astonished at onything ye might dae.” It was his father who, +on the occasion of Johnson’s visit to the Parliament House, clapped a +shilling in Boswell’s hand with “Here’s till ye for the sight o’ your +Bear!”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_17" href="#FNanchor_17" class="label">[17]</a> +“The very essence of his character is scorn of ornament.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_18" href="#FNanchor_18" class="label">[18]</a> +Vol. <span class="allsmcap">ii.</span> p. 7. “The only figure I distinctly recollect +and got printed on my brain that night was John Clerk, there veritably +hitching about, whose grim, strong countenance, with its black, +far-projecting brows and look of great sagacity, fixed him in my +memory.... Except Clerk, I carried no figure away with me.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_19" href="#FNanchor_19" class="label">[19]</a> +Many notices both of William Clerk and of John Irving +occur in Mr. John C. Maxwell’s Diary. The following are of some +interest:— “1846, <i>Sa.</i>, <i>Nov.</i> 5.—Called on William +Clerk, and sat a good while with him. He was in bed, and not able to +raise himself, but spoke freely and well, though very weak and thin. +His appetite quite good, and eats plenty, but gains no strength. +<i>Dec.</i> 12, <i>Sa.</i>—Called on W. Clerk, and sat 45 minutes with +him. Weak, but hearty to talk. 1847, <i>Jan.</i> 7.—Wm. Clerk died +early this morning.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_20" href="#FNanchor_20" class="label">[20]</a> +For many years Member for Midlothian, and one of the most +prominent politicians of his day. He held office under Sir Robert Peel, +who had great confidence in the breadth and soberness of his judgment. +He was noted for his command of statistics, and of questions of weights +and measures, etc. He had also considerable skill in music, and was a +good judge of pictures.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_21" href="#FNanchor_21" class="label">[21]</a> +The famous feud between the Maxwells and Johnstones is +celebrated in the old ballad, entitled “Lord Maxwell’s Good-night.”</p> + +</div> +</div> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.<br> +<span class="allsmcap">GLENLAIR—CHILDHOOD—1831 TO 1841.</span></h2> +</div> + +<p class="nind"> +THAT part of the old estate of Middlebie which remained to +the heirs of Maxwell was situate on the right or westward bank of the +Water of Orr, or Urr, in Kirkcudbrightshire, about seven miles from +Castle-Douglas, the market-town, ten from Dalbeattie, with its granite +quarries, and sixteen from Dumfries. It consisted chiefly of the farm +of Nether Corsock, and the moorland of Little Mochrum. But, before +building, Mr. Clerk Maxwell by exchange and purchases had added other +lands to these, including the farm of Upper Glenlair. The site chosen +for the house was near to the march of the original estate, where a +little moor-burn from the westward falls into the Urr. The two streams +contain an angle pointing south-east, opposite the heathery brae which +hides the village of Kirkpatrick Durham. There, on a rising ground +above the last descent towards the river and the burn, a mansion-house +of solid masonry, but of modest dimensions, had been erected. It was +built of dark-gray stone, with a pavement and a “louping-on-stane” +of granite before the front door. On the southward slope, towards +the burn, was a spacious garden-ground and a plantation beyond it, +occupying the den or<span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</span> dingle on either side the burn, and coming round +to westward of the house and garden, where it ended in a shrubbery, by +which the house was approached from the north. On the eastward slope, +towards the Water of Urr, was a large undivided meadow for the “kye” +and the ponies. To the northward was a yard with a duck-pond, and some +humble “offices” or farm-buildings, which were displaced by the new +erection of 1843. At the foot of the meadow, near the mouth of the +burn, was a ford with stepping-stones, where the bridge was afterwards +to be built, and the regular approach to the completed house was to +be constructed. But this was far in the future, for in his building +projects the laird would not trench upon the resources that were needed +for the land. At the foot of the garden a place was hollowed out in +the bed of the burn, which has often proved convenient for bathing. +The rocky banks of the Urr, higher up, were fringed with wood, and on +the upland, on either side the moor, there were clumps of plantation, +giving cover to the laird's pheasants, and breaking the force of the +winds coming down from the hill of Mochrum (N.W.). Glenlair was the +name ultimately appropriated to the “great house” of Nether Corsock.</p> + +<p>Every detail of these arrangements had been planned by the laird +himself, and may be said to have been executed under his immediate +supervision. The house was so placed and contrived as to admit of +enlargement; but, in the first erection of it, space was economised as +in the fitting up of a ship. And while it was building, the owners were +contented with still<span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</span> narrower accommodation, spending one if not two +whole summers in what was afterwards the gardener's cottage. For the +journey from Edinburgh was no light matter, even for so experienced a +traveller as John Clerk Maxwell. Coming by way of Beattock, it occupied +two whole days, and some friendly entertainment, as at the Irvings of +Newton (his mother's half-sisters),<a id="FNanchor_22" href="#Footnote_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a> had to be secured on the way. +Carriages, in the modern sense, were hardly known to the Yale of Urr. +A sort of double-gig with a hood was the best apology for a travelling +coach, and the most active mode of locomotion was in a kind of rough +dog-cart, known in the family speech as a “hurly.” A common farmer's +cart has been seen carrying the laird to church, or to a friend's +hall-door.</p> + +<p>Glenlair was in the parish of Parton, of which the kirk is by Loch Ken. +Mr. Clerk Maxwell was one of the elders there. (The little church of +Corsock, about three miles up the Urr, was not yet thought of; for it +was built in 1838, and not completely endowed until 1862.) About seven +miles of hilly road lead from the Urr to Loch Ken and the Dee, which +is reached at a point near Cross-Michael, about half-way between New +Galloway in one direction and Kirkcudbright and St. Mary’s Isle<a id="FNanchor_23" href="#Footnote_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a> in +the other. On the high ground between the Urr and the Dee is Loch Roan, +a favourite point for expeditions from Glenlair.</p> + +<div class="sidenote"><i>Æt</i> 2 yrs. +10 mo.</div> + +<p>In a letter dated “Corsock, 25th April 1834” (the Boy being then aged +two years and ten months),<span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</span> Mr. Clerk Maxwell writes to Jane Cay, his +sister-in-law, in Edinburgh:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"> +<span class="allsmcap">To Miss Cay</span>, 6 Great Stuart Street, Edinburgh.</p> + +<p class="right"><i>Corsock</i>, 25th April 1834.</p> + +<p>This has been a great day in Parton. Your humble servant and his better +half, Ned,<a id="FNanchor_24" href="#Footnote_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a> and Davie took their departure an hour and a half after +screigh<a id="FNanchor_25" href="#Footnote_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a> for Parton, to appropriate the seats of the new kirk, which +was successfully achieved in four hours’ work to the satisfaction of +all concerned, by a grand assemblage of the Magnates of the Parochin, +who adjourned to a feast at the Manse. Master James is in great go, but +on this subject I must surrender the pen to abler hands to do justice +to the subject.</p> +</div> + +<p>Instead of attempting to paraphrase a mode of speech which must be +studied in and for itself, I will now give the continuation, written on +the same sheet of paper by the “abler pen.”</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>He is a very happy man, and has improved much since the weather got +moderate; he has great work with doors, locks, keys, etc., and “Show me +how it doos” is never out of his mouth. He also investigates the hidden +course of streams and bell-wires, the way the water gets from the pond +through the wall and a pend or small bridge and down a drain into Water +Orr, then past the smiddy and down to the sea, where Maggy’s ships +sail. As to the bells, they will not rust; he stands sentry in the +kitchen, and Mag runs thro’ the house ringing them all by turns, or he +rings, and sends Bessy to see and shout to let him know, and he drags +papa all over to show him the holes where the wires go through. We went +to the shop and ordered hats and bonnets, and as he was freckling with +the sun I got him a black and white straw till the other was ready, and +as an apology to Meg<span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</span> said it would do to toss about; be beard me, and +acts accordingly. His great delight is to help Sandy Frazer with the +water barrel. I sent the fine bat to Mrs. Crosbie<a id="FNanchor_26" href="#Footnote_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a> for her babe, +which is well bestowed.... You would get letters and violets by a woman +that was going back to her place; the latter would perhaps be rotten, +but they were gathered by James for Aunt Jane.</p> +</div> + +<p>Not much dragging was needed, either then or afterwards, to get Mr. +Clerk to explain any mechanism to “boy,” and “show him how it doos.” +Henceforward this was the chief pleasure of his life, until the order +was reversed, and the son took hardly less delight in explaining +Nature’s Mechanics to the father.</p> + +<p>Before seeing this letter, I had been told by his cousin, Mrs. +Blackburn, that throughout his childhood his constant question was, +“What’s the go o’ that? What does it do?” Nor was he content with a +vague answer, but would reiterate, “But what’s the <i>particular</i> +go of it?” And, supported by such evidence, I may hope to win belief +for a reminiscence which I might else have shrunk from mentioning. I +distinctly remember his telling me, during his early manhood, that his +first recollection was that of lying on the grass before his father’s +house, and looking at the sun, and <i>wondering</i>. To which may be +added the following anecdote, which has been communicated to me by +Mrs. Murdoch,<a id="FNanchor_27" href="#Footnote_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a> the “Meg” of the preceding letter. “When James was a +little boy of two years and a half old, I had given him a new tin plate +to play with.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</span></p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_056" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/i_056.jpg" width="500" height="678" +alt="An engraved portrait of a woman in +early 19th-century dress, wearing a ruffled bonnet, tenderly holding a +curly-haired young child in her arms."> +<figcaption class="caption"> +<p>Mrs. Clerk Maxwell and 'Boy'. Engraved by G.J. Stodart +after William Dyce, R.A.</p></figcaption> +</figure> + + +<p class="nind"> +It was a bright sunny day; he held it to the sun, and the reflection +went round and round the room. He said ‘Do look, Maggy, and go for papa +and mamma.’ I told them both to come, and as they went in James sent +the reflection across their faces. It was delightful to see his papa; +he was delighted. He asked him, ‘What is this you are about, my boy?’ +He said, ‘It is the sun, papa; I got it in with the tin plate.’ His +papa told him when he was a little older he would let him see the moon +and stars, and so he did.” Methinks I see the laird in those happiest +days, standing on some moonlit night on the pavement at the door, +pointing skywards with one hand, while the small astronomer is peering +from a plaid upon the other arm, and the glad wife is standing by.<a id="FNanchor_28" href="#Footnote_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a></p> + +<p>In Mr. Dyce’s picture of the mother and child we see this open-eyed +loving intercourse with the visible universe already begun. And in +the accompanying woodcut (p. 30), taken from a contemporary sketch of +a “barn ball” at the Harvest-home of 1837, the boy of six years old +(instead of looking at the dancer) is totally absorbed in watching +the bow of the “<i>violino primo</i>” unshakably determined to make +out “the go of that” some day or other. The spirit which afterwards<span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</span> +welcomed the acoustic discoveries of Helmholtz was already at work.<a id="FNanchor_29" href="#Footnote_29" class="fnanchor">[29]</a></p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_058" style="width: 400px;"> +<img src="images/i_058.jpg" width="400" height="242" alt="A simple +line-drawing illustration of a man dancing energetically in the center +of a room, surrounded by seated groups of men, women, and children +watching from both sides."> +<figcaption class="caption"> +<p>Kirn 1837</p></figcaption> +</figure> + + +<p>In still earlier childhood, when he returned from walking with his +nurse, she had generally a lapful of curiosities (sticks, pebbles, +grasses, etc.) picked up upon the paths through the wood, which must be +stored upon the kitchen dresser till his parents had told him all about +each one. In particular, she remembers<span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</span> his interest in colours—“that +(sand) stone is red; this (whin) stone is blue.” “But how d'ye know +it's blue?” he would insist. He would catch insects and watch their +movements, but would never hurt them. His aunt, Miss Cay, used to +confess that it was humiliating to be asked so many questions one could +not answer “by a child like that.”</p> + +<p>But the child was not always observing, or asking questions. Ever and +anon he was engaged in <i>doing</i>, or in <i>making</i>, which he +liked better still. And here his inventiveness soon showed itself.</p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_059" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_059.jpg" width="300" height="283" alt="A +line-drawing illustration of three seated figures gathered closely +around a lit candle, each appearing to hold or examine something small +in their hands."> +</figure> + +<p class="nind">He was not long contented with “tossing his hat about,” or fishing +with a stick and a string (as in an early picture of Miss Cay's); but +whenever he saw anything that demanded constructive ingenuity in the +performance, that forthwith took his fancy, and he must work at it. And +in the doing it, it was ten to one but he must give it some new and +unexpected turn, and enliven it with some quirk of fancy. At one time +he is seated on the kitchen table, busily engaged in basket-making, in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</span> +which all the domestics, probably at his command, are also employed. +At another he is “making seals”<a id="FNanchor_30" href="#Footnote_30" class="fnanchor">[30]</a> with quaint devices, or improving +upon his mother’s knitting. For he must early have attained the skill, +of which an elaborate example still exists, in “Mrs. Wedderburn’s +Abigail,” which will be described in the next chapter, and was worked +by him in his twelfth year.</p> + +<p>Of his education in the narrower sense during this period little is +known, except that his mother had the entire charge of it until her +last illness in 1839, and that she encouraged him to “look up through +Nature to Nature’s God.”<a id="FNanchor_31" href="#Footnote_31" class="fnanchor">[31]</a> She seems to have prided herself upon +his wonderful memory, and it is said that at eight years old he could +repeat the whole of the 119th Psalm. His knowledge of Scripture, from +his earliest boyhood, was extraordinarily extensive and minute; and he +could give chapter and verse for almost any quotation from the Psalms. +His knowledge of Milton also dates from very early times. These things +were not known merely by rote. They occupied his imagination, and sank +deeper than anybody knew.</p> + + +<p class="space-above2"> +But his most obvious interests were naturally out of doors. To follow +his father “sorting” things about the farm, or “viewing” recent +improvements; by and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</span> by (at ten years old) to ride his pony after his +father’s phaeton; to learn from the men “how to pickfork the sheaves +into the cart,”<a id="FNanchor_32" href="#Footnote_32" class="fnanchor">[32]</a> to witness a ploughing-match, to slide on the Urr +in time of frost (January 7, 1841), to leap ditches, to climb trees +“of sorts,” to see them felled and “have grand game at getting upon +them when falling,”<a id="FNanchor_33" href="#Footnote_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a> to take wasps’ nests on hot days in July;<a id="FNanchor_34" href="#Footnote_34" class="fnanchor">[34]</a> +to blow soap bubbles and marvel at their changing hues; to scramble up +the bed of the eddying stream that “flowed past the smiddy to the sea,” +and mark the intricate tracery of holes and grooves which, in rolling +the shingle, it had worn and carved in the hard rock; or to watch the +same river in a “spate” rushing and whirling over those “pots” which it +had wrought, and piling up the foam into mimic towers, like the cumuli +of the sky; or to gaze into the wan water when in a milder mood, and +drink in the rich brown colour tinged with green reflections from the +trees;—such were some of his delights, as, I may confidently infer +from what he loved to show me afterwards. For in that constant soul the +impression once made was that which remained and went on deepening—“as +streams their channels deeper wear.” I well remember with what feeling +he once repeated to me the lines of Burns—</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“The Muse, nae poet ever fand her,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till by himsel he learn’d to wander;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Adown some trottin’ burn’s meander,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">An’ no think lang.”<a id="FNanchor_35" href="#Footnote_35" class="fnanchor">[35]</a></div> + </div> +</div> +</div> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</span></p> +<p>There were living companions of his solitude, besides those at home, +for no live thing escaped his loving observation. And chief among these +was that “child of the mossy pool,” the frog,—nay, humbler still, the +tadpole. The marvel of that transformation has engrossed many a child; +but in none, unless in some great naturalist, has it awakened such a +keen, continuous interest. And it may be here observed, as a trait +not to be dissociated from his intimacy with Nature, as one of her +familiars, that Maxwell never had a “horror” of any creature. “Clean +dirt” was a favourite expression, though no one was ever more cleanly. +He would pick up a young frog, handle him tenderly, as loving him (not +“as if he loved him!”), listen for his scarcely audible voice (“hear +him squeak!” he would say), put him into his mouth, and let him jump +out again! The movements of the frog in swimming were long a favourite +study, and to jump like a frog was one of the pranks with which he +astonished his companions, when he “put an antic disposition on” at +school; but of these there will be a time to speak hereafter. It was +also at a later time that he was told of Galvani’s discoveries; but the +recital had the more vivid interest for him because of this childhood +fancy.</p> + +<p>With eminent “judiciosity,” Mr. Clerk Maxwell had furnished his son +with a leaping-pole. This long staff, which appears in many of the +early drawings, had at least one excellent effect. Few civilised +men have had such perfect use of hands and arms as Maxwell always +had.—His hand was the model of a hand, at<span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</span> once effective and +refined-looking.—Thus equipped, he went across country anywhere and +everywhere, with an eye for all he saw, and pluck enough to meet any +emergency. One who knew him as a child, and who is fond of animals, +says that he was extraordinarily “game.” His endurance, both physical +and mental, was always most remarkable.</p> + +<p>He was sometimes taken to share in the simple daylight festivities +of the neighbourhood (perhaps also to the New Year's gathering at +Largnane, where the gifts were dispensed by a Fairy from her grotto), +and it is still remembered, how at an archery picnic,<a id="FNanchor_36" href="#Footnote_36" class="fnanchor">[36]</a> when an +elaborate pie from Glenlair was being opened by the member of another +house, the sturdy scion of Middlebie, who had not yet learned the +meaning of Erănos,<a id="FNanchor_37" href="#Footnote_37" class="fnanchor">[37]</a> and had doubtless been at the making and baking, +bounded over the cloth just laid upon the turf, and laid his hand upon +the dish, crying eagerly, “That's oor’s!” “That’s oor pie!”</p> + +<p>His resources on wet days were—first, reading voraciously every +book in the house, except what his mother kept out of his reach; and +secondly, drawing, which was begun at a very early age. Not that he +ever showed the highest order of artistic talent (though his young +performances are full of spirit); but he had great accuracy of eye, +and any singular arrangement<span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</span> either of form or colour had always a +fascination for him. Besides his mother’s knitting, already mentioned, +his Aunt Jane’s Berlin-wool work, and her landscape drawings, early set +him inventing curious patterns and harmonising colours. And there were +two other frequent visitants at Glenlair, whom it is now time formally +to introduce. These were Mr. Clerk Maxwell’s sister Isabella, the widow +of James Wedderburn, Esq., at one time Solicitor-General for Scotland, +and her daughter Jemima, who was still a young girl, though somewhat +older than her cousin.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Wedderburn had been an ornament of Edinburgh society in the days +of her youth, combining beauty of an elegant and piquant kind with +great sprightliness and originality, and the staunchest loyalty to her +kin. In spite of her early widowhood and of some long illnesses, she +retained much of her spirit, together with her erect, lightsome figure, +to the last, and danced a reel at James’s wedding with the utmost +sprightliness though at the age of seventy. Her daughter, now Mrs. +Hugh Blackburn, was only eight years older than her cousin James; but +her rare genius for pictorial delineation, especially of animals, was +already manifest. It is obvious how this companionship of genius must +have influenced the child’s indoor pursuits.</p> + +<p>A scientific toy had recently come into vogue, an improvement on +the thaumatrope, called variously by the names “phenakistoscope,” +“stroboscope,” or “magic disc.” Instead of turning on its diameter, +as in the thaumatrope, it was made to revolve on a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</span> transverse axis, +before a mirror, at which the eye looked through apertures cut at equal +distances near the rim of the disc. And the figures drawn upon it were +so contrived, by being placed in carefully graduated positions, as thus +to produce the impression of a continuous movement.<a id="FNanchor_38" href="#Footnote_38" class="fnanchor">[38]</a> This was a +source of endless amusement to the two cousins, the younger generally +contriving, and in part executing, the elder giving life and spirit +to the creatures represented. Through Mrs. Maxwell’s kindness, I have +in my possession some of these early works, in which the ingenuity of +the contriver is everywhere manifest, the hand of the artist only here +and there. The cow jumping over the waxing and waning moon, the dog +pursuing the rat in and out of his hole, the circus horse, on which the +man is jumping through the hoop, have the firmness and truth of touch, +the fulness of life, familiar to the many admirers of J. B. The tumbler +under the horse’s feet; the face in which the pink and white, drawn +separately, are made to blend; the tadpole that wriggles from the egg +and changes gradually into a swimming frog; the cog-wheels moved by +the pendulum, and acting with the precision of clockwork (showing, in +fact, the working of an escapement);—these display, with less power +of execution, the quaint fancy and observation, and the constructive<span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</span> +ingenuity of the young Clerk Maxwell. There are also intricate +coloured patterns, of which the hues shift and open and close as in a +kaleidoscope. I would not venture to affirm that all these belong to +the very earliest period.<a id="FNanchor_39" href="#Footnote_39" class="fnanchor">[39]</a> But I believe that the magic disc was in +full operation before 1839, and that it has a real connection not only +with the “wheel of life,” but also with the “colour-top” of after years.</p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_066" style="width: 400px;"> +<img src="images/i_066.jpg" width="400" height="328" alt="A +line-drawing illustration of an older man seated in a chair with a +cane, gesturing toward a dog that stands balanced on the back of a +kneeling child below."> +</figure> + +<p>Another playmate and partaker of his whims must be remembered here. +This was a terrier of the “Mustard” kind, called Toby, Tobin, Tobs, or +Tobit, according to the moment’s humour. Toby was always<span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</span> learning some +new trick (performed for his wages of home-made biscuit after dinner), +and neither he nor James were ever tired of repeating the old ones. +To mention this is not mere trifling, for his power over animals and +perception of their ways<a id="FNanchor_40" href="#Footnote_40" class="fnanchor">[40]</a> was a permanent characteristic, and he +found a scientific use for it at a later time in inspecting the eyes of +dogs with a view to certain optical investigations.<a id="FNanchor_41" href="#Footnote_41" class="fnanchor">[41]</a></p> + +<p>He does not seem to have been particularly fond of riding at an early +age, though in later life it was his favourite recreation; but at +ten years old, as has been said, he used to ride his pony behind his +father's “phaeton.”</p> + +<p>Lastly, amongst the constant surroundings of the boy's early years, +the “<i>vassals</i>” must not be forgotten. Davie M'Vinnie and his +family—Sandy Fraser the gardener, and his—the Murdochs, who were the +kindred of Maggie, James's nurse,—were the objects of a continuous +kindly interest and friendly companionship, which had a genial effect +on the heart of the child. And by those of them whom I have been +able to see, he is still remembered, notwithstanding many years of +inevitable silence, with undoubting affection. The very names of the +places where they lived are suggestive of quaintness and singularity, +as were most things in the Galloway of that day, where it<span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</span> was supposed +that the devil had come after the Creation, with the riddlings of the +universe, and had begun “couping his creels” at Screels, till creel +and all fell at Criffel. Tor-holm, Tor-knows, Tor-brae, Paddock Hall, +Knock-vinney, the Doon of Urr, High Craigs of Glenlair—such were some +of the immediately surrounding names, sorting well with the homely, yet +unusual scenery, and with the picturesque Gallowegian dialect, which, +like everything that struck the boy's fancy, laid a strong and lasting +hold upon his mind.</p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_068" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_068.jpg" width="300" height="179" +alt="A line-drawing illustration of two +adults and a child seated on the ground, working together to build a +small structure out of blocks or bricks."> +</figure> + +<p>In speaking of his own childish pursuits, it is impossible not to +recall the ready kindliness with which, in later life, he would devote +himself to the amusement of children. There is no trait by which +he is more generally remembered by those with whom he had private +intercourse; and, indeed, in this also it appears that the boy was +father to the man. Behold him at the age of twelve, with his father's +help, good-naturedly<span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</span> guiding the constructive efforts of a still +younger boy.<a id="FNanchor_42" href="#Footnote_42" class="fnanchor">[42]</a></p> + +<p>As the months went on after Mrs. Maxwell's death, the question of +education began to press. The experiment of a tutor at home, which had +been tried in the autumn preceding that event, was continued until +November 1841, but by that time had been pronounced unsuccessful. +The boy was reported slow at learning, and Miss Cay after a while +discovered that the tutor was rough. He was probably a raw lad, who +having been drilled by harsh methods had no conception of any other, +and had failed to present the Latin grammar in such a way as to +interest his pupil. He had, in short, tried to coerce Clerk Maxwell. +Not a promising attempt! Meanwhile the boy was getting to be more +venturesome, and needed to be—not driven, but led. And it may be +conceded for the tutor’s behoof that, when once taken the wrong way, +his power of provocation must have been, from a certain point of view, +“prodigious.” A childhood without some naughtiness would be unnatural. +One evening at Glenlair, just as the maid-servant was coming in with +the tea-tray, Jamsie blew out the light in the narrow passage, and lay +down across the doorway.</p> + +<p>There is one of Mrs. Blackburn’s drawings, which throws a curious +light on the situation at this juncture.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</span> Master James is in the +duck-pond, in a wash-tub, having ousted the ducks, to the amusement +of the young “vassals,” Bobby and Johnny, and is paddling himself +(with some implement from the dairy, belike), out of reach of the +tutor, who has fetched a rake, and is trying forcibly to bring him in. +Mr. Clerk Maxwell has just arrived upon the scene, and is looking on +complacently, though not without concern. Cousin Jemima has been aiding +and abetting, and is holding the leaping-pole, which has probably +served as a boat-hook in this case.</p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_070" style="width: 400px;"> +<img src="images/i_070.jpg" width="400" height="242" alt="A +line-drawing illustration of a group of people gathered around a child +sitting in a wash-tub set on water, with a man in a top hat tending to +the tub, a dog and ducks nearby, and figures in period dress watching +from the sides."> +<figcaption class="caption"> +<p>Glenlair 1841.</p></figcaption> +</figure> + + +<p>The achievement of sailing in the tub was one in which James gloried +scarcely less than Wordsworth's Blind Highland boy in his tortoise +shell. It is referred to in the following letter, written by the boy +of ten years old to his father, who had gone for a short visit to St. +Mary's Isle:—</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair House</i>,</p> + +<p class="right">[<i>Friday</i>], <i>29th October 1841.</i></p> + +<p><span class="allsmcap">Dear Papa</span>—We are all well. On Tuesday we<a id="FNanchor_43" href="#Footnote_43" class="fnanchor">[43]</a> sailed in the +tub, and the same yesterday, and we are improving, and I can make it +go without spinning;<a id="FNanchor_44" href="#Footnote_44" class="fnanchor">[44]</a> but on Wednesday they were washing, and we +could not sail, and we went to the potatoes. Yesterday they took up +the Prince Regents, and they were a good crop. Mr. —— and I went to +Maggy’s, but she was away at Brooklands, and so I came back and sailed +myself, for Nanny said Johnny was not to go in, and Bobby was away. +Fanny was there, and was frightened for me, because she thought I was +drowning, and the ducks were very tame, and let me go quite close to +them. Maggy is coming to-day to see the tubbing. I have got no more to +say, but remain, your affectionate son,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="allsmcap">James Clerk Maxwell.</span></p> +</div> + +<p>The episode of the tutor was not a happy one. I would omit the fact, +as well as the name, were I not convinced that this first experience +of harsh treatment had effects which long remained,—not in any +bitterness, though to be smitten on the head with a ruler and have +one’s ears pulled till they bled might naturally have operated in +that direction,—but in a certain hesitation of manner and obliquity +of reply, which Maxwell was long in getting over, if, indeed, he ever +quite got over them.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</span></p> + +<p>The young Spartan himself made no sign that his relations with his +tutor were otherwise than smooth. But something awakened the suspicions +of his aunt, Miss Cay,<a id="FNanchor_45" href="#Footnote_45" class="fnanchor">[45]</a> and the discovery was then made. It was +this, I believe, which finally roused Mr. Clerk Maxwell to carry into +effect what had been for some time in debate, viz. to take his son to +Edinburgh and put him to school.</p> + + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_22" href="#FNanchor_22" class="label">[22]</a> +See above, <a href="#Page_4">p. 4.</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_23" href="#FNanchor_23" class="label">[23]</a> +The seat of the Earl of Selkirk.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_24" href="#FNanchor_24" class="label">[24]</a> +The laird’s horse.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_25" href="#FNanchor_25" class="label">[25]</a> +<i>i.e.</i> Daybreak; but in the laird’s vocabulary, 9 +<span class="allsmcap">A.M.</span></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_26" href="#FNanchor_26" class="label">[26]</a> +Wife of the minister at Parton.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_27" href="#FNanchor_27" class="label">[27]</a> +She was distantly connected with the Liddells (above, +<a href="#Page_13">p. 13.</a>)</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_28" href="#FNanchor_28" class="label">[28]</a> +There has been preserved amongst the Glenlair papers a +chart of the celestial globe, cut out into constellations, which fit +each other like the pieces of a child’s puzzle. A round hole is made +in the cardboard for every star, differing in size so as to show the +magnitude of each. The whole is executed with laborious neatness, and +it seems probable that we have here the means (whether purchased or +made at home) whereby the configuration of the starry heavens was still +further impressed on “Jamsie’s” mind.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_29" href="#FNanchor_29" class="label">[29]</a> +From his earliest manhood his ear for music was +remarkably fine and discriminating, a fact (though in strict accordance +with “heredity”) which surprised some of those who had known him as a +boy. He has told me that he remembered a time when it was exquisitely +painful to him to hear music. This time must clearly have been +subsequent to 1837. The truth seems to be that his naturally keen +perception of sounds was interfered with by a tendency to inflammation +in the ear, which came to a crisis in his sixteenth year, but that +having outgrown this together with other signs of delicacy, his powers +in this respect also were developed with striking rapidity. On the +other hand, his shortsightedness seems hardly to have been noticed till +he was fourteen or fifteen.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_30" href="#FNanchor_30" class="label">[30]</a> +As mentioned in his letter to Miss Cay of 18th January +1840.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_31" href="#FNanchor_31" class="label">[31]</a> +When James, being eight years old, was told that his +mother was now in heaven, he said, “Oh, I’m so glad! Now she’ll have no +more pain.” Already his first thought was for another.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_32" href="#FNanchor_32" class="label">[32]</a> +From a letter of J. G. M. to his aunt, Miss Cay, of 18th +January 1840 (<i>Æt.</i> 8½).</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_33" href="#FNanchor_33" class="label">[33]</a> +<i>Ibid.</i></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_34" href="#FNanchor_34" class="label">[34]</a> +At ten years old this <i>animosus infans</i> took four in +one day.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_35" href="#FNanchor_35" class="label">[35]</a> +From the Epistle to William Simpson, the schoolmaster of +Ochiltree, May 1785.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_36" href="#FNanchor_36" class="label">[36]</a> +About 1838. This was graced by the presence of three +persons then in the fulness of life, who were not destined to outlive +the next fifteen years—Mrs. Clerk Maxwell, Miss Dyce, called the +Pentland Daisy (Mrs. Robert Cay), and Isabella Wedderburn (Mrs. +Mackenzie).</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_37" href="#FNanchor_37" class="label">[37]</a> +”Eρανος, <i>i.e.</i> a feast to which all contribute, and +which all share. See below, <span class="allsmcap"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">chap. XII.</a></span></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_38" href="#FNanchor_38" class="label">[38]</a> +This was afterwards developed into the “zoëtrope” or +“wheel of life,”—how far through suggestions of Clerk Maxwell’s, or +otherwise, I am unable to say. The lenses which perfect the illusion +were certainly added by Maxwell himself. See Problem <span class="allsmcap">XX.</span> of +Cambridge Tripos Examination, 1869, Thursday, January 7.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_39" href="#FNanchor_39" class="label">[39]</a> +As late as Feb. 27, 1847, on a Saturday half-holiday, +when kept in by weather, he was employed with his father in making a +magic disc for a young cousin.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_40" href="#FNanchor_40" class="label">[40]</a> +“He seemed to get inside them more than other +people.”—J. B.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_41" href="#FNanchor_41" class="label">[41]</a> +“Coonie,” a favourite terrier in later years, had a +trick of howling unmercifully whenever the piano was played. He was +completely cured of this, and Maxwell told a friend, in his grave way, +that he had taken “Coonie” to the piano and explained to him how it +went. That was all.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_42" href="#FNanchor_42" class="label">[42]</a> +The scene is at St. Mary’s Isle, and the younger boy +is Lord Charles Scott, then four years old (September 1843).—Mr. A. +Macmillan, the publisher, in particular, has a vivid recollection of +Maxwell’s ingenious ways of entertaining children, exhibiting his +colour-top, showing them how to make paper boomerangs, etc.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_43" href="#FNanchor_43" class="label">[43]</a> +From the context “we” seems to include “Bobby,” one of +the young “vassals.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_44" href="#FNanchor_44" class="label">[44]</a> +To enable him to “trim the vessel,” he had put a block +of wood in the centre. Sitting on this, and tucking his legs on either +side, he could paddle about steadily and securely. Mrs. Blackburn tells +me that years afterwards at Ruthven, in Forfarshire, being desirous +of inspecting a water-hen’s nest on a deep pond, where there was no +boat, she adopted the same method, and made the voyage both ways alone +without the slightest uneasiness.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_45" href="#FNanchor_45" class="label">[45]</a> +Two letters from Miss Cay to James, one dated Sept. 1, +the other October 21, 1841, were kept by Mr. Clerk Maxwell, and have +been preserved. Although not significant enough to be inserted here, +they show the confidential intercourse which had sprung up between +“Aunt Jane” and her sister’s son. She writes of theological and other +matters which would not generally be thought interesting to a boy of +ten, thanks him for his thoughtfulness in getting ferns for her, and +says, “I was glad to hear you were happy, with all your experiments and +adventures.” There had been a visit to Edinburgh that summer, and she +writes as if anticipating that it would be soon repeated. There is also +a reference to an elaborate set of Berlin-wool work for the furniture +of the drawing-room at Glenlair, which had been begun in Mrs. Maxwell’s +lifetime, and was afterwards completed by Miss Cay.</p> + +</div> +</div> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.<br> +<span class="allsmcap">BOYHOOD—EDINBURGH ACADEMY—“OLD 31”—HOLIDAYS AT GLENLAIR—1841 TO +1844—ÆT. 10-13.</span></h2> +</div> + +<p class="nind"> +THE first school-days are not always a time of progress. +For one whose home life has been surrounded with an atmosphere of +genial ideas and liberal pursuits, to be thrown, in the intervals of +“gerund-grinding,” amongst a throng of boys of average intelligence +and more than average boisterousness, is not directly improving at +the outset. Not that Maxwell ever retrograded—for his spirit was +inherently active; but where the outward environment was such as +awakened no response in him, he was like an engine whose wheels do not +bite—working incessantly, but not advancing much. If the Scottish +day-school system had not still been dominated by a tyrannous economy, +and by that spirit of <i>laisser faire</i> which in education is apt +to result in the prevalence of the worst, much that was in Maxwell +would earlier have found natural vent and growth. As it was, he was +of course storing up impressions, as under any circumstances he would +have been; but his activities were apt for the time to take odd shapes, +as in a healthy plant under a sneaping wind. Or, to employ another +metaphor, the light in him was still aglow, but in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</span> passing through an +alien medium its rays were often refracted and disintegrated. The crowd +of “aimless fancies,” whose influence upon his life be so touchingly +deprecated at a later time,<a id="FNanchor_46" href="#Footnote_46" class="fnanchor">[46]</a> were now most importunate; and, +bright and full of innocence as they were, they produced an effect of +eccentricity on superficial observers which he afterwards felt to have +been a hindrance to himself. His mother’s influence, had she lived, +would have been most valuable to him at this time.</p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_074" style="width: 400px;"> +<img src="images/i_074.jpg" width="400" height="261" alt="A +line-drawing illustration of a horse-drawn carriage with figures in top +hats and period dress gathered near a doorway marked 31, with a dog at +the steps, labeled Edinburgh and dated 10th Nov. 1841."> +</figure> + + +<div class="sidenote">1841. <i>Æt.</i> 10.</div> + +<p>The journey from Glenlair had been broken at Newton<a id="FNanchor_47" href="#Footnote_47" class="fnanchor">[47]</a> and at +Penicuik, where a halt of some days was made. It was the middle of +November, and a season of snow and frost.</p> + +<p>Soon after dusk on the 18th of November, the whole family party, +including the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</span> faithful domestic, Lizzy Mackeand,<a id="FNanchor_48" href="#Footnote_48" class="fnanchor">[48]</a> arrived at the +door of No. 31 Heriot Row, Mrs. Wedderburn’s house in Edinburgh. This +(with occasional intervals, when he was with Miss Cay) was to be James +Clerk Maxwell’s domicile for eight or nine years to come.</p> + +<p>The “White Horse” seen through a lunette above the doorway, the quaint +figure of the butler (nick-named “Hornie” from the way he dressed his +hair<a id="FNanchor_49" href="#Footnote_49" class="fnanchor">[49]</a>), and other noticeable features of this dwelling, appear +and reappear in the boy’s letters to his father, which now become +more frequent. For, although not choosing to be much separated from +James, Mr. Clerk Maxwell could not be long absent from Glenlair, and +henceforward he lived a divided life between the two, spending most of +the winter evenings by his sister’s fireside in Edinburgh, and during +most of the spring and summer attending personally to the improvement +of his estate.</p> + + +<p class="space-above2"> +The Edinburgh Academy, which had been founded in 1824, was in high +favour with the denizens of the New Town. Lord Cockburn was one +of the directors. The Rector, Archdeacon Williams, was an Oxford +first-classman, a College acquaintance of John Lockhart’s,<a id="FNanchor_50" href="#Footnote_50" class="fnanchor">[50]</a> and +an admirable teacher. He had at one time been an assistant master +at Winchester, and had subsequently, at Lockhart’s recommendation, +been tutor to Charles, Sir W. Scott’s second son. The boys in the +junior<span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</span> classes, however, knew little of him except by report, for the +assistant masters were jealous of their independence.</p> + +<p>Various entries in his Diary testify to the father’s deliberate care +in placing his son at the Academy. Everything which seemed material to +the boy’s advantage had no doubt been carefully considered; but there +was one serious omission, arising from Mr. Clerk Maxwell’s inveterate +disregard of appearances. The boy was taken to school in the same +garments in which we have seen him at Glenlair. No dress could be +more sensible in itself. A tunic of hodden gray tweed is warmer than +a round cloth jacket for winter wear, and the brazen clasps were a +better fastening for the square-toed shoes than an adjustment of black +tape, which is always coming undone. But round jackets were <i>de +rigueur</i> amongst the young gentlemen; while it must be admitted that +they were<span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</span> equally intolerant of dandyism. A frill for a round collar +was of course unendurable, and the Gallovidian clasps—not to mention +the square toes—were an unheard-of novelty. A new boy, coming in the +second month of the second year, must in any case have had something to +undergo; but here was evident provocation to “a parcel of boys in their +teens.”<a id="FNanchor_51" href="#Footnote_51" class="fnanchor">[51]</a></p> + +<p>What happened in the interval after the first lesson (in the space +behind the second class-room) is best indicated in the words of the +Psalmist:—“They came about me like bees.”</p> + +<p>“Who made those shoes?” was the first question; but it was never easy +to get a direct answer from Maxwell, least of all on compulsion. +Brought thus to bay, he had recourse to his natural weapon—irony. His +answer was soon ready, and his tormentors might make of it what they +list. In the broadest tones of his Corsock <i>patois</i> he replied to +one of them,</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Div ye ken, ’twas a man,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And he lived in a house,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In whilk was a mouse.”</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>He returned to Heriot Row that afternoon with<span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</span> his tunic in rags +and “wanting” the skirt; his neat frill rumpled and torn;—himself +excessively amused by his experiences, and showing not the smallest +sign of irritation. It may well be questioned, however, whether +something had not passed within him, of which neither those at home nor +his schoolfellows ever knew.</p> + +<p>The nickname of “Dafty” which they then gave him clung to him while +he remained at school, and he took no pains to get rid of it. His +“quips and cranks” were taken for “cantrips,” his quick, short, elfin +laughter (the only sign by which he betrayed his sensitiveness), was +construed into an eldritch noise. Never was cygnet amongst goslings +more misconstrued. Within the class-rooms things were not much more +prosperous at first. Our master, Mr. A. N. Carmichael, was a good and +experienced teacher, and an excellent scholar, in a dryish way. He was +the author of the <i>Edinburgh Academy Greek Grammar</i> and of an +Account of the Irregular Greek Verbs, which has now been superseded, +but was justly respected in its day. He was a good disciplinarian; +but those junior classes of sixty and upwards were too large and +miscellaneous for real teaching. He had an eye for talent, too, where +it was shown. But his first business was to hear our tasks, and to let +us take places in the class in proportion to the accuracy and readiness +with which we said them. Maxwell did not at once enter into the spirit +of this contest, in which the chief requisites, next to average talent +and intelligence, were push and promptitude. His first initiation +in Latin had not been<span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</span> pleasant to him, and the repetition <i>ad +nauseam</i> of “<i>di, do, dum,</i>” by his new acquaintances, varied +with the sound of the tawse, did not make the subject more attractive. +Like the boy Teufelsdröckh, he seemed to hear at school innumerable +dead vocables, but no language. His hesitation got worse and worse, +and as his place in the class was not amongst the “best boys,” some of +his neighbours willingly did their utmost to disconcert him. On one +occasion we shall find him humorously retaliating. He was not in the +least inwardly perturbed by all this, nor bore any one the slightest +malice. It was a new scene of life, which he contemplated with amused +curiosity. But it was natural that his chief interest should not lie +there. He seldom took part in any games, though he was loyally proud +of the success of his school in them, and characteristically took some +interest in the spinning of “pearies” (pegtops), and the collision +of “bools” (marbles); but, when he could, preferred wandering alone, +sometimes imprisoning the humble-bees on the green slope at the back +and letting them go again, sometimes doing queer gymnastics on the few +trees that were left,—availing himself, in short, of the scanty inlets +by which Nature visited that shingly ground.<a id="FNanchor_52" href="#Footnote_52" class="fnanchor">[52]</a> For his heart was at +Glenlair, even when he made sport for the young Philistines of the +Academy “yards.” It should be added that his attendance was a good deal +interrupted by delicate health.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">1842-43. +<i>Æt.</i> 10-12.</div> + +<p>His life during this period was really centred in “Old 31.” He was +presently allowed to have a room to himself, in which he could read +and draw and write, besides preparing for school. His cousin Jemima +was at this time learning the art of woodcutting, and he was allowed +sometimes to dig away with her tools. The result was a series of rude +engravings, to which allusions occur in his letters to his father; +and a woodcut of his, representing the head of an old woman, still +remains, with the date 1843 engraved on it. In the previous year he +produced more than one elaborate piece of knitting. One of these, a +sort of sling for holding a work-basket, with its proper name, “Mrs. +Wedderburn’s Abigail,” worked into it, has been preserved by Mrs. +Blackburn. The library at his new home was more extensive than at +Glenlair. He came to know Swift and Dryden, and after a while Hobbes, +and Butler’s <i>Hudibras</i>. Then if his father was in Edinburgh they +walked together, especially on the Saturday half-holiday, and “viewed” +Leith Fort, or the preparations for the Granton railway, or the +stratification of Salisbury Crags; always learning something new, and +winning ideas for imagination to feed upon.<a id="FNanchor_53" href="#Footnote_53" class="fnanchor">[53]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote"><i>Æt.</i> 10.</div> + +<p>One Saturday, February 12, 1842, he had a special treat, being taken +“to see electro-magnetic machines.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</span></p> + +<p>Mr. Clerk Maxwell was much more like an elder brother than a “governor” +to James, and there was nothing the boy could not or did not tell +him,—none of his whimsical vagaries in which the father did not take +delight.</p> + +<div class="sidenote2">1842-43. +<i>Æt.</i> 10-12.</div> + +<p>And when “his papaship” was alone at Glenlair, James would strive +to cheer him in his solitude by concocting the wildest absurdities, +inventing a kind of cypher to communicate some airy nothing, +illuminating his letters after the fashion of his school copy-books, +and adding sketches of school-life (<i>e.g.</i> the class-room in +the absence of the teacher), et cetera. This series of letters is so +curious that it has been thought worth while to reproduce one of the +least elaborate of them in facsimile. Some of those omitted are still +more interesting, as showing his love of drawing complicated patterns +and arranging colours, and as marking the early and spontaneous +development of “the habit of constructing a mental representation of +every problem,”<a id="FNanchor_54" href="#Footnote_54" class="fnanchor">[54]</a> which was in some degree an hereditary proclivity. +In order, however, to judge fairly of these <i>enfantillages</i>, the +reader must take into account the boy’s affectionate solicitude to +amuse his father, who was accustomed to receive whimsical familiarities +from his young relatives in “Old 31.”<a id="FNanchor_55" href="#Footnote_55" class="fnanchor">[55]</a></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</span></p> + +<p>In Edinburgh, as at Glenlair, he was allowed to participate in the +amusements of his elders.</p> + +<div class="sidenote"><i>Æt.</i> 12.</div> + +<p>It is just worth mentioning that his first play was <i>As You Like +It</i>, with Mrs. Charles Kean as Rosalind; and more important to +observe that on December 18th, 1843, his father took him to a meeting +of the Edinburgh Royal Society.</p> + +<p>But at school also he gradually made his way. He soon discovered that +Latin was worth learning, and the Greek Delectus interested him, when +we got so far.<a id="FNanchor_56" href="#Footnote_56" class="fnanchor">[56]</a> And there were two subjects in which he at once took +the foremost place, when he had a fair chance of doing so; these were +Scripture Biography and English. In arithmetic, as well as in Latin, +his comparative want of readiness kept him down.</p> + +<p>On the whole he attained a measure of success which helped to secure +for him a certain respect, and, however strange he sometimes seemed +to his companions, he had three qualities which they could not fail +to understand—agile strength of limb, imperturbable courage, and +profound good nature. Professor James Muirhead remembers him as “a +friendly boy, though never quite amalgamating with the rest.” And +another old class-fellow, the Rev. W. Macfarlane of Lenzie, records +the following as his impression:—“Clerk Maxwell, when he entered the +Academy, was somewhat rustic and somewhat eccentric. Boys called him +‘Dafty' and used to try to make fun of him. On one occasion I remember +he turned with<span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</span> tremendous vigour, with a kind of demonic force, on his +tormentors.</p> + +<div class="sidenote2">1843-44. +<i>Æt.</i> 12-13.</div> + +<p>I think he was let alone after that, and gradually won the respect even +of the most thoughtless of his schoolfellows.”<a id="FNanchor_57" href="#Footnote_57" class="fnanchor">[57]</a></p> + +<p>It was on some such occasion as that to which Mr. Macfarlane here +refers,—somewhere in 1843 or 1844,—that my own closer intimacy and +lifelong friendship with James Clerk Maxwell began. I cannot recall +the exact circumstances, only the place in the Academy yards, the warm +rush of chivalrous emotion, and the look of affectionate recognition in +Maxwell’s eyes. However imperturbable he was, one might see that he was +not thick-skinned.</p> + +<p>Shortly after this we became near neighbours, my mother’s new domicile +being 27 Heriot Row, and we were continually together for about three +years.</p> + +<p>His letters now refer with more of interest to his progress at school, +especially to exercises in verse, and to outdoor recreation with +companions; above all to his delight in bathing and in learning to +swim. In this, as in everything he did, he invented curious novelties, +and was particularly fond of mimicking his old acquaintance, the frog.</p> + +<p>On Sundays he generally went with his father to St. Andrew’s Church +(Mr. Crawford’s) in the forenoon, and, by Miss Cay’s desire, to St. +John’s Episcopal Chapel in the afternoon, where, also by her desire, +he was for a time a member of Dean Ramsay’s catechetical<span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</span> class. Thus, +having of course learned “his questions” as a child, he became equally +acquainted with the catechisms both of the Scotch and of the English +Church, and with good specimens of the Presbyterian and Episcopalian +styles of preaching. He also went regularly “to the dancing” at Mr. +MacArthur’s, where he was distinguished for the neatness of his +reel-steps, especially of those curious ones which some of us found +most difficult, such as the “lock-step.”</p> + +<p>But more delightful than bathing, and more interesting even than +writing English verse, was the achievement of which he writes casually +to his father very shortly after his thirteenth birthday.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">June 1844. +<i>Æt.</i> 13.</div> + +<p>After describing the Virginian Minstrels, and betwixt inquiries after +various pets at Glenlair, he remarks, as if it were an ordinary piece +of news, “I have made a tetrahedron, a dodecahedron, and two other +hedrons, whose names I don't know.” We had not yet begun geometry, and +he had certainly not at this time learnt the definitions in Euclid; +yet he had not merely realised the nature of the five regular solids +sufficiently to construct them out of pasteboard with approximate +accuracy, but had further contrived other symmetrical polyhedra derived +from them,<a id="FNanchor_58" href="#Footnote_58" class="fnanchor">[58]</a> specimens of which (as improved in 1848) may be still +seen at the Cavendish Laboratory.</p> + +<p>Who first called his attention to the pyramid, cube, etc., I do not +know. He may have seen an<span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</span> account of them by chance in a book. But the +fact remains that at this early time his fancy, like that of the old +Greek geometers, was arrested by these types of complete symmetry; and +his imagination so thoroughly mastered them, that he proceeded to make +them with his own hand. That he himself attached more importance to +this moment than the letter indicates, is proved by the care with which +he has preserved these perishable things, so that they (or those which +replaced them in 1848) are still in existence after thirty-seven years.</p> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"><span class="allsmcap">Letters</span>, 1842 to 1844.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="right">[<i>April 1842.</i>]</p> + +<div class="sidenote2"><i>Æt.</i> 10.</div> + +<p><span class="allsmcap">My dear Papa</span>—The day you went away Lizzy and I went to the +Zoological Gardens, and they have got an elephant, and Lizzy was +frightened for its ugly face. One gentleman had a boy that asked if the +Indian cow was he.</p> + +<p>Asky<a id="FNanchor_59" href="#Footnote_59" class="fnanchor">[59]</a> thinks he is a scholar, and was for going with me to the +school, and came into the dancing to-day.</p> + +<p>On Friday there was great fun with Hunt the Gowk;<a id="FNanchor_60" href="#Footnote_60" class="fnanchor">[60]</a> we could believe +nothing, for the clocks were all “stopped,” and everybody had a “hole +in his jacket.” Does Margaret<a id="FNanchor_61" href="#Footnote_61" class="fnanchor">[61]</a> play on the trump<a id="FNanchor_62" href="#Footnote_62" class="fnanchor">[62]</a> still? and what +are the great works? Does Bobby sail in the tub?—I am, your obedient +servant,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="allsmcap">James Clerk Maxwell.</span></p> +</div> + + +<p class="nindc">[<i>Illuminated letters at beginning, and border after.</i>]</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<div class="sidenote2"><i>Æt.</i> 10.</div> + +<p><span class="allsmcap">My dear Mr. Maxwell</span>—I saw your son to-day, when he told me +that you could not make out his riddles. Now,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</span> if you mean the Greek +jokes, I have another for you. A simpleton wishing to swim was nearly +drowned. As soon as he got out he swore that he would never touch water +till he had learned to swim; but if you mean the curious letters on the +last page, they are at Glenlair.—Your aff. Nephew,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="allsmcap">James Clerk Maxwell.</span></p> + + +<p>I have cut a puggy<a id="FNanchor_63" href="#Footnote_63" class="fnanchor">[63]</a> nut, and some of the oil came upon my fingers, +and it smelt like linseed Oil, but it did not hurt. There was a boy +that brought Sea fyke<a id="FNanchor_64" href="#Footnote_64" class="fnanchor">[64]</a> to the school, and put it down the boys’ +backs, for which he was condemned to learn 12 lines for 3 days. Talking +about places, I am 14 to-day, but I hope to get up. Ovid prophesies +very well when the thing is over, but lately he has prophesied a +victory which never came to pass. I send you a Bagpiper to astonish the +natives with.<a id="FNanchor_65" href="#Footnote_65" class="fnanchor">[65]</a> I have got a jumping paddock and a boortree gun.<a id="FNanchor_66" href="#Footnote_66" class="fnanchor">[66]</a> +When are you coming?— Your most obedient Sarvent,</p> + +<p class="right">Jas. Alex. M'Merkwell.<a id="FNanchor_67" href="#Footnote_67" class="fnanchor">[67]</a></p> +</div> + + +<div class="sidenote"><i>Æt.</i> 10.</div> + +<p><i>Envelope of 24th June 1843</i>—</p> + +<p class="nindc">Mr. John Clerk Maxwell,<br> +Postyknowswere,<br> +Kirkpatrick Durham,<br> +<span class="right">Dumfries.</span></p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_087" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/i_087.jpg" width="500" height="838" alt="A decorative +hand-illustrated letter page with an ornate floral wreath framing two +profile sketches at the top, and an elaborately bordered text section +below beginning with a large illuminated M."> +<figcaption class="caption"> +<p>Mr Catlin killing the Buffalo.</p> +<p>My Dear Sir. +At the Indian lecture we heard Mr Catlin give a lecture as the bill +says in his American dress in which he told us how these people killed +the buffaloes with a bow.</p></figcaption> +</figure> + + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_088" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/i_088.jpg" width="500" height="736" alt="A handwritten +diary page describing a theatre performance, accompanied by a whimsical +sketch of an acrobatic contortionist balanced upside-down on a pole +with limbs splayed outward."> +<figcaption class="caption"> +<p>How his dress was like that of the Romans At the theatre +M Goulle did wonders and Miss Terman was very funny I have finished the +red bag Mrs T. is said you wrote to Ill and U matically but I said you +had been taught at the High School when people did not know any better. +The rest to be read backwards through the paper</p></figcaption> +</figure> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_089" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/i_089.jpg" width="500" height="763" alt="A handwritten +letter page with mirror-written text at the top (meant to be read +backwards), closing with a decorative flourish and a sketch of a +leaping horse beneath a small framed vignette."> +<figcaption class="caption"> +<p>...has been doing a picture of Han[del?</p> +<p> Gordon and +some think the fa[ce too] long, [crossed out] I am one of them, others +[think] it too short. I am gaining up my [drawing] at the Academy, and +we have begun Greek Extracts and Ovid. Monday n[ext is] a fine day +to look at, but east wind[s] Jemima has been making woodcuts for a +Con[cert]...</p> +<p>I am +Your most obedient servant +“Guess who?” +May 1843.</p></figcaption> +</figure> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="right">“<i>Old 31</i>” <i>28th March 1844.</i></p> + +<p><span class="allsmcap">My dear Father</span>—On <i>S</i>aturday last we went to the Marine +Villa;<a id="FNanchor_68" href="#Footnote_68" class="fnanchor">[68]</a> it had a very strong Marine scent, but I suppose it is +all the better <i>f</i>or that. I found out where shellfish breed; +the<i>y</i> breed in sea fy<i>ke</i>; there were muscles, codes, +and oysters no b<i>i</i>gger than the<i>s</i>e \(\bigcirc \bigcirc +\bigcirc\) f<i>a</i>stned to the fyke by filaments. Nell and Frolic +were immersed in the serene bosom of NePtune, from which with still +quiverin<i>g</i> limbs theY came <i>o</i>ut, but with very different +feeliNGs; but Nell exited the c<i>o</i>mpAssioN of Me<i>d</i>dum,<a id="FNanchor_69" href="#Footnote_69" class="fnanchor">[69]</a> +and was carried by her. I have fLi<i>t</i>ed up to the little garret. +W<i>h</i>at l<i>i</i>ke is the <i>n</i>ew taDPole? and how is +Ma<i>g</i>gy getting on with <i>f</i>mmm;<a id="FNanchor_70" href="#Footnote_70" class="fnanchor">[70]</a> how much m<i>or</i>e is +to be done conceRnING O fye, says the <i>p</i>ie. J<i>o</i>hn’s house +is not finished yeT, I suppose. There have been <i>l</i>etters from +uncle RoberT, dated G<i>i</i>bber Altar, but I have not <i>s</i>een or +<i>h</i>eard what <i>i</i>s i<i>n</i> them FarTHEr than that he was to +be at Suez on Monday last. Lizzy says that when you come back it woulD +not bE dispLeasin<i>g</i> to her iF you <i>w</i>ould br<i>i</i>ng a +bawl of gray wors<i>t</i>ed, w<i>h</i>Ich lAst word I suppose meaNS +woolen threAd. I have cast three seaLs of Lead from the life, or rather +from the death; one of a cockle and two of mUScles, one of which is, or +raTher will be, on this letter J. If you want to know more look along +from the beginning of the letter to the mark J for the red and blue +letters<a id="FNanchor_71" href="#Footnote_71" class="fnanchor">[71]</a> in order.</p> + +<p>How are all the bodies and beasts,—Praecipue, Nanny, Maggy, Fanny, +Bobby, Toby, and Marco.—Your obt. servt.,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="allsmcap">Jas. Alex. M'Merkwell.</span></p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"><div class="sidenote"><i>Æt.</i> 10.</div> + +<p>[<i>19th June 1844.</i>]</p> + +<p class="right">“<i>Old 31</i>”</p> + +<p><span class="allsmcap">My dear Father</span>—On Wednesday I went to the Virginian +minstrels, in which some of the songs were sung, the first line +accompanied with clappers, the second on a tamborine, the third on a +banjo, like this, ... played like a guitar very quickly, and the fourth +on the fiddle, and the chorus by all together. There were guesses<a id="FNanchor_72" href="#Footnote_72" class="fnanchor">[72]</a> +in abundance; and there was an imitation of a steam onion, and other +things which you will find in the bill. On Saturday, having got the +play for verses on Laocoon, I went with Cha. H. Johnstone<a id="FNanchor_73" href="#Footnote_73" class="fnanchor">[73]</a> so far, +and then went to the murrain vile till Mrs. MʻKenzie, Ninny, and +кvνη<a id="FNanchor_74" href="#Footnote_74" class="fnanchor">[74]</a> went to visit Cramond, where I played with the boies till high +water; and the minister’s young brother and the too boies and I doukit +in C (big sea as кvνη calls it), and then dried ourselves after the +manner of Auncient Greeks; we had also the luxury of a pail of water to +wash our feet in.</p> + +<p>How is a’ aboot the house now our Gudeman’s at home? How are herbs, +shrubs, and trees doing?—cows, sheep, mares, dogs, and folk? and +how did Nannie like bonny Carlisle? Mrs. Robt. Cay was at the church +on Sunday.<a id="FNanchor_75" href="#Footnote_75" class="fnanchor">[75]</a> I have made a tetra hedron, a dodeca hedron, and 2 +more hedrons that I don’t know the wright names for. How do doos and +Geraniums come on.—Your most obt. servt.</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="allsmcap">Jas. Alex. MʻMerkwell.</span><br> +125 127413 2611891014151617</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="right"><i>10th July 1844.</i></p> + +<p><span class="allsmcap">Dear Father</span><a id="FNanchor_76" href="#Footnote_76" class="fnanchor">[76]</a>—Excuse me on account of being so long of +writing, because of my being totally employed about preparations of +verses, English and Latin. I made four lines of Latin one week, for +which. I got the play from ten; but I am not going to try for the +prize, as when I lithp in numberth it ith but a lithp, for the numberth +do not come even with the help of Gradus; but I am making English ones +on the apparition of Creüsa to Æneas in the end of the second book. +Besides this, I am preparing the biography,<a id="FNanchor_77" href="#Footnote_77" class="fnanchor">[77]</a> and have been making +a list of the kings of Israel and Judah. I have been going to Cramond +and playing with the boys every Saturday; they went to Rayhills on the +ninth. Dooking<a id="FNanchor_78" href="#Footnote_78" class="fnanchor">[78]</a> is grown fine and warm now.</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">O father! can it be that souls sublime</div> + <div class="verse indent0">return to visit our terrestrial clime?<a id="FNanchor_79" href="#Footnote_79" class="fnanchor">[79]</a></div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="nindc">Your obt. servt. and son to you,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="allsmcap">James Clerk Maxwell.</span></p> +</div> + +<p>I have been wavering about 14 for a good while in the Latin.</p> + +<hr class="tb"> + +<p class="nindc"> +<span class="allsmcap">Holidays at Glenlair—1842 to 1844.</span></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</span></p> + +<p>We can readily imagine the sense of enlargement and release with which +the boy went home to Glenlair after his first long sojourn in Edinburgh.</p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_094a" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_094a.jpg" width="300" height="201" alt="A +pen-and-ink sketch of two children sitting in wash-tubs floating on a +river, with overhanging trees and rocky banks framing the scene."> +</figure> + +<p class="nind"> +The shadow which had fallen in 1839 was softened by +time, and society in the Happy Valley<a id="FNanchor_80" href="#Footnote_80" class="fnanchor">[80]</a> resumed its +aspect of harmless gaiety.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</span></p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_094b" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_094b.jpg" width="300" height="206" alt="A +pen-and-ink sketch of a group of figures gathered by a riverbank +beneath overhanging branches, with one perched on a rock above the +water and others wading or standing along the shore."> +</figure> + +<p class="nind"> +Cousin Jemima was again there with her pencil. The “tubbing” was, of +course, resumed, this time conjointly, and the scene of it was advanced +from the duck-pond to the river, showing greatly increased confidence +in navigation.<a id="FNanchor_81" href="#Footnote_81" class="fnanchor">[81]</a></p> + +<p>There were nutting excursions, walks diversified with climbing, etc. +etc.</p> + +<div class="sidenote2"><i>Æt.</i> 12.</div> + +<p>And in August and September 1843 there were again archery meetings at +different houses in the valley, of one of which (the last) there has +been preserved the following notice from one of the local newspapers of +the time:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc">Archery in “The Happy Valley.”</p> + +<p>The Toxophilite Club of the Valley of Urr held their last meeting for +the season on Mrs. Lawrie of Ernespie’s lawn, on Tuesday the 12th curt. +The club consists of from forty to fifty members.</p> + +<p>Their meetings this summer have been quite charming. They ranged over +the whole valley, on this fair lawn to-day, and on that the next; and +after their couple of hours of archery was over, a picnic took place +on the spot. “God save the Queen” was invariably sung with the most +graceful loyalty; and the hospitable mansion adjoining gave them music +and a hall for the evening quadrille, which wound up the delights of +the day.</p> + +<p>At every meeting some little prize was proposed to give zest to the +sport; Mr. Herries of Spottes, for instance, gave a case of ladies’ +arrows, which was shot for and gained by one of the lady competitors. +Nor lacks the club its Laureate and its Painter to glorify the pastime. +A scion of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</span> the House of Middlebie has lent gallantry to the archers by +his spirited songs; and a fair lady, a friend of the same house, has +painted a couple of pieces, and presented them, the one to Mr. Lawrence +of Largnean, the president of the club, and the other to Mrs. Bell of +Hillowton, the lady patroness. The former picture represents William +Tell aiming at the apple on his son’s head; the latter, the chaste +huntress Diana piercing a stag. Both are “beautiful exceedingly.”</p> + +<p>Thus well accomplished in every point and accessory of their beautiful +pastime, loyal and happy are the Bowyers of Urr.</p> +</div> + +<p class="space-above2"> +One of James’s spirited songs, a parody of Scott, beginning +“Toxophilite, the conflict’s o’er,” still exists in Cousin Jemima’s +handwriting, with a sketch for the picture of William Tell, in which +the features of the House of Middlebie are idealised. The artist also +proved the best shot on this occasion. The poem is not worth printing, +though it has characteristic touches of grotesque ingenuity and +humorous observation which are very curious in a boy of twelve.</p> + +<div class="sidenote"><i>Æt.</i> 12.</div> + +<p>The summer of 1843 was also memorable for the completion of the New +Offices at Glenlair. Whatever he may have intended before the death of +his wife, Mr. Clerk Maxwell made no change in the dwelling-house during +his lifetime. But these out-buildings had been designed by himself; he +had drawn the working plans for the masons; he had acted as clerk of +the works, rejecting unfit material, etc., and every detail had been +executed under his own eye. So absorbed was he in the supervision, +that he omitted his usual visit to Edinburgh in July. In one of +Mrs.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</span> Blackburn's drawings of the previous year, he is seen laying +out the ground for the new offices, with James beside him intently +contemplating his father's work. We may be sure that Mr. Maxwell had +explained every step in the whole procedure, and equally sure that his +son laid the lesson well to heart.</p> + +<p>Soon after this he was provided with a new source of endless amusement +in the “devil-on-two-sticks,” which thenceforth became inseparable from +the home life at Glenlair, and the companion of his holidays at Glasgow +and elsewhere, even in the Cambridge time. In the family dialect it +was humorously referred to <i>sotto-voce</i> as “the deil.” There was +nothing he could not do with that d——l. No performer on the slack +or tight rope ever made such intricate evolutions and gyrations. His +delight in it was like that which afterwards he used to take in the +dynamical top.</p> + +<div class="sidenote2">1843-44. +<i>Æt.</i> 12-13.</div> + +<p>The boy now came to know his own neighbourhood more widely. There were +expeditions, visits, rides. The Covenanter’s pool in the burn above +Upper Corsock, New Abbey, Caerlaverock, and other places of traditional +interest, were explored. And in the summer of 1844 there was a sort of +driving excursion into the Cairnsmuir country, which is described in +detail in the Diary.</p> + +<p>It may be mentioned here in a general way, that the Christmas holidays +were spent either at Penicuik (with skating, etc.) or Killearn, and +afterwards sometimes at Glasgow with Professor and Mrs. Blackburn or +Professor (now Sir William) Thomson.</p> + + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_46" href="#FNanchor_46" class="label">[46]</a> +In the poem written after his father’s death in 1856.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_47" href="#FNanchor_47" class="label">[47]</a> +Above, <a href="#Page_4">p. 4.</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_48" href="#FNanchor_48" class="label">[48]</a> +Now Mrs. MacGowan, Kirkpatrick-Durham.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_49" href="#FNanchor_49" class="label">[49]</a> +His real name was James Craigie.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_50" href="#FNanchor_50" class="label">[50]</a> +The inscription beneath his bust in Balliol College, +Oxford, is a just tribute to the memory of one who, though he had his +foibles, was a born educator, and no ordinary man:</p> + +<p class="nindc"> +<span class="allsmcap">John Williams, M.A.,</span><br> +Archdeacon of Cardigan—1835-1858;<br> +Rector of the Edinburgh Academy—1824-1847;<br> +Warden of Llandovery College—1848-1853;<br> +Who, by the geniality of his Character<br> +And the vigour of his Intellect,<br> +Won the hearts of his Pupils,<br> +And gave his life to the study of the Classics in Scotland:<br> +A Celtic Scholar,<br> +An ardent lover of Wales and of the Welsh People,<br> +After a long absence,<br> +He returned to his Native Land<br> +And devoted his great talents<br> +To the instruction of his Countrymen:<br> +Born 1792; Died 1858.<br> +He resided at this College<br> +Between the years 1810 and 1814.<br> +</p> + +<p>See also Lockhart’s <i>Life of Scott</i>, small edition of 1871, pp. +484, 744, 781.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_51" href="#FNanchor_51" class="label">[51]</a></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“I do believe the veriest hen’s</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the world is a parcel of boys in their teens.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Fo’c’s’le Yarns.</i></div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>The palinode should also be quoted:—</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“‘Fiends’ I called them, did I? Well,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I shouldn then. It’s hard to tell;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And it’s likely God has got a plan</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To put a spirit in a man</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That’s more than you can stow away</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the heart of a child. But he’ll see the day</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When he’ll not have a bit too much for the work</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He’s got to do.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Ibid.</i></div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_52" href="#FNanchor_52" class="label">[52]</a> +Things are altered now. For years past there has been an +ample recreation-ground provided for the boys of the Academy.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_53" href="#FNanchor_53" class="label">[53]</a> +Less frequently, he would rove about alone. Professor +Fleeming Jenkin remembers hearing him say that when he first saw the +twisted piles of candles with which grocers decorate their windows, +he was struck by the curious and complex curves resulting from the +combinations of these simple cylinders, and was resolved to understand +all about that some day.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_54" href="#FNanchor_54" class="label">[54]</a> +Professor Tait. In the letter of January 18, 1840 +(above, <a href="#Page_33">p. 33</a>), in his ninth year, when, in speaking of his amusement +of seal-engraving he says, “I made a bird and a beast,” the words +“bird” and “beast” are each accompanied with a sort of hieroglyphic +representing the figure he had made upon the seal.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_55" href="#FNanchor_55" class="label">[55]</a> +This is clearly proved by a set of delightful rhyming +epistles addressed to him by his niece, Isabella Wedderburn, afterwards +Mrs. Mackenzie, then a bright young girl, between the years 1825 and +1827.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_56" href="#FNanchor_56" class="label">[56]</a> +The <i>Academy Greek Rudiments</i> was purchased before +leaving Edinburgh for the holidays, July 28, 1842.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_57" href="#FNanchor_57" class="label">[57]</a> +“One hautboy will,” etc. From an entry in his father’s +Diary of May 19, 1847, it appears that he was even then not free from +annoyance. And I can bear witness to the fact.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_58" href="#FNanchor_58" class="label">[58]</a> +By producing the facets until their alternate planes +intersected. In the specimens still extant, the facets belonging to +each plane of the original polyhedron are distinguished by specific +colouring.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_59" href="#FNanchor_59" class="label">[59]</a> +Pet name of a dog. See illustration on <a href="#Page_18">p. 18.</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_60" href="#FNanchor_60" class="label">[60]</a> +Scotch name for the license of April Fool’s day.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_61" href="#FNanchor_61" class="label">[61]</a> +A daughter of his nurse.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_62" href="#FNanchor_62" class="label">[62]</a> +The Jew’s harp.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_63" href="#FNanchor_63" class="label">[63]</a> +<i>i.e.</i> Cashew nut. This is characteristic. Compare +the description of the boy-genius in <i>Fo'c’s'le Yarns</i>:—</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Bless ye! the pisons was just like mate</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To Tommy, that liked to feel the strong</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They were, and rowlin’ them on his tongue.”</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_64" href="#FNanchor_64" class="label">[64]</a> +A substance often found on the sea-shore. It is of a +honey-combed structure, and consists, in fact, of the egg-capsules +of the common whelk (<i>Buccinum undatum</i>). When dried and +pulverised, it has an irritating effect upon the skin. Hence the local +name:—“Fyke”= fidget. See Jamieson’s <i>Dictionary</i>.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_65" href="#FNanchor_65" class="label">[65]</a> +This fantastic and elaborately-coloured illustration is +certainly sufficiently astonishing.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_66" href="#FNanchor_66" class="label">[66]</a> +<i>i.e.</i> A pop-gun of elder-wood.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_67" href="#FNanchor_67" class="label">[67]</a> +Anagram of James Clerk Maxwell.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_68" href="#FNanchor_68" class="label">[68]</a> +Silverknowe, near Granton, which was being prepared as a +residence for Mr. and Mrs. Mackenzie (Isabella Wedderbum).</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_69" href="#FNanchor_69" class="label">[69]</a> +Mrs. Wedderburn.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_70" href="#FNanchor_70" class="label">[70]</a> +The sound of the “trump.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_71" href="#FNanchor_71" class="label">[71]</a> +Here represented by italics and small capitals +respectively. The italics spell—<i>Sea fyke is a good thing for +polishing with</i>. The small capitals spell-<span class="allsmcap">-I am copying an old +print out of the delfian</span> (<i>i.e.</i> Delphin) <span class="allsmcap">sallust</span>. +It need not be observed that the capricious spelling in these letters +is merely a piece of “daftness.” The spelling of the letters of 1841 +(<i>Æt.</i> 9-10) is faultless.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_72" href="#FNanchor_72" class="label">[72]</a> +<i>i.e.</i> riddles or conundrums, of which the boy was +fond.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_73" href="#FNanchor_73" class="label">[73]</a> +A son of Admiral Hope Johnstone, then living at Cramond, +a scion of the Johnstones, who in 15—had a feud with the Maxwells, but +in later times claimed kinship with them.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_74" href="#FNanchor_74" class="label">[74]</a> +“<i>i.e.</i> Coonie,” viz. Mr. Colin Mackenzie, then a +child of three.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_75" href="#FNanchor_75" class="label">[75]</a> +This helps to fix the date of this letter. Mrs. R. +Cay joined her husband in China early in the spring of 1845. Her +son Alexander was born May 7, and christened on Wednesday, June +26, 1844. Mr. C. Maxwell had left Edinburgh for Glenlair on June +7, taking with him six pigeons in a basket, and some cuttings of +pelargonium. His first entry in the Diary after this, at Glenlair, is +as follows:—“<i>Saturday, June 8</i>.—Got home to dinner, and find +all well After dinner plant cuttings of pelargonium from Killearn, and +sort the doves in the new dove-cot.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_76" href="#FNanchor_76" class="label">[76]</a> +Now, every letter received from James is recorded in +the Diary, and the only such entry between the limits of June 7-26 is +on June 21st. “<span class="allsmcap">The three pairs op doves all sitting</span>. Recd, +letters from Mrs. Wed. and James.” It was a two-days' post. The letters +dated July 10 was received on July 12. The “Verses on Laocoon” point to +the same date. The translation from Virg. <i>Æn.</i> i. 159-169, which +certainly preceded them, was given in on May 10, 1844.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_77" href="#FNanchor_77" class="label">[77]</a> +<i>i.e.</i> Scripture History.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_78" href="#FNanchor_78" class="label">[78]</a> +<i>i.e.</i> Bathing.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_79" href="#FNanchor_79" class="label">[79]</a> +From the poem on “Creüsa.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_80" href="#FNanchor_80" class="label">[80]</a> +This name was given to the Vale of Urr in the +<i>Coterie-Sprache</i>, and adopted even by the local newspapers in +their notices of various social gatherings.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_81" href="#FNanchor_81" class="label">[81]</a> +Long afterwards, when asked by some one ignorant of +Galloway, if there was boating on the Urr, he would answer by a grave +reference to this incident.</p> + +</div> +</div> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.<br> +<span class="allsmcap">ADOLESCENCE—1844 TO 1847—<i>ÆT.</i> 13-16.</span></h2> +</div> + +<p class="nind"> +THE commencement of the fifth year at the Academy was, for +many of us boys, a time of cheerfulness and hope. The long period of +mere drill and task-work was supposed to be over. We had learned the +800 irregular Greek Verbs, either by our own efforts, or by hearing +others say them, and had acquired some moderate skill in Latin verse +composition. On entering the rector's class-room, our less mechanical +faculties were at once called into play. We found our lessons less +burdensome when we had not merely to repeat them, but were continually +learning something also in school. And the repetition of Virgil and +Horace was a very different thing from the repetition of the rules of +gender and quantity. Some foretaste of this more genial method had +been afforded us in the previous year, when we had been encouraged +to turn some bits of Virgil into English verse. But the change was, +notwithstanding, considerable, and it was accompanied with another +advance, which for Maxwell was at least equally important, for it was +now that we began the serious study of geometry.</p> + +<p>In October 1844 Mr. Clerk Maxwell and his sister, Mrs. Wedderbum, were +both far from well, and James<span class="pagenum" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</span> was received in Edinburgh by his aunt, +Miss Cay. He writes to his father, October 14, 1844:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>I like P——<a id="FNanchor_82" href="#Footnote_82" class="fnanchor">[82]</a> better than B——.<a id="FNanchor_83" href="#Footnote_83" class="fnanchor">[83]</a> We have lots of jokes, and he +speaks a great deal, and we have not so much monotonous parsing. In the +English, Milton is better than history of Greece.... I was at Uncle +John’s,<a id="FNanchor_84" href="#Footnote_84" class="fnanchor">[84]</a> and he showed me his new electrotype, with which he made a +copper impression of the beetle. He can plate silver with it as well as +copper, and he gave me a \(\Box\) thing with which it may be done. At +night I have generally made vases.</p> +</div> + +<p>This letter is sealed with the scarabaeus referred to as “the beetle.”</p> + +<p>In the next letter we have a trace of his hesitation not being yet +conquered:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>P—— says that a person † of education never puts in † hums and haws; +he goes † on with his † sentence without senseless interjections.</p> + +<p><i>N.B.</i>—Every † means a dead pause.<a id="FNanchor_85" href="#Footnote_85" class="fnanchor">[85]</a></p> +</div> + +<p>While thus privately retorting on his censor, he took a singular means +for curing his own defect. He made a plan of the large window in the +rector’s room, and wrote the words of the lesson in the spaces of the +frame-work. He conned his task in that setting, and,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</span> when saying +it, looked steadily at the actual window, where, as he averred, the +arrangement of the panes then helped to recall the order of the words. +The only fear was that by changing his place in the class he might be +obliged to stand sideways to the window.</p> + +<p>Our mathematical teacher, Mr. Gloag, was a man who combined a real gift +for teaching with certain humorous peculiarities of tone and manner. +He was sometimes impatient, but had a kind heart, and we liked him all +the better because we mimicked him.<a id="FNanchor_86" href="#Footnote_86" class="fnanchor">[86]</a> Old academicians still delight +in talking of him. He never allowed us to miss a step in any proof, and +made us do many “deductions,” which we puzzled out entirely without +help. It must have been the companionship of Maxwell that made those +hours so delightful to me. We always walked home together, and the talk +was incessant, chiefly on Maxwell’s side. Some new train of ideas would +generally begin just when we reached my mother’s door. He would stand +there holding the door handle, half in, half out, while,</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Much like a press of people at a door</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thronged his inventions, which should go before,”</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="nind"> +till voices from within complained of the cold draught, and warned us +that we must part.</p> + +<p>From some mathematical principle he would start off to a joke of +Martinus Scriblerus, or to a quotation from Dryden, interspersing +puns and other outrages on language of the wildest kind, “humming and +hawing”<span class="pagenum" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</span> in spite of P——; or in a quieter mood he would tell the +story of Southey’s <i>Thalaba</i>, or explain some new invention, which +I often failed to understand. Our common ground in those days was +simple geometry, and never, certainly, was emulation more at one with +friendship. But whatever outward rivalry there might be, his companions +felt no doubt as to his vast superiority from the first. He seemed to +be in the heart of the subject when they were only at the boundary; +but the boyish game of contesting point by point with such a mind was +a most wholesome stimulus, so that the mere exercise of faculty was a +pure joy. With Maxwell, as we have already seen, the first lessons of +geometry branched out at once into inquiries which soon became fruitful.</p> + +<div class="sidenote2">1844-46. +<i>Æt.</i> 13-15.</div> + +<p>“Meantime, the rural ditties were not mute.” Besides a serio-comic +impromptu on the grievance of a holiday task, and other effusions +concerning incidents of our school life, there was a romantic ballad +written about Christmas 1844 or 5, and in July 1845 the prize for +English verse was gained by the poem on the death of the Douglas, to +which he refers in one of his letters to Miss Cay.<a id="FNanchor_87" href="#Footnote_87" class="fnanchor">[87]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote2">1845. +<i>Æt.</i> 14.</div> + +<p>But a prize of more consequence was the mathematical<span class="pagenum" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</span> medal, of which +he writes to his aunt in a tone of undisguised though generous triumph. +The following letters were written in June and July 1845:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc space-above2"><span class="allsmcap">To Miss Cay.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>June 1845.</i></p> + +<p>I have drawn a picture of Diana,<a id="FNanchor_88" href="#Footnote_88" class="fnanchor">[88]</a> and made an octohedron on a new +principle, and found out a great many things in geometry. If you make +two circles equal, and make three steps with the compasses (of any +size), and cut them out in card, and also three equal strips, with +holes at each end, and joint them with thread to the upper side of one +circle and the lower side of the other; then if you put a pin through +the centre of one and turn the other, the one will turn, and if you +draw the same thing on both in the same position,— if you turn them +<i>ever</i> so,—they will always be in the same position.</p> + + +<p class="right"><i>July 1845.</i></p> + +<p>The subjects for prizes are as follows:—English Verses—The gude Schyr +James Dowglas; Latin Hexameters and Pentameters—The Isles of Greece; +Latin Sapphics—The Rhine. I have been getting information in many +books for Douglas, but I found it so difficult not to Marmionise, that +is, to speak in imitation of <i>Marmion</i>,—that I am making it in +eight syllable lines. I have got Barbour’s <i>Bruce</i>, Buke 20, which +is a help in a different language, which is all fair; my motto is:—</p> + +<p><b>“Men. may. weill. wyte. thouch. nane. them. tell. How. angry. for. +sorrow. and. how. fell. Is. to. tyne. sic. a. lord. as. he. To. them. +that. war. of. hys. mengye.</b>”<a id="FNanchor_89" href="#Footnote_89" class="fnanchor">[89]</a></p> + +<p>Pa and I went to your house on Saturday and watered the plants. I have +got the lend of the whole of Horne’s.</p> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_103" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/i_103.jpg" width="500" height="866" alt="A decorative +illustrated page within an ornamental rope-and-leaf border, depicting +an armored knight on horseback beside a tree where a cloaked figure +crouches in shadow."> +<figcaption class="caption"> +<p>The Vampyre, Compylt into Meeter, by Jas Clerk Maxwell.</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Thair is a Knichts rydis through the wood,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And a douchty Knichts is hee;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And rare hee is on a message sent,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Hee rydis sae hastilie.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Hee passit the aik, and hee passit the birk,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And hee passit monie a tre,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But pleasant to him war the sough sae shrill,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">For beneath it hee did see</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> +</figcaption> +</figure> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_104" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/i_104.jpg" width="500" height="884" alt="A handwritten +page of archaic-style verse continuing The Vampyre poem, framed by +a rope-and-leaf border, describing the comely lady combing her golden +hair by the brook and the knight's vow to follow her wherever she +goes."> +<figcaption class="caption"> +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> +<div class="verse indent0">The bonniest Ladye that ever hes saw,</div> +<div class="verse indent2">Scho was sae schynand fair,</div> +<div class="verse indent0">And there scho sat, beneath the heugh,</div> +<div class="verse indent2">Kaiming hir gowden hair.</div> +<div class="verse indent0">And then the Knichts: “O Ladye brichte,</div> +<div class="verse indent2">“What chance hes brought you here,</div> +<div class="verse indent0">“But say the word, and ye schall gang</div> +<div class="verse indent2">“Back to your kindred dear.”</div> +<div class="verse indent0">Then up and spok the Ladye fair —</div> +<div class="verse indent2">“I have nae friends or kin,</div> +<div class="verse indent0">“But in a littel boat I live,</div> +<div class="verse indent2">“Amidst the waves loud din.”</div> +<div class="verse indent0">Then answered thus the douchty Knichts —</div> +<div class="verse indent2">“I'll follow you through all,</div> +<div class="verse indent0">“For gin ye bee in a littel boat,</div> +<div class="verse indent2">“The world to it seems small.”</div> +<div class="verse indent0">They gaed through the wood, and through the wood,</div> +<div class="verse indent2">To the end of the wood they came.</div> +<div class="verse indent0">And when they came to the end of the wood,</div> +<div class="verse indent2">They saw the raft sae faem.</div> +<div class="verse indent0">And then they saw the wee wee boat</div> +<div class="verse indent2">That dauncéd on the top of the wave,</div> +<div class="verse indent0">And first got in the Ladye fair,</div> +<div class="verse indent2">And then the Knichts sae brave.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> +</figcaption> +</figure> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_105" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/i_105.jpg" width="500" height="857" alt="A handwritten +page continuing The Vampyre poem within the rope-and-leaf border, +describing the knight rowing the boat and turning to see the lady's +cheek grow ghastly pale as he recognizes her as his former love, long +since dead."> +<figcaption class="caption"> +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> +<div class="verse indent0">They got into the wee wee boat,</div> +<div class="verse indent2">And rowed wi' a' thair micht;</div> +<div class="verse indent0">When the Knichts sae brave hee turnit about,</div> +<div class="verse indent2">And lookit at the Ladye bricht,</div> +<div class="verse indent0">Hee lookit at hir bonie cheik,</div> +<div class="verse indent2">And hee lookit at hir twa bricht eyne,</div> +<div class="verse indent0">But hir rosie cheik growes ghaistly pale,</div> +<div class="verse indent2">And scho seymit as scho deid had bene.</div> +<div class="verse indent0">The fause fause Knichts growes pale wi fricht,</div> +<div class="verse indent2">And his hair rase up on end,</div> +<div class="verse indent0">For ganesby days cam to his mynde,</div> +<div class="verse indent2">And his former love hee kenned.</div> +<div class="verse indent0">Then spake the Ladye, “Thou fause Knichte,</div> +<div class="verse indent2">“Hast done to mee much ill,</div> +<div class="verse indent0">“Thou didst forsake mee long ago</div> +<div class="verse indent2">Bot I am constant still.</div> +<div class="verse indent0">For though I ligg in the moolds sae cald,</div> +<div class="verse indent2">At rest I canna bee,</div> +<div class="verse indent0">Until I sucke the gude lyfe bluide</div> +<div class="verse indent2">Of the man that gart me dee.</div> +<div class="verse indent0">Hee saw hir lippis were wet wi bluide,</div> +<div class="verse indent2">And hee saw hir lyfelesse eyne,</div> +<div class="verse indent0">And loud hee cryde, “Get frae my syde,</div> +<div class="verse indent2">“Thou Vampyr corps unclean.”</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> +</figcaption> +</figure> + + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</span></p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_106" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/i_106.jpg" width="500" height="899" alt="The final +page of The Vampyre poem, framed by the rope-and-leaf border, +concluding the tale as the vampire sucks the knight's blood until +his death on the wide sea, with a closing warning to beware of that +deceitful spright."> +<figcaption class="caption"> +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> +<div class="verse indent0">But noe hee is in hir magic boat,</div> +<div class="verse indent2">And on the wyde wyde sea,</div> +<div class="verse indent0">And the Vampyr sucks his guidlyfe bluide,</div> +<div class="verse indent2">Scho sucks hym till hees dee.</div> +<div class="verse indent0">So now beware, wheere you are,</div> +<div class="verse indent2">That walkis in this lone wood;</div> +<div class="verse indent0">Beware of that deceitfull spright,</div> +<div class="verse indent2">The ghaist that suckis the bluide.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> +</figcaption> +</figure> + +<p class="nind"> +<i>Introduction to the Knowledge of the Scriptures, and Prideaux’s +Connection of the Old and New Testaments</i>, and Townshend’s +<i>Harmony</i>, which are of great use.<a id="FNanchor_90" href="#Footnote_90" class="fnanchor">[90]</a></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<div class="sidenote2"><i>Æt.</i> 14.</div> + +<p class="right"><i>July 1845.</i></p> + +<p>I have got the 11th prize for Scholarship, the 1st for English, the +prize for English verses, and the Mathematical Medal. I tried for +Scripture Knowledge, and Hamilton in the 7th has got it. We tried for +the Medal<a id="FNanchor_91" href="#Footnote_91" class="fnanchor">[91]</a> on Thursday. I had done them<a id="FNanchor_92" href="#Footnote_92" class="fnanchor">[92]</a> all, and got home at ½ +past 2; but Campbell stayed till 4. I was rather tired with writing +exercises from 9 till ½ past 2.<a id="FNanchor_93" href="#Footnote_93" class="fnanchor">[93]</a></p> + +<p>Campbell and I went “once more unto the b(r)each ” to-day at +Portobello. I can swim a little now. Campbell has got 6 prizes. He got +a letter written too soon congratulating him upon <i>my</i> medal; but +there is no rivalry betwixt us, as B—— Carmichael says.</p> +</div> + +<p>His aunt, Miss Cay, to whom these letters are addressed, had begun +again to take more charge of him than in the preceding years. Mrs. +Wedderburn's health was very uncertain. Cousin Jemima was grown-up and +immersed in her own pursuits, and the companionship of his cousin, +George Wedderburn, a young man about Edinburgh, and a humourist of +a different order, was not in every way the most suitable<span class="pagenum" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</span> for the +growing boy. The Diary shows that he was continually at his aunt’s +house, No. 6 Great Stuart Street, and she is associated with some of my +earliest recollections of him. She sought to bring him out amongst her +friends, to soften his singularities, and to make him more like other +youths of his age. And he would help her with patterns, arrangement +of colours, etc., as well as with her flowers. One of his earliest +applications of geometry was to set right the perspective of a view of +the interior of Roslin Chapel on which she was engaged.</p> + +<p>Mr. Clerk Maxwell was a frequent visitor at the Academy at this time. +His broad, benevolent face and paternal air, as of a gentler Dandie +Dinmont, beaming with kindness for the companions of his son, is +vividly remembered by those who were our schoolfellows in 1844-5.</p> + + +<p class="space-above2"> +The summer vacation of 1845 was spent almost wholly at Glenlair. James +passed a day now and then at Upper Corsock with the Fletcher boys,<a id="FNanchor_94" href="#Footnote_94" class="fnanchor">[94]</a> +and sometimes accompanied his father when he went out shooting; but he +must have had abundance of time for reading and for following his own +devices. The country gentlemen were particularly absorbed that year in +political excitement, and Mr. Clerk Maxwell was often called away. The +only event worth mentioning was a “jaunt,” evidently suggested by Miss +Cay, to Newcastle, Durham, and Carlisle, which gave Maxwell<span class="pagenum" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</span> his first +direct impression of English Cathedral Architecture.</p> + +<p>The taste thus formed was strengthened by a visit to Melrose in the +following summer.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Saw the House of Abbotsford and antiquities in it, and go to Melrose. +Got there about 2, and settle to remain all night. Spend the day and +also the evening about the Abbey. Jane Cay and James drawing.—Diary, +1846, Sept. 10.</p> +</div> + +<div class="sidenote2">1845. +<i>Æt.</i> 14.</div> + +<p>On returning to Edinburgh for the winter, Mr. Clerk Maxwell seems +to have been roused by the expectation which his son’s first school +distinction had awakened amongst his kindred and acquaintance. He +became more assiduous than ever in his attendance at meetings of the +Edinburgh Society of Arts and Royal Society, and took James with him +repeatedly to both. And so it happened that early in his fifteenth +year the boy dipped his feet in the current of scientific inquiry, +where he was to prove himself so strong a swimmer. In our walks round +Arthur’s Seat, etc., he had always something new to tell. For example, +in February 1846, he called my attention to the glacier-markings on the +rocks, and discoursed volubly on this subject, which was then quite +recent, and known to comparatively few.</p> + +<p>A prominent member of the Society of Arts at this time was Mr. D. R. +Hay, the decorative painter, whose attempt to reduce beauty in form +and colour to mathematical principles<a id="FNanchor_95" href="#Footnote_95" class="fnanchor">[95]</a> had attracted considerable<span class="pagenum" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</span> +attention amongst scientific men. Such ideas had a natural fascination +for Clerk Maxwell, and he often discoursed on “egg-and-dart,” “Greek +pattern,” “ogive,” and what not, and on the forms of Etruscan urns.</p> + +<div class="sidenote"><i>Æt.</i> 14.</div> + +<p>One of the problems in this department of applied science was how +to draw a perfect oval; and Maxwell, who had by this time begun the +(purely geometrical) study of Conic sections, became eager to find a +true practical solution of this. How completely his father entered into +his pursuit may best be shown by the following extracts from Mr. Clerk +Maxwell's Diary:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="right">1846,</p> + +<p class="right"><i>February.</i></p> + +<p>W. 25.—Called on ... Mr. D. E. Hay at his house, Jordan Lane, and saw +his diagrams and showed James’s Ovals—Mr. Hay’s are drawn with a loop +on 3 pins, consequently formed of portions of ellipses.</p> + +<p>Th. 26.—Call on Prof. Forbes at the College, and see about Jas. Ovals +and 3-foci figures and plurality of foci. New to Prof. Forbes, and +settle to give him the theory in writing to consider.<a id="FNanchor_96" href="#Footnote_96" class="fnanchor">[96]</a></p> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="right"><i>March.</i></p> + +<p>M. 2.—Wrote account of James’s ovals for Prof. Forbes. +Evening.—Royal Society with James, and gave the above +to Mr. Forbes.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</span></p> + +<p>W. 4.—Went to the College at 12 and saw Prof. Forbes, about Jas. +ovals. Prof. Forbes much pleased with them, investigating in books to +see what has been done or known in this subject. To write to me when he +has fully considered the matter.</p> +</div> + +<p>Sa. 7.—Recd. note from Prof. Forbes:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="right"><i>Edinburgh, 6th March</i> 1846.</p> + +<p><span class="allsmcap">My dear Sir</span>—I have looked over your son’s paper carefully, +and I think it very ingenious,—certainly very remarkable for his +years; and, I believe, substantially new. On the latter point I have +referred it to my friend, Professor Kelland, for his opinion.—I +remain, dear Sir, yours sincerely,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="allsmcap">James D. Forbes.</span></p> +</div> + +<p>W. 11.—Recd. note from Professor Forbes:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="right">3 <i>Park Place, 11th March</i> 1846.</p> + +<p><span class="allsmcap">My dear Sir</span>—I am glad to find to-day, from Professor Kelland, +that his opinion of your son’s paper agrees with mine; namely, that +it is most ingenious, most creditable to him, and, we believe, a new +way of considering higher curves with reference to foci. Unfortunately +these ovals appear to be curves of a very high and intractable order, +so that possibly the elegant method of description may not lead to a +corresponding simplicity in investigating their properties. But that is +not the present point. If you wish it, I think that the simplicity and +elegance of the method would entitle it to be brought before the Royal +Society.—Believe me, my dear Sir, yours truly,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="allsmcap">James D. Forbes.</span></p> + +<p><span class="allsmcap">J. Clerk Maxwell, Esq.</span></p> +</div> + +<p>Th. 12.—Called for Prof. Forbes at the College and conversed about the +ovals.</p> + +<p>M. 16.—Went with James to Royal Society.</p> + +<p>T. 17.—Jas. at Prof. Forbes’s House, 3 Park Place, to Tea, and to +discourse on the ovals. Came home at 10. A successful visit.</p> + +<p>T. 24.—Cut out pasteboard trainers for Curves for James.</p> + +<p>W. 25.—Call at Adie’s,<a id="FNanchor_97" href="#Footnote_97" class="fnanchor">[97]</a> to see about Report on D. E. Hay’s paper on +ovals.</p> + +<p>Th. 26.—Recd. D. E. Hay’s paper and machine for drawing ovals, etc.</p> + +<p>M. 30.—Called on Prof. Forbes at College and saw Mr. Adie about report +on Mr. Hay’s paper. Jas. ovals to be at next meeting of R.S.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</span></p> + +<p>M. 6.—Royal Society with Jas. Professor Forbes gave acct. of James’s +ovals. Met with very great attention and approbation generally.</p> + +<p>The result of the attempt thus eagerly pursued, as communicated by +Professor Forbes that evening, is embodied in the <i>Proceedings of the +Edinburgh Royal Society</i>, vol. <span class="allsmcap">II.</span> pp. 89-93.</p> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">Monday</span>, 6<i>th April</i> 1846.</p> + +<p class="nindc">Sir Thomas M. Brisbane, Bart., President, in the Chair.</p> + +<p>The following communications were read:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>1. On the Description of Oval Curves, and those having a plurality of +Foci. By Mr. <span class="allsmcap">Clerk Maxwell</span>, junior, with Remarks by Professor +Forbes. Communicated by Professor Forbes.</p> + +<p>Mr. Clerk Maxwell ingeniously suggests the extension of the common +theory of the foci of conic sections to curves of a higher degree of +complication, in the following manner:—</p> + +<p>1. As in the ellipse and hyperbola, any point in the curve has the +<i>sum</i> or <i>difference</i> of two lines drawn from two points or +<i>foci</i> = a constant quantity, so the author infers that curves +to a certain degree analogous may be described and determined by the +condition that the simple distance from one focus, <i>plus</i> a +multiple distance from the other, may be = a constant quantity; or +more generally, \(m\) times the one distance + \(n\) times the other = +constant.</p> + +<p>2. The author devised a simple mechanical means, by the wrapping of a +thread round pins, for producing these curves. See Figs. 1 and 2 (Plate +11). He then thought of extending the principle to other curves, whose +property should be, that the sum of the simple or multiple distances +of any point of the curve from three of more points or foci, should be += a constant quantity; and this, too, he has effected mechanically, +by a very simple arrangement of a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</span> string of given length passing +round three or more fixed pins, and constraining a tracing point, +\(\text{P}\). See Pig. 3. Further, the author regards curves of the +first kind as constituting a particular class of curves of the second +kind, two or more foci coinciding in one, a focus in which two strings +meet being considered a double focus; when three strings meet a treble +focus, etc.</p> + +<p>Professor Forbes observed that the equation to curves of the first +class are easily found, having the form— +\[ +\sqrt{} x^{2}+y^{2}=a+b \quad \sqrt{(x-c)^{2}+y^{2}}, +\] +which is that of the curve known under the name of the First Oval +of Descartes. Mr. Maxwell had already observed that, when one of +the foci was at an infinite distance (or the thread moved parallel +to itself, and was confined, in respect of length, by the edge of a +board), a curve resembling an ellipse was traced; from which property +Professor Forbes was led first to infer the identity of the oval with +the Cartesian oval, which is well known to have this property. But the +simplest analogy of all is that derived from the method of description, +\(r\) and \(r'\) being the radients to any point of the curve from the +two foci. +\[ +m r+n r^{\prime}=\text {constant}, +\] +which, in fact, at once expresses on the undulatory theory of light +the optical character of the surface in question, namely, that light +diverging from one focus \(\text{F}\) without the medium, shall be +directly convergent at another point \(f\) within it; and in this case +the ratio \(\dfrac{n}{m}\) expresses the index of refraction of the +medium.</p> + +<p>If we denote, by <i>the power of either focus</i>, the number of +strings leading to it by Mr. Maxwell’s construction, and if one of the +foci be removed to an infinite distance,—if the powers of the two +foci be <i>equal</i>, the curve is a parabola; if the power of the +nearer focus be greater than the other, the curve is an ellipse; if +the power of the infinitely distant focus be the greater, the curve is +a hyperbola. The first case evidently corresponds to the reflection +of parallel rays to a focus, the velocity being unchanged after +reflection; the second, to the refraction of parallel rays to a focus +in a dense medium (in which light moves slower); the third case, to +refraction into a rarer medium.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</span></p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_114a" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_114a.jpg" width="300" height="242" alt="A simple +geometric diagram showing three concentric elliptical rings, with two +points labeled F and r connected by lines to a point P on the outer +ellipse."> +<figcaption class="caption"> +<p>Fig. 1. Two Foci. Ratios 1:2.</p></figcaption> +</figure> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_114b" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_114b.jpg" width="300" height="144" alt="A simple +geometric diagram showing an elliptical shape with two line segments +extending outward from a point labeled P on its perimeter, with the +opposite end of one line marked F and the other P."> +<figcaption class="caption"> +<p>Fig. 2. Two Foci Ratios 2:3.</p></figcaption> +</figure> + + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</span></p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_114c" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_114c.jpg" width="300" height="238" alt="A simple +geometric diagram showing three concentric egg-shaped or oval curves, +with a point labeled r connected by lines to two points labeled F and +F' within the innermost curve, forming a triangle."> +<figcaption class="caption"> +<p>Fig. 3. Three Foci. Ratios of Equality.</p></figcaption> +</figure> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>The Ovals of Descartes were described in his <i>Geometry</i>, where he +has also given a mechanical method of describing one of them, but only +in a particular case, and the method is less simple than Mr. Maxwell's. +The demonstration of the optical properties was given by Newton in the +<i>Principia</i>, Book <i>I.</i> Prop. 97, by the law of the sines, +and by Huygens in 1690, on the Theory of Undulations, in his <i>Traité +de la Lumière</i>. It probably has not been suspected that so easy and +elegant a method exists of describing these curves by the use of a +thread and pins whenever the powers of the foci are commensurable. For +instance, the curve, Fig. 2, drawn with powers 3 and 2 respectively, +give the proper form for a refracting surface of glass, whose index +of refraction is 1·50, in order that rays diverging from \(f\) may be +refracted to \(\text{F}\).</p> + +<p>As to the higher classes of curves, with three or more focal points, +we cannot at present invest them with equally clear and curious +physical properties, but the method of drawing a curve by so simple a +contrivance, which shall satisfy the condition, +\[ +m r+n r^{\prime}+p r^{\prime \prime}+\text {etc.}.,=\text {constant}, +\] +is in itself not a little interesting; and if we regard, with Mr. +Maxwell, the ovals above described, as the limiting case of the +others by the coalescence of two or more foci, we have a further +generalisation of the same kind as that so highly commended by +Montucla, by which Descartes elucidated the conic sections as +particular cases of his oval curves.</p> +</div> + +<p>This was the beginning of the lifelong friendship between Clerk Maxwell +and James D. Forbes. “I loved James Forbes” was his own emphatic +statement to me in 1869. Maxwell's gratitude to all from whom he had +received any help or stimulus was imperishable.</p> + +<div class="sidenote2"><i>Æt.</i> 14-15.</div> + +<p>The curve-drawing, and the problems connected<span class="pagenum" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</span> with it, were by no +means the only original investigations of this year. Mr. John Scott, +of Scott Brothers, Greenock, remembers being in the attic of 31 Heriot +Row, and seeing some preparations of jelly with which James was +experimenting there. Mr. Scott left Edinburgh in the summer of 1846. +What was the exact object of these experiments and others on <i>gutta +percha</i> at this time is matter of conjecture. There is little +doubt that they prepared the way for the investigation concerning the +compression of elastic solids. But it seems probable that they were +immediately suggested by Forbes’s <i>Theory of Glaciers</i>, which +had recently called attention to the whole question of the difference +between solid, liquid, and “viscous” bodies, and the different effects +of gravitation and pressure as applied to them.<a id="FNanchor_98" href="#Footnote_98" class="fnanchor">[98]</a> Another set of +phenomena with which his mind was soon afterwards engaged, viz. those +of the refraction and polarisation of light, were partly studied +through similar means.</p> + +<p>The work of his cousin, who was now a rising artist, still interested +him. An entry in the father’s Diary, December 5, 1845, has reference to +this:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Walk with Jas. and Jemima to Botanical Garden to inspect +palm-trees—for her sketching for a picture.</p> +</div> + +<p>Either in this or the following year I remember his raising the +question, Whether it was not possible to determine mathematically the +curve of the waves<span class="pagenum" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</span> on a particular shore, so as to represent them with +perfect truth in a picture.</p> + +<div class="sidenote2">1845-47, +<i>Æt.</i> 15-16.</div> + +<p>After contributing to the <i>Proceedings</i> of the Edinburgh Royal +Society, it might perhaps have been expected that Clerk Maxwell, +although scarcely 15, would at least have been taken from the Academy +and sent to the classes of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy at the +University. Instead of this, he simply completed his course at school. +His inventions may perhaps have interfered a little with his regular +studies:—for he missed the Mathematical medal in 1846—but he was +one of the few of the class which he had joined in 1841 who continued +at the Academy until 1847. And when he left, although still younger +than his competitors by about a twelvemonth, he was not only first in +mathematics and English, but came very near to being first in Latin. +He had not yet “specialised” or “bifurcated,” although the bent of +his genius was manifest. Nor have I ever heard him wish that it had +been otherwise. On the contrary, he has repeatedly said to me in later +years that to make out the meaning of an author with no help excepting +grammar and dictionary (which was our case) is one of the best means +for training the mind. Some of his school exercises in Latin prose and +<i>verse</i> are still extant, and, like everything which he did, are +stamped with his peculiar character.<a id="FNanchor_99" href="#Footnote_99" class="fnanchor">[99]</a></p> + +<p>The first Greek play we read (the <i>Alcestis</i> of Euripides) +made an impression<span class="pagenum" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</span> on him to which he reverted in a conversation +many years afterwards.<a id="FNanchor_100" href="#Footnote_100" class="fnanchor">[100]</a> At the same time he had a quick eye for +the absurdities of pedantry. One of the teachers was apt to annoy +our youthful taste by a literal exactness in translating the Greek +particles, which would have pleased some more recent scholars. Maxwell +expressed our feelings on this subject in a few lines, of which I can +only recall the beginning:—</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Assuredly, at least, indeed,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">—<i>Decidedly</i> alsó ...”</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="nind"> +The frigid climax in “decidedly” is a good instance of +his roguish irony.</p> + +<p>In September 1846 I made my first visit to Glenlair. It was a time of +perpetual gladness, but the particulars are hardly worth recording. +James used to sleep long and soundly, and seemed to be the whole +day at play, eagerly showing me his treasures and accompanying each +exhibition with lively talk, sprinkled with innumerable puns.<a id="FNanchor_101" href="#Footnote_101" class="fnanchor">[101]</a> +After such a breakfast as became that land of milk and honey, there +was a long interval, while Mr. Maxwell was attending to home business +and deliberating what the “expedite”<span class="pagenum" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</span> should be. Miss Cay meanwhile +was writing letters, or finishing some drawing of Lincluden or New +Abbey (where they had lately been), and James would flit to and fro +between the little den, where his books and various apparatus lived, +and the drawing-room,<a id="FNanchor_102" href="#Footnote_102" class="fnanchor">[102]</a> where his father sat in the arm-chair, with +Tobs on knee. Ever and anon we boys would escape out of doors and have +a run in the field or the garden, or a bout with the d——1. So the +morning would pass till an early luncheon, after which Tobin must do +his various tricks; then, if the men were busy, James would himself +harness Meg, the Galloway pony, for the drive of the afternoon. After +dinner and Toby’s second performance, and another turn at the deil, +there would be something more to see—Cousin Jemima’s drawings, recent +diagrams or other inventions of his own, the magic discs, etc. etc., +the charm of the whole consisting in the flow of talk, incessant, but +by no means unbroken,</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Changing, hiding,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Doubling upon itself, dividing,”</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="nind"> +of which neither of us ever tired. On Sunday there was the drive to +Corsock Church (where the absolute gravity of his countenance was +itself a study),<a id="FNanchor_103" href="#Footnote_103" class="fnanchor">[103]</a> and the walk home by the river, past the Kirk +pool, renowned for bathing, with conversations of a more earnest kind,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</span> +and a stroll on the estate in the afternoon; or, if we stayed at home, +he would show his favourite books and talk about them, till the evening +closed with a chapter and a prayer, which the old man read to the +assembled household.</p> + + +<div class="sidenote"><i>Æt.</i> 15.</div> + +<p>During the winter of 1846-47, James was unusually delicate. He was +often absent from school, and seems not to have attended the meetings +of the Societies. But of these his father was sure to give him a +faithful report. He was certainly more than ever interested in science. +The two subjects which most engaged his attention were magnetism and +the polarisation of light. He was fond of showing “Newtons rings”—the +chromatic effect produced by pressing lenses together—and of watching +the changing hues on soap bubbles.</p> + +<p>In the spring of 1847 (somewhere in April) his uncle, Mr. John Cay, +whose scientific tastes have been mentioned more than once above, took +James and myself (with whom he chose to share all such delights) to +see Mr. Nicol, a friend of Sir David Brewster, and the inventor of the +polarising prism.<a id="FNanchor_104" href="#Footnote_104" class="fnanchor">[104]</a> Even before this James had been absorbed in +“polarised light,” working with Iceland spar, and twisting his head +about to see “Haidinger’s Brushes” in the blue sky with his naked eye. +But this visit added a new and important stimulus to his interest in +these phenomena, and the speculations to which they give rise.<a id="FNanchor_105" href="#Footnote_105" class="fnanchor">[105]</a></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</span></p> + +<p>Shortly afterwards (May 25th) he went with his father to the cutler's +to choose magnets suitable for experimenting.</p> + +<p>And a little earlier in the same year (March 17), he was taken to hear +a lecture<a id="FNanchor_106" href="#Footnote_106" class="fnanchor">[106]</a> on another subject, which was also connected with his +subsequent labours, and must have impressed him not a little at the +time. This was the discovery by Adams and Leverrier simultaneously, +through a striking combination of hypothesis and calculation, of the +planet Neptune, which then first “swam into” human “ken.”</p> + +<p>The magnetic experiments were continued that autumn at Glenlair, as +appears from two entries in the Diary:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p><i>Sept.</i> 3.—Walk round by smiddy; gave steel to be made into bars +for magnets for James.</p> + +<p><i>Sept.</i> 7.—James and Robert (Campbell) most of the time at the +smiddy, and got the magnet bars.</p> +</div> + +<p>My brother perfectly remembers the magnetising of these bars of steel.</p> + +<p>Lastly, in 184?—unless my memory deceives me—James had commenced the +study of chemistry, and had taken extra lessons in German.</p> + +<p>There was an odd episode in our school life. To keep our education +“abreast of the requirements of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</span> the day,” etc., it was thought +desirable that we should have lessons in “Physical Science.” So one +of the classical masters gave them out of a text-book. The sixth and +seventh classes were taught together; and the only thing I distinctly +remember about these hours is that Maxwell and P. G. Tait seemed to +know much more about the subject than our teacher did.</p> + +<p>Maxwell and Tait were by this time acknowledged as the two best +mathematicians of the school, and it was already prophesied that Tait, +who was about fifteen, would some day be a Senior Wrangler. The two +youths had many interchanges of ideas, and Professor Tait remembers +that Maxwell had by this time proved, by purely geometrical methods, +that the central tangential section of a “tore,” or anchorring, is a +pair of intersecting equal and similar curves, <i>probably circles</i>.</p> + +<p>This is referred to in the following extract from Professor Tait’s +admirable summary:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>When I first made Clerk Maxwell’s acquaintance about thirty-five years +ago, at the Edinburgh Academy, he was a year before me, being in the +fifth class while I was in the fourth.</p> + +<p>At school he was at first regarded as shy and rather dull. He made +no friendships, and he spent his occasional holidays in reading +old ballads, drawing curious diagrams, and making rude mechanical +models. This absorption in such pursuits, totally unintelligible to +his schoolfellows (who were then quite innocent of mathematics), of +course procured him a not very complimentary nickname, which I know is +still remembered by many Fellows of this Society. About the middle of +his school career, however, he surprised his companions by suddenly +becoming one of the most<span class="pagenum" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</span> brilliant among them, gaining high, and +sometimes the highest, prizes for scholarship, mathematics, and English +verse composition. From this time forward I became very intimate with +him, and we discussed together, with school-boy enthusiasm, numerous +curious problems, among which I remember particularly the various plane +sections of a ring or tore, and the form of a cylindrical mirror which +should show one his own image unperverted. I still possess some of +the MSS. we exchanged in 1846 and early in 1847. Those by Maxwell are +on “The Conical Pendulum,” “Descartes’ Ovals,” “Meloid and Apioid,” +and “Trifocal Curves.” All are drawn up in strict geometrical form, +and divided into consecutive propositions.<a id="FNanchor_107" href="#Footnote_107" class="fnanchor">[107]</a> The three latter are +connected with his first published paper, communicated by Forbes to +this Society and printed in our <i>Proceedings</i>, vol. <span class="allsmcap">II.</span>, +under the title “On the description of Oval Curves, and those having a +plurality of Foci” (1846). At the time when these papers were written +he had received no instruction in mathematics beyond a few books of +Euclid and the merest elements of Algebra.<a id="FNanchor_108" href="#Footnote_108" class="fnanchor">[108]</a></p> +</div> + +<p>On the whole, he looked back to his school-days with strong affection; +and his only revenge on those who had misunderstood him was that he +understood them. To many of us, as we advance in life, the remembrance +of our early companions, except those to whom we were specially drawn, +becomes dim and shadowy. But Maxwell, by some vivid touch, has often +recalled to me the image of one and another of our schoolfellows, whose +existence I had all but forgotten.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</span></p> + +<p>The following letters to his father still belong to his schoolboy +life:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="right">[<i>April</i>] <i>1847</i>.</p> + +<p>“I have identified Descartes’ ovals with mine. His first oval is an +oval with one of its foci outside; the second is a meloid with a focus +outside. It also comprehends the circle and apioid. The third is a +meloid with both foci inside; and the fourth is an oval with both foci +inside.”</p> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_124" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_124.jpg" width="300" height="174" alt="A series of +small oval/heart-shaped curves numbered 1 through 4 across the top, +showing varying shapes from narrow ellipses to rounder heart-like +forms, each with two dots inside. Below, a larger curve labeled +with points A and B connected by lines suggests a geometric diagram +exploring how the curve's shape changes based on the positions of two +interior points."> +</figure> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nind"> +He says with regard to the last that rays from A are <i>reflected</i> +to B, which I can disprove....</p> + +<p>[This is interesting as a proof of the complete independence and +originality of the communication made to the Royal Society on April +6th, 1846. It is also important as an example of that love of comparing +his own results with great authorities, which made Maxwell the most +learned as well as the most original of scientific men. See above, p. +74, where Forbes promises to consult books on the subject, and the +references to Descartes in the <i>Proceedings</i>. Forbes cannot, +however, have made any very careful scrutiny into the history of +the matter, else he would have mentioned that Descartes actually +<i>figures</i> the cord by which his ovals are described, and his +process is precisely that of Maxwell.]</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>I have made a map of the world, conical projection—</p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_125a" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_125a.jpg" width="300" height="146" alt="A two-part +geometric diagram: on the left, a semicircular grid pattern of +radiating lines beside a textured or shaded semicircular shape, and on +the right, a kite-like figure with points A, B, C, and D connected by +lines forming triangular sections with curved internal lines."> +</figure> + +<p class="nind"> +\(\mathrm{ACD}\) is the one cone, \(\mathrm{BCD}\) the other; the side +\(\mathrm{AC}=\) diameter of the base \(\mathrm{CD}\); therefore, when +unrolled, they are each semicircles.</p> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_125b" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_125b.jpg" width="300" height="210" alt="A two-part +geometric diagram: on the left, concentric arcs radiating from point +O with labeled points B, K, C, A, and D and marked angles, and on the +right, a circle inscribed within a triangle with vertex O at top and +points A, B, C, D, and F marked with numerical angle values."> +</figure> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>To make the map take \(\mathrm{OD}=\mathrm{OD}\) and +\(\mathrm{OA}=\frac{3}{4}\) of \(\mathrm{OD}\), and describe a circle +from \(\mathrm{O}\), with radius \(\mathrm{OA}\); this is the circle +of contact. Let the longitude of a point \(\mathrm{P}=60^{\circ}\); +take \(\mathrm{AOC}\) in the map (=\(30^\circ\); let its latitude he +\(65^\circ\); subtract \(30^{\circ}\), and take the tangent of 35, +make \(\mathrm{AB}=\) tangent. \(\mathrm{B}\) is the point.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</span></p> + +<p>Mr. Clerk Maxwell made inquiries early in the summer of 1847, with a +view to placing his son at College in November. In deciding not to +continue his classical training, he appears to have been chiefly guided +by some disparaging accounts of the condition of the Greek and Latin +classes in comparison with those of Logic, Mathematics, and Natural +Philosophy. The result was that in his seventeenth year Maxwell entered +the second Mathematical Class, taught by Professor Kelland, the class +of Natural Philosophy under J. D. Forbes, and the Logic Class of Sir +William Hamilton. Classical reading, however, was not by any means +relinquished, as the correspondence of 1847-50 clearly shows.</p> + + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_82" href="#FNanchor_82" class="label">[82]</a> +The boys’ nickname for the Rector, Archdeacon Williams. +Maxwell’s first interview with him was as follows:—Rector: “What part +of Galloway do you come from?” J. C. M.: “From the Yale of Urr, Ye +spell it o, err, err, or oo, err, err.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_83" href="#FNanchor_83" class="label">[83]</a> +Ditto for Mr. Carmichael.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_84" href="#FNanchor_84" class="label">[84]</a> +Mr. John Cay, Sheriff of Linlithgow. See above, <a href="#Page_7">p. 7.</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_85" href="#FNanchor_85" class="label">[85]</a> +These pauses in the Rector’s case were often filled, in +less guarded moments, with “What you call,” “Yes, yes,” which he had a +trick of interposing.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_86" href="#FNanchor_86" class="label">[86]</a> +He once said to a nervous boy who had crossed his legs +and was sitting uneasily, “Ha, booy! are ye making baskets wi' your +legs?”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_87" href="#FNanchor_87" class="label">[87]</a> +His turn for versifying may be traced back to his twelfth +year, when, in one of his quaint letters to his father, there occur +some lines (profusely illustrated) on the death of a goldfinch:—</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Lo! Ossian makes Comala fall and die,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Why should not you for Richard Goldie cry,” etc.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>And in September 1843, as above mentioned, he wrote for the Archers in +the “Happy Valley” a page and more of spirited verse.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_88" href="#FNanchor_88" class="label">[88]</a> +<i>i.e.</i> A sketch from the antique.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_89" href="#FNanchor_89" class="label">[89]</a> +Barbour’s Bruce, B. <span class="allsmcap">XX.</span>, 11. 507-10.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_90" href="#FNanchor_90" class="label">[90]</a> +Viz. for a competition in Scripture Knowledge, which was +open to the 5th, 6th, and 7th classes. The prize was gained that year +by one of the 7th.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_91" href="#FNanchor_91" class="label">[91]</a> +“Mathematical Prize” is added between the lines by Mr. +Clerk Maxwell, who writes a P.S. to the letter.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_92" href="#FNanchor_92" class="label">[92]</a> +“The trial exercises,” ditto, ditto.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_93" href="#FNanchor_93" class="label">[93]</a> +In these competitions we seem to have been allowed to +stay till we had done all we knew. Witness the following extract from +the Diary:—“1847, <i>July</i>, <i>Mon.</i> 19.—James at Academy trial +for Prize for Scripture Knowledge. Worked from 9 to 5. Lewis Campbell +and W. Tait worked till 6.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_94" href="#FNanchor_94" class="label">[94]</a> +Sons of Colonel Fletcher of Upper Corsock.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_95" href="#FNanchor_95" class="label">[95]</a> +“First Principles of Symmetrical Beauty,” by D. R. Hay, +<i>Blackwoods</i>, 1846.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_96" href="#FNanchor_96" class="label">[96]</a> +Part of the entry on the same day is:—“Parliament +House.—Return with John Cay, called at Bryson’s and suggested to +Alexander Bryson my plan for pure iron by electro-precipitation from +sulphate or other salt.” It is interesting to observe this revival of +his youthful ardour for science in the old companionship, following +upon his sympathy with the efforts of his son.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_97" href="#FNanchor_97" class="label">[97]</a> +The Optician’s.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_98" href="#FNanchor_98" class="label">[98]</a> +See especially Forbes’s paper on the “Viscous Theory of +Glacier-Motion” in the <i>Philosophical Transactions</i> for 1846, pp. +143-210.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_99" href="#FNanchor_99" class="label">[99]</a> +On his copy of Monk’s <i>Alcestis</i>, which we read in +the 6th class (1845-46), the owner’s name is followed by an original +distich:—</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Si probrum metuis, nolito tangere librum,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Nam magni domini nomina scripta vides.”</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_100" href="#FNanchor_100" class="label">[100]</a> +The following bit of Diary deserves to be quoted in this +connection:—“<i>1845, Saturday, December 27</i>.—Jas. dined at Miss +Cay’s. I went there to tea, taking Lewis and Robert Campbell. Then we +all went to the play—‘Antigone,’ by Miss Faucit.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_101" href="#FNanchor_101" class="label">[101]</a> +I can only compare him to the fraternal spirit that +William Blake saw in vision “clapping its hands for joy” (Gilchrist’s +<i>Life of William Blake</i>, vol. <span class="allsmcap">I.</span> p. 59). In the talk of +that period a butterfly was always a “flutterby;” and idiotisms such as +“used to could ” and “be-you-have yourself!” were in common use.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_102" href="#FNanchor_102" class="label">[102]</a> +The present dining-room.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_103" href="#FNanchor_103" class="label">[103]</a> +At church he always sat preternaturally still, with one +hand lightly resting on the other, not moving a muscle, however long +the sermon might be. Days afterwards he would show, by some remark, +that the whole service, whether good or bad, had been, as it were, +photographed upon his mind.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_104" href="#FNanchor_104" class="label">[104]</a> +He lived in Inverleith Terrace, Edinburgh.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_105" href="#FNanchor_105" class="label">[105]</a> +So far as I can recall the order in which his ideas on +this subject were developed, the phenomena of complementary colours +came first, then the composition of white light, then the mixture of +colours (not of pigments), then polarisation and the dark lines in the +spectrum, and about the same time “the art of squinting,” stereoscopic +drawing, etc., then colour-blindness, the yellow spot on the retina, +etc.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_106" href="#FNanchor_106" class="label">[106]</a> +The lecturer was Mr. Nichol, Professor of Astronomy +at Glasgow, the father of the distinguished Professor of English +Literature in the same University.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_107" href="#FNanchor_107" class="label">[107]</a> +See note appended to this chapter (<a href="#Page_91">pp. 91</a>-<a href="#Page_104">104</a>) +containing two papers which must have been written about this time.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_108" href="#FNanchor_108" class="label">[108]</a> +<i>Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh</i>. +Session 1879-80. p. 332.</p> + +</div> +</div> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="NOTE_2">NOTE.</h2> +</div> + +<p class="nind"> +THE two following series of propositions concerning the Ovals +belong to this period, and afford an illustration of Maxwell’s mode of +working in those early days. See above, p. 87. The only alterations +made, with the exception of corrections of obvious slips of the pen, +consist in a sparing insertion of stops. The MS., as will be seen by +the <i>facsimile</i> at p. 104, has almost no punctuation.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc">I. Oval.</p> + +<p>Definition 1.—If a point move in such a manner that \(m\) times its +distance from one point, together with \(n\) times its distance from +another point, may be equal to a constant quantity, it will describe a +curve called an Oval.</p> +</div> + +<figure class="figright width500" id="i_127" style="width: 200px;"> +<img src="images/i_127.jpg" width="200" height="455" alt="A geometric +diagram labeled 3.2 showing an oval shape with points A, B, and C +connected by lines forming a triangle inside it, alongside a separate +straight vertical line marked F at its base."> +</figure> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Definition 2.—The two points are called the foci, and the numbers +signified by \(m\) and \(n\) are called the powers of the foci.</p> + +<p>Definition 3.—The line joining the foci is called the axis.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">Proposition 1—Problem.</span></p> + +<p>To describe an oval with given foci given multiples, and given constant +quantity</p> + +<p>Let \(\mathrm{A}\) and \(\mathrm{B}\) be the given foci, 3 and 2 the +multiples, and \(\mathrm{EF}\) the constant quantity, it is required +to describe an oval. At \(\mathrm{A}\) and \(\mathrm{B}\) erect two +infinitely small cylinders. Take a perfectly flexible and inextensible +thread, without breadth or thickness, equal to \(\mathrm{EF}\); wind it +round the focal cylinders and another movable cylinder \(\mathrm{C}\), +so that the number of plies between \(\mathrm{A}\) and \(\mathrm{C}\) +may be equal to \(m\), that is 3, and the number between \(\mathrm{B}\) +and \(\mathrm{C}\) equal to \(n\) or 2. Now move \(\mathrm{C}\) in +such a manner that the thread may be quite tight, and an oval will be +described by the point.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>For take any point \(\mathrm{C}\). There are m plies of thread +between \(\mathrm{A}\) and \(\mathrm{C}\), and \(n\) plies between +\(\mathrm{B}\) and \(\mathrm{C}\), which taken together make up +the thread or the constant quantity, therefore \(m \mathrm{AC}+n +\mathrm{BC}=\mathrm{EF}\).</p> + +<p>The focus \(\mathrm{A}\), which has the greatest number of plies is +called the greater focus, and \(\mathrm{B}\) is called the less focus.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">Proposition 2—Theorem.</span></p> + +<p>The greater focus is always within the oval, but the less is within, +on, or without the curve, according as the distance between the foci, +multiplied by the power of the greater focus, is less equal or greater +than, the constant quantity.</p> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_128" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_128.jpg" width="300" height="124" alt="A series of +three egg/oval shapes, each bisected by a vertical line from a top +point A to a bottom point, with a small circular diagram labeled x and +r to the left and a horizontal baseline connecting all the shapes at +bottom."> +</figure> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>The greater focus is always within the Oval, for suppose it to be at +\(\mathrm{A}\), Fig. 1, then \(m \mathrm{AC}+n \mathrm{BC}=\) constant +quantity \(=m \mathrm{AD}+m \mathrm{DC}+ n \mathrm{BC}\), and \(m +\mathrm{AD}+n \mathrm{DB}=\) constant quantity \(=m \mathrm{AD}+n +\mathrm{DC}+ n \mathrm{BC}=m \mathrm{AD}+m \mathrm{DC}+n \mathrm{BC}\), +and \(n \mathrm{DC}=m \mathrm{DC}\), and \(m=n\), but \(m \gt n\).</p> + +<p>The less focus \(\mathrm{B}\) is within the oval when \(m +\mathrm{AB} \lt \mathrm{EF}\) the constant quantity.</p> + +<p>For it is evident that \(\mathrm{BC}\, \text {(Fig. +2)}=\dfrac{\mathrm{EF}-m \mathrm{AB}}{m+n}\)</p> + +<p>It is in the curve when \(m \mathrm{AB}=\mathrm{EF}\), this is evident.</p> + +<p>It is without the curve when \(m \mathrm{AB}>\mathrm{EF}\), for +\(\mathrm{AC}=\dfrac{\mathrm{EF}-n \mathrm{AB}}{m-n \text {.}}\)</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">Proposition 3—Theorem.</span></p> + +<p>If a circle be described with a focus for a center, and the constant +quantity divided by the power of that focus for a radius, the distance +of any point of the oval from the other focus is to the distance from +the circle as the power of the central focus is to the power of the +other.</p> + +<p>The circle \(\mathrm{EHP}\) is described with the centre \(\mathrm{B}\) +and radius = constant quantity, divided by the power of \(\mathrm{B}\). +At any point \(\mathrm{C}, \mathrm{AC}: \mathrm{CH}\colon\colon\) power +of \(\mathrm{B}\): power of \(\mathrm{A}\).</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</span></p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_129a" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_129a.jpg" width="300" height="160" alt="A two-part +geometric diagram showing two large circles, each containing a smaller +oval-shaped curve with labeled points and intersecting lines radiating +from interior points."> +</figure> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Let \(m=\) power of \(\mathrm{A}\), and \(n=\) power of \(\mathrm{B}, n +\mathrm{BH}=\) constant quantity \(=n \mathrm{BC} +n \mathrm{CH}\), and +\(n \mathrm{BC}+m \mathrm{AC}=\) constant quantity \(=n \mathrm{BC}+n +\mathrm{CH}\), take away \(n \mathrm{BC}\), and \(n \mathrm{HC}=m +\mathrm{AC}\), therefore \(\mathrm{HC}: \mathrm{CA}\colon\colon m: n\). +QED.</p> + +<figure class="figright width500" id="i_129b" style="width: 200px;"> +<img src="images/i_129b.jpg" width="200" height="205" alt="A geometric +diagram showing two concentric circles labeled P (outer) and a smaller +inner circle, with points A, B, C, and N connected by lines forming a +small triangle near the top and a line extending to the circle's edge."> +</figure> + +<p>Cor. 1.—When the powers of the foci are equal the curve is an ellipse.</p> + +<p>Cor. 2.—When the less focus is at an infinite distance the curve is an +ellipse, for the circle becomes a straight line; and</p> + +<p>Cor. 3.—When the greater focus is at an infinite distance, the curve +is an hyperbola for the same reason.</p> +</div> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">Proposition 4—Theorem.</span></p> + +<figure class="figright width500" id="i_129c" style="width: 200px;"> +<img src="images/i_129c.jpg" width="200" height="185" alt="A geometric +diagram showing two concentric circles with a smaller star-like or +triangular shape formed by points C, B, D, L, N, and A connected by +intersecting lines near the center."> +</figure> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>When the less focus is in the curve, angle will be formed equal to the +vertical angle of an isosceles triangle, of which the side is to the +perpendicular on the base, the power of the greater focus to that of +the less.</p> + +<p>For let a circle be described, as in Prop. 3, it is evident +that it will pass through \(\mathrm{B}\). Take indefinitely +small arcs \(\mathrm{CB}=\mathrm{BD}\), join \(\mathrm{CA}\) +and \(\mathrm{DA}\), join \(\mathrm{EH}\). \(\mathrm{EC}: +\mathrm{EB}=\) power of \(\mathrm{B}:\) power of \(\mathrm{A}\), and +\(\mathrm{EC}=\mathrm{BO}\), therefore \(\mathrm{EB}: \mathrm{BO}\), +power of \(\mathrm{A}:\) power of \(\mathrm{B}\).</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">Proposition 5—Problem.</span></p> + +<p>A point \(\mathrm{A}\), and a point \(\mathrm{B}\) in the line +\(\mathrm{BC}\) being given, to find a point in the line as +\(\mathrm{D}\), so that \(m \mathrm{AD}+n \mathrm{BD}\) may be a +minimum.</p> + +<p>Take a line \(\mathrm{HP}\), raise \(\mathrm{HX}\) perpendicular, +and from \(\mathrm{X}\) as a centre describe a circle with a radius +\(=\dfrac{m \mathrm{XH}}{n}\) so that \(m: n\colon\colon \mathrm{XP}: +\mathrm{XH}\).</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</span></p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_130a" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_130a.jpg" width="300" height="147" alt="A geometric +diagram showing a horizontal line with multiple labeled points (B, S, +R, D, E, C) converging via straight lines to an apex point A, alongside +a right-angle construction with points b, B, and P forming a small +rectangle on the right."> +</figure> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Draw \(\mathrm{AC}\) perpendicular to \(\mathrm{BC}\), and +make an angle \(\mathrm{CAD}\) = \(\mathrm{HPX}\). \(\mathrm{D}\) +is the required point. If not, take any point \(\mathrm{E}\) +on the opposite side of \(\mathrm{D}\) from \(\mathrm{B}\), +make \(\mathrm{AT}=\mathrm{AE}\). Join \(\mathrm{TE}\), and make +\(\mathrm{DTL}\) = right angle, then \(\mathrm{DTE}\) \(\gt\) right +angle \(\mathrm{DTL}\), because \(\mathrm{ATE}\) is less than a right +angle (1.16), therefore \(\mathrm{L}\) is within \(\mathrm{E}\). +And in the triangle \(\mathrm{DTL}, \mathrm{DTL}=\mathrm{PHX}\) and +\(\mathrm{TDL}=\mathrm{HXP}\), therefore the triangles are similar, +and \(\mathrm{TD}\): \(\mathrm{DL}= \mathrm{XH}: \mathrm{XP})=n\): +\(m;\) and \(n \mathrm{DL}=m \mathrm{DT}\), then \(n \mathrm{DE} \gt +m \mathrm{DT}\), add \(n \mathrm{BD}\) and \(m \mathrm{TA}\) or \(m +\mathrm{EA}\), then \(n \mathrm{BD}+n \mathrm{DE}+m \mathrm{EA} \gt +n \mathrm{BD}+m \mathrm{DT}+m \mathrm{TA}\) and \(n \mathrm{BD}+m +\mathrm{DA} \lt n \mathrm{BE}+m \mathrm{AE}\).</p> + + +<p>Now take a point \(\mathrm{R}\) on the other side. Join +\(\mathrm{AR}\), and cut off \(\mathrm{AO}=\mathrm{AD}\), make +\(\mathrm{SRD}=\mathrm{HXP}=\mathrm{ADC}\). \(\mathrm{S}\) will +be beyond \(\mathrm{AR}\). Draw \(\mathrm{DS}\) perpendicular to +\(\mathrm{AD}\), then it will be perpendicular to \(\mathrm{RS}\), +and below the line \(\mathrm{OD}\), then \(\mathrm{RSD}\) similar to +\(\mathrm{XHP}\) and \(\mathrm{RS}\): \(\mathrm{RD} = (\mathrm{XH}: +\mathrm{XP}=)\) \(n\): \(m\), and \(m \mathrm{RS}=n \mathrm{RD}\), but +\(\mathrm{SR} \lt \mathrm{RV} \lt \mathrm{RO}\) and \(n \mathrm{RD}(=m +\mathrm{RS}) \lt m \mathrm{RO}\), add \(n \mathrm{BR}\) and \(m +\mathrm{OA}\) or \(m \mathrm{DA}\), and \(n \mathrm{BR}+n \mathrm{RD}+m +\mathrm{DA} \lt n \mathrm{BR}+m \mathrm{RO}+m \mathrm{OA}\) and \(n +\mathrm{BD}+m \mathrm{DA} \lt n \mathrm{BR}+m \mathrm{RA}\). QED.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">Proposition 6—Problem.</span></p> +</div> + +<figure class="figright width500" id="i_130b" style="width: 150px;"> +<img src="images/i_130b.jpg" width="150" height="282" alt="A geometric +diagram showing an elongated oval or vesica shape formed by overlapping +curved arcs, with a vertical axis connecting points A at top and B at +bottom, and a diagonal line passing through a point labeled C or O on +the left side."> +</figure> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>To draw a tangent to an oval from a focus without:—</p> + +<p>Take \(m\) for the power of the greater focus, and \(n\) for that +of the less, and find the angle \(\mathrm{ADB}\) (Prop. 5). Upon +\(\mathrm{AB}\) describe a segment of a circle containing an equal +angle. Join \(\mathrm{B}\) and \(\mathrm{C}\), the point where it +cuts the oval, \(\mathrm{B}\) \(\mathrm{C}\) is a tangent. For take +any point \(\mathrm{O}\), join \(\mathrm{AO}\), \(m \mathrm{AO}+n +\mathrm{OB} \gt m \mathrm{AC}+n \mathrm{CB}\), therefore \(\mathrm{O}\) +is without the oval.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</span></p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_131" style="width: 400px;"> +<img src="images/i_131.jpg" width="400" height="398" alt="A complex +geometric diagram with two large overlapping circles, each containing +smaller intersecting circles and ovals, with numerous labeled points +(D, E, C, A, F, B, K, T, X) connected by an intricate web of lines."> +</figure> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">Proposition 7—Problem.</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>To draw a tangent to a given Oval, the foci and the ratio being given:—</p> + +<p>It is required to draw a tangent at \(\mathrm{C}\) to the oval +\(\mathrm{CNT}\), ratio \(m: n\). From \(\mathrm{B}\) the less +focus describe a circle as in (Prop. 3). Join \(\mathrm{CA}\), +join \(\mathrm{CB}\), and produce to \(\mathrm{D}\), then +\(\mathrm{DC}: \mathrm{CA} \colon\colon m: n\). Join \(\mathrm{AD}\) +and produce it. Bisect the angle \(\mathrm{DCA}\) by the +line \(\mathrm{CO}\). \(\mathrm{DO}:\mathrm{OA}\colon\colon +(\mathrm{DC}:\mathrm{CA}\colon\colon) m: n\). Draw \(\mathrm{CK}\) +perpendicular to \(\mathrm{CO}\), and describe the circle +\(\mathrm{OCLK}\). Because \(\mathrm{OCK}\) is a right angle, +\(\mathrm{OCK} =\mathrm{DCO}+ \mathrm{KCB}=\mathrm{OCA}+\mathrm{ACK}\). +But \(\mathrm{OCA}=\mathrm{DCO} \therefore \mathrm{KCB}=\mathrm{ACK}\) +and (6.3) \(\mathrm{KA}: \mathrm{KD} \colon\colon \mathrm{CA}: +\mathrm{CD}\colon\colon \mathrm{AO}: \mathrm{OD} \therefore +\mathrm{KA}: \mathrm{KD}\colon\colon \mathrm{AO}: \mathrm{OD}\), +and at any point \(\mathrm{L}\) in the circle, \(\mathrm{AL}: +\mathrm{DL}\colon\colon \mathrm{AO}: \mathrm{OD}(6 \mathrm{F})\), +and \(\mathrm{AL}: \mathrm{DL}\colon\colon n: m\); and the circle +is wholly without the oval, and can only touch it in the two +points \(\mathrm{C}\) and \(\mathrm{P}\), where \(\mathrm{DB}\) +cuts the oval; for suppose the circle coincided with the oval at +\(\mathrm{L}\), +\[ +\left.\begin{array}{l} \text{Join}\, +\mathrm{BL}\, \text{and produce to}\, \mathrm{X}, \text{ +then}\, +\mathrm{AL}: \mathrm{DL}:: n: m \\ +\text {And by Prop. 3} \qquad\qquad\qquad\quad \mathrm{AL}: \mathrm{XL}\colon\colon +n: m\end{array}\right\} \therefore \mathrm{DL}=\mathrm{XL}; +\] +but \(\mathrm{DL} \gt \mathrm{XL}\,(3.7)\), therefore the oval is within the +circle. Therefore draw \(\mathrm{ECF}\) a tangent to the circle, and as +it is without the circle it is without the oval.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</span></p> + +<figure class="figleft width500" id="i_132a" style="width: 200px;"> +<img src="images/i_132a.jpg" width="200" height="126" alt="A simple +geometric diagram showing an oval/teardrop shape with a point inside +connected by multiple lines to two points labeled with letters, forming +a fan-like arrangement of triangles."> +</figure> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p><i>Scholium.</i>—Join \(\mathrm{AC}\), join \(\mathrm{BC}\), and +produce till \(\mathrm{AC}: \mathrm{CD} \colon\colon n: m\). Join +\(\mathrm{AD}\), bisect \(\mathrm{ACD}\) by \(\mathrm{CO}\). Draw +\(\mathrm{OE}\) perpendicular to \(\mathrm{AO}\). Make \(\mathrm{OCE} += \mathrm{EOC}\). It is evident from the proposition that +\(\mathrm{ECF}\) is the tangent.</p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_132b" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_132b.jpg" width="300" height="131" alt="A geometric +diagram showing two large circles side by side, each containing smaller +intersecting curves and labeled points connected by a web of lines, +with a handwritten label Oval and S Curves near the center."> +</figure> + +<p>If a line \(\mathrm{AE}\) be cut in \(\mathrm{C}\) and \(\mathrm{B}\), +so that \(\mathrm{AB}: \mathrm{BC}\colon\colon \mathrm{AE}: +\mathrm{CE}\), and two semicircles \(\mathrm{BOE}\), \(\mathrm{BXE}\) +be described on \(\mathrm{BE}\), and \(\mathrm{AO}\), \(\mathrm{CO}\) +be drawn to \(\mathrm{O}\) in the circumference, and perpendiculars +\(\mathrm{DH}\), \(\mathrm{DL}\), be drawn from the centre, +\(\mathrm{DH}: \mathrm{DL}\colon\colon \mathrm{AB}: \mathrm{BC}\).</p> + +<p>For \(\mathrm{AB}: \mathrm{BC}\colon\colon \mathrm{AE}: \mathrm{CE} +\therefore \mathrm{AB}: \mathrm{AE}\colon\colon \mathrm{BC}: +\mathrm{CE} \therefore \mathrm{AE}+\mathrm{AB})= (2 \mathrm{AB}+2 +\mathrm{BD})=2 \mathrm{AD}: \mathrm{AB}::(\mathrm{CE}+\mathrm{BC}=) 2 +\mathrm{BD}: \mathrm{BC}\) and \(\mathrm{AD}: \mathrm{AB}\colon\colon +\mathrm{BD}: \mathrm{BC} \therefore \mathrm{AD}-\mathrm{AB}=) +\mathrm{BD}: \mathrm{AB}\colon\colon(\mathrm{BD}-\mathrm{BC}=) +\mathrm{CD}: \mathrm{BC} \therefore \mathrm{BD}: +\mathrm{CD}\colon\colon \mathrm{AB}: \mathrm{BC}\).</p> + +<p>Draw \(\mathrm{DT}\) perpendicular to \(\mathrm{OB}\), then +as it bisects the base it bisects the angle \(\mathrm{ODB}\) +and \(\mathrm{ODT}=\mathrm{BDT}\), then in the triangles +\(\mathrm{OTP}\), \(\mathrm{DPL}, \mathrm{OTP}=\mathrm{DLP}\) and +\(\mathrm{OPT}=\mathrm{DPL} \therefore \mathrm{PDL}=\mathrm{POT}\). +But \(\mathrm{POT}= \mathrm{BOA}\) (6 F Cor.) and +\(\mathrm{BOA}=\mathrm{SOH}=\mathrm{PDL}\), and in the triangles +\(\mathrm{SOH}\), \(\mathrm{STD}, \mathrm{SHO}=\mathrm{STD}\), and +\(\mathrm{OSH}=\mathrm{TSD} \therefore \mathrm{SOH}=\mathrm{SDT}\) +and \(\mathrm{SDT} =\mathrm{PDL}\). But \(\mathrm{ODT}=\mathrm{BDT} +\therefore \mathrm{CDL}=\mathrm{ODH}\) and \(\mathrm{DHO}=\mathrm{DLC} +\therefore \mathrm{HOD}, \mathrm{CDL}\) are equiangular, and +\(\mathrm{HD}: \mathrm{DL}\colon\colon(\mathrm{DO}= \mathrm{BD}: +\mathrm{CD}\), but \(\mathrm{BD}: \mathrm{CD}\colon\colon \mathrm{AB}: +\mathrm{BC} \therefore \mathrm{HD}: \mathrm{DL}\colon\colon +\mathrm{AB}: \mathrm{BC}\).</p> + +<p>Cor. Sine \(\mathrm{HOD}: \sin \mathrm{DOL} \colon\colon \mathrm{AB}: +\mathrm{BC}\).</p> +</div> + +<figure class="figright width500" id="i_132c" style="width: 200px;"> +<img src="images/i_132c.jpg" width="200" height="209" alt="A geometric +diagram showing a large circle containing a smaller oval curve with +multiple labeled points connected by intersecting lines radiating from +a central point."> +</figure> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">Proposition 9—Theorem.</span></p> + +<p>If lines be drawn from the foci to any point in the oval, the sines of +the angles which they make with the perpendicular to the tangent are to +one another as the powers of the foci.</p> + +<p>\(\sin \mathrm{DCE}: \sin \mathrm{ACE} \colon\colon \text{power of} +\mathrm{A}: \text{power of} \mathrm{B}\).</p> + +<p>For describe the circle \(\mathrm{CXT}\) as in Prop. 7, so that +\(\mathrm{DT}: \mathrm{TA} \colon\colon \mathrm{DX}: \mathrm{AX}\), +then \(\mathrm{SC}\) the tangent to the circle is a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</span> tangent to the +oval, and \(\mathrm{CE}\) the radius is perpendicular to it; then by +Prop. 8 Corollary, \(\sin \mathrm{DCE}: \sin \mathrm{ACE} \colon\colon +(\mathrm{DT}: \mathrm{TA} \colon\colon)\, \text{power of}\, \mathrm{A}: +\text{power of}\, \mathrm{B}\).</p> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_133" style="width: 400px;"> +<img src="images/i_133.jpg" width="400" height="444" alt="A series of +four labeled geometric diagrams showing curved lens-like or oval shapes +formed by converging lines from points to a central curve, with one +figure including horizontal parallel lines suggesting light rays."> +</figure> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>As the ratio of the sines of incidence and refraction is invariable for +the same medium, and as this ratio is as 2 to 3 in glass; and as in the +oval at Fig. 1 the powers of the foci are as 2 to 3; if the oval were +made of glass, rays of light from \(\mathrm{B}\) would be refracted to +\(\mathrm{A}\). If now a circle be described from \(\mathrm{A}\), the +case will not be altered, for the rays are perpendicular to the circle +as in fig. 2.</p> + +<p>The ellipse and hyperbola, figs. 3 and 3 [<i>bis</i>], cause parallel +rays to converge, for (Prop. 3) they are ovals with one of the foci at +an infinite distance.</p> + +<p>Fig. 4 is a combination of 2 hyperbolas, and rays from \(\mathrm{A}\) +are refracted to \(\mathrm{B}\).</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</span></p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_134" style="width: 400px;"> +<img src="images/i_134.jpg" width="400" height="376" alt="A geometric +diagram showing two concentric circles with a point inside connected +by lines to a labeled point A outside the circles, accompanied by the +inequality notation m > n."> +</figure> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">II. Meloid and Apioid.</span></p> + +<p>If a point \(\mathrm{C}\) move so that \(m \mathrm{CA} {\sim} n +\mathrm{CB}=\mathrm{a}\) constant quantity, it will describe a curve +called a meloid when \(m \mathrm{CA} \gt n \mathrm{CB}\), and an apioid +when \(n \mathrm{CB} \gt m \mathrm{CA}\). The points \(\mathrm{A}\) and +\(\mathrm{B}\) are called the foci.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">Proposition 1—Problem.</span></p> + +<p class="nindc"><i>To describe a Meloid, Fig. 1, or Apioid, Fig. 2.</i></p> + +<p>Take a rigid straight rod \(\mathrm{AD}\), centered at \(\mathrm{A}\). +At \(\mathrm{D}\) erect a small cylinder upon the rod, and also another +at \(\mathrm{B}\) on the paper. Then take a flexible and inextensible +thread of such a length that \(m \mathrm{AD} {\sim} n\) times the +thread = constant quantity; then wrap the thread round \(\mathrm{B}\) +and \(\mathrm{D}\) and a movable cylinder \(\mathrm{C}\), so that there +may be \(n\) plies between \(\mathrm{B}\) and \(\mathrm{C}\), and \(m\) +plies between \(\mathrm{C}\) and \(\mathrm{D}\); if now \(\mathrm{AD}\) +be turned round and the thread kept tight, the point \(\mathrm{C}\) +will describe a meloid or apioid.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</span></p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_135a" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_135a.jpg" width="300" height="175" alt="A geometric +diagram showing an oval shape on the left connected by converging lines +to a circle and point E on the right, with intersecting curves and +labeled points S, T, X, and A."> +</figure> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>For take any point \(\mathrm{C}, m \mathrm{DC}+n \mathrm{CB}=\) thread, +and \(m \mathrm{DC}+m \mathrm{AC} =m \mathrm{AD}\); therefore take +away \(m \mathrm{DC}\), and \(n \mathrm{CB} {\sim} m \mathrm{AC}=\) +thread \(\sim m \mathrm{AD}=\) constant quantity. As \(m \gt n\), +\(\mathrm{A}\) is called the greater and \(\mathrm{B}\) the less focus.</p> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_135b" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_135b.jpg" width="300" height="204" alt="A geometric +diagram showing two overlapping circles with a spiral-like curve +sweeping outward, connected by lines radiating from a central point A +to labeled points around the perimeter."> +</figure> + +<p class="nindc">Proposition 2 is the same as proposition 2 of the Oval.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">Proposition 3—Theorem.</span></p> + +<p>If a circle be described with a focus for a center, and the constant +difference divided by the power of that focus for a radius, the +distance of any point in the curve from the other focus is to the +distance from the circle as the power of the central focus is to the +power of the other.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Let \(\mathrm{TLO}\), \(\mathrm{PXS}\) be the circles: at any point +\(\mathrm{C}, \mathrm{BC}: \mathrm{CO}\colon\colon m: n\) and +\(\mathrm{PC}: \mathrm{CA}\colon\colon m: n\).</p> + +<p>For \(m \mathrm{CA} {\sim} n \mathrm{CB}=\) constant difference, but +\(m \mathrm{OA}=\) constant difference \(\therefore m \mathrm{CO}=n +\mathrm{CB}\) and \(\mathrm{BC}: \mathrm{CO}\colon\colon m: n\). QED.</p> + +<p>And \(n \mathrm{BP}=\) constant difference \(\therefore m \mathrm{CA}=n +\mathrm{CP}\) and \(\mathrm{PC}: \mathrm{CA}\colon\colon m: n\). Cor. +1.—If the constant difference \(=0\) the curve is a circle. Cor. +2.—If an oval be described with a thread = constant difference, +with the same foci and the same powers as the meloid, and any line +be drawn from \(\mathrm{A}\), and \(\mathrm{CB}\), \(\mathrm{OB}\), +\(\mathrm{VB}\) be joined, the angle \(\mathrm{CBO}=\mathrm{VBO}\).</p> + +<p>For \(\mathrm{BC}: \mathrm{CO}\colon\colon m: n\) and +\(\mathrm{BV}: \mathrm{VO}\colon\colon m: n \therefore \mathrm{BC}: +\mathrm{CO}\colon\colon \mathrm{BV}: \mathrm{VO} \therefore +\mathrm{BC}: \mathrm{BV}\colon\colon \mathrm{CO}: \mathrm{VO}\) and +\(\mathrm{CBO}=\mathrm{VBO}\)(6.3).</p> +</div> + +<figure class="figright width500" id="i_136a" style="width: 200px;"> +<img src="images/i_136a.jpg" width="200" height="235" alt="A two-part +geometric diagram: at top, a curved arc with closely clustered points +labeled D, E, B, F, and P near its peak, intersected by a dashed +vertical line; at bottom, an X formed by two crossing lines with +endpoints labeled C, L, D, T, E, and P, intersecting at a central point +A or B."> +</figure> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">Proposition 4—Theorem.</span></p> + +<p>When the less focus is in the curve, an angle will be formed = that in +the Oval (Prop. 4).</p> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>For take an indefinitely small arc \(\mathrm{DB}\) in the +circle, \(\mathrm{CBD}=\mathrm{DBE}\) (3. Cor. 2), and +\(\mathrm{LBT}=\mathrm{TBP} \therefore \mathrm{CBL}=\mathrm{EBP}\).</p> + +<p>Or it may be proved as in the oval. If the greater focus \(\mathrm{A}\) +is at an infinite distance the figure will appear thus:—</p> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_136b" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_136b.jpg" width="300" height="160" alt="A two-part +geometric diagram labeled Fig 6 and Fig 7, each showing a curved arc at +top with a diamond or kite-shaped figure formed by lines converging to +labeled points below, including B, C, K, and A."> +</figure> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">Proposition 5—Theorem.</span></p> + +<p>If the distance between the greater focus and the point where the axis +cuts the meloid, be to the distance between that point and the less<span class="pagenum" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</span> +focus, in a greater proportion than the power of the greater focus to +that of the less, the curve is convex toward the greater focus at that +point, but if the proportion is less, concave.</p> + +<p>Let \(\mathrm{AD}: \mathrm{DB}\colon\colon p: q\).</p> + +<p>If \(\mathrm{AD}: \mathrm{DB} \gt m: n, \mathrm{CDE}\) is convex +towards \(\mathrm{A}\); but if \(\mathrm{AD}: \mathrm{DB} \lt +m: n\), it is concave towards \(\mathrm{A}. \ldots \ldots\) +Take \(\mathrm{C}\) and \(\mathrm{E}\) near \(\mathrm{D}\), and +\(\mathrm{CD}=\mathrm{DE}\). Join \(\mathrm{CE}\), \(\mathrm{CE}\) +cuts the axis in \(\mathrm{O}\). Draw the circle \(\mathrm{CLE}\) from +\(\mathrm{B}\), and \(\mathrm{CPE}\) from \(\mathrm{A}\). Also draw +\(\mathrm{HTK}\) as in Prop. 3—</p> + +<p>Then \(\mathrm{BD}: \mathrm{DT}\colon\colon m: n \colon\colon +\mathrm{BC}: \mathrm{CH}\), but \(\mathrm{BC}=\mathrm{BL}\), +and \(\mathrm{CH}=\mathrm{PT} \therefore \mathrm{BD}: +\mathrm{DT}\colon\colon \mathrm{BL}: \mathrm{PT} \therefore +\mathrm{BD}: \mathrm{BL}\colon\colon \mathrm{DT}: \mathrm{PT} +\therefore \mathrm{BD}: \mathrm{BL}-\mathrm{BD}\colon\colon +\mathrm{DT}: \mathrm{PT}-\mathrm{DT} \therefore \mathrm{BD}: +\mathrm{DL}\colon\colon \mathrm{DT}: \mathrm{DP} \cdot \mathrm{BD}: +\mathrm{DT}\colon\colon \mathrm{DL}: \mathrm{DP} \therefore +\mathrm{DL}: \mathrm{DP} \colon\colon m: n\).</p> + +<p>As \(\mathrm{E}\) and \(\mathrm{C}\) are very near \(\mathrm{D}, +\mathrm{AD}: \mathrm{BD}\colon\colon \mathrm{AC}: \mathrm{BC}\), but +\(\mathrm{PE}=\mathrm{LE}\) and \(\mathrm{PCE}\): 2 right angles +\(\colon\colon \mathrm{PE}\): circumference of \(\mathrm{CPE}\), and +\(\mathrm{LCE}: 2 \mathrm{L} \colon\colon \mathrm{LE}\): circumference +of \(\mathrm{CLE}\), but circ. \(\mathrm{CPE}\): circ. \(\mathrm{CLE} +\colon\colon \mathrm{AC}: \mathrm{BC}\colon\colon \mathrm{AD}: +\mathrm{BD}\colon\colon p: q\) and \(\mathrm{PE}=\mathrm{LE} \therefore +\mathrm{PCE}: 2 \mathrm{L} \colon\colon q \mathrm{PE}: q\) circ. \(\mathrm{CPE}\), +and \(\mathrm{LCE}: 2 \mathrm{L} \colon\colon p \mathrm{PE}: p\) circ. +\(\mathrm{CLE}\) or \(q\) circ. \(\mathrm{CPE} \therefore \mathrm{PCE}: +\mathrm{LCE}: q \mathrm{PE}: p \mathrm{PE}: q: p \therefore +\mathrm{PCO}: \mathrm{LCO}: q: p\) and \(\mathrm{PO}: \mathrm{OL} +\colon\colon q: p\); and if \(p: q \gt m: n\), \(\mathrm{OL}: +\mathrm{OP} \gt \mathrm{DL}: \mathrm{DP}\), and \(\mathrm{D}\) +is nearer to \(\mathrm{A}\) than the line \(\mathrm{COE}\), and +\(\mathrm{CDE}\) is convex toward \(\mathrm{A}\); but if \(p: q \lt m: +n\), \(\mathrm{D}\) is on the opposite side, and it is concave.</p> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_137" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_137.jpg" width="300" height="213" alt="A geometric +diagram labeled Fig 7 showing a circle on the left, a larger curved +shape in the middle, and an elongated arc on the right, with multiple +labeled points connected by a complex web of intersecting lines +spanning the figure."> +</figure> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">Proposition 6—Problem.</span></p> + +<p>To draw a tangent to a meloid or apioid from a focus without:—</p> + +<p>Take \(m\) for the power of the greater focus, and n for that of the +less, and find the angle \(\mathrm{ADC}\) (Prop. 5 of the Oval) upon +\(\mathrm{AB}\) describe a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</span> segment \(\mathrm{ACCCB}\) containing +an equal angle. Join \(\mathrm{BC}\) and produce to \(\mathrm{H}\), +\(\mathrm{BH}\) is a tangent, for suppose \(\mathrm{H}\) to be the +end of the rod, and take any point \(\mathrm{O}, n \mathrm{CH}+m +\mathrm{CA} \lt n \mathrm{OH}+n \mathrm{OA}\), therefore \(\mathrm{O}\) +is without the curve.</p> + +<p>\(\mathrm{CP}\) is an apioid, \(\mathrm{CT}\) is a circle, and +\(\mathrm{CL}\) is a meloid, with \(\mathrm{A}\) and \(\mathrm{B}\) as +foci.</p> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_138" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_138.jpg" width="300" height="148" alt="A geometric +diagram showing a long triangular shape converging to a point on the +left, connected by intersecting lines to a circle on the right with +labeled points along its perimeter."> +</figure> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">Proposition 7—Problem.</span></p> + +<p>To draw a tangent to an apioid from any point in the same, the foci and +the ratio being given.</p> + +<p>It is required to draw a tangent to the apioid at the point +\(\mathbf{C}\). Join \(\mathrm{BC}\), and draw a circle as in Prop. 3. +Join \(\mathrm{AD}\), and produce it. Make \(\mathrm{AP}: \mathrm{PD} +\colon\colon n: m\). Join \(\mathrm{CP}\), and draw \(\mathrm{CK}\) +at right angles to \(\mathrm{PC}\). Describe a circle through +\(\mathrm{P}\), \(\mathrm{C}\), \(\mathrm{K}\), and it was proved in +Prop. 7 of the Oval that if any point \(\mathrm{O}\) be taken and +\(\mathrm{DO}\), \(\mathrm{AO}\) joined, \(\mathrm{DO}: \mathrm{AO} +\colon\colon m: n\). Suppose \(\mathrm{O}\) to be both in the +circle and in the apioid, join \(\mathrm{BO}\), then \(\mathrm{LO}: +\mathrm{AO}\colon\colon m n\), but \(\mathrm{DO}: \mathrm{AO}: m: n +\therefore \mathrm{LO}=\mathrm{DO}\), but \(\mathrm{LO} \lt \mathrm{DO} +\therefore\) the circle is without the apioid; therefore a tangent +\(\mathrm{C T}\) to the circle at \(\mathrm{C}\) is a tangent to the +apioid.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">Axiom 1.</span></p> + +<p>It is possible for a circle to be described touching any given curve +internally.</p> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">Proposition 8.</span></p> + +<p>To draw a tangent to a meloid at any point \(\mathrm{C}\).</p> + +<p>Case 1.—Let the curve be concave towards \(\mathrm{B}\). Describe the +circle \(\mathrm{POCK}\) as in Prop. 7: it will be wholly within the +meloid. At \(\mathrm{C}\) draw a tangent to the circle: it is also a +tangent to the meloid. For<span class="pagenum" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</span> let \(\mathrm{RN}\) be the tangent to the +meloid, it must cut the circle (3.16), and therefore cuts the meloid.</p> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_139" style="width: 400px;"> +<img src="images/i_139.jpg" width="400" height="344" alt="A geometric +diagram labeled Fig. 9, Meloid showing a large circle with two +smaller overlapping circles inside, containing numerous labeled points +connected by an intricate web of intersecting lines."> +</figure> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Case 2.—When the curve is convex towards \(\mathrm{B}\), draw a circle +\(\mathrm{V}\) as before. Draw \(\mathrm{CT}\) a tangent to the circle; +it is also a tangent to the meloid. For suppose a circle S drawn +touching the curve internally, it must touch \(\mathrm{V}\) and also +\(\mathrm{CT}\), and any other line would cut \(\mathrm{S}\). QED.</p> + +<p><i>Scholium</i> (see Figs. 8 and 9).—Let \(\mathrm{M}\) be the point +Join \(\mathrm{AM}\), \(\mathrm{BM}\), cut off \(\mathrm{ME}\), +so that \(\mathrm{AM}: \mathrm{ME} \colon\colon \text{power of} +\mathrm{B}: \text{power of} \mathrm{A}\). Join \(\mathrm{AE}\), +bisect \(\mathrm{AME}\) by \(\mathrm{MH}\), make \(\mathrm{XH}\) +perpendicular, make \(\mathrm{XMH} = \mathrm{XHM}\), \(\mathrm{XM}\) is +a tangent.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">Proposition 9—Theorem.</span></p> + +<p>If lines be drawn from the foci to any point in a meloid or apioid, +the sines of the angles which they make with the perpendicular to the +tangent are to one another as the powers of the foci see fig. 8, 9.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</span></p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_140" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/i_140.jpg" width="500" height="692" alt="A page of +geometric diagrams labeled Fig 10, Fig 11, and Fig 12, each showing +lens-shaped curves formed by converging rays to points labeled A, B, +C, D, L, and P, accompanied by handwritten mathematical annotations +describing tangent lines, foci, and refraction properties."> +<figcaption class="caption"> +<p>the focus See figs 8, 9 For CY is the perpendicular to +the tangent and (Prop 8 Oval 6 or 7) Sine ACY : Sine BCY :: (AP : PD) +:: m : n</p> +<p>Fig 10 CLD is an oval for converging parallel rays to B, CPD is a oval +without AB converging the rays to A.</p> +<p>Fig 11 CLD is an oval for A, B converging rays from A to B CPD is a +second for C, B refracting the rays to C.</p> +<p>Fig 12 CHD is a circle not altering rays from A; CTD is a circle as +in Prop 8 of the oval refracting the rays as if these had come from B +PKLK is a lens of hyperbolas refracting from B to B the whole 3 lenses +refract from A to A.</p></figcaption> +</figure> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.<br> +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</span> +<span class="allsmcap">OPENING MANHOOD—1847 TO 1850—<i>Æt.</i> 16-19.</span></h2> +</div> + +<p class="nind"> +WHEN he entered the University of Edinburgh, James Clerk +Maxwell still occasioned some concern to the more conventional amongst +his friends by the originality and simplicity of his ways. His replies +in ordinary conversation were indirect and enigmatical, often uttered +with hesitation and in a monotonous key.<a id="FNanchor_109" href="#Footnote_109" class="fnanchor">[109]</a> While extremely neat in +his person, he had a rooted objection to the vanities of starch and +gloves. He had a pious horror of destroying anything—even a scrap of +writing paper. He preferred travelling by the third class in railway +journeys, saying he liked a hard seat. When at table he often seemed +abstracted from what was going on, being absorbed in observing the +effects of refracted light in the finger-glasses, or in trying some +experiment with his eyes—seeing round a corner, making invisible +stereoscopes, and the like. Miss Cay used to call his attention by +crying, “Jamsie, you’re in a prop.”<a id="FNanchor_110" href="#Footnote_110" class="fnanchor">[110]</a> He never tasted wine; and +he spoke to gentle<span class="pagenum" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</span> and simple in exactly the same tone. On the +other hand, his teachers—Forbes above all—had formed the highest +opinion<a id="FNanchor_111" href="#Footnote_111" class="fnanchor">[111]</a> of his intellectual originality and force; and a few +experienced observers, in watching his devotion to his father, began +to have some inkling of his heroic singleness of heart. To his college +companions, whom he could now select at will, his quaint humour was an +endless delight. His chief associates, after I went to the University +of Glasgow, were my brother, Robert Campbell (still at the Academy), P. +G. Tait, and Allan Stewart.<a id="FNanchor_112" href="#Footnote_112" class="fnanchor">[112]</a> Tait went to Peterhouse, Cambridge, in +1848, after one session of the University of Edinburgh; Stewart to the +same College in 1849; Maxwell did not go up until 1850.</p> + +<div class="sidenote"><i>Æt.</i> 16-19.</div> + +<p>These three years—November 1847 to October 1850—were impartially +divided between Edinburgh and Glenlair. He was working under but +slight pressure, and his originality had the freest play. His studies +were multifarious, but the subjects on which his thoughts were +most concentrated during these years were—1. Polarised light, the +stereoscope, etc.; 2. Galvanism; 3. Rolling curves; 4. Compression +of solids. That he early felt the necessity of imposing a method on +himself will appear from the letters. His paper on Rolling Curves was +read before the Edinburgh Royal Society on February 19th, 1849, by +Professor Kelland (for it was not thought proper for<span class="pagenum" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</span> a boy in a round +jacket to mount the rostrum there); that on the Equilibrium of Elastic +Solids in the spring of 1850.</p> + +<p>With regard to his class studies, it appears that he attended Forbes +for two sessions as a regular student, and occasionally as an amateur +student in his third year; Kelland for two sessions; and Sir W. +Hamilton for two. In his third session, while partially attending +Forbes, he was a regular student in the Classes of Chemistry (Professor +Gregory), Practical Chemistry (Mr. Kemp), and Moral Philosophy +(Professor Wilson).</p> + +<p>Mr. Macfarlan of Lenzie, in the letter already quoted, says:—“He +was in the Natural Philosophy Class, Edinburgh University, the year +before I was, and was spoken of by Forbes and his fellow-students as +a discoverer in Natural Philosophy, and a very original worker in +Mathematics.”</p> + +<p>All scientific theories had an interest for him. It was at some time +during these years that in a walk towards Arthur’s Seat he discoursed +to me of Owen’s hypothesis of types of creation, not only with complete +command of Owen’s terminology, but with far-reaching views of the +questions to which the theory led. On the same occasion he made some +characteristic remarks on the importance of cultivating the senses, +adding that he regarded dulness in that respect as a bad sign of any +man.</p> + +<p>The lectures in Mental Philosophy, which were a prominent element in +the Scottish University curriculum, interested him greatly; and from +Sir William<span class="pagenum" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</span> Hamilton especially he received an impulse which never +lost its effect. Though only sixteen when he entered the Logic Class, +he worked hard for it, as his letters show; and from the Class of +Metaphysics, which he attended in the following year, his mind gained +many lasting impressions.<a id="FNanchor_113" href="#Footnote_113" class="fnanchor">[113]</a> His boundless curiosity was fed by +the Professor’s inexhaustible learning; his geometrical imagination +predisposed him to accept the doctrine of “natural realism;” while his +mystical tendency was soothed by the distinction between Knowledge and +Belief. The doctrine of a muscular sense gave promise of a rational +analysis of the active powers. However strange it may appear that a +born mathematician should have been thus influenced by the enemy of +mathematics, the fact is indisputable that in his frequent excursions +into the region of speculative thought, the ideas received from Sir +William Hamilton were his habitual vantage-ground; the great difference +being, that while Sir William remained for the most part within the +sphere of Abstract Logic, Maxwell ever sought to bring each “concept” +to the test of fact. Sir William in turn took a genial interest in +his pupil, who was indeed the nephew of an old friend—Sheriff Cay +having at one-time been a constant companion and firm ally of Sir +William’s.<a id="FNanchor_114" href="#Footnote_114" class="fnanchor">[114]</a> This is perhaps the most striking example<span class="pagenum" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</span> of the +effect produced by Sir William Hamilton on powerful young minds,—an +effect which, unless the best metaphysicians of the subsequent age are +mistaken, must have been out of all proportion to the independent value +of his philosophy.</p> + +<p>It was impossible that young Maxwell should listen to speculations +about the first principles of things,—speculations, too, which, +like all the Scottish philosophy, turned largely on the reality of +the external world,—without eagerly working out each problem for +himself. Besides various exercises done by him for the Logic Class, +and, like all his youthful work, preserved by him with pious care, +there is one which seems to have attracted special attention, and was +found by Professor Baynes, when he came to assist Sir William, in the +Professor's private drawer. This is so significant, and is so closely +related to Maxwell's after studies, as to deserve insertion here.</p> + + +<div class="sidenote2"><i>Æt.</i> 17.</div> + +<p class="nindc space-above2"><span class="allsmcap">On the Properties of Matter.</span></p> + +<p>These properties are all relative to the three abstract entities +connected with matter, namely, space, time, and force.</p> + +<p>1. Since matter must be in some part of space, and in one part only at +a time, it possesses the property of locality or position.</p> + +<p>2. But matter has not only position but magnitude; this property is +called extension.</p> + +<p>3. And since it is not infinite it must have bounds, and therefore it +must possess figure.</p> + +<p>These three properties belong both to matter and to imaginary +geometrical figures, and may be called the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</span> geometric properties of +matter. The following properties do not necessarily belong to geometric +figures.</p> + +<p>4. No part of space can contain at the same time more than one body, or +no two bodies can coexist in the same space; this property is called +impenetrability. It was thought by some that the converse of this was +true, and that there was no part of space not filled with matter. If +there be a vacuum, said they, that is empty space, it must be either a +substance or an accident.</p> + +<p>If a substance it must be created or uncreated.</p> + +<p>If created it may be destroyed, while matter remains as it was, and +thus length, breadth and thickness would be destroyed while the bodies +remain at the same distance.</p> + +<p>If uncreated, we are led into impiety.</p> + +<p>If we say it is an accident, those who deny a vacuum challenge us +to define it, and say that length, breadth and thickness belong +exclusively to matter.</p> + +<p>This is not true, for they belong also to geometric figures, which are +forms of thought and not of matter; therefore the atomists maintain +that empty space is an accident, and has not only a possible but a real +existence, and that there is more space empty than full. This has been +well stated by Lucretius.</p> + +<p>5. Since there is a vacuum, motion is possible; therefore we have a +fifth property of matter called mobility.</p> + +<p>And the impossibility of a body changing its state of motion or rest +without some external force is called <i>inertia</i>.</p> + + +<p class="space-above2"> +Of forces acting between two particles of matter there are several +kinds.</p> + +<p>The first kind is independent of the quality of the particles, and +depends solely on their masses and their mutual distance. Of this +kind is the attraction of gravitation and that repulsion which exists +between the particles of matter which prevents any two from coming into +contact.</p> + +<p>The second kind depends on the quality of the particles; of this kind +are the attractions of magnetism, electricity, and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</span> chemical affinity, +which are all convertible into one another and affect all bodies.</p> + +<p>The third kind acts between the particles of the same body, and tends +to keep them at a certain distance from one another and in a certain +configuration.</p> + +<p>When this force is repulsive and inversely as the distance, the body is +called gaseous.</p> + +<p>When it does not follow this law there are two cases.</p> + +<p>There may be a force tending to preserve the figure of the body or not.</p> + +<p>When this force vanishes the body is a liquid.</p> + +<p>When it exists the body is solid.</p> + +<p>If it is small the body is soft; if great it is hard.</p> + +<p>If it recovers its figure it is elastic; if not it is inelastic.</p> + +<p>The forces in this third division depend almost entirely on heat.</p> + +<p class="nind">The properties of bodies relative to heat and light are—</p> + +<p class="nindc">Transmission, Reflection, and Destruction,</p> + +<p class="nind"> +and in the case of light these may be different for the three kinds of +light, so that the properties of colour are—</p> +<p class="nindc"> +Quality, Purity, and Integrity; or<br> +Hue, Tint, and Shade. +</p> + +<p class="space-above2"> +We come next to consider what properties of bodies may be perceived by +the senses.</p> + + +<p>Now the only thing which can be directly perceived by the senses is +Force, to which may be reduced heat, light, electricity, sound, and all +the things which can be perceived by any sense.</p> + +<p>In the sense of sight we perceive at the same time two spheres covered +with different colours and shades. The pictures on these two spheres +have a general resemblance, but are not exactly the same; and from +a comparison of the two spheres we learn, by a kind of intuitive +geometry, the position of external objects in three dimensions.</p> + +<p>Thus, the object of the sense of sight is the impression made on the +different parts of the retina by three kinds of light. By this sense +we obtain the greater part of our<span class="pagenum" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</span> practical knowledge of locality, +extension, and figure as properties of bodies, and we actually perceive +colour and angular dimension.</p> + +<p>And if we take time into account (as we must always do, for no sense is +instantaneous), we perceive relative angular motion.</p> + +<p>By the sense of hearing we perceive the intensity, rapidity, and +quality of the vibrations of the surrounding medium.</p> + +<p>By taste and smell we perceive the effects which liquids and aeriform +bodies have on the nerves.</p> + +<p>By touch we become acquainted with many conditions and qualities of +bodies.</p> + +<p>1. The actual dimensions of solid bodies in three dimensions, as +compared with the dimensions of our own bodies.</p> + +<p>2. The nature of the surface; its roughness or smoothness.</p> + +<p>3. The state of the body with reference to heat.</p> + +<p>To this is to be referred the sensation of wetness and dryness, on +account of the close contact which fluids have with the skin.</p> + +<p>By means of touch, combined with pressure and motion, we perceive—</p> + +<p>1. Hardness and softness, comprehending elasticity, friability, +tenacity, flexibility, rigidity, fluidity, etc.</p> + +<p>2. Friction, vibration, weight, motion, and the like.</p> + +<p>The sensations of hunger and thirst, fatigue, and many others, have no +relation to the properties of bodies.</p> + + +<div class="poetry-container"><span class="allsmcap">Lucretius on Empty Space.</span></div> +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Nee tamen undique corporea stipata tenentur</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Omnia naturâ, namque est in rebus Inane.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Quod tibi cognôsse in multis erit utile rebus</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nec sinet errantem dubitare et quserere semper</div> + <div class="verse indent0">De summâ rerum; et nostris diffidere dictis.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Quapropter locus est intactus Inane Yacansque</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Quod si non esset, nullâ ratione moveri</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</span> + <div class="verse indent0">Res possent; namque officium quod corporis extat</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Officere atque obstare, id in omni tempore adesset</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Omnibus. Haud igitur quicquam procedere posset,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Principium quoniam cedendi nullâ daret res,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At nunc per maria ac terras sublimaque cæli</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Multa modis multis varia ratione moveri</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Cernimus ante oculos, quae, si non esset Inane,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Non tam sollicito motu privata carerent</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Quam genita omnino nullâ ratione fuissent,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Undique materies quoniam stipata quiesset.<a id="FNanchor_115" href="#Footnote_115" class="fnanchor">[115]</a></div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>In connection with his logical studies it should be mentioned that +Professor Boole’s attempt, made about this time, towards giving to +logical forms a mathematical expression,<a id="FNanchor_116" href="#Footnote_116" class="fnanchor">[116]</a> had naturally strong +attractions for Clerk Maxwell.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</span></p> + +<p>The metaphysical writers who had received most of his attention before +going to Cambridge were Descartes and Leibniz. He knew Hobbes well +also, but chiefly on the ethical side.</p> + +<p>“When, in his address to Section A of the British Association at the +Liverpool meeting in 1870, Maxwell spoke of the barren metaphysics of +past ages, he knew the full force of his own words. And he certainly +felt that his psychological studies had given him a distinct advantage +in conceiving rightly the functions of the eye.</p> + +<p>His grasp of Moral Philosophy at the age of nineteen,—when he had been +stimulated to precise thought on the subject by listening to the vague +harangues of Professor Wilson (Christopher North),—appears in some of +his letters, and reveals an aspect of his genius of which too little is +known; and one which his subsequent career did not allow him to carry +to perfection.</p> + +<p>In the third year of his course, as above mentioned, besides attending +Professor Wilson’s lectures, he renewed his study of Chemistry under +Professor Gregory, to whose laboratory he had unlimited access, and +also to some extent continued his attendance on Professor Forbes.</p> + +<p>It cannot be said that this period was unfruitful; yet perhaps it is to +be regretted that he did not go to Cambridge at least one year earlier. +His truly sociable spirit would have been less isolated, he would have +gained more command over his own genius, and his powers of expression +would have more harmoniously developed. The routine of Cambridge would +have<span class="pagenum" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</span> been not only more valuable but less irksome to him, and he would +have entered sooner and more fully upon the study of mankind, for which +he had such large capacity, and opportunities hitherto so limited. He +suffered less from isolation than most human beings, and his spirit was +deepening all the while; yet the freedom of working by himself during +the summer months had manifestly some drawbacks, and the tone of his +correspondence shows that he felt the disadvantages of solitude.</p> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">Letters, 1847 to 1850—<i>Æt.</i> 16-18.</span></p> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Lewis Campbell, Esq.</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="right"> +27 Heriot Row,<a id="FNanchor_117" href="#Footnote_117" class="fnanchor">[117]</a><br> +<i>Tuesday</i> [<i>16th Novr.</i> 1847].</p> + +<div class="sidenote2"><i>Æt.</i> 16.</div> + +<p>In Kelland we find the value of expressions in numbers. as fast as we +can, the values of the letters being given; light work. In Forbes we +do Lever, which is all in Potter; no notes required, only read Pottery +ware (light reading). Logic needs long notes. On Monday, Wednesday, +Friday, I read Newton’s <i>Fluxions</i> in a sort of way, to know what +I am about in doing a prop. There is no time of reading a book better +than when you need it, and when you are on the point of finding it out +yourself if you were able.</p> + +<hr class="r5"> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Non usitata nec tenui ferar</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Pinna biformi per liquida sequora</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Piscis neque in terris morabor</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Longius”——but I will take to swimming</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> +with a two formed oar with blades at right angles.... + +<p class="right">Yours, J. C. M., No. 2.</p> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Same.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>31 Heriot Row, Novr.</i> 1847.</p> + +<p>As you say, sir, I have no idle time. I look over<span class="pagenum" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</span> notes and such +like till 9.35, then I go to Coll., and I always go one way and cross +streets at the same places; then at 10 comes Kelland. He is telling us +about arithmetic and how the common rules are the best. At 11 there is +Forbes, who has now finished introduction and properties of bodies, +and is beginning Mechanics in earnest. Then at 12, if it is fine, I +perambulate the Meadows; if not, I go to the Library and do references. +At 1 go to Logic. Sir W. reads the first \(\dfrac{1}{2}\) of his +lecture, and commits the rest to his man, but reserves to himself the +right of making remarks. To-day was examination day, and there was no +lecture. At 2 I go home and receive interim aliment, and do the needful +in the way of business. Then I extend notes, and read text-books, which +are Kelland’s <i>Algebra</i> and Potter’s <i>Mechanics</i>. The latter +is very trigonometrical, but not deep; and the Trig, is not needed. I +intend to read a few Greek and Latin beside. What books are you doing? +... In Logic we sit in seats lettered according to name, and Sir W. +takes and puts his hand into a jam pig<a id="FNanchor_118" href="#Footnote_118" class="fnanchor">[118]</a> full of metal letters (very +classical), and pulls one out and examines the bench of the letter. The +Logic lectures are far the most solid and take most notes.</p> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Before I left home I found out a prop for Tait (P. G.); but he +<i>will</i> not do it. It is “to find the algebraical equation to a +curve which is to be placed with its axis vertical, and a heavy body is +to be put on any part of the curve, as on an inclined plane, and the +horizontal component of the force, by which it is actuated, is to vary +as the \(\mathrm{n}^{\text {th}}\) power of the perpendicular upon the +axis.”</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Same.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 26th April</i> 1848.</p> + +<p>... On Saturday, the natural philosophers ran up Arthur’s Seat with the +barometer. The Professor set it up at the top and let us pant at it +till it ran down with drops. He did not set it straight, and made the +hill grow fifty feet; but we got it down again.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>We came here on Wednesday by Caledonian. I intend to open my classes +next week after the business is over. I have been reading Xenophon's +<i>Memorabilia</i> after breakfast; also a French collection book. This +from 9 to 11. Then a game of the Devil, of whom there is a duality +and a quaternity of sticks, so that I can play either conjunctly or +severally. I can jump over him and bring him round without leaving go +the sticks. I can also keep him up behind me.</p> + +<p>Then I go in again to science, of which I have only just got the books +by the carrier. Hitherto I have done a prop on the slate on polarised +light. Of props I have done several.</p> + +<p>1. Found the equation to a square.</p> + +<p>2. The curve which Sir David Brewster sees when he squints at a wall.</p> + +<p>3. A property of the parabola....</p> + +<p>4. The same of the Ellipse and Hyperbola....</p> + +<p>I can polarise light now by reflection or refraction in 4 ways, and get +beautiful but evanescent figures in plate glass by heating its edge. I +have not yet unannealed any glass....</p> + +<p>I don’t understand how you mug<a id="FNanchor_119" href="#Footnote_119" class="fnanchor">[119]</a> straight on. I suit my muggery +to my temper that day. When I am deep I read Xenophon’s defence of +\(\Sigma \omega \kappa\); when not I read \(\Sigma \omega \kappa\)’s +witty dialogues. If I do not do this, I always find myself <i>reading +Greek</i>, that is, reading the words with all their contractions, as +a Jew reads Hebrew. I get on very rapidly; but know nothing about the +meaning, and do not even know but that I am really translating.</p> + +<p>Please to write about your Prizes at College, and about coming here to +mug? You must learn the D——1.</p> + +<p>Tatties is planting.—Yours, etc.</p> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Same.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 5/6 July</i> 1848.</p> + +<div class="sidenote2"><i>Æt.</i> 17.</div> + +<p>I was much glad of your letter, and will be thankful for a repetition. +I understand better about your not coming.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</span> I have regularly set up +shop now above the wash-house at the gate, in a garret.<a id="FNanchor_120" href="#Footnote_120" class="fnanchor">[120]</a> I have an +old door set on two barrels, and two chairs, of which one is safe, and +a skylight above, which will slide up and down.</p> + +<p>On the door (or table), there is a lot of howls, jugs, plates, jam +pigs,<a id="FNanchor_121" href="#Footnote_121" class="fnanchor">[121]</a> etc., containing water, salt, soda, sulphuric acid, blue +vitriol, plumbago ore; also broken glass, iron, and copper wire, +copper and zinc plate, bees’ wax, sealing wax, clay, rosin, charcoal, +a lens, a Smee’s Galvanic apparatus, and a countless variety of little +beetles, spiders, and wood lice, which fall into the different liquids +and poison themselves. I intend to get up some more galvanism in jam +pigs; but I must first copper the interiors of the pigs, so I am +experimenting on the best methods of electrotyping. So I am making +copper seals with the device of a beetle. First, I thought a beetle was +a good conductor, so I embedded one in wax (not at all cruel, because I +slew him in boiling water in which he never kicked), leaving his back +out; but he would not do. Then I took a cast of him in sealing wax, +and pressed wax into the hollow, and black-leaded it with a brush; +but neither would that do. So at last I took my fingers and rubbed +it, which I find the best way to use the black lead. Then it coppered +famously. I melt out the wax with the lens, that being the cleanest way +of getting a strong heat, so I do most things with it that need heat. +To-day I astonished the natives as follows. I took a crystal of blue +vitriol and put the lens to it, and so drove off the water, leaving +a white powder. Then I did the same to some washing soda, and mixed +the two white powders together; and made a small native spit on them, +which turned them green<a id="FNanchor_122" href="#Footnote_122" class="fnanchor">[122]</a> by a mutual exchange, thus:—1. Sulphate +of copper and carbonate of soda. 2. Sulphate of soda and carbonate of +copper (blue or green).</p> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>With regard to electro-magnetism you may tell Bob that I have not begun +the machine he speaks of, being occupied with better plans, one of +which is rather down cast, however,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</span> because the machine when tried +went a bit and stuck; and I did not find out the impediment till I had +dreamt over it properly, which I consider the best mode of resolving +difficulties of a particular kind, which may be found out by thought, +or especially by the laws of association. Thus, you are going along +the road with a key in your pocket. You hear a clink behind you, but +do not look round, thinking it is nothing particular; when you get +home the key is gone; so you dream it all over, and though you have +forgotten everything else, you remember the look of the place, but do +not remember the locality (that is, as thus, “Near a large thistle on +the left side of the road”—nowhere in particular, but so that it can +be found). Next day comes a woman from the peats who has found the key +in a corresponding place. This is not “believing in dreams,” for the +dream did not point out the place by the general locality, but by the +lie of the ground.</p> + +<p>Please to write and tell how Academy matters go, if they are coming to +a head. I am reading Herodotus, <i>Euterpe</i>, having taken the turn; +that is to say, that sometimes I can do props, read diff. and Int. +Calc., Poisson, Hamilton’s dissertations, etc. Off, then I take back +to experiments, history of what you may call it, make up leeway in the +newspapers, read Herodotus, and draw the figures of the curves above. O +deary, 11 <span class="allsmcap">p.m.</span>! Hoping to see you <i>before</i> October.... I +defer till to-morrow.</p> + +<p><i>July 6</i>. To-day I have set on to the coppering of the jam pig +which I polished yesterday.</p> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_155" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_155.jpg" width="300" height="87" alt="A simple +line-drawing diagram showing two cylindrical objects connected by +a curved tube or hose passing over a small rectangular box, with a +wire or rod extending from the right cylinder and lines indicating +connections on the left."> +</figure> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>I have stuck in the wires better than ever, and it is going on at a +great rate, being a rainy day, and the skylight shut and a smell of +Hydrogen gas. I have left it for an hour to read Poisson, as I am +pleased with him to-day.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</span> Sometimes I do not like him, because he +pretends to give information as to calculations of sorts, whereas he +only tells how it might be done if you were allowed an infinite time +to do it in, as well as patience. Of course he never stoops to give a +particular example or even class of them. He tells lies about the way +people make barometers, etc.</p> + +<p>I bathe regularly every day when dry, and try aquatic experiments.</p> + +<p>I first made a survey of the pool, and took soundings and marked rocky +places well, as the water is so brown that one cannot see one’s knees +(pure peat, not mud). People are cutting peats now. So I have found a +way of swimming round the pool without knocking knees. The lads<a id="FNanchor_123" href="#Footnote_123" class="fnanchor">[123]</a> +are afraid of melting, except one. No one here would touch water if +they could help it, because there are two or three eels in the pool, +which are thought near as bad as adders.</p> + +<p>I took down the clay gun and made a centrifugal pump of it; also tried +experiments on sound under water, which is very distinct, and I can +understand how fishes can be stunned by knocking a stone.</p> + +<p>We sometimes get a rope, which I take hold of at one end, and Bob +Fraser the other, standing on the rock; and after a flood, when the +water is up, there is sufficient current to keep me up like a kite +without striking at all.</p> + +<p>The thermometer ranged yesterday from 35° to 69°.</p> + +<p>I have made regular figures of 14, 26, 32, 38, 62, and 102 sides of +cardboard.</p> + +<p>Latest intelligence—Electric Telegraph. This is going so as to make a +compass spin very much. I must go to see my pig, as it is an hour and +half since I left it; so, sir, am your affib. friend,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="allsmcap">James Clerk Maxwell.</span></p> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Same.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 22d Sept 1848.</i></p> + +<p>... When I waken I do so either at 5.45 or 9.15, but I now prefer the +early hour, as I take the most of my violent exercise at that time, +and thus am <i>saddened down</i>, so that I<span class="pagenum" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</span> can do as much still +work afterwards as is requisite, whereas if I was to sit still in the +morning I would be yawning all day. So I get up and see what kind of +day it is, and what field works are to be done; then I catch the pony +and bring up the water barrel.<a id="FNanchor_124" href="#Footnote_124" class="fnanchor">[124]</a> This barrel used to be pulled by +the men, but Pa caused the road to be gravelled, and so it became horse +work to the men, so I proposed the pony; but all the men except the +pullers opposed the plan. So I and the children not working brought +it up, and silenced vile insinuators. Then I take the dogs out, and +then look round the garden for fruit and seeds, and paddle about till +breakfast time; after that take up Cicero and see if I can understand +him. If so, I read till I stick; if not, I set to Xen. or Herodotus. +Then I do props, chiefly on rolling curves, on which subject I have got +a great problem divided into Orders, Genera, Species, Varieties, etc.</p> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>One curve rolls on another, and with a particular point traces out a +third curve on the plane of the first, then the problem is:—Order I. +Given any two of these curves, to find the third.</p> + +<p>Order II. Given the equation of one and the identity of the other two, +find their equation.</p> + +<p>Order III. Given all three curves the same, find them. In this last +Order I have proved that the equi-angular spiral possesses the +property, and that no other curve does. This is the most reproductive +curve of any. I think John Bernoulli had it on his tombstone, with +the motto <i>Eadem mutata resurgo</i>. There are a great many curious +properties of curves connected with rolling. Thus, for example,—</p> + +<p>If the curve A when rolled on a straight line produces a curve C, and +if the curve A when rolled up on itself produces the curve B, then the +curve B when rolled upon the curve C will produce a straight line.</p> + +<p>Thus, let the involute of the circle be represented by A, the spiral of +Archimedes by B, and the parabola by C, then the proposition is true.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</span> +Thus the parabola rolled on a straight line traces a Catenary with its +focus, an easy way to describe the Catenary. Professor Wallace just +missed it in a paper in the Royal Society.</p> + +<p>After props come optics, and principally polarised light.</p> + +<p>Do you remember our visit to Mr. Nicol? I have got plenty of unannealed +glass of different shapes, for I find window glass will do very well +made up in bundles. I cut out triangles, squares, etc., with a diamond, +about 8 or 9 of a kind, and take them to the kitchen, and put them on +a piece of iron in the fire one by one. When the bit is red hot, I +drop it into a plate of iron sparks to cool, and so on till all are +done. I have got all figures up to nonagons, triangles of all kinds, +and irregular chips. I have made a pattern for a tesselated window of +unannealed glass in the proper colours, also a delineation of triangles +at every principal inclination. We were at Castle-Douglas yesterday, +and got crystals of salt Peter, which I have been cutting up into +plates to-day, in hopes to see rings. There are very few crystals which +are not hollow-hearted or filled up with irregular crystals. I have +got a few cross cuts like \(\unicode{x2b21}\) free of irregularities +and long [wedge-shaped] cuts for polarising plates. One has to be very +cautious in sawing and polishing them, for they are very brittle.</p> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_158" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_158.jpg" width="300" height="86" alt="A simple +geometric diagram showing a cylindrical tube with a triangular wedge +shape and shaded triangular section at its left end, marked with a +small square labeled D, and a vertical arrow indicating measurement at +the right end."> +</figure> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>I have got a lucifer match box fitted up for polarising, thus. The rays +suffer two reflections at the polarising angle from glasses A and B. +Without the lid it does for an analysing plate. Tn the lid there is +set a plate of mica, and so one observes the blue sky, and turns the +box round till a particular colour appears, and then a line on the lid +of the box points to the sun wherever he is. Thus one can find out the +time of day without the sun.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</span> [<i>Here follow thirteen diagrams of +patterns in triangles, squares, pentagons, and hexagons.</i>] These are +a few of the figures one sees in unannealed glass.</p> + +<p>Pray write soon and tell when, how, and where by, you intend to come, +that you may neither on the other hand fall upon us at unawares, nor on +the one hand break and not come at all. I suppose when you come I will +have to give up all my things of my own devizing, and take Poisson, for +the time is short, and I am very nearly unprepared in actual reading, +though a great deal more able to read it.</p> + +<p>I hope not to write any more letters till you come. I seal with an +electrotype of the young of the ephemera. So, sir, I was, etc.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Same.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Bannavie, 6th July</i> [<i>1849</i>].</p> + +<div class="sidenote2"><i>Æt.</i> 18.</div> + +<p>This being a wet night, and I having exhausted my travelling props, +set to write to you about what I can recollect of my past history. It +is curious that though the remembrance of ploys remains longer than +that of home doings, it is not so easily <i>imagined</i> after a short +interval.</p> + +<p>By <i>imagining</i> is here meant bringing up an accurate image of +thoughts, words, and works, and not a mere geographical summary of +voyages and travels.</p> + +<p>But to the point. Perhaps you remember going with my Uncle John Cay +(7th Class), to visit Mr. Nicol in Inverleith Terrace. There we saw +polarised light in abundance. I purposed going this session but was +prevented. Well, sir, I received from the aforesaid Mr. Cay a “Nicol’s +prism,” which Nicol had made and sent him. It is made of calc-spar, +so arranged as to separate the ordinary from the extraordinary ray. +So I adapted it to a camera lucida, and made charts of the strains in +unannealed glass.</p> + +<p>I have set up the machine for showing the rings in crystals, which I +planned during your visit last year. It answers very well. I also made +some experiments on compressed jellies in illustration of my props on +that subject The principal one was this:—The jelly is poured while +hot<span class="pagenum" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</span> into the annular space contained between a paper cylinder and a +cork: then, when cold, the cork is twisted round, and the jelly exposed +to polarised light, when a transverse cross, x, not +, appears with +rings as the inverse square of the radius, all which is fully verified. +Hip! etc. Q.E.D.</p> +</div> + +<figure class="figleft width500" id="i_160" style="width: 150px;"> +<img src="images/i_160.jpg" width="150" height="147" alt="A simple +geometric diagram showing two concentric circles with a textured, +hatched ring pattern between them, divided into four segments by +diagonal lines crossing through the center."> +</figure> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>But to make an <i>abrupt transcision</i>,<a id="FNanchor_125" href="#Footnote_125" class="fnanchor">[125]</a> as Forbes says, we set +off to Glasgow on Monday 2d; to Inverary on 3d; to Oban by Loch Awe +on 4th; round Mull, by Staffa and Iona, on (5th), and here on 6th. +To-morrow we intend to get to Inverness and rest there. On Monday +perhaps? to the land of Beulah, and afterwards back by Caledon. Canal +to Crinan Canal, and so to Arran, thence to Ardrossan, and then home. +It is possible that you may get a more full account of all these things +(if agreeable), when I fall in with a pen that will spell; my present +instrument partakes of the nature of skates, and I can hardly steer it.</p> + +<p>There is a beautiful base here for measuring the height, etc., of Ben +Nevis. It is a straight and level road through a moss for about a mile +that leads from the inn right to the summit.</p> + +<p>It is proposed to carry up stones and erect a cairn 3 feet high, and +thus render it the highest mountain in Scotland.</p> + +<p>During the session Prof. Forbes gave as an exercise to describe a +cycloid from top of Ben Nevis to Fort William, and slide trees down it. +We took an observation of the slide, but found nothing to slide but +snow.</p> + +<p>I think a body <i>deprived</i> of friction would go to Fort William in +a cycloid in 49·6 seconds, and in 81 on an inclined plane. I believe I +should have written the greater part of this letter to Allan Stewart, +but I know not where he is, so you get it, and may read it or no as you +like.</p> + +<p>We will be at home between the 15th and 22d of this month, so you may +write then, detailing your plans and specifying whether you intend to +come north at all between this and November, for we would be glad if +either you or Bob would disturb our solitude.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Same.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 19th October 1849.</i></p> + +<p>Here is the way to dissolve any given historical event in a mythical +solution, and then precipitate the seminal ideas in their primitive +form. It is from Theodore Parker, an American, and treats of the +declaration of American Independence. “The story of the Declaration +of Independence is liable to many objections if we examine it <i>à +la mode</i> Strauss. The Congress was held at a mythical town, whose +very name is suspicious,—Philadelphia, brotherly love. The date is +suspicious: it was the fourth day of the fourth month (reckoning +from April, as it is probable that the Heraclidae and Scandinavians, +possible that the Americans, and certain that the Ebrews, did). Now 4 +was a sacred number among Americans: the President was chosen for 4 +years, 4 departments of affairs, 4 political powers, etc. The year also +is suspicious. 1776 is but an <i>ingeni</i>[<i>ous</i>]? combination of +the sacred number, thus—</p> + +<table class="autotable"> +<tbody><tr> +<td class="tdr">444</td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdr bb"> 4</td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdr">1776</td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<p class="nind"> +Still further, the declaration is metaphysical and presupposes an +acquaintance with the transcendental function on the part of the +American people. Now the <i>Kritik of Pure Reason</i> was not yet +published,” etc.</p> + + +<figure class="figright width500" id="i_162" style="width: 150px;"> +<img src="images/i_162.jpg" width="150" height="325" alt="A +geometric line drawing depicting a twisted, hourglass-like surface +with two circular disks at top and bottom connected by curving, +hyperboloid-shaped lines that spiral around a narrow waist in the +middle."> +<figcaption class="caption"> +<p>This is the likeness of a <span class="allsmcap">SKEW SCREW SURFACE</span>.</p> +</figcaption> +</figure> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Same.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>October 1849.</i></p> + +<p>Since last letter, I have made some pairs of diagrams representing +solid figures and curves drawn in space; of these pictures one is seen +with each eye by means of mirrors, thus....</p> + +<p>This is Wheatstone’s Stereoscope, which Sir David Brewster has taken up +of late with much violence at the Brightish Association. (The violence +consists in making two lenses out of one by breaking it). (See Report). +Last winter he exhibited at the Scottish Society of Arts Calotype<span class="pagenum" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</span> +pictures of the statue of Ariadne and the beast seen from two stations, +which, when viewed properly, appeared very solid.</p> +</div> + + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Since then I have been doing practical props on compression, and +writing out the same that there may be no mistake. The nicest cases +are those of spheres and cylinders. I have got an expression for the +hardness of a cricket ball made of case and stuffing. I have also the +equations for a spherical cavity in an infinite solid, and this prop: +Given that the polarised colour of any part of a cylinder of unannealed +glass is equal to the square of the distance from the centre (as +determined by observation), to find—1st, the state of strain at each +point; 2d, the temperature of each.</p> + +<hr class="r5"> + +<p>I have got an observation of the latitude just now with a saucer of +treacle, but it is very windy.</p> + +<p>Pray excuse this wickedly perplexed letter as an effect of the paucity +of our communications. If you would sharpen me a little it would be +acceptable, but when there is nobody to speak to one [<i>loses</i>] the +gift of speech....</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Same.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>31 Heriot Row, Edinburgh, N.B., Monday, Nov. 5, 1849.</i></p> + +<p>I go to Gregory to Chemistry at 10, Morale Phil, at 12, and Pract. +Chem. at 13, finishing at 14, unless perhaps I take an hour at +Practical Mechanics at the School of Arts. I do not go to Sir W. H. +logic, seeing I was there before.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</span> Langhorne has got your Buchananic +notes. Why do you think that I can endure nothing but Mathematics and +Logic, the only things I have plenty of? and why do you presuppose my +acquaintance with your preceptors, professors, tutors,<a id="FNanchor_126" href="#Footnote_126" class="fnanchor">[126]</a> etc.? ...</p> + +<p>I don’t wonder at your failing to take interest in the exponential +theorem, seeing I dislike it, although I know the use and meaning of +it. But I never <i>would have</i>, unless Kelland had explained it....</p> + +<p>In your next letter you may give an abstract of Aristotle’s +<i>Rhet.</i>, for I do not attend Aytoun, and so I know not what Rhet. +is. I know Logic only by Reid's account of it. I will tell you about +Wilson’s Moral Philosophy, provided always you want to know, and +signify your desire.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Same.</span></p> + +<p class="right">[<i>Edin</i>] <i>14th March 1850.</i></p> + +<p>As I am otherwise engaged, I take this opportunity of provoking you +to write a letter or two. I have begun to write Elastic Equilibrium, +and I find that I must write you a letter in order <i>at least, +indeed,</i><a id="FNanchor_127" href="#Footnote_127" class="fnanchor">[127]</a> to serve <i>on the one hand</i> as an excuse to myself +for sticking up, and <i>on the other hand</i> as a sluice for all the +nonsense which I would have written. I therefore propose to divide this +letter as follows:—My say naturally breaks up into—1. Education; 2. +Notions; 3. Hearsay.</p> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>1. Education—Public.</p> + +<p>10-11.—Gregory is on Alloys of Metals just now. Last Saturday I was +examined, and asked how I would do if the contents of a stomach were +submitted to me to detect arsenic, and I had to go through the whole +of the preparatory processes of chopping up the tripes, boiling with +potash, filtering, boiling with \(\mathrm{HCL}\) and \(\mathrm{KOCL} +\mathrm{O}_{5}\), all which Kemp the <i>Practical</i> says are useless +and detrimental processes, invented by chemists who want something to +do. 11-12.—Prof. Forbes is on Sound and Light day about, as Bob well +knows, and can tell you if he chooses. He (B. C.) has written an essay<span class="pagenum" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</span> +on Probabilities, with very grand props in it; everything original, +but no signs of reading, I guess. It was all written in a week. He +has despaired of Optics.—12-1. Wilson, after having fully explained +his own opinions, has proceeded to those of other great men: Plato, +Aristotle, Stoics, Epicureans. He shows that Plato’s <i>proof</i> of +the immortality of the soul, from its immateriality, if it be a proof, +proves its pre-existence, the immortality of beasts and vegetables, +and why not transmigration? (Do you remember how Raphael tells Adam +about meats and drinks in <i>Paradise Lost</i>?) (Greek Iambics, if you +please.) He quarrels with Aristotle’s doctrine of the Golden Mean,—“a +virtue is the mean between two vices,”—not properly understanding the +saying. He chooses to consider it as a pocket rule to find virtue, +which it is not meant to be, but an apophthegm or maxim, or dark +saying, signifying that as a hill falls away on both sides of the top, +so a virtue at its maximum declines by excess or defect (not of virtue +but) of some variable quantity at the disposal of the will Thus, let +it be a virtue to give alms with your own money, then it is a greater +virtue to pay one’s debts to the full. Now, a man has so much money: +the more alms he gives up to a certain point, the more virtue. As soon +as it becomes impossible to pay debts, the virtue of solvency decreases +faster than that of alms-giving increases, so that the giving of money +to the poor becomes a vice, so that the variable is the sum given +away, by excess or defect of which virtue diminishes, say I; so that +Wilson garbles Aristotle,—but I bamboozle myself. I say that some +things are virtues, others are virtuous or generally lead to virtue. +Substitute <i>goods</i> for virtues, and it will be more general: thus, +Wisdom, Happiness, Virtue, are <i>goods</i>, and cannot be in excess; +but Knowledge, Pleasure, and—what? (please tell me, Is it Propriety, +Obedience, or what is it?) lead to the other three, and are not so much +goods as tending to good; whereas particular knowledges, pleasures, +and obediences may be in excess and lead to evils. I postpone the rest +of my observations to my Collection of the Metaphysical principles +of Moral Philosophy founded on<span class="pagenum" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</span> the three laws of Liberty, Equality, +Fraternity, thus expressed:—</p> + +<p>1. That which can be done is that which has been done; that is, that +the possibility (with respect to the agent) of an action (as simple) +depends on the agent having had the sensation of having done it.<a id="FNanchor_128" href="#Footnote_128" class="fnanchor">[128]</a></p> + +<p>2. That which ought to be done is that which (under the given +conditions) produces, implies, or tends to the greatest amount of good +(an excess or defect in the variables will lessen the good and make +evil).</p> + +<p>3. Moral actions can be judged of only by the principle of exchange; +that is (1), our own actions must be judged by the laws we have made +for others; (2), others must be judged by putting ourselves in their +place.</p> + + +<p class="right"><i>22d March.</i></p> + +<p>At Practical Mechanics I have been turning Devils of sorts. For +private studies I have been reading Young’s <i>Lectures</i>, +Willis’s <i>Principles of Mechanism</i>, Moseley’s <i>Engineering +and Mechanics</i>, Dixon on <i>Heat</i>, and Moigno’s <i>Répertoire +d'Optique</i>. This last is a very complete analysis of all that has +been done in the optical way from Fresnel to the end of 1849, and there +is another volume a-coming which will complete the work. There is in it +besides common optics all about the other things which accompany light, +as heat, chemical action, photographic rays, action on vegetables, etc.</p> + +<p>My notions are rather few, as I do not <i>entertain</i> them just +now. I have a notion for the torsion of wires and rods, not to be +made till the vacation; of experiments on the action of compression +on glass, jelly, etc., numerically done up; of papers for the +Physico-Mathematical Society (which is to revive in earnest next +session!); on the relations of optical and mechanical constants, their +desirableness, etc., and suspension-bridges, and catenaries, and +elastic curves. Alex. Campbell, Agnew, and I are appointed to read up +the subject<span class="pagenum" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</span> of periodical shooting stars, and to prepare a list of +the phenomena to be observed on the 9th August and 13th November. The +Society’s barometer is to be taken up Arthur’s Seat at the end of the +session, when Forbes goes up, and All students are invited to attend, +so that the existence of the Society may be recognised.</p> + +<p>I have notions of reading the whole of <i>Corpus Juris</i> and Pandects +in no time at all; but these are getting somewhat dim, as the Cambridge +scheme has been howked up from its repose in the regions of abortions, +and is as far forward as an inspection of the Cambridge <i>Calendar</i> +and a communication with Cantabs.</p> + +<p>Mr. Bob is choosing his college. I rejected for him all but Peter’s, +Caius, or Trinity Hall, the last being, though legal, not in favour, +or lazy, or something. Caius is populous, and is society to itself. +Peter’s is select, and knows the University. Please give me some +notions on these things, both for Bob and me. I postpone my answer +to you about the Gorham business till another time, when also I +shall have read Waterland on <i>Regeneration</i>, which is with Mrs. +Morrieson, and some Pusey books I know. In the meantime I admire the +<i>Judgement</i> as a composition of great art and ingenuity.</p> +</div> + +<hr class="tb"> + +<p>What cross influences had delayed his entrance at Cambridge may be +guessed at, but cannot be clearly known. Mr. Clerk Maxwell was always +slow in making up his mind, and the habit of <i>inertia</i> had grown +upon him. There had been a lingering expectation, to which James +alludes in the preceding letter, that he would follow his father's +profession, and become a member of the Scottish Bar. And although he +himself felt, as he told me at the time, that it was “another kind +of laws” he was called upon to study, the practical result of this +conviction was slow in asserting<span class="pagenum" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</span> itself. The fact that in going to +Cambridge he decided against the profession which his friends had +destined for him made the step a more serious one than it might have +otherwise been. The close and constant intercourse between father and +son made the parting more difficult. James’s delicate health<a id="FNanchor_129" href="#Footnote_129" class="fnanchor">[129]</a> would +count heavily amongst the reasons <i>contra</i>, and certain floating +prejudices about the “dangers of the English universities,” Puseyism, +infidelity, etc., had then considerable hold, especially on the +Presbyterian mind. James himself was patient, and had hitherto decided +nothing for himself. Only when Tait and Allan Stewart were already at +Cambridge, my brother Robert destined for it, and myself at Oxford, his +own voice was added to those which had long been urging the claims of +Cambridge,<a id="FNanchor_130" href="#Footnote_130" class="fnanchor">[130]</a> and then they prevailed. There had been searchings of +heart on the subject as early as April 1849, when the following entries +occur in the Diary:—</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>T. 17.—Called on Hugh Blackburn to talk about Cambridge.</p> + +<p>W. 18.—Called on Capt. Wemyss to talk of Cambridge, and Prof. Forbes +called on me and had a talk on James’s studies, etc.</p> +</div> + +<p>The only other document at my command which bears upon the point +is a journal kept by my mother, then Mrs. Morrieson, in which she +occasionally noted matters relating to her sons’ friends. She was +herself at this time (1850) making inquiries about Cambridge for my +brother Robert. The following entries may be quoted:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>1850. <i>1st April</i>.—James Clerk Maxwell came in full of Forbes’s +recommendation of Trinity College above all others at Cambridge, and +that Peterhouse was less expensive than Caius; that the latter is too +full to admit of rooms, and freshmen are obliged to lodge out.</p> + +<p><i>28th October</i>.—I had a kind letter from Mr. C. M., from +Glenlair, after placing his son James at Peterhouse. He has already +distinguished himself at Edinburgh by papers on the compression of +solids, and other scientific subjects, read for him at the Royal +Society. His manners are very peculiar; but having good sense, sterling +worth, and good humour, the intercourse with a College world will rub +off his oddities. I doubt not of his becoming a distinguished man.</p> + +<p><i>January</i> 1851.—James Clerk Maxwell often comes in. He is full of +genius. He went to Cambridge with Robert in October, R to Caius, James +to Peterhouse; but he is “migrating” to Trinity, and I have no doubt he +will be a distinguished Philosopher some day.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</span></p> + +<p>In concluding the account of this period, I again beg leave to quote +from Professor Tait’s excellent paper:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>The winter of 1847 found us together in the classes of Forbes and +Kelland, where he highly distinguished himself. With the former he was +a particular favourite, being admitted to the free use of the class +apparatus for original experiments. He lingered here behind most of +his former associates, having spent three years at the University +of Edinburgh, working (without any assistance or supervision) with +physical and chemical apparatus, and devouring all sorts of scientific +works in the library.<a id="FNanchor_131" href="#Footnote_131" class="fnanchor">[131]</a> During this period he wrote two valuable +papers, which are published in our <i>Transactions</i>, on <i>The +Theory of Rolling Curves</i> and on <i>The Equilibrium of Elastic +Solids</i>. Thus he brought to Cambridge, in the autumn of 1850, a +mass of knowledge which was really immense for so young a man, but in +a state of disorder appalling to his methodical private tutor.<a id="FNanchor_132" href="#Footnote_132" class="fnanchor">[132]</a> +Though that tutor was William Hopkins, the pupil to a great extent +took his own way, and it may safely be said that no high wrangler of +recent years ever entered the Senate-house more imperfectly<span class="pagenum" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</span> trained +to produce “paying” work than did Clerk Maxwell. But by sheer strength +of intellect, though with the very minimum of knowledge how to use it +to advantage under the conditions of the Examination, he obtained the +position of Second Wrangler, and was bracketed equal with the Senior +Wrangler in the higher ordeal of the Smith’s Prizes. His name appears +in the Cambridge <i>Calendar</i> as Maxwell of Trinity, but he was +originally entered at Peterhouse, and kept his first term there, in +that small but most ancient foundation which has of late furnished +Scotland with the majority of the professors of mathematics and natural +philosophy, in her four universities.</p> +</div> + + +<p>To the books mentioned by Professor Tait in his footnote should +be added Poisson’s <i>Mechanics</i>, which was taken out from the +Advocates’ Library 6th March 1848, and carried off into the country. +A copy of Fourier’s <i>Théorie de la Chaleur</i> was ordered through +Maclachlan, 6th April 1849, for 25s.</p> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">Letters, April to September 1850.</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Lewis Campbell, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 26th April 1850.</i></p> + +<p>As I ought to tell you of our departure from Edinburgh and arrival +here, so I ought to tell you of many other things besides. Of things +pertaining to myself there are these:—The tutor of Peterhouse has +booked me, and I am booked for Peterhouse, but will need a little more +booking before I can write Algebra like a book.</p> + +<p>I suppose I must go through Wrigley’s problems and Paley’s Evidences +in the same sort of way, and be able to translate when required Eurip. +<i>Iph. in Aulid</i>. In the meantime I have my usual superfluity of +plans.</p> + +<p>1. Classics—Eurip. \(\mathrm{I}\varphi\). \(\epsilon \nu\) +\(\mathrm{Α}\nu \lambda\) for Cambridge. (I hope no Latin or Greek +verses except for honours.) Greek<span class="pagenum" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</span> Testament, Epistles, for my own +behoof, and perhaps some of Cicero <i>De Officiis</i> or something else +for Latin.</p> + +<p>2. Mathematics—Wrigley’s Problems, and Trig, for Cambridge; properties +of the Ellipsoid and other solids for practice with Spher. Trig. +Nothing higher if I can help it.</p> + +<p>3. Nat. Phil.—Simple mechanical problems to produce that knack of +solving problems which Prof. Forbes has taught me to despise. Common +Optics at length; and for experimental philosophy, twisting and bending +certain glass and metal rods, making jellies, unannealed glass, and +crystals, and dissecting eyes—and playing Devils.</p> + +<p>4. Metaphysics—Kant’s <i>Kritik of Pure Reason</i> in German, read +with a determination to make it agree with Sir W. Hamilton.</p> + +<p>5. Moral Philosophy—Metaphysical principles of moral philosophy. +Hobbes’ <i>Leviathan</i>, with his moral philosophy, to be read as the +only man who has decided opinions and avows them in a distinct way. To +examine the first part of the seventh chapter of Matthew in reference +to the moral principles which it supposes, and compare with other +passages.</p> + +<p>But I question if I shall be able to overtake all these things, +although those of different kinds may well be used as alternate studies.</p> + +<p>I read in Edinburgh Wilson’s Poems to see what he used to be like, and +how much he had improved since then. Did you finish Festus?<a id="FNanchor_133" href="#Footnote_133" class="fnanchor">[133]</a> I had +only two days to read it, so that I skipped part of the long speech and +a good deal of the jollification, which I think the dullest part of the +book.</p> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>The opening makes one think that it is to be an imitation of the book +of Job, but you soon see that you have to do with a dreamy mortal +without a profession, but vain withal, and a hero among women, a jolly +companion of some men, admired of students for talking of things which +he knows not, nor can know, having a so-called philosophy, an intuitive +science, and an underived religion, and with all these not perfect, +but needing more expanded views of the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</span> folly of strict virtue and +outward decency, of the magnificence, nay, of the duty of sinning, and +of the identity of virtue and vice, and of all opposites. He takes for +his friend one whom Wilson calls a very <i>poor devil</i>, who has +wonderful mechanical powers, but never attempts but once the supposed +object of his visit to earth, namely, temptation. He takes a more +rational view of affairs than Festus in general, but is so extremely +refined from ordinary devils, that the only passage sufficiently +characteristic for ordinary rapid readers to recognise is the sermon +to the crowd, as the speech in Hell is quite raw. He has not such an +absolute and intuitive sense of things as Festus, and does not change +so much according to his company. He seems a sincere, good-natured, +unselfish devil; while Festus is very changeable, solemn when alone, +jolly when with the jolly, drunk with the drunk, open with Lucifer, +reserved in good company, amorous with all women, talkative and serious +with all angels and saints, stern towards the unfortunate, and in all +his affections altogether selfish.</p> + +<p>The book is said to have a plan, but no plot. The plan is an +exposition of the state of a man’s mind after having gone through +German metaphysics. It was one destitute of notions, and has now been +convinced that all these notions are one and the same. It is neither +meat, nor drink, nor rank, nor money, nor any common thing he wants: +“he is sure it isn’t,” and he is sore troubled for want of some great +thing to do; and when L——r starts into proximity he is the very being +he wanted to speak to; “he knew who it would be,” and recognises him +at once. An opportunity is thus given for showing two ways of thinking +about things, and therein lies the matter of the book. This may be +seen in L——r’s sermon and Festus’ prayer. To turn and get out of the +confusion of this letter, pray let me hear your opinion of the book. It +may be considered thus:—</p> + +<p>1. People read the book and wonder, why?</p> + +<p>It is not read for the sake of the story—that is plain; nor for the +clearness with which certain principles are developed, nor for the +consistency of the book, nor for the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</span> variety of the characters; +there must therefore be something overpoweringly attractive to hold +you to the book. Some say he has fine thoughts, sufficient to set up +fifty poets; to which some may answer, Where are they? Read it in a +spirit of cold criticism, and they vanish. There is not one that is +not either erroneous, absurd, German, common, or <i>Daft</i>. Where +lies the beauty? In the reader’s mind. The author has evidently been +thinking when he wrote it, and that not in words, but inwardly. The +benevolent reader is compelled to think too, and it is so great a +relief to the reader to get out of wordiness that he can put up with +insanity, absurdity, profanity, and even inanity, if by so doing he +can get into <i>rapport</i> with one who is so transcendental, and yet +so easy to follow, as the poet. When Galileo set his [lamp] a-swinging +by breathing on it, his power lay in the relation between the interval +of his breaths and the time of vibration; so in Festus the mind that +begins to perceive that his train of thoughts is that of the poem is +readily made to follow on. There are some passages where one breaks +loose, especially the rhyming description of the subpoenaing of the +planets, and the notion of the angel of the earth giving Festus a pair +of bracelets, and the way in which F. improves his mind by travel.</p> + +<p>... Beauty is attributed to an object when the subject anticipates +pleasure in it. A true pleasure is a consciousness of the right action +of the faculty or function or power. Happiness is the integral of +pleasure, as wisdom is of knowledge.... Don't take all this about +Festus for truth, as I don’t believe much of it, and I’ll maybe tell +you a new story if you tell me one.</p> + +<p>What of St. Peter, as compared with the Keys and with Bob?<a id="FNanchor_134" href="#Footnote_134" class="fnanchor">[134]</a></p> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">From Prof. Forbes.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Edinburgh, 4th May 1850.</i></p> + +<p><span class="allsmcap">My dear Sir</span>—Professor Kelland, to whom your paper was +referred by the Council E. S., reports favourably upon<span class="pagenum" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</span> it, but +complains of the great obscurity of several parts, owing to the +<i>abrupt transitions</i> and want of distinction between what is +<i>assumed</i> and what is <i>proved</i> in various passages, which +he has marked in pencil, and which I trust that you will use your +utmost effort to make plain and intelligible. It is perfectly evident +that it must be useless to publish a paper for the use of scientific +readers generally, the steps of which cannot, in many places, be +followed by so expert an algebraist as Prof. Kelland;—if, indeed, +they be <i>steps</i> at all and not assumptions of theorems from other +writers who are not quoted. You will please to pay particular attention +to clear up these passages, and return the MS. by post to Professor +Kelland, West Cottage, Wardie, Edinburgh, so that he may receive it by +Saturday the 11th, as I shall then have left town.—Believe me, yours +sincerely,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="allsmcap">James D. Forbes.</span></p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To L. Campbell, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right">[<i>June? 1850</i>]</p> + +<p>As there has been a long truce between us since I last got a letter +from you, and as I do not intend to despatch this here till I receive +Bob’s answer with your address, I have no questions to answer, and +any news would turn old by keeping, so I intend briefly to state my +country occupations (otherwise preparation for Cambridge, if you +please). I find that after breakfast is the best time for reading Greek +and Latin, because if I read newspapers or any of those things, then +it is dissipation and ruin; and if I begin with props, experiments, +or calculations, then I would be continually returning on them. +At first I had got pretty well accustomed to regular study with a +Dictionary, and did about 120 lines of <i>Eurip</i>. a day, namely, 40 +revised, 40 for to-day, and 40 for to-morrow, with the looking up of +to-morrow’s words. As I am blest with Dunbar’s <i>Lexicon</i>, it is +not very highly probable that I will find my word at all; if I do, it +is used in a different sense from Dunbar’s (so much the better), and +it has to be made out from the context (either of the author or the +Dictionary). So much for<span class="pagenum" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</span> regular study, which I have nearly forgot, +for when I had got to the end of the first chorus I began to think of +the rods and wires that I had in a box. They have entirely stopped +<i>Eurip.</i>, for I found that if I spent the best part of the day on +him, and took reasonable exercise, I could not much advance the making +of the apparatus for tormenting these wires and rods. So the rods got +the better of the Lexicon. The observations on the rods are good for +little till they are finished; they are of three kinds, and are all +distinguished for accuracy and agreement among themselves.</p> +</div> + +<figure class="figright width500" id="i_175" style="width: 200px;"> +<img src="images/i_175.jpg" width="200" height="112" alt="A simple +line-drawing diagram showing a horizontal bar or rod labeled B at the +right end, suspended by multiple crossing lines from a point labeled C +at top, with a curved oval shape in the center."> +</figure> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Thus—a rod bent by a weight at the middle takes the form of a curve, +which is calculated to be one of the fourth order. Let A C B be the rod +bent by a weight at C. Mirrors fastened to it at A and B make known +the changes of the inclination of the tangent to the rod there, and a +lens at C projects an image of a copper scale of inches and parts from +A to B, where it is observed, and so the deflection of the rod at C +becomes known. Now the calculated value of the elasticity deduced from +the deflection differs from that deduced from the observations on the +mirrors by about \(\dfrac{1}{140}\) of either, and as the deflection at +C was about \(\dfrac{1}{4}\) inch, the difference of the observed and +calculated deflections is about \(\dfrac{1}{280}\) of an inch, which is +near enough for home-made philosophical instruments to go.</p> + +<p>Thus you see I would run on about rods and wires, and weights, angles, +and inches, and copper and iron, and silvered glass, and all sorts of +practicalities. Where is now <i>Eurip.</i>?—Ay, where? On the top of +the Lexicon, and behind bundles of observations and calculations. When +will he come out? for he was a good soul after all, and wise (beg his +pardon, <i>wiser</i>). For the rest I have been at Shakespeare and +Cowper. I used to put Thomson and Cowper together (why?), and Thomson +first; now they are reversed and far asunder.</p> + +<p>As I suppose my occupations are not very like yours, I pray you send me +an account of what Oxford notions you have got, either from Oxonians, +books, or observation; and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</span> as, if I was to question you, you could but +answer my questions, I leave you to question yourself and send me some +of the answers.</p> + +<p>The only regular College science that I have thought of lately is Moral +Philosophy. Whether it is an Oxford science I know not; but it must +be, if not taught, at least interesting; so I purpose to fill up this +letter with unuttered thoughts (or crude), which, as they are crammed +into words, may appear like men new waked from sleep, who leap in +confusion into one another’s breeches, hardly fit to be seen of decent +men. Then think not my words mad if their clothes fit them not, for +they have not had an opportunity of trying them oh before.</p> + +<p>There are some Moral Philosophers whose opinions are remarkable for +their general truth and good sense, but not for their utility, fixity, +or novelty.</p> + +<p>They tell you that in all your actions you ought to be virtuous, that +benevolence is a virtue, that lawful rulers ought to be obeyed, that a +man should give ear to his conscience.</p> + +<p>Others tell you of unalterable laws of right and wrong, of Eternal +truth and the Everlasting fitnesses of things. Others of the duty of +following nature, of every virtue between two vices (Aristot.), and of +the golden mean. That a man should do what is best on the whole (1) +for himself; (2) for other men only, and <i>not</i> himself; (3) for +the whole universe, including himself, and so on. Now I think that the +answers to the following questions should be separate parts of M. Ph.:—</p> + +<p>1. What is man? This is the introduction, and is called statical or +proper Metaphysics.</p> + +<p>2. What are the laws of human action? Action being all that man +does—thought, word, deed.</p> + +<p>3. What are the motives of human actions?</p> + +<p>4. What actions do men perform in preference to what others, and why?</p> + +<p>5. What is the principle by which men judge some actions right, others +wrong?</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>6. What do particular men think of this principle? What are their +doctrines?</p> + +<p>7. What is the best criticism of right and wrong, or what (to us) is +absolute right?</p> + +<p>8. What are the best motives of human actions?</p> + +<p>9. How are these motives to be implanted without violating the laws of +human action?</p> + +<p>10. What might, or rather what <i>will</i>, mankind become after this +has been effected?</p> + +<p>Moral Philosophy differs from Nat. Phil, in this, that the more new +things we hear of in Nat. Phil, the better; but in Mor. Phil, the old +things are best, so that a common objection to Mor. Phil, is that +everybody knows it all before. If a man tells you that tyranny and +anarchy are bad things, and that a just and lawful government is a +good thing, it sounds very fine, but only means that when men think +the government bad from excess or defect they give it the name of +tyranny and anarchy. The ancient virtue of Tyrannicide was a man’s +determination to kill the king whenever he displeased him. Thus it is +easy to call a dog a bad name to beat him for. But there are other +parts of Mor. Phil, in which there are differences of opinion, such +as the nature of selfishness, self-love, appetites, desires, and +affections, disinterestedness (what a word for a rush at!), which +belong to the first three questions, and so on. I have told you +something (p. 129) of three laws which I had been considering. In all +parts of Mor. Phil, these three laws seem to meet one, and in each +system of Morals they take a different form. How, that I might not +deceive myself in thinking that I was safe out of the hands of the +philosophers who argue these matters, I have been looking into the +books of Moralists the most opposed to one another, to see what it is +that makes them differ, and wherein they agree. The three principles +concerning the nature of man are continually changing their shape, so +that it is not easy to catch them in their best shape, nevertheless:</p> + +<p>Lemma: Metaphysics.—A man thinks, feels, and wills, and therefore +Metaphysicians give him the three faculties of cognition, feeling, and +conation.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Cognition is what is called Understanding, and is most thought of +generally.</p> + +<p>Feelings are pleasures, pains, appetites, desires, aversions, approval +and disapproval, love, hate, and all affections.</p> + +<p>Conations are acts of will, whatever they be.</p> + +<p>Now to move a man’s will it is necessary to move his affections. (How? +Wait!) For no convictions of the understanding will do, for a man does +what he likes to do, not what he believes to be best for himself or +others. The feelings can only be moved by notions coming through the +understanding, for cognition is the only inlet of thoughts. Therefore, +although it can be proved that self-love leads to all goodness, or, +in other words, that goodness is happiness, and <i>self</i> loves +happiness, yet it can also be proved that men are not able to act +rightly from pure self-love; so that though self-love is a very fine +theoretical principle, yet no man can keep it always in view, or act +reasonably upon it. Now, most moralists take for granted that the +end which men, good or bad, pursue is their own happiness, and that +happiness, false or true, is the motive of every action, and that it +is the only right motive. Others say that benevolence is the only +virtue, and that any action not done expressly for the good of others +is entitled to no praise.</p> + +<p>Most of the ancients, and Hobbes among the moderns, are of the first +opinion. Hutcheson and Brown (I think) are of the second, and call +the first selfish Philosophers and the selfish school. A few consider +benevolence to the whole universe as the proper motive of every action, +but they all (says Macintosh) confound men’s motives with the criterion +of right and wrong, the reason why a thing is right, and that which +actually causes a man to do it. In every book on Moral Philosophy some +reference is made to that precept or maxim, which is declared to be the +spirit of the law and the prophets (see Matt. <span class="allsmcap">VII</span>. 12), and +the application of it is a good mark of the uppermost thoughts or mode +of thinking of the author.</p> + +<p>Hobbes lays down as the first agreement of men to secure their safety, +that a man should lay down so much<span class="pagenum" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</span> of his natural liberty with respect +to others, as he wishes that other men should to him. Hobbes having +shown that men, in what the poets and moralists call a state of nature +(that is, of equality and liberty, and without government), must be in +a state of war, every man against every other, and therefore of danger +to every man, deduces the obligation of obeying the powers that be from +the necessity of Power to prevent universal war. Adam Smith’s theory +of Moral Sentiments (which is the most systematic next to Hobbes) is +that men desire others to sympathise with them, and therefore do those +things which may be sympathised with; that is, as Smith’s opponents +say, men ought to be guided by the desire of esteem and sympathy. Not +so. Smith does not leave us there, but I suppose you have read him, as +he is almost the only Scotch Moral Philosopher.</p> + +<p>As it is Saturday night I will not write very much more. I was +thinking to-day of the duties of [the] cognitive faculty. It is +universally admitted that duties are voluntary, and that the will +governs understanding by giving or withholding Attention. They say +that Understanding ought to work by the rules of right reason. These +rules are, or ought to be, contained in Logic; but the actual science +of Logic is conversant at present only with things either certain, +impossible, or <i>entirely</i> doubtful, none of which (fortunately) +we have to reason on. Therefore the true Logic for this world is +the Calculus of Probabilities, which takes account of the magnitude +of the probability (which is, or which ought to be in a reasonable +man’s mind). This branch of Math., which is generally thought to +favour gambling, dicing, and wagering, and therefore highly immoral, +is the only “Mathematics for Practical Men,” as we ought to be. +How, as human knowledge comes by the senses in such a way that the +existence of things external is only inferred from the harmonious (not +similar) testimony of the different senses. Understanding, acting by +the laws of right reason, will assign to different truths (or facts, +or testimonies, or what shall I call them) different degrees of +probability. How, as the senses give new testimonies continually, and +as no man ever detected in them any real<span class="pagenum" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</span> inconsistency, it follows +that the probability and credibility of their testimony is increasing +day by day, and the more a man uses them the more he believes them. +He believes them. What is believing? When the probability (there is +no better word found) in a man’s mind of a certain proposition being +true is greater than that of its being false, he believes it with +a proportion of faith corresponding to the probability, and this +probability may be increased or diminished by new facts. This is faith +in general. When a man thinks he has enough of evidence for some notion +of his he sometimes refuses to listen to any additional evidence pro +or con, saying, “It is a settled question, <i>probatis probata</i>; it +needs no evidence; it is certain.” This is knowledge as distinguished +from faith. He says, “I do not believe; I know.” “If any man thinketh +that he knoweth, he knoweth yet nothing as he ought to know.” This +knowledge is a shutting of one’s ears to all arguments, and is the +same as “Implicit faith” in one of its meanings. “Childlike faith,” +confounded with it, is not credulity, for children are not credulous, +but find out sooner than some think that many men are liars. I must +now to bed, so good night; only please to write when you get this, if +convenient, and state the probability of your coming here. We perhaps +will be in Edinburgh when the Wise men are there. How you are invited +in a corner of a letter by</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="allsmcap">James Clerk Maxwell.</span></p> + + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 16th September 1850.</i></p> + +<p>Professor W. Thomson has asked me<a id="FNanchor_135" href="#Footnote_135" class="fnanchor">[135]</a> to make him some +magne-crystallic preparations which I am now busy with. How, in some +of these bismuth is required, which is not to be found either in +Castle-Douglas or Dumfries. I have, therefore, thought fit to request +you, and do now request<span class="pagenum" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</span> you, during your transit through Edinburgh on +your way here, to go either to Mr. Kemp’s establishment in Infirmary +Street, beside the College, or to some other dealer in metals, and +there purchase and obtain two ounces of metallic bismuth (called +Regulus of Bismuth), either powder or lumpish—all one. Thus you may +perceive that the end of this letter is in two ounces of Regulus of +Bismuth, that is, the metal bismuth, which if you do bring it with you, +will please me well. Not that I am turned chemist. By no means; but +common cook. My fingers are abominable with glue and chalk, gum and +flour, wax and rosin, pitch and tallow, black oxide of iron, red ditto +and vinegar. By combining these ingredients, I strive to please Prof. +Thomson, who intends to submit them to Tyndall and Knoblauch, who, by +means of them, are to discover the secrets of nature, and the origin of +the magne-crystallic forces.</p> + +<p>Now, if by coming here you could turn me from a cook to a grammarian by +an irresistible influence you would do well; but if you remember the +way I used to translate at the Academy, distorting the Latin of Livy +to mean what I had preconceived, you will understand that at first I +had not only to find out what the author meant, but to become convinced +that it could not be what I thought it was.</p> + +<p>John Wilson’s lectures on Moral Philosophy do not improve +on reconsideration; they become indistinct and are resolved +into the excellence of happiness, the acquiredness of +conscience, and general good-humour, philanthropy and +\(\phi\iota\lambda\alpha\gamma\alpha\theta\iota\alpha\). Here is an +outline of Abstract Mor. Phil.:—</p> + +<p>1. The principles of the growth of the mind (that is, the acquisition +of opinions, propensities, and abilities).</p> + +<p>2. The principles of government (the governor suits his actions to the +laws of the thing governed).</p> + +<p>3. The principle of sympathy (sauce for goose is sauce for gander).</p> + +<p>Out of these heads may one make something?</p> + +<p>As it is bed-time, and I have to put the glue and oxide of iron into +shape to-night, I must stop here, and remain in hope of seeing you soon +(say when).</p> +</div> + + + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_109" href="#FNanchor_109" class="label">[109]</a> +This entirely disappeared afterwards, except when +ironically assumed. It was accompanied with a certain huskiness of +voice, which was observed also in later years.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_110" href="#FNanchor_110" class="label">[110]</a> +“Prop.” here and elsewhere is an abbreviation for +“mathematical proposition.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_111" href="#FNanchor_111" class="label">[111]</a> +Forbes’s certificate at the end of the second year goes +beyond the merely formal language of such documents:—“His proficiency +gave evidence of an original and penetrating mind.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_112" href="#FNanchor_112" class="label">[112]</a> +Allan Stewart, Esquire of Innerhadden, Perthshire, C.E. +<i>Æq.</i>. 9th Wrangler, 1853.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_113" href="#FNanchor_113" class="label">[113]</a> +A slight illustration of his devotion to Sir William’s +teaching, and also of his powers of endurance, is afforded by the +following incident:—One day he sprained his. ankle badly on the +College staircase; but, instead of going home, he attended Sir William +Hamilton’s class as usual, and sat through the hour as if nothing had +happened.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_114" href="#FNanchor_114" class="label">[114]</a> +John Lockhart had made a third as the comrade of both.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_115" href="#FNanchor_115" class="label">[115]</a> +Lucr. <i>de Rer Nat.</i>, <span class="allsmcap">I.</span> 329-345. The +following Hamiltonian notions will be found appearing from time to time +in Maxwell's correspondence and occasional writings:—</p> + +<p>1. Opposition of Natural Realism to “Cosmothetic Idealism”:—</p> + +<p>2. Unconscious Mental Modifications:—</p> + +<p>3. Distinction between Knowledge and Belief in relation to the doctrine +of Perception:—</p> + +<p>4. The Infinite or Unconditioned.</p> + +<p>The following passage is worth quoting here, although the experiment in +question was probably well known to Maxwell before he went to college:—</p> + +<p>“... The experiment which Sir W. Hamilton quotes from Mr. Mill, and +which had been noticed before either of them by Hartley.</p> + +<p>“It is known that the seven prismatic colours, combined in certain +proportions, produce the white light of the solar ray. Now, if the +seven colours are painted on spaces bearing the same proportion to one +another as in the solar spectrum, and the coloured surface so produced +is passed rapidly before the eyes, as by the turning of a wheel, the +whole is seen as white.”—Mill <i>On Hamilton</i> (1st edition, 1865), +p. 286.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_116" href="#FNanchor_116" class="label">[116]</a> +Mr. George Boole’s first logical treatise, “The +Mathematical Analysis of Logic, being an Essay towards a Calculus of +Deductive Reasoning,” was published in 1847 at Cambridge, by Macmillan, +Barclay, and Macmillan.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_117" href="#FNanchor_117" class="label">[117]</a> +Above, <a href="#Page_55">p. 55.</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_118" href="#FNanchor_118" class="label">[118]</a> +<i>i.e.</i> Jar.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_119" href="#FNanchor_119" class="label">[119]</a> +<i>i.e.</i> Work.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_120" href="#FNanchor_120" class="label">[120]</a> +In the “old house” (above, <a href="#Page_26">p. 26</a>, 1. 4); now fitted up +as a gun-room.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_121" href="#FNanchor_121" class="label">[121]</a> +<i>i.e.</i> Jar.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_122" href="#FNanchor_122" class="label">[122]</a> +This is still remembered by “Lizzy,” Mrs. MacGowan.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_123" href="#FNanchor_123" class="label">[123]</a> +See above, <a href="#Page_93">p. 93.</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_124" href="#FNanchor_124" class="label">[124]</a> +See above, <a href="#Page_28">p. 28</a>, 1. 6.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_125" href="#FNanchor_125" class="label">[125]</a> +See below, <a href="#Page_138">p. 138</a>, 1. 2. Forbes was extra-precise in +articulation. Hence the spelling.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_126" href="#FNanchor_126" class="label">[126]</a> +See above, <a href="#Page_82">p. 82.</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_127" href="#FNanchor_127" class="label">[127]</a> +At Oxford.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_128" href="#FNanchor_128" class="label">[128]</a> +Maxwell often insisted on this in conversation, +with especial reference to our command of the muscles depending on +experience of the muscular sense.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_129" href="#FNanchor_129" class="label">[129]</a> +On this subject the following entry from Mrs. +Morrieson’s Diary is of some interest:—“<i>5th Deer. 1846</i>.—L. and +R. dined with Miss Cay. James Maxwell has been under her care during +his father’s absence and has been suffering very much from toothache +and earache, in consequence of cutting his eye-teeth—an extraordinary +thing at 15.” To which may be added the following from his father’s +Diary:—“<i>1846, Sa., Dec. 12.</i>—Jas. still affected by the +tooth.... Took a short walk, and came back by Mr. Nasmith (dentist), +and went in, and on consultation, got the tooth drawn at once—it was +nicely and quickly done, and Jas. never winced.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_130" href="#FNanchor_130" class="label">[130]</a> +Amongst these may be specially mentioned Mr. Hugh +Blackburn and Dean Ramsay. Professor Forbes and Charles Mackenzie were +also interested in the question. Professor Blackburn, in particular, +insisted that the mathematical discipline of Cambridge would enable him +to exercise his genius more effectively.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_131" href="#FNanchor_131" class="label">[131]</a> +“From the University Library lists for this period +it appears that Maxwell perused at home Fourier’s <i>Theorie de +la Chaleur</i>, Monge’s <i>Géometrie Descriptive</i>, Newton’s +<i>Optics</i>, Willis’s <i>Principles of Mechanism</i>, Cauchy’s +<i>Calcul Differentiel</i>, Taylor’s <i>Scientific Memoirs</i>, and +many other works of a high order. Unfortunately no record is kept of +books consulted in the reading-room.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_132" href="#FNanchor_132" class="label">[132]</a> +On the other hand it should be mentioned (though the +statements are not contradictory) that Hopkins used to say he had never +known Maxwell “make a mistake,” <i>i.e.</i> he never misapprehended the +conditions of any problem. Of this fact, which was communicated to me +by my brother, I have since received the following confirmation from +Mr. W. N. Lawson, of the Equity Bar:—Mr. Lawson quotes from a diary +kept by himself at the time-“<i>July</i> 15, 1853.—He (Hopkins) was +talking to me this evening about Maxwell. He says he is unquestionably +the most extraordinary man he has met with in the whole range of +his experience; he says it appears impossible for Maxwell to think +incorrectly on physical subjects; that in his analysis, however, he +is far more deficient; he looks upon him as a great genius, with all +its eccentricities, and prophesies that one day he will shine as a +light in physical science, a prophecy in which all his fellow-students +strenuously unite.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_133" href="#FNanchor_133" class="label">[133]</a> +Festus, a poem by Philip James Bailey, 1849.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_134" href="#FNanchor_134" class="label">[134]</a> +<i>i. e.</i> Is Robert Campbell going to Peterhouse or +Caius?</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_135" href="#FNanchor_135" class="label">[135]</a> +This request had probably some connection with the +meeting of the “wise men” in Edinburgh. Maxwell had been present, and +had spoken in Section A. Professor Swan remembers the surprise felt by +all but Forbes at seeing the beardless stripling rise to dispute some +point in the colour theory with Sir David Brewster.</p> + +</div> +</div> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.<br> +<span class="allsmcap">UNDERGRADUATE LIFE AT CAMBRIDGE—OCTOBER 1850 TO JANUARY +1854—<i>Æt.</i> 19-22.</span></h2> +</div> + +<p class="nind"> +BEFORE placing his son at Cambridge Mr. Clerk Maxwell had, +as was usual with him, consulted various persons, including Professor +James Forbes and Professor Kelland of Edinburgh, Professors Thomson +and Blackburn of Glasgow, and Charles Mackenzie, afterwards Bishop +of Natal, then a Lecturer of Caius College, Cambridge.<a id="FNanchor_136" href="#Footnote_136" class="fnanchor">[136]</a> Forbes +strongly advised Trinity, and offered an introduction to Whewell; but +after various reasons urged for Trinity, Caius, and Peterhouse, the +decision was in favour of Peterhouse.</p> + +<p>Maxwell’s first impression of college life, like that of some other +clever freshmen, was not one of unalloyed satisfaction. He was +transplanted from the rural solitudes of Galloway into the midst of a +society which was of curious interest to him, but did not make him feel +immediately at home. He found himself amongst the freshmen spelling out +Euclid again, and again “monotonously parsing” a Greek play. He had +brought with him his scraps of gelatine, gutta-percha,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</span> and unannealed +glass, his bits of magnetised steel, and other objects, which were apt +to appear to the uninitiated as “matter in the wrong place.” And this +in the home of science! Nor were his experiments facilitated by the +casual “dropping-in” of the average undergraduate.</p> + +<p>His boyish spirits and his social temper, together with the novelty +of the scene, and a deep-rooted presentiment of the possibilities of +Cambridge, no doubt made even his first term a happy one. But there was +an undercurrent of restlessness and misgiving. And this made him lend +a readier ear to the advice which was pressed upon him from various +quarters, that he should migrate to Trinity.</p> + +<p>The ground of this advice was simply that from the large proportion of +high wranglers at Peterhouse, and the smallness of the foundation, the +chances of a fellowship there for a mathematical man were less than +at Trinity College. And this was the reason which, together with his +son’s evident wish, most weighed with Mr. Clerk Maxwell. He was also +struck with the fact that “Porter senior,” who about this time became +Maxwell’s private tutor, recommended the change, although he himself +belonged to Peterhouse. But the friend whose counsel in this whole +matter was most prized both by father and son was Charles Mackenzie, of +whom one who was his colleague at Caius has said that he was “the best +of all men whom he had known.”</p> + +<p>On Maxwell’s own mind, it need hardly be said, the prospect of a +fellowship had little or no influence,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</span> except in so far as lie desired +to please his father. His own prime motive was undoubtedly the hope, in +which he was not disappointed, that the larger College would afford him +ampler opportunities for self-improvement.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">To Lewis Campbell, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>St. Peter's College, 18th Oct. 1850.</i></p> + +<div class="sidenote"><i>Æt.</i> 19.</div> + +<p>You tell me to lay my account with being dull at first, and to condole +with Robert, whereas there is continual merriment (stop it!), and +Robert is not settled yet. As for secrets of nature, they are not for +Freshmen even to think of. Now for personal journal, with observations +on the manners and customs, etc....</p> +</div> + +<figure class="figleft width500" id="i_184" style="width: 100px;"> +<img src="images/i_184.jpg" width="100" height="134" alt="A simple +bold line drawing of a plain cross symbol, likely used as a decorative +marker or section divider.A simple bold line drawing of a plain cross +symbol, likely used as a decorative marker or section divider."> +</figure> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>We spent the night at Peterborough, and saw the Cathedral in the +morning. Very grand outside. West end a fine subject for calotype seen +right perpendicular, and the point P for a picture made by hand, fine +weeping willows, etc.</p> + +<p>Proceeded to Ely with some Gloucester people we met in the Cathedral, +and inspected Ely Cathedral like regular Archbishops. Went up the +steeple to see land like sea. Heard all the people talking of the +enclosure of the Wash to be called Victoria county, and to be worth +30s. per acre. Got to Cambridge, and called on Mr. Fuller,<a id="FNanchor_137" href="#Footnote_137" class="fnanchor">[137]</a> after +getting room for my father (as the Bull was full) in a lodgement, Got +rooms in College, sitting and bed, six paces from Chapel, and good +light. Had Tait to tea. Next day breakfast with Tait and Steele (of +Glasgow and Ireland, and a future wrangler), and so on in detail.</p> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>M'Kenzie came up to-day. He took us to most of the colleges. Saw Newton +and Bacon in Trin. Chapel. At Hall there was a proclamation to this +effect nearly:— Whereas (on the — day of —, 1850), application was +made to the Syndicate (or Senate or something), by William Cooke, for +leave to erect his equestrian establishment; and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</span> whereas, considering +the immoral nature of said establishment, it was unanimously resolved +to refuse leave. And whereas, notwithstanding said refusal, said W. +C. did publicly notify his intention of putting up said estab.: Be it +known, etc., that it is resolved and enacted, that if any undergraduate +or graduate in <i>statu pupillari</i>, or tutor, or fellow, or master, +etc., he caught at said establishment, he will be punished with +expulsion, rustication, Castigation, or such other punishment as the +case may require.<a id="FNanchor_138" href="#Footnote_138" class="fnanchor">[138]</a></p> + +<p>So there is to be a quarrel between the Town and University about this, +and also about whether they are to pay poor rate, as the University is +supposed to be extra-parochial.</p> + +<p>Prelim, exam, to-morrow at 9. Peter can’t afford to pluck at it. C. H. +Robertson has past his at Trin. He is in Ling’s lodgings. He wants to +keep quiet and to read by himself, and have only old acquaintances.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To a Friend suffering from Depression.</span></p> + +<p>Hope to write you more again; but to conclude and get to bed: You +are always talking of your withering up, awful change, etc. How I +have not a sermon on this subject by me, neither will I deliver an +<i>extempore</i> one; but though I do not pretend to have examined +you in all the branches, yet I would take the liberty to say that +with respect to intellect, as the Laird of Dumbiedykes said, “It’ll +be growing when ye’re sleeping,”—that is to say, what you take for +corruption and decay is only stratification.<a id="FNanchor_139" href="#Footnote_139" class="fnanchor">[139]</a></p> +</div> + +<p>The letters written to his father by Maxwell while an undergraduate at +Cambridge have unfortunately disappeared. But something of their tenor +may be<span class="pagenum" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</span> gathered from Mr. Maxwell's letters to his son. The following +extracts are related to his first term at college:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">From his Father.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 22d October 1850.</i></p> + +<p>Did Prof. Thomson catch you, and view your “dirt;”<a id="FNanchor_140" href="#Footnote_140" class="fnanchor">[140]</a> and if so, what +thought he thereof?</p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 30th October 1850.</i></p> + +<p>Who is the lecturer in the Greek play? Did I see him while at +Cambridge? I am sorry to hear the Greek class is a bad one, for you +would have got more good of it if [it] had required you to work to +maintain a good position in it; but you should study your part well, +for it is not comparative excellence, but absolute, that will be of use +in University competitions.</p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 8th Novr. 1850.</i></p> + +<p>You say your lecturer in Greek is good, so I hope you profit +accordingly, altho’ your classfellows are not great scholars....</p> + +<p>... It would be necessary to take care there are no mouse-holes. A very +hungry Chapel mouse might come through. There had been an entrance that +way to the Chapel. It would be to the organ loft.</p> + +<p>Have you called on Profs. Sedgwick at Trin., and Stokes at Pembroke? If +not, you should do both. Stokes will be most in your way if he takes +you in hand at all Sedgwick is also a great Don in his line, and if you +were entered in Geology would be a most valuable acquaintance; and, +besides, not going to him would be uncivil, both to him and to the +Alisons, after their having arranged the introduction. Provide yourself +with cards.</p> + +<p>It might be worth your while to stop at York to view it.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 13th Novr. 1850.</i></p> + +<p>I am glad you have communication with Stokes and Mackenzie.</p> + +<p>Is all Cambridge up in arms against the Pope and Cardinal Wiseman? I +cannot enter into all the fuss about it. If there is any law to hinder +people calling themselves Cardinals or Archbishops, let it be acted on; +but if there is no such law, let the assumption of empty titles ... be +laughed at.</p> +</div> + +<hr class="tb"> + +<p>Men of genius are often represented by themselves and others as owing +little or nothing to their education. This certainly was not true of +Maxwell, whose receptivity was only less than his originality. He laid +a strong retentive grasp on all that was given to him, and set his own +stamp on it in return. Both what was good and what was defective in +his early training had left a lasting impress on him, and it was by no +means an indifferent circumstance that, in the maturity of his powers, +he entered Trinity College, Cambridge, at an advanced period of the +long mastership of Whewell.</p> + +<p>I well remember my surprise, not unmixed with needless pangs of boyish +jealousy, on finding in the following summer that Maxwell had all at +once made a troop of friends. Their names were always on his lips, +and he loved by some vivid trait to indicate the character of each. +His acquaintance was multifarious, and he had many pithy anecdotes to +relate of other than his own particular associates.</p> + +<p>He was at first in lodgings in King's Parade, where he “chummed” with +an old Edinburgh schoolfellow,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</span> Charles Hope Robertson.<a id="FNanchor_141" href="#Footnote_141" class="fnanchor">[141]</a> It appears +that the college lectures in mathematics were still felt to be rather +elementary, but that he worked harder problems (some were of his own +invention) with Tait and with Porter of Peterhouse, who was still his +private tutor. A certain amount of classical reading was required +of freshmen, and he still took his classics seriously. There is an +allusion to the Ajax in one of his letters, and he makes critical +remarks upon Demosthenes. There was also a lecture on Tacitus by a +“deep, half-sentence lecturer.” Either now or in the following year—at +some time before the little-go examination of March 1852—he translated +the choral odes of the Ajax into rhymed English verse,<a id="FNanchor_142" href="#Footnote_142" class="fnanchor">[142]</a> and made a +rough caricature of Ajax slaughtering the oxen.</p> + +<p>His chief outdoor amusements were walking, bathing, and sculling. He +was upset in his “funny” in May 1851—a trifling accident to so expert +a swimmer. “But,” writes a contemporary Cantab, “he richly deserved +it. For he tried to take off his jersey after shipping’ his oars. The +oscillations of the funny became rapidly more extensive, in spite of +his violent efforts at equilibrium.” For winter recreation he ordered a +pair of basket-sticks to be made at home.</p> + +<p>He tried some odd experiments in the arrangement of his hours of work +and sleep. But his father disapproved of such vagaries, and they were +not continued long—although not entirely abandoned even when he had +rooms in college. The authority just quoted says,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</span> “From 2 to 2.30 +<span class="allsmcap">A.M.</span> he took exercise by running along the upper corridor, +<i>down</i> the stairs, along the lower corridor, then up the stairs, +and so on, until the inhabitants of the rooms along his track got up +and lay <i>perdus</i> behind their sporting-doors to have shots at him +with boots, hair-brushes, etc., as he passed.”</p> + +<p>Intellectual interests of all kinds surrounded him, and he soon began +to lend new life to all. There were also in the Cambridge of this +period religious influences of a remarkable kind. Apart from the +Simeonite tradition which still lingered, there was a class of younger +men, who, while faithful to a pious evangelical upbringing, had open +and inquiring minds. The names of Henry and Frank Mackenzie of Trinity, +the one senior to Maxwell, the other junior to him,<a id="FNanchor_143" href="#Footnote_143" class="fnanchor">[143]</a> may be +mentioned in particular. To such men, and to many others, the preaching +of Harvey Goodwin, now Bishop of Carlisle, but at that time chiefly +known as a mathematical authority, was full of interest.</p> + +<div class="sidenote2">1851.</div> + +<p>Two events of some importance to the scientific world were the +introduction of Foucault’s pendulum experiment for proving the rotation +of the earth, and the Great Exhibition of 1851.</p> + +<p>Maxwell saw the pendulum experiment in Mr. Thacker’s (the tutor’s) +rooms at Trinity in April or<span class="pagenum" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</span> May, and wrote an account of it to his +father, which has been lost.</p> + +<p>The “viewing” of the Crystal Palace, although a thing to be done, was +made less exciting than it would otherwise have been by the constant +habit of visiting all manufactures according to opportunity. Maxwell +disclaims all “fanaticism” on the subject, and his father writes that +while a fortnight would be required to see it properly, a great deal of +it must be already familiar to them both.</p> + +<div class="sidenote"><i>Æt.</i> 20.</div> + +<p>In the October term he joined the “team” of Hopkins, the great private +tutor, as a fifteenth pupil.</p> + +<p>He also became a regular attendant of Professor Stokes's lectures, +and commenced his lifelong friendship with one whose original +investigations were so closely akin to some of his own.</p> + +<p>Professor Stokes's kindness was greatly valued even in those old days, +and much more afterwards. The young man's happiness in all ways at +Trinity is manifested by the reappearance of the poetic vein, about the +time of the junior sophs' examination, in the <i>Lay of King Numa</i>, +dated 13th December 1851.</p> + + +<p class="space-above2"> +To this sketch of his first year at college there must be appended +one more reminiscence of Glenlair. We met there in the autumn of that +year, and I remember that either then or in the previous year, he put +into my hands Carlyle's translation of Goethe's <i>Wilhelm Meister</i>, +remarking that it was a book to be read with discretion.</p> + +<p>In the autumn of 1850 the neighbouring estate of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</span> Upper Corsock had +been let to a shooting-party,<a id="FNanchor_144" href="#Footnote_144" class="fnanchor">[144]</a> one of whom remarked to me what a +pity it was that young Mr. Clerk Maxwell was “so little suited for a +country life.” I clearly recollect his look of exulting mirth when this +was repeated to him. His disinclination to field sports was certainly +not due to any lack of activity, nor even to his shortsightedness, +which for other purposes was easily overcome, but simply to his love +for animals. The moral of Wordsworth's <i>Hart-Leap Well</i> was not +so much a principle as an instinct with him.<a id="FNanchor_145" href="#Footnote_145" class="fnanchor">[145]</a> I remember his once +speaking to me on the subject of vivisection. He did not condemn its +use, supposing the method could be shown to be fruitful, which at that +time he doubted, but—“Couldn't do it, you know,” he added, with a +sensitive wistful look not easy to forget. This is all I ever heard him +say on the subject.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">Letters, 1851.</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Lewis Campbell, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>11th March 1851.</i></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Lings, King’s Parade, Cambridge.</i></p> + +<div class="sidenote2">1851. +<i>Æt.</i> 19.</div> + +<p>... Have you read Soph. <i>Ajax</i>, or would you like to do it +then?<a id="FNanchor_146" href="#Footnote_146" class="fnanchor">[146]</a></p> + +<p>I have been trying an experiment of sleeping after hall. Last Friday I +went to bed from 5 to 9.30, and read very hard from 10 to 2, and slept +again from 2.30 to 7.</p> + +<p>I intend some time to try for a week together sleeping from 5 to 1, +and reading the rest of the morning. This is practical scepticism with +respect to early rising.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>An Oxford man is reported to have complained of the lateness of morning +chapel; he could not sit up for it. I will have the most of my reading +over by that time....</p> + +<p>Demosthenes goes on. I begin to see what may be written in prose, and +how ill it may be translated.</p> + +<p>It is a \(\gamma\rho\alpha\phi\eta\) +\(\pi\alpha\rho\alpha\nu\omicron\mu\omega\nu\), so there is less +declamation and more demonstration; but the arguments, small at first, +are added as they proceed, and never left behind, so by oft repetition +they seem stronger than they are.</p> + +<p>Last night I searched for difficult problems to puzzle Steele and +Porter junior with. Here are some much more mild, which we freshmen +get....</p> + +<p>It is twelve o’clock, and I have to do Demosthenes to-morrow before +breakfast. This implies Chapel, therefore bed, therefore I shut up.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">From his Father.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 6th March 1851.</i></p> + +<p>Simpson rages at present in the Electro-biology. Dr. Alison is very +wroth about it. He says he has known two cases of nervous people whose +minds were quite disordered by it. I hope it is not in fashion at +Cambridge, and at any rate that you do not meddle with it. If it does +anything, it is more likely to be harm than good; and if harm ensue, +the evil might be irreparable, so let me hear that you have dismissed +it; you have plenty better things in hand where you are.<a id="FNanchor_147" href="#Footnote_147" class="fnanchor">[147]</a></p> + + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 29th April 1851.</i></p> + +<p>Explain the pendulum experiment to me. You used often to speak of the +retardation of the Rotation of the Earth by the friction of the tides.</p> + +<p>What is the Phosphate of Lime theory of mental progress?</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 18th May 1851.</i></p> + +<p>Do you like the Trig, lectures A?<a id="FNanchor_148" href="#Footnote_148" class="fnanchor">[148]</a> Tacitus is not new to you. His +style must be congenial to a deep, half-sentence lecturer.</p> + +<p>Were you carrying your watch when you were upset in your funny? and if +so, how did it agree with the douking?<a id="FNanchor_149" href="#Footnote_149" class="fnanchor">[149]</a></p> + +<p>I shall be glad to hear about the Pendulum. Who is Thacker, who asked +you to his rooms to see it?</p> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Lewis Campbell, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Cambridge, 9th June 1851.</i></p> + +<p>I find I owe you one letter this term. I intended to write three days +ago, but I am now refreshed by classical papers, and disburdened of +half the subjects of examination.</p> + +<p>On Friday we had Euclid, on Saturday Greek,—cram on both subjects; +to-day Ajax and Tacitus translations. I did no composition, but did +various readings, strongly preferring certain of them for obvious +reasons.</p> + +<p>I find that 4 hours Euclid is worse than 2 3-hour papers of cram, +though I sent up much more cram than Euclid. This of itself shows that +disburdening cram is not like grinding out Mathematics. M—— in the +Plato cram, writing a comparison of Cynics and Platonists, said that +Platonism was a real live thing, but Cynicism was sleepy, and that +even in its greatest ornament, Diogenes, the view of the universe was +contracted to a front look-out from a wash-tub, and the <i>summum +honum</i> reduced to sunning one’s self with eyes shut and buttons +open. This was to let off his jaw on first setting down, but he let it +in among his papers, and could not get it out again.</p> + +<p>Excuse my square sentences. I have spent my curves on Tacitus, and I +must now proceed to Trig. Write.—Yrs.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Same.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>8 King’s Parade, 9th Nov. 1851.</i></p> + +<div class="sidenote2"><i>Æt.</i> 20.</div> + +<p>I began a letter last week, but stopped short for<span class="pagenum" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</span> want of matter. +I will not send you the abortion. Facts are very scarce here. There +are little stories of great men for minute philosophers. Sound +intelligence from Newmarket for those that put their trust in horses, +and Calendristic lore for the votaries of the Senate-house. Man +requires more. He finds \(x\) and \(y\) innutritious, Greek and Latin +indigestible, and undergrads, nauseous. He starves while being crammed. +He wants man's meat, not college pudding. Is truth nowhere but in +Mathematics? Is Beauty developed only in men’s elegant words, or Right +in Whewell's <i>Morality</i>? Must Nature as well as Revelation be +examined through canonical spectacles by the dark-lantern of Tradition, +and measured out by the learned to the unlearned, all second-hand. +I might go on thus. Now do not rashly say that I am disgusted with +Cambridge and meditating a retreat. On the contrary, I am so engrossed +with shoppy things that I have no time to write to you. I am also +persuaded that the study of \(x\) and \(y\) is to men an essential +preparation for the intelligent study of the material universe. +That the idea of Beauty is propagated by communication, and that in +order thereto human language must be studied, and that Whewell’s +<i>Morality</i> is worth reading, if only to see that there <i>may +be</i> such a thing as a system of Ethics.</p> + +<p>That few will grind up these subjects without the help of rules, the +awe of authority, and a continued abstinence from unripe realities, etc.</p> + +<p>I believe, with the Westminster Divines and their predecessors <i>ad +Infinitum that</i> “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him +for ever.”</p> + +<p>That for this end to every man has been given a progressively +increasing power of communication with other creatures. That with his +powers his susceptibilities increase.</p> + +<p>That happiness is indissolubly connected with the full exercise of +these powers in their intended direction. That Happiness and Misery +must inevitably increase with increasing Power and Knowledge. That +the translation from the one course to the other is essentially +<i>miraculous</i>, while<span class="pagenum" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</span> the progress is natural. But the subject is +too high. I will not, however, stop short, but proceed to Intellectual +Pursuits.</p> + +<p>It is natural to suppose that the soul, if not clothed with a body, and +so put in relation with the creatures, would run on in an unprogressive +circle of barren meditation. In order to advance, the soul must +converse with things external to itself.</p> + +<p>In every branch of knowledge the progress is proportional to the amount +of facts on which to build, and therefore to the facility of obtaining +data. In the Mathematics this is easy. Do you want a quantity? Take +\(x\); there it is!—got without trouble, and as good a quantity as one +would wish to have. And so in other sciences,—the more abstract the +subject, the better it is known. Space, time, and force come first in +certainty. These are the subjects in Mechanics.</p> + +<p>Then the active powers, Light, Heat, Electricity, etc. = Physics.</p> + +<p>Then the differences and relations of Matter = Chemistry, and so on.</p> + +<p>Here the order of advancement is just that of abstractedness and +inapplicability to the actual. What poor blind things we Maths, +think ourselves! But see the Chemists! Chemistry is a pack of cards, +which the labour of hundreds is slowly arranging; and one or two +tricks,—faint imitations of Nature,—have been played. Yet Chemistry +is far before all the Natural History sciences; all these before +Medicine; Medicine before Metaphysics, Law, and Ethics; and these I +think before Pneumatology and Theology.</p> + +<p>Now each of these makes up in interest what it wants in advancement.</p> + +<p>There is no doubt that of all earthly creatures Man is the most +important to us, yet we know less of him than any other. His history +is more interesting than natural history; but nat. history, though +obscure, is much more intelligible than man’s history, which is a tale +half told, and which, even when this world’s course is run, and when, +as some think, man may compare notes with other rational<span class="pagenum" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</span> beings, will +still be a great mystery, of which the beginning and the end are all +that can be known to us while the intermediate parts are perpetually +filled up.</p> + +<p>So now pray excuse me if I think that the more grovelling and +materialistic sciences of matter are not to be despised in comparison +with the lofty studies of Minds and Spirits. Our own and our +neighbours’ minds are known but very imperfectly, and no new facts will +be found till we come in contact with some minds other than human to +elicit them by counterposition. But of this more anon.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">From his Father.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 3d Novr. 1851.</i></p> + +<p>How do you like and how do you profit by Hopkins’ mode of driving? He +should get one more pupil, and drive 16 in hand like Batty or Cook.</p> + + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 18th Novr. 1851.</i></p> + +<p>You seem to have great gaieties with College Parties with Scientific +Dons. Do you take notes of Stokes’ experiments on the bands of the +Spectrum? Will they be suitable for repetition in the garret of the old +House?<a id="FNanchor_150" href="#Footnote_150" class="fnanchor">[150]</a></p> + +<p>The clearing away a bank of weeds was a sly trick of the Trinity 4-oar, +and I think Peterhouse and Sidney justified in protesting.<a id="FNanchor_151" href="#Footnote_151" class="fnanchor">[151]</a> What +tribunal is there to settle such matters?</p> + +<p>I copied from your letters plan and section and elevation of the +Baskets for single stick, and committed the same to the Davie.<a id="FNanchor_152" href="#Footnote_152" class="fnanchor">[152]</a></p> +</div> + +<hr class="tb"> + +<p>In the spring of 1852 he got rooms in college<span class="pagenum" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</span> (Letter G, Old Court, +south Attics), succeeding to his friend Blakiston, and passed his +Little-go. In April of the same year he gained his scholarship, and +was now launched without further necessary distraction on the long +pull of preparation for the Tripos under Hopkins. But his energies +were by no means absorbed in this continuous “grind.” He contributed +various papers to the <i>Cambridge and Dublin Mathematical Journal</i>, +did not confine himself to mathematics in the May examination, and +in November, besides writing the comic <i>Vision of a University, +of Pedantry, and of Philosophy</i>, made elaborate preparation for +a College declamation, “the Scottish Covenanters” being the subject +characteristically chosen by him.</p> + +<p>In June he had paid a short visit to Oxford, and made a trip to +Lowestoft with P. G. Tait, before settling at Cambridge (to read and +bathe) for the vacation term.</p> + +<div class="sidenote2"><i>Æt.</i> 21.</div> + +<p>Living in college and dining at the scholars' table, he naturally +became more intimate with the other scholars, and he appears especially +to have sought contact with classical men. To the names of Cracroft, +Whitt, and Blakiston, amongst his newer friends are now added in +his correspondence those of “Droop the ingenuous,” Gedge, Howard +Elphinstone, Isaac Taylor, Maclennan,<a id="FNanchor_153" href="#Footnote_153" class="fnanchor">[153]</a> and Vaughan Hawkins.</p> + +<p>The idea of self-improvement in society had taken a firm hold of him, +and he was conscious of the difficulty of guiding himself amongst so +many cross<span class="pagenum" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</span> influences. He knew that he was involuntarily different +with different men, and there are curious traces in his correspondence +of the struggle to make the highest use of social circumstances. Those +who saw him about this time after an interval were struck by a marked +change in his countenance, which, as compared with the Edinburgh days, +had very distinctly gained in manliness and gravity, and showed a +certain massiveness in its proportions which they had not previously +noticed. His dark brown eye seemed to have deepened, some parts of +the iris being almost black. A slight contraction of the chest, and +a stature which, although above the average, was not tall enough to +carry off the weight of his brow, made him less handsome standing +than sitting. But his presence had by this time fully acquired the +unspeakable charm for all who knew him, which made him insensibly +become the centre of any circle, whether large or small, consisting +of his friends or kindred. His hair and incipient beard were raven +black, with a crisp strength in each particular hair, that gave him +more the look of a Nazarite than of a nineteenth century youth. His +dress was plain and neat, only remarkable for the absence of everything +adventitious (starch, loose collars, studs, etc.), and an “æsthetic” +taste might have perceived in its sober hues the effect of his +marvellous eye for harmony of colour.<a id="FNanchor_154" href="#Footnote_154" class="fnanchor">[154]</a></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</span></p> + +<p>The impression he made on older persons with whom he was less intimate +may be gathered from the remarks of Dean Ramsay in a note to Miss Cay:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>I had great pleasure in seeing your nephew, young Clerk Maxwell. He is +shrewd and cautious. He seems to like Cambridge, and I doubt not will +distinguish himself. He is sparing in his words, but what he says is to +the point.</p> +</div> + +<p>The following contribution from the Rev. Charles Hope Robertson, the +Rector of Smeeth (above, p. 152), throws light on more than one aspect +of his life at this period:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>I was at Trinity College, Cambridge, in the same years as Clerk +Maxwell, and for some time had lodgings in the same house. This, as +well as knowing him before in Edinburgh, led to our frequently meeting.</p> + +<p>He was of a very kindly disposition (under a blunt exterior), of which +I can give an example. I had hurt my eyes a good deal with experiments +on light, while working up for a course of Professor Forbes’s lectures +at Edinburgh College, and for a good part of my undergraduate course +was able to use them very little. He used to find me sitting in my +rooms with closed eyes, unable to prepare for next day’s lectures, and +often gave up an hour of his recreation time, to read out to me some of +the book-work I wanted to get over. This infirmity prevented my reading +for more than a moderate degree in mathematical honours; but I should +have been still worse off if he had not thus been “eyes to the blind” +for me.</p> + +<p>He had an innate reverence for sacred things, which I do not think was +ever much disturbed by the scepticism</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>fashionable among shallow scientific men. As my main object in coming +to Cambridge was to prepare for holy orders, I had more interest in +theological subjects than any others. He knew this, and would refer +to me points of difficulty for our mutual consideration till we next +met. The result was useful to us both. On one occasion an attack on +the Mosaic history having perplexed him, he was glad of an idea that +occurred to me, that the account of God’s driving out the heathen by +“sending the hornet” before the Israelites, was not an idea likely to +occur in a book of human origin, where a leader would rather be apt to +magnify than to diminish his own and his people’s prowess. This exactly +suited the sceptical state of some friend he had been conversing +with. On another occasion he hit on a very beautiful mathematical +illustration of St. Paul’s closing view of his career, in 2 Tim. iv. +6-8; “St. Paul was looking backward, forward, and downwards—so the +<i>resultant was upwards</i>.”</p> + +<p>As an original experimenter he was most ingenious in contriving out of +simple means apparatus for delicate experiments. I have to this day +some crystals for showing polarised light, which he gave me, cut and +polished by most simple rubbing, mounted with cardboard and sealing-wax.</p> + +<p>His <i>Essay on the Rings of Saturn</i>,—showing how mechanical +principles required that these bodies were not solid, but formed +by multitudes of small bodies revolving round Saturn, in bands of +orbits,—has received abundant confirmation from recent observation +with large telescopes. His own simple experiments with corks and rings +suggested the idea.</p> + +<p>But while so ingenious himself, he had great difficulty in imparting +his ideas to others; consequently was not so clear a lecturer or writer +as might have been expected. It was probably this that prevented his +being senior wrangler of his year.</p> + +<p>I may mention that though not joining in the ordinary games of young +fellows, such as cricket and rowing, he was very active; and I have +seen him in bathing take a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</span> running header from the bank, turning a +complete somersault before touching the water.<a id="FNanchor_155" href="#Footnote_155" class="fnanchor">[155]</a></p> + +<p>If shortly described, he might be said to combine a grand intellect +with childlike simplicity of trust. He was too deep a thinker to be +sceptical, but too well read not to feel for others’ difficulties. All +his experiments led him to greater reverence for the Great First Cause, +heartily agreeing with Young’s <i>Night Thoughts</i>, “An undevout +astronomer is mad.”</p> +</div> + +<p>In the course of the winter he was elected a member of the Select Essay +Club, the <i>crême de la crême</i> of Cambridge intellects, familiarly +known (because limited to the number twelve) as “the Apostles.” His +contributions to this famous association still remain,<a id="FNanchor_156" href="#Footnote_156" class="fnanchor">[156]</a> and present +a curious reflection of the contemplative activities of his mind, +which is far indeed from being engrossed with mere mathematics, but +is rather, in the language of Plato, “taking a survey of the universe +of things,” παλσαν πάντων φύσιν έρευνωμένη τών όντων έκάστου όλου. +Yet amidst this speculative ardour, and even wildness, we trace the +persistence of certain root-ideas, and are often reminded of his +intention (expressed with curious self-directed irony in 1850), “to +read Kant’s <i>Kritik</i> with a determination to make it agree with +Sir William Hamilton.”<a id="FNanchor_157" href="#Footnote_157" class="fnanchor">[157]</a></p> + +<p>His coming of age, June 13, 1852, had been celebrated with a few quiet +words in his father’s<span class="pagenum" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</span> letter of June 12, graced with the unusual +addition of a Scripture text—“I trust you will be as discreet when +Major as you have been while Minor (Prov. <span class="allsmcap">X</span>. <a id="FNanchor_158" href="#Footnote_158" class="fnanchor">[158]</a>).”</p> + +<div class="sidenote">1853.</div> + +<p>The six months from December 1852 to June 1853 were a time of great +and varied mental activity. When the Tripos work became most exacting, +he seemed to have the most spare energy. No part of the rich mental +life of Trinity failed to touch and stimulate him—from the Moral +Philosophy of the Master, to undergraduate discourses upon whist and +chess. When most burdened with analytical book-work, he yearned the +more deeply after comprehensive views of Nature and Life, and found +refreshment in metaphysical discussion, and occasionally in theological +controversy. Even the “occult” sciences, in the contemporary shapes +of electro-biology and table-turning, had their share of ironical +attention.</p> + +<p>His relations with the dons, “scientific” and otherwise, whatever may +have been their first impression of him,<a id="FNanchor_159" href="#Footnote_159" class="fnanchor">[159]</a> were, for the most part, +smooth, but a humorous passage of arms between him and the Senior Dean +was long remembered in Trinity. The lines to J. A. Frere, although +somewhat personal, are too well known to be omitted from his collected +poems, and anything in them which might give offence at the time is +more than redeemed by the large humanity of the concluding stanza.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</span> +The following letter, addressed (but perhaps not sent) to the same +personage, throws an amusing light on the circumstances under which the +parody of “John Anderson” was written:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Rev. John Alexander Frere.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Trin. Coll., 26th Feb. 1853.</i></p> + +<p><span class="allsmcap">Dear Sir</span>—Looking back on the past week I find I have kept +only seven chapels. I have no excuse to offer. The reason, however, +of the deficiency is this. Unaware that a Saint’s Day would occur in +the course of the week I parted with my surplice on Monday in order to +have it washed. I was thus prevented from appearing in chapel on the +evenings of Wednesday and Thursday, as otherwise I would have done. +I might even after this have completed the requisite number; but, +unfortunately, reading till a late hour on Friday night I found myself +unable to attend chapel on Saturday morning.</p> + +<p>I can but hope that more forethought on my part may prevent the +recurrence of such accidents.</p> + +<p>I have also to acknowledge the receipt of a small paper from you +relative to the observance of Sunday. I have read it, and will keep it +in mind.</p> + +<p>Trusting that my past and future regularity may atone for my present +negligence, I remain, yours sincerely,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="allsmcap">J. C. Maxwell.</span></p> + +<p><span class="allsmcap">Rev. J. A. Frere.</span></p> +</div> + + +<div class="sidenote2"><i>Æt.</i> 21.</div> + +<p>It was while staying up at Easter in the spring of 1853, and working +“at high pressure,” that his longing for the untrammelled and reverent +investigation of Nature’s secrets found rhythmical expression in the +most serious of his poems, the “Student’s Evening Hymn,” in which +religious and philosophical aspirations are combined. Thus it was +always with him; when most plunged in the minute investigation either<span class="pagenum" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</span> +of phenomena or of abstract ideas, he was most eager to rebound towards +the contemplation of the whole of things, and that which gives unity to +the whole. Yet no mind could be more averse from “viewiness,” or more +determined to bring every statement to the test of fact.</p> + +<p>The brief remainder of that Easter vacation was spent at Birmingham +with his friend Johnson Gedge, a scholar of Trinity, whose father was +the headmaster of King Edward's School. The exactions of Trinity and +Hopkins had only left him a few days of holiday, and these were passed +in the manner already mentioned,<a id="FNanchor_160" href="#Footnote_160" class="fnanchor">[160]</a> in viewing the manufactures of +Birmingham. Mr. Clerk Maxwell's own delight in such things prevented +him from realising how laborious a programme he had suggested for the +interval between two long spells of severe head-work. Yet in the midst +of it Maxwell seems to have found time to contribute an elaborate piece +of humorous correspondence to the <i>King Edward's School Chronicle</i>.</p> + +<p>When working hardest he was never a recluse, nor was he ever more +sociable than in his third year at college. He seems to have had +some difficulty even in avoiding supper parties, and one of his most +brilliant metaphysical <i>jeux d' esprit</i> purports to be a mode +of escaping from them. To the names already mentioned as amongst his +intimate friends, those of Farrar<a id="FNanchor_161" href="#Footnote_161" class="fnanchor">[161]</a> and Butler<a id="FNanchor_162" href="#Footnote_162" class="fnanchor">[162]</a> are now added. +Besides the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</span> metaphysical discussions, there were Shakespeare readings, +of which he was an auditor sometimes, if not an actor in them.</p> + +<p>Whilst speaking of these side-sparks from his anvil, it is right +to keep in view the loyal and trustful spirit in which he did his +regularly-appointed work. His words on this subject in one of the +letters to Miss Cay, which will be given presently, are well worthy of +separate quotation here:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="right">“<i>Trin. Coll., 7th June 1853.</i></p> + +<p>“If any one asks how I am getting on in Mathematics, say that I am busy +arranging everything, so as to be able to express all distinctly, so +that examiners may be satisfied now, and pupils edified hereafter. It +is pleasant work, and very strengthening, but not nearly finished.”</p> +</div> + +<p>As became his kindliness, he was still mindful of the freshmen. +Amongst these, Alexander Robertson, now Sheriff of Forfarshire, +the brother of Charles, and Frank Mackenzie, were Scotsmen and +compatriots. Another junior with whom he became still more intimate +was “Freshman Tayler,”<a id="FNanchor_163" href="#Footnote_163" class="fnanchor">[163]</a> so called, though now a junior Soph., in +contradistinction to Isaac Taylor. Like Frank Mackenzie and others +who have been mentioned, Freshman Tayler was of pious evangelical +antecedents. Maxwell's own thoughts at this time, as has been seen, +were taking a more decidedly religious colour, and this side also of +his rich and deep nature received a fresh impulse in this critical year.</p> + + +<div class="sidenote">1853. +<i>Æt.</i> 22.</div> + +<p>He had been persuaded to spend the short interval between the summer +and vacation terms with the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</span> Rev. C. B. Tayler, rector of Otley, in +Suffolk, who had been touched with Maxwell’s kindness to his nephew. +Here he found himself for the first time in the midst of a large and +united English family, and in his half-speculative, half-emotional way, +was contrasting what he saw with the experience of an only son, when he +was suddenly taken ill. The long continuous strain of the past months +had been too much for him, and indeed it appears that even in the early +spring he had been physically below par.<a id="FNanchor_164" href="#Footnote_164" class="fnanchor">[164]</a> The illness is described +by Mr. Tayler as a sort of brain fever, and he was disabled by it for +more than a month. The Taylers nursed him as they would have nursed a +son of their own, and Maxwell, in whom the smallest kindnesses awakened +lasting gratitude, was profoundly moved by this. He referred to it long +afterwards as having given him a new perception of the Love of God. +One of his strongest convictions thenceforward was that “Love abideth, +though Knowledge vanish away.” And this came to him at the very height +of the intellectual struggle.<a id="FNanchor_165" href="#Footnote_165" class="fnanchor">[165]</a></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</span></p> + +<p>The father was also much affected by this kindness shown to his son. +Mr. Tayler had said nothing to make him anxious until the crisis of the +illness was past. But when he knows all, there is something more than +eloquence in his brief, inarticulate phrases of recognition:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>“With yours I have Mr. Tayler’s letter. I do not write to him to-day. +My only subject is thanks, and these are not to be measured in +words—the strongest I can use; so at present give my respects and +highest regards.”</p> +</div> + +<p>Though weakened by his illness, Maxwell was able to keep the vacation +term, and profit by Hopkins’ continued training, before going home for +a few weeks of thorough refreshment. In the following term, with the +Senate-House examination in immediate prospect, he was careful not to +read inordinately hard.</p> + +<p>In the autumn of this year the controversy which had been called forth +by Professor Maurice’s Theological<span class="pagenum" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</span> Essays was brought to a crisis +through his deprivation of his office by Principal Jelf. Disputation on +this theme was nowhere more rife than amongst the scholars of Trinity, +and Maxwell’s remarks upon it will be read with interest even now. +He was from the first strongly attracted by Maurice’s combination of +intense Christian earnestness with universal sympathy, and although he +sometimes felt that the new teacher was apt to travesty the Popular +Theology in trying to delineate it, he had a deep respect for what +was positive in his doctrine. He was still more drawn to him when he +came to know him personally,—no longer as a writer, but as a friend. +A mention of Thomas Erskine of Linlathen in Mr. Maxwell’s letter of +16th December 1853, was probably occasioned by some question raised in +connection with Mr. Maurice.</p> + +<p>The following letter, addressed to me by the Rev. G. W. H. Tayler, will +be read with interest in the light of the preceding narrative:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="right"><i>Holy Trinity Vicarage,</i></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Carlisle, 4th March 1882.</i></p> + +<p><span class="allsmcap">My dear Sir</span>—You have asked me to send you some account of +James Maxwell, as I remember him during the space of three years, 1852, +1853, and 1854. My first acquaintance with him was about February 1852. +I was soon attracted by the frankness of his manner and the singular +charm of his quaint and original remarks in conversation.</p> + +<p>We undergraduates felt we had a very uncommon personage amongst us; but +we did not then appreciate his rare powers. We had of course heard of +the reputation which he had at Edinburgh.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>But this acute mathematician, so addicted even then to <i>original</i> +research, was among his friends simply the most genial and amusing of +companions, the propounder of many a strange theory, the composer of +not a few poetic <i>jeux d’esprits</i>.</p> + +<p>Grave and hard-reading students shook their heads at his discursive +talk and reading, and hinted that this kind of pursuits would never +<i>pay</i> in the long run in the Mathematical Tripos.</p> + +<p>I have sometimes watched his countenance in the lecture-room. It was +quite a study—there was the look of a bright intellect, an entire +concentration on the subject, and sometimes a slight smile on the fine +expressive mouth, as some point came out clearly before him, or some +amusing fancy flitted across his imagination. He used to profess a +dislike to reproducing speculations from books, or hearing opinions +quoted taken bodily from books.</p> + +<p>Yet he read a good deal in other lines of study than natural +philosophy. Sir Thomas Brown’s <i>Religio Medici</i> was one of his +favourite books. Any such author, who propounded his speculations in a +quaint, original manner was sure to be a favourite with him.</p> + +<p>But I particularly remember his attraction to Sir Thomas Brown during +the long vacation, when he was laid up with severe illness (a brain +fever) in my dear uncle’s house in June 1853. He came to stay at Otley, +near Ipswich, of which my uncle was the rector. For a few days he was +tolerably well, then suddenly fell ill, probably through overwork for +his third year college examination. It was on his recovery from that +illness that I seemed to know him better than ever. It was then that my +uncle’s conversation seemed to make such a deep impression on his mind. +He had always been a regular attendant at the services of God’s house, +and a regular communicant in our College Chapel. Also he had thought +and read much on religious subjects. But at this time (as it appears +from his own account of the matter) his religious views were greatly +deepened and strengthened.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>I must add that I spent some little time in the long vacation of +1854 with Maxwell at Glenlair. His father was then living, and it +was touching to witness the perfect affection and confidence which +subsisted between father and son: the joy and satisfaction and exulting +pride which the father evidently felt in his son’s success and +well-earned fame; and, on the other hand, the tender, thoughtful care +and watchfulness which James Maxwell manifested towards his father.</p> + +<p>Maxwell has indeed left a very bright memory and example. “We, his +contemporaries at college, have seen in him high powers of mind and +great capacity and original views, conjoined with deep humility before +his God, reverent submission to His will, and hearty belief in the +love and the atonement of that Divine Saviour who was his Portion and +Comforter in trouble and sickness, and his exceeding great reward.—I +remain, my dear sir, yours very truly,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="allsmcap">G. W. H. Tayler,</span><br> +<i>Vicar of Trinity Church, Carlisle.</i></p> +</div> + +<p>Mr. Lawson of the Equity Bar, whose diary has preserved the remark +quoted on p. 133, has also furnished me with the following vivid +account of his impressions of Maxwell as an undergraduate:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="right"><i>22 Old Square, Lincoln's Inn</i>,<br> +<i>London, W.C., 6th January 1882.</i></p> + +<p>I was in his year at Trinity, and knew him intimately, though our ways +separated after I left Cambridge, and I scarcely ever saw him, except +once or twice when he was Professor at King’s College, and later on +only at very long intervals, on an occasional visit to the University.</p> + +<p>There must be many of his quaint verses about, if one could lay hands +on them, for Maxwell was constantly producing something of the sort, +and bringing it round to his friends, with a sly chuckle at the humour, +which, though his own, no one enjoyed more than himself.</p> + +<p>I remember Maxwell coming to me one morning with a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</span> copy of verses +beginning—“Gin a body meet a body Going through the air,” in which +he had twisted the well-known song into a description of the laws of +impact of solid bodies.</p> + +<p>There was also a description which Maxwell wrote of some University +ceremony, I forget what, in which somebody “went before,” and somebody +“followed after,” and “in the midst were the wranglers playing with the +symbols.”</p> + +<p>These last words, however meant, were in fact a description of his +own wonderful power. I remember one day in lecture, our lecturer had +filled the black board three times with the investigation of some hard +problem in Geometry of Three Dimensions, and was not at the end of it, +when Maxwell came up with a question whether it would not come out +geometrically, and showed how with a figure, and in a few lines, there +was the solution at once.<a id="FNanchor_166" href="#Footnote_166" class="fnanchor">[166]</a></p> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Maxwell was, I daresay you remember, very fond of a talk upon almost +anything. He and I were pupils (at an enormous distance apart) of +Hopkins, and I well recollect how, when I had been working the night +before and all the morning at Hopkins's problems with little or no +result, Maxwell would come in for a gossip, and talk on while I was +wishing him far away, till at last, about half an hour or so before +our meeting at Hopkins’s, he would say—“Well, I must go to old Hop’s +problems;” and by the time we met there they were all done.</p> + +<p>I remember Hopkins telling me, when speaking of Maxwell, either just +before or just after his degree, “It is not possible for that man to +think incorrectly on physical subjects;” and Hopkins, as you know, had +had perhaps more experience of mathematical minds than any man of his +time.</p> + +<p>Of Maxwell’s geniality and kindness of heart you will have had many +instances. Every one who knew him<span class="pagenum" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</span> at Trinity can recall some kindness +or some act of his which has left an ineffaceable impression of his +goodness on the memory—for “good ” Maxwell was, in the best sense of +the word.</p> +</div> + +<p>Mr. Lawson adds the following extract from his diary:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Under date January 1. 1854 (Sunday evening), after saying I had been +at tea at a friend’s rooms, and naming the men who were there, of whom +Maxwell was one, there is this note:—</p> + +<p>“Maxwell, as usual, showing himself acquainted with every subject upon +which the conversation turned. I never met a man like him. I do believe +there is not a single subject on which he cannot talk, and talk well +too, displaying always the most curious and out-of-the-way information.”</p> +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">1854. +<i>Æt.</i> 22.</div> + +<p>The great contests of January came at last, with the result that +Maxwell was Second Wrangler, Routh of Peterhouse being the Senior, and +that Routh and Maxwell were declared equal as Smith’s Prizemen.</p> + +<p>A reminiscence of Professor T. S. Baynes which has reference to this +time is interesting in connection with other signs of something +exceptional in Maxwell’s physical state during the previous year:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>He said that on entering the Senate-house for the first paper he +felt his mind almost blank; but by and by his mental vision became +preternaturally clear. And, on going out again, he was dizzy and +staggering, and was some time in coming to himself.</p> +</div> + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">Letters, 1852-53.</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Lewis Campbell, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>8 King’s Parade, 10th Feb. 1852.</i></p> + +<div class="sidenote"><i>Æt.</i> 20.</div> + +<p>I was at Isaac Taylor’s to-night. His father has come to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</span> see him, a +little, cold man, with a tremulous voice, who talks about the weather +as if he were upon oath, but who can lift up his testimony against any +unwarrantable statement. Taylor junr. and Maclennan were talking about +associations of workmen, Christian socialism, and so forth. T. junr. +approved of the system where each workman has a share in the firm. M. +liked one master better than many.</p> + +<p>T. senr. described the inducement to hard work among engineers at +Manchester; the reward is not profit, but situation.</p> + +<p>There are advantages in subordination, besides good direction, for +it supplies an <i>end</i> to each man, external to himself. Activity +requires Objectivity.—Do you ever read books written by women about +women? I mean fictitious tales, illustrating Moral Anatomy, by +disclosing all thoughts, motives, and secret sins, as if the authoress +were a perjured confessor. There you find all the good thinking about +themselves, and plotting self-improvement from a sincere regard to +their own interest, while the bad are most disinterestedly plotting +against or for others, as the case may be; but all are caged in and +compelled to criticise one another till nothing is left, and you +exclaim:—</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Madam! if I know your sex,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By the fashion of your bones.”</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="nind"> +No wonder people get hypochondriac if their souls are made to go +through manœuvres before a mirror. Objectivity alone is favourable to +the free circulation of the soul. But let the Object be real and not +an Image of the mind’s own creating, for Idolatry is Subjectivity with +respect to gods. Let a man feel that he is wide awake,—that he has +something to do, which he has authority, power, and will to do, and is +doing; but let him not cherish a consciousness of these things as if +he had them at his command, but receive them thankfully and use them +strenuously, and exchange them freely for other objects. He has then a +happiness which may be increased in degree, but cannot be altered in +kind.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Same.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>8 King's Parade, 7th March 1852.</i></p> + +<p>I have now nobody that I see too much of, though I have got several +new acquaintances, and improved several old ones. I find nothing gives +one greater <i>inertia</i> than knowing a good many men at a time, +who do not know each other intimately. <i>N.B.</i>—<i>Inertia</i>, +not = <i>laziness</i>, but <i>mass</i>; <i>i.e.</i> if one knows a +man, he forms an idea of your character, and treats you accordingly. +If one knows a company of men, they are strong in union, and overawe +the individual. If one man only, we become mutual tyrants. If several +independently, every one plays the part of Dr. Watt’s celebrated “Busy. +Bee,” and by mixing according to every possible combination hit out the +best results. Now you see I am theorising again and preaching as of +old; but the fact is, I am always laying plans and preaching to myself +till I seek for some one to whom I may disgorge without fear of an +immediate reply. Now, my great plan, which was conceived of old, and +quickens and kicks periodically, and is continually making itself more +obtrusive, is a plan of <i>Search</i> and <i>Recovery</i>, or Revision +and Correction, or Inquisition and Execution, etc. The Rule of the +Plan is to let nothing be wilfully left unexamined. Nothing is to be +<i>holy ground</i> consecrated to Stationary Faith, whether positive or +negative. All fallow land is to be ploughed up, and a regular system +of rotation followed. All creatures as agents or as patients are to +be pressed into the service, which is never to be willingly suspended +till nothing more remains to be done; <i>i.e.</i> till <span class="allsmcap">A.D.</span> ++\(\propto\). The part of the rule which respects self-improvement by +means of others is:—Never hide anything, be it weed or no, nor seem +to wish it hidden. So shall all men passing by pluck up the weeds +and brandish them in your face, or at least display them for your +inspection (especially if you make no secret of your intention to do +likewise). (I speak not here literally of the case of those who revise +each other’s faults every night, and quarrel before the month is out, +but you did not so misunderstand me.) Again I assert the Right of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</span> +Trespass on any plot of Holy Ground which any man has set apart (as the +rustics did their Gude-man’s Rig) to the power of Darkness. Such places +must be exorcised and desecrated till they become fruitful fields. +Again, if the holder of such property refuse admission to the exorcist, +he <i>ipso facto</i> admits that it is consecrated, and that he fears +the power of Darkness. It may be that no such darkness really broods +over the place, and that the man has got a habit of shutting his eyes +in that field, which makes him think so.</p> + +<p>How I am convinced that no one but a Christian can actually purge his +land of these holy spots. Any one may profess that he has none, but +something will sooner or later occur to every one to show him that +part of his ground is not open to the public. Intrusions on this are +resented, and so its existence is demonstrated. How, I do not say that +no Christians have enclosed places of this sort. Many have a great +deal, and every one has some. No one can be sure of all being open +till all has been examined by competent persons, which is the work, +as I said before, of eternity. But there are extensive and important +tracts in the territory of the Scoffer, the Pantheist, the Quietist, +Formalist, Dogmatist, Sensualist, and the rest, which are openly and +solemnly <i>Tabooed</i>, as the Polynesians say, and are not to be +spoken of without sacrilege.</p> + +<p>Christianity—that is, the religion of the Bible—is the only scheme or +form of belief which disavows any possessions on such a tenure. Here +alone all is free. You may fly to the ends of the world and find no God +but the Author of Salvation. You may search the Scriptures and not find +a text to stop you in your explorations.</p> + +<p>You may read all History and be compelled to wonder but not to doubt.</p> + +<p>Compare the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob with the God of the +Prophets and the God of the Apostles, and however the Pantheist may +contrast the God of Nature with the “Dark Hebrew God,” you will find +them much liker each other than either like his.</p> + +<p>The Old Testament and the Mosaic Law and Judaism<span class="pagenum" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</span> are commonly supposed +to be “Tabooed” by the orthodox. Sceptics pretend to have read +them, and have found certain witty objections and composed several +transcendental arguments against Hebrew O’ Clo’,” which too many of the +orthodox unread admit, and shut up the subject as haunted. But a Candle +is coming to drive out all Ghosts and Bugbears. Let us all follow the +Light.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Miss Cay.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>8 King’s Parade, 23d March 1852.</i></p> + +<p>I received yours (of the 18th I suppose) on Saturday, and began to muse +on the difference of our modes of life: your sickness—my health; your +kind dealings with neighbours—our utter independence of each other; +you visit without seeing people—we see without visiting each other; +you hear all about people’s families and domestic concerns—we do not, +but we know exactly how everybody is up in his different subjects, and +what are his favourite pursuits for the time.</p> + +<p>The Little-go is now going on, so I am taking my Easter vacation at +this time. I do nothing but the papers in the Senate-house, and then +spend the day in walks and company, reading books of a pleasant but not +too light kind, lest I should be disgusted with recreation.</p> + +<p>I find myself quite at grass, and am sure that in 10 days I will be +reading again as if I had been rusticated for a year.</p> + +<p>I never did such a feat as get up at 5 in the morning. I get up at 6.30 +for chapel in winter, and read in the day-time, but I have now begun my +summer practice of sleeping in the mornings and reading at night, save +when I get up on a fine day to take a walk in the morning, which makes +me idle all day, and is sometimes agreeable.</p> + +<p>I met old Isaac Taylor in his son’s rooms some time ago. He began by +speaking of the weather in a serious way, and went on to his Manchester +concerns,—effective motives to work, actual methods adopted, and so +got into the merits of socialism, joint-stock workmen’s associations,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</span> +and so forth, appearing all the while to say nothing, but quietly feed +on the wisdom of the undergrads., as they enounced their opinions.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">From his Father.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 10th April 1852.</i></p> + +<p>The Ordnance Surveyors are doing Contour Lines. The line 250 feet above +sea-level passes just in front of the Bees.<a id="FNanchor_167" href="#Footnote_167" class="fnanchor">[167]</a></p> + + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 25th April 1852.</i></p> + +<p>I ... congratulate you on your scholarship. You write of entering on +the duties,—what are they? and what are the Privileges and Profits?</p> + + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 12th May 1852.</i></p> + +<p>Is M'Millan the Publisher of the <i>Cambridge and Dublin</i>, whereof +William Thomson is editor? Have you sent him your prop, you were doing +at Christmastime?</p> + +<p>The gold-fever of Australian type prevails in these parts.</p> + + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 19th May 1852.</i></p> + +<p class="nindc">[Prop, about resistance of sides and bottom of a meal-ark.]</p> + +<p>... The meal, which may be called a fluid as much as a glacier.<a id="FNanchor_168" href="#Footnote_168" class="fnanchor">[168]</a></p> + +<p>Query: Whether by putting bars beneath the bottom at points removed +from the middle of the joist, the pressure would be more advantageously +distributed?</p> + + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 12th June 1852.</i></p> + +<p class="nindc">[Eve of James C. M.’s 21st birthday.]</p> + +<p>I trust you will be as discreet when major as you have been while minor +(Prov. <span class="allsmcap">X</span>. 1).</p> + +<p>Remember me to Tait. I am sorry I did not see him in Edinburgh to wish +him joy of his honours.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 29th June 1852.</i></p> + +<div class="sidenote"><i>Æt.</i> 21.</div> + +<p>Did you take to the Geology at all? I suppose that the cliffs at +Lowestoft are Tertiary, with plenty of fossils.</p> + + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 9th Novr. 1852.</i></p> + +<p class="nindc">Nativity of the Prince of Wales.</p> + +<p>Received yours of St. Guy and William.</p> + +<p>The Cambridge Commission as you report of it will not affect you in any +way.</p> + +<p>What sort of thing is “College Declamation”? You say you have chosen +The Scottish Covenanters. Do you take the part of Advocate or Apologist +for them? or do you try the impartial historian? It would be difficult +to give the Scots Prelates their due without offending some of the +Order. During the Persecutions both the civil and ecclesiastical +government of Scotland was getting ripe for the Revolution.</p> + + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 11th Novr. 1852.</i></p> + +<p>It has been said, Had there been two other Leightons instead of Sharp +of St. Andrews and —— —— of Galloway, Episcopacy would have been +securely established.</p> + + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 2d Feb. 1853.</i></p> + +<p>Aunty Jane was saying—a glass of wine daily,—port for preference.</p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 12th Feb. 1853.</i></p> + +<p>... <i>Mathematical Journal</i>, to which you send props. What props.? +The one about the Pendulum?</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Lewis Campbell, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Trin. Coll., 20th Feb. 1853.</i></p> + +<p>After Chapel I was at Litchfield’s, where he, Farrar, Pomeroy, and +Blakiston, discussed eternal punishment from 8 to 12. Men fall into +absurdity as soon as they have settled for themselves the question of +the origin of evil. A man whose mind is “made up” on that subject is +contradictory<span class="pagenum" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</span> on every other; one day he says that the man that can +be happy in such a world is a brute, and the next day that if a man +is not happy here he is a moping fool. At last they assert the Cretan +dilemma, that if a man says that man is ignorant and foolish, it was +ignorant and foolish to say so. Solomon, they say, was used up when +he wrote Ecclesiastes, and said “all is vanity” in a relative sense, +having himself been so. Solomon describes the search after Happiness +for its own sake and for the sake of possession. It is as if a strong +man should collect into his house all the beauty of the world, and be +condemned to look out of the window and marvel that no good thing was +to be seen. “No man can eat his cake and have it.” I would add that +what remains till to-morrow will stink.</p> + +<p>As for evil being unripe good, I say nothing with respect to objective +evil, except that it is a part of the universe which it may be the +business of immortal man to search out for ever, and still see more +beyond. We cannot understand it because it is relative, and relative to +more than we know. But subjective evil is absolute; we are conscious of +it as independent of external circumstances; its physical <i>power</i> +is bounded by our finitude, bodily and mental, but within these its +<i>intensity</i> is without measure. A bullet may be diverted from its +course by the medium through which it passes, or it may take a wrong +one owing to the unskilfulness of the shooter, or the intended victim +may change his place; but all this depends, not on the will of the +shooter, but on the ignorance of his mind, the weakness of his body, +the resistance of inert matter, or the subsequent act of another agent; +the bullet of the murderer may be turned aside to drive a nail, or what +not, but his will is independent of all this, and may be judged at once +without appeal.</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet still the lady shook her head,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And swore by yea and nay,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">My whole was all that he had said,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And all that he could say.</div> + <div class="verse indent22"><span class="allsmcap">J. C. Maxwell.</span></div> + </div> +</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">From his Father.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Edinburgh, 21st February 1853.</i></p> + +<p>The Halo and accompaniment of the 15th had been very curious. I never +saw the appearance of Mock Suns.</p> + +<p>Lord Cockburn went in plain dress to the fancy ball. When the crowd +hissed him, he said he was the minister that was to marry them all!!</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Miss Cay.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Trin. Coll., 11th March 1853.</i></p> + +<p>I was so much among the year that is now departed that it makes a +great difference in my mode of life. I have been seeking among the +other years for some one to keep me in order. It is easier to find +instructive men than influential ones. I left off here last night to go +to a man’s rooms where I met several others, who had gone a-prowling +like me.... I have been reading Archdeacon Hare’s sermons, which are +good.</p> + + +<p class="right"><i>Trin. Coll., Feast of St. Charles II.</i></p> + +<p>Pomeroy’s mother and sister were up here lately. They used to be at +Cheltenham. From them I learnt a good deal about the systematic and +uncompromising mode of thinking and speaking which marks the great +Irish Giant of Trinity. Bishop Selwyn of New Zealand prought<a id="FNanchor_169" href="#Footnote_169" class="fnanchor">[169]</a> here +yesterday about missions. He founded the Lady Margaret boat club at +John’s, and got the boat to the head of the river. He was 2d Classic in +1831, and still he is too energetic for his curates to keep up with him +in his own visitations about the South Pole. He made a great impression +on the men here by his plainness of speech and absence of all cant, +whether he spoke of the doctrines of Christianity or the history of +Pitcairn’s Island. I have been reading various books, but few very +entertaining. They are chiefly theories about things in general which +take the fancies of men now-a-days. The only safe way to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</span> read them is +to find out the facts first. With this precaution they are tolerably +transparent. I have been attending Sir James Stephen’s lectures upon +the causes of the first French Revolution. They are now done, so I look +in upon Stokes’ dealing with light.</p> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">From his Father.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Edinburgh, 13th March 1853.</i></p> + +<p>Ask Gedge to get you instructions to Brummagem workshops. View, +if you can, armourers, gunmaking and gunproving—swordmaking +and proving—<i>Papier-maché</i> and japanning—silver-plating +by cementation and rolling—ditto, electrotype—Elkington’s +Works—Brazier’s works, by founding and by striking up in +dies—turning—spinning teapot bodies in white metal, etc.—making +buttons of sorts, steel pens, needles, pins, and any sorts of small +articles which are curiously done by subdivision of labour and by +ingenious tools—glass of sorts is among the works of the place, +and all kinds of foundry work—engine-making—tools and instruments +(optical and philosophical) both coarse and fine. If you have had +enough of the town lots of Birmingham, you could vary the recreation +by viewing Kenilworth, Warwick, Leamington, Stratford-on-Avon, or +suchlike.<a id="FNanchor_170" href="#Footnote_170" class="fnanchor">[170]</a></p> + + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 29th April 1853.</i></p> + +<p>You write (from King Edward’s School, Birmingham) about plans and +visits. Freshman Tayler and two others innominate.</p> + + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 12th May 1853.</i></p> + +<p>What do you know of Henry Mackenzie? Do you find Frank to be clever, +good, agreeable, and wise, which you state to be the desiderata for a +friend?</p> + +<p>Here is a Prop. anent fuel. What would be the amount of heat evolved +in the combustion of a given weight of dry wood compared with the same +weight of coal?</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, The Day after the Wedding</i>,<a id="FNanchor_171" href="#Footnote_171" class="fnanchor">[171]</a><br> +<i>1st June</i>(<i>1853</i>).</p> + +<p>I have yours of the clay of the Restoration.... She (Maria Clerk) also +wrote about the new phase of animal magnetism called table-Turning. Do +you know about that?</p> + +<p>Photography is also in the ascendant. You will, no doubt, be at +Ipswich, I believe an ancient city, and hath old kirks and sundries +worthy of notice. Is Otley towards the sea? Douking, etc.?</p> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Miss Cay.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Trin. Coll., 7th June 1853.</i></p> + +<p>I have an engagement to go and visit a man in Suffolk, but the spare +bed is at present occupied by the “celebrated Dr. Ting of America.” I +only wait here for his departure. I spent to-day in a great sorting of +papers and arranging of the same. Much is bequeathed to the bedmaker, +and a number of duplicate examination papers are laid up to give to +friends.</p> + +<p>I intend to-morrow to get up early and make breakfast for all the men +who are going down, wakening them in good time; then read Wordsworth’s +<i>Prelude</i> till sleepy; then sally forth and see if all the +colleges are shut up for the season; and then go and stroll in the +fields and fraternise with the young frogs and old water-rats. In the +evening, something not mathematical. Perhaps write a biographical +sketch of Dr. Ting of America, of whom you know as much as I do. +To-morrow evening, or next day, our list comes out. You will hear of +it from the Robertsons if in town, or Mackenzie if not. I have done +better papers than those of this examination; but if the examiners are +not satisfied with them it is not my fault, for they are better than +they have yet seen of mine. If any one asks how I am getting on in +mathematics, say that I am busy arranging everything so as to be able +to express all distinctly, so that examiners may be satisfied now and +pupils edified hereafter.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</span> It is pleasant work and very strengthening, +but not nearly finished.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">From his Father.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 24th June 1853.</i></p> + +<div class="sidenote2"><i>Æt.</i> 22.</div> + +<p>I have just received your letter and Mr. Tayler’s. You may be sure I +am thankful to hear of your recovering, although not previously made +anxious about the illness. I cannot but think of the fever fit you +had in Edinburgh after an Academy exam., when we had settled to go to +Melrose—that was in 1846.<a id="FNanchor_172" href="#Footnote_172" class="fnanchor">[172]</a> Nothing can exceed the kindness of Mr. +and Mrs. Tayler, and I hope you will not need long nursing. If you are +well and not much hindered, you can let me know more fully how you are +getting on. Neither you nor Mr. Tayler mention the day you were taken +ill. Mr. T.’s letter is dated 22d.</p> + + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 28th June 1853.</i></p> + +<p>I am most thankful and happy to hear of your convalescence through Mr. +Tayler’s most kind and daily bulletins. I know not how sufficiently to +thank Mr. and Mrs. Tayler for their very great kindness. I think you +may be best to come home, when fit to travel, for further recreation.</p> + + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 1st July 1853.</i></p> + +<p>Mr. Tayler says, both truly and kindly, “You must be his guest till you +are fit to travel.” ...</p> + +<p>With yours I have Mr. Tayler’s letter of 28th. I do not write to him +to-day. My only subject is thanks, and these are not to be measured in +words—the strongest that I can use; so at present give my respects and +highest regards.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Key. C. B. Tayler.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Trin. Coll., 8th July 1858.</i><br> +<i>Evening Post.</i></p> + +<p><span class="allsmcap">My dear Friend</span>—Your letter was handed to me by the postman +as I was taking a walk after morning chapel. As I was engaged then, I +thought I might wait till the evening. I breakfasted with Macmillan the +publisher, who has a man called Alexander Smith with him, who published +a volume of poems in the beginning of the year which have been much +read here, and, indeed, everywhere, for 3000 copies have been sold +already. He is a designer of patterns for needlework, and he refuses +to be made celebrated or to leave his trade. He speaks strong Glasgow, +but without affectation, and is well-informed without the pretence of +education, commonly so called. People would not expect from such a +man a book in which the author seems to transfer all his own states +of mind to the objects he sees. But he is young and may get wiser as +he gets older. He sees and can tell of the beauty of things, but he +connects them artificially. He may come to prefer the real and natural +connection, and after that he may perhaps stir us all up by bringing +before us real human objects of interest he has only dimly seen in the +solitude of his youth.</p> + +<p>I told you how I meant to go to Hopkins. He was not in. I had a +talk with him on Sunday; he recommended light work for a while, and +afterwards he would give me an opportunity of making up what I had lost +by absence. Yesterday I did a paper of his on the Differential Calculus +without fatigue, and as well as usual. Ask George how Mr. Hughes has +arranged about Examinations. I will write to him soon, and send him a +mass of papers in an open packet, to be taken twice a week, or not so +often.</p> + +<p>You dimly allude to the process of spoiling which has gone on during +the last 2 years. I admit that people have been kind to me, and also +that I have seen more variety than in other years; but I maintain that +all the evil influences<span class="pagenum" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</span> that I can trace have been internal and not +external, you know what I mean—that I have the capacity of being more +wicked than any example that man could set me, and that if I escape, +it is only by God’s grace helping me to get rid of myself, partially +in science, more completely in society,—but not perfectly except by +committing myself to God as the instrument of His will, not doubtfully, +but in the certain hope that that Will will be plain enough at the +proper time. Nevertheless, you see things from the outside directly, +and I only by reflexion, so I hope that you will not tell me you +have little fault to find with me, without finding that little and +communicating it.</p> + +<p>In the <i>Athenæum</i> of the 2d there is Faraday’s account of his +experiments on Table-turning, proving mechanically that the table is +moved by the unconscious pressure of the fingers of the people wishing +it to move, and proving besides that Table-turners may be honest. +The consequence has been that letters are being written to Faraday +boastfully demanding explanations of this, that, and the other thing, +as if Faraday had made a proclamation of Omniscience. Such is the fate +of men who make real experiments in the popular occult sciences,—a +fate very easy to be borne in silence and confidence by those who do +not depend on popular opinion, or learned opinion either, but on the +observation of Facts in rational combination. Our anti-scientific men +here triumph over Faraday.</p> + +<p>I hope the Rectory has flourished during the absence of you and Mrs. +Tayler. I had got into habits with you of expecting things to happen, +and if I wake at night I think the gruel is coming.</p> + +<p>Macmillan was talking to me to-day about elementary books of natural +science, and he had found the deficiency, but had a good report of +“Philosophy in Sport made Science in Earnest,” which I spoke of with +you. When I am settled I will put down some first principles and +practicable experiments on Light for Charlie, who is to write to me and +answer questions proposed; but this in good time.—Your affectionate +friend,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="allsmcap">J. C. Maxwell.</span></p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Lewis Campbell, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Trin. Coll., 14th July 1853.</i></p> + +<p>You wrote just in time for your letter to reach me as I reached +Cambridge. After examination I went to visit the Rev. C. B. Tayler +(uncle to a Tayler whom I think you have seen under the name of +<i>Freshman</i>, etc., and author of many tracts and other didactic +works). We had little expedites, and walks, and things parochial and +educational, and domesticity. I intended to return on the 18th June, +but on the 17th I felt unwell, and took measures accordingly to be well +again—<i>i.e.</i> went to bed, and made up my mind to recover. But +it lasted more than a fortnight, during which time I was taken care +of beyond expectation (not that I did not expect much before). When +I was perfectly useless, and could not sit up without fainting, Mr. +Tayler did everything for me in such a way that I had no fear of giving +trouble. So did Mrs. Tayler; and the two nephews did all they could. +So they kept me in great happiness all the time, and detained me till +I was able to walk about, and got back strength. I returned on the 4th +July.</p> + +<p>The consequence of all this is that I correspond with Mr. Tayler, +and have entered into bonds with the nephews, of all of whom more +hereafter. Since I came here I have been attending Hop., but with his +approval did not begin full swing. I am getting on, though, and the +work is not grinding on the prepared brain.</p> + +<p>I have been reading <i>Villette</i> by Currer Bell <i>alias</i> Miss +Bronte. I think the authoress of Jane Eyre has not ceased to think and +acquire principles since that work left her hands.</p> + +<p>It is autobiographic in form. The <i>ego</i> is a personage of great +self-knowledge and self-restraint, strength of principle and courage +when roused, otherwise preferring the station of an onlooker.</p> + +<p>Then there is an excellent prying, upright, Jesuitical, and successful +French school directress; a fiery, finical, physiognomic professor, +priestridden, but taking his own way in benevolence as in other things, +etc. etc.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Faraday’s experiments on Table-turning, and the answers of provoked +believers and the state of opinion generally, show what the state of +the public mind is with respect to the <i>principles</i> of natural +science. The law of gravitation and the wonderful effects of the +electric fluid are things which you can ascertain by asking any man or +woman not deprived by penury or exclusiveness of ordinary information. +But they believe them just as they believe history, because it is in +books and is not doubted. So that facts in natural science are believed +on account of the number of witnesses, as they ought! I believe that +tables are turned; yea! and by an unknown force called, if you please, +the vital force, acting, as believers say, thro’ the fingers. But +how does it affect the table? By the <i>mechanical</i> action of the +sideward pressure of the fingers in the direction the table ought to +go, as Faraday has shown. At this last statement the Turners recoil.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To R. B. Litchfield, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Coniston, 23d August 1853.</i></p> + +<p>I came here with Campbell of Trin. Hall to meet his brother and another +Oxford man called Christie.<a id="FNanchor_173" href="#Footnote_173" class="fnanchor">[173]</a> We are all in a house<a id="FNanchor_174" href="#Footnote_174" class="fnanchor">[174]</a> just above +the lake, recreating ourselves and reading a little. Pomeroy is off +to Ireland. I have seen a good deal of him, and we have read “at the +same time successively” <i>Vestiges of Creation</i> and Maurice’s +<i>Theological Essays</i>. Both have excited thought and talk.... I was +down after the Mug<a id="FNanchor_175" href="#Footnote_175" class="fnanchor">[175]</a> with Tayler’s uncle in Suffolk, and was taken +in there. I was there made acquainted with the peculiar constitution +of a well-regulated family, consisting entirely of nephews and nieces, +and educated entirely by the uncle and aunt. There was plenty of +willing obedience, but little diligence: much mutual trust, and little +self-reliance. They did not strike out for themselves in different +lines, according to age, sex, and disposition, but each so excessively +sympathised (<i>bonâ fide</i>, of course) with the rest,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</span> that one +could not be surprised at hearing any one take part in criticising his +own action.</p> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>In such a case some would recommend “a little whole—some neglect.” +I would suggest something like the scheme of self-emancipation for +slaves. Let each member of the family be allowed some little province +of thought, work, or study, which is not to be too much enquired into +or sympathised with or encouraged by the rest, and let the limits of +this be enlarged till he has a wide, free field of independent action, +which increases the resources of the family so much the more as it is +peculiarly his own.</p> + +<p>I see daily more and more reason to believe that the study of the “dark +sciences” is one which will repay investigation. I think that what is +called the proneness to superstition in the present day is much more +significant than some make it. The prevalence of a misdirected tendency +proves the misdirection of a prevalent tendency. It is the nature and +object of this tendency that calls for examination.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Lewis Campbell, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 15th September 1853.</i></p> + +<p>I see that Principal Jelf is going to “have up” Maurice for heresy +published in his <i>Theological Essays</i>. The consequence will +probably be that some others unconnected with Maurice will be set +upon, and will perhaps join with him in self-defence, or at least be +associated with him in popular opinion.</p> + +<p>If the row becomes general it will be the controversy of the day. They +have no firm and dogmatic statements to grapple with, but they will +soon make them. All the ordinary disputes have been revivals of the +<i>letter</i> of old contests. Here we have the very spirit of all +reformations; an attempt must be made to find what is requisite to a +Christian system, and whether the “variables” of such a system ought +to remain constant, as they were at some arbitrary epoch (that of +sect-founders, Fathers, General Councils, Reformers, etc.), and not +rather to be trusted to the true and approved Christians of every age.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>But he that is misty let him be misty still, and the same for him that +is shallow; but let him that is active not mar his activity by “tearing +his neighbours in their slime,” or by ascending into the thick mist and +walking with “Death and Morning on the silver horns.”</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">From His Father.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 10th October 1853.</i></p> + +<p>I have set up the rain-gauge in the middle of the garden at the +crossing of the gooseberry bushes at the Camomile. I think it will do.</p> + +<p>As to changing your rooms—I suppose from that, you have settled to +continue for a time at Cambridge and to look out for a fellowship.</p> + + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 28th October 1853.</i></p> + +<p>Be sure to keep a long way within your powers of working, and then you +may do well whatever you undertake.</p> + + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 13th November 1853.</i></p> + +<p>Your letter was chiefly a dissertation on the election of Examinators; +the names were all strange to me, except our old friend Charles +Mackenzie.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Miss Cay.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Trin. Coll., 12th November 1853.</i></p> + +<p>I am in a regular state of health though not a very regular state of +reading, for I hold that it is a pernicious practice to read when +one is not inclined for it. So I read occasionally for a week and +then miss a few days, always remembering to do whatsoever College +and Hopkins prescribe to be done, and avoiding anything more. Allan +Stewart was up a week ago to be made a bye Fellow of Peterhouse, so +you may congratulate him when you see him. He is to be in Edinburgh +this winter. Frank Mackenzie is up, and seems pretty well. He tells +me that he does not sit up late; but as I have not the management of +his candles I do not know what that means with him. I have<span class="pagenum" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</span> not been +up after twelve for a long time except on Saturdays when I am not +reading.... You will have heard how the Council of King’s College +have sat upon Professor Maurice and intend to turn him out of the +college. So there are pamphlets and replies on the meaning of the word +“Eternal,” and broadsides of the Record on the side of the attack. I +see that the Rev. Berkeley Addison is in trouble about the Scottish +Reformation Society, for associating with non-episcopal clergymen.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Lewis Campbell, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Trin. Coll., 3d Dec. 1853.</i></p> + +<p>... We have the usual amount of discussion here on labour parliaments, +multiplicity of votes, Eternity and Maurice and Jelf, or the contest +between those who think that there is a real depth to which thought +must go, though words cannot well follow it, and those who maintain +that which is not obvious to a man of sense, cannot be really connected +with a religion which is not confined to deep thinkers, but professes +to afford the highest principles to the simple. That is what most men +discuss. Maurice has settled it for himself, believing that the things +of which he treats do actually form the necessary thoughts of all men +whether learned or no.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">From his Father.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 16th December 1853.</i></p> + +<p>I knew Thomas Erskine of Linlathen very well long ago. He and his +mother and sisters lived in No. 30 Heriot Row. He came to the Bar in +Edinburgh the year before me. He is related to George Dundas, and +Stirlings, and Erskines, and many families we visited. For long he has +lived at Linlathen, near Dundee, and is author of various religious +books.</p> + +<p>Your dissertation on the parties in the Church of England goes far +beyond my knowledge. I would need an explanatory lecture first, +and before I can follow the High, Broad, and Low, through their +ramifications.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="right"><i>Penicuik, 30th December 1853.</i></p> + +<p>You will need to get muffetees for the Senate-Room. Take your plaid or +rug to wrap round your feet and legs.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Miss Cay.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Trin. Coll., 13th January 1854.</i></p> + +<p>All my correspondents have been writing to me, which is kind, and have +not been writing questions, which is kinder. So I answer you now, while +I am slacking speed to get up steam, leaving Lewis and Stewart, etc., +till next week, when I will give an account of the five days. There are +a good many up here at present, and we get on very jolly on the whole, +but some are not well, and some are going to be plucked or gulphed, +as the case may be, and others are reading so hard that they are +invisible. I go to-morrow to breakfast with shaky men, and after food +I am to go and hear the list read out, and whether they are through, +and bring them word. When the honour list comes out the poll-men act as +messengers. Bob Campbell comes in occasionally of an evening now, to +discuss matters and vary sports. During examination I have had men at +night working with gutta-percha, magnets, etc. It is much better than +reading novels or talking after 5½ hours’ hard writing.</p> + +<p>Hunter is up here all the vacation. Do you know anything of him +in Edinburgh? His father, who is dead, or his uncle, were known +in Edinburgh, but I am not up in that subject. The present man is +a freshman at Queen’s, and is a thundering mathematician, is well +informed on political, literary, and speculative subjects, and is +withal a jolly sort of fellow with some human nature at the bottom, and +lots of good humour all through. He does not talk much, and when he +does it is broad Scotch and to the purpose. I hope to see more of him +next term. Old Charlie Robertson is in better case I think than usual, +and rejoices in the good opinion of several men whose opinion is most +worth having. He has become better known and better estimated of late, +especially since Sandy<a id="FNanchor_176" href="#Footnote_176" class="fnanchor">[176]</a> came up.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</span> He did pretty well in the three +days, and does not fret about anything. The snow here is nearly gone, +and it looks like frost again. I have never missed a long tramp through +the slush day by day. When one is well soaked in a snow wreath, cleaned +and dried, and put beside a good fire, with bread and butter and +problems, one can eat and grind like a miller.... I have been reading a +book of poems called <i>Benoni</i>, by Arthur Munby of Trinity, which +are above the common run of such things (not <i>Lorenzo Benoni</i>, +illustrated by J. R, which I have seen but not read). Have you seen +the <i>Black Brothers</i>, a small book of Ruskin’s, illustrated by +Doyle;—a good child’s book, which big people ought to read.</p> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">From His Father.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>18 India St., 80th January 1854.</i></p> + +<p>I heartily congratulate you on your place in the list. I suppose it is +higher than the speculators would have guessed, and quite as high as +Hopkins reckoned on. I wish you success in the Smith’s Prizes; be sure +to write me the result. I will see Mrs. Morrieson, and I think I will +call on Dr. Gloag to congratulate him. He has at least three pupils +gaining honours.</p> +</div> + + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_136" href="#FNanchor_136" class="label">[136]</a> +He was the younger brother of Mr. Mackenzie of +Silverknowe, who had married Isabella Wedderburn.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_137" href="#FNanchor_137" class="label">[137]</a> +Then Tutor of Peterhouse, now Professor Emeritus of +Aberdeen.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_138" href="#FNanchor_138" class="label">[138]</a> +Contrast with this the following entry in the +Diary:—“1842, <i>Feb.</i> 19. <i>Saturday.</i>—Go with James to +Cooke’s Circus at 2 <span class="allsmcap">P.M.</span> at York Hotel, Arena—being James’s +first time of seeing such entertainments.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_139" href="#FNanchor_139" class="label">[139]</a> +See above, <a href="#Page_113">p. 113</a>, note.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_140" href="#FNanchor_140" class="label">[140]</a> +“Jamsie’s dirt,” the disrespectful name for the hits of +unannealed glass, etc. etc., in the <i>Coterie-Sprache</i>.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_141" href="#FNanchor_141" class="label">[141]</a> +Now Rector of Smeeth, near Ashford, in Kent.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_142" href="#FNanchor_142" class="label">[142]</a> +I did not know of this until the present year, 1881.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_143" href="#FNanchor_143" class="label">[143]</a> +In 1852 H. M. had left Cambridge. F. M. went as a +freshman to Trinity in October 1852. See a book named <i>Early Death +not Premature</i>, being a Memoir of Francis L. Mackenzie, late of +Trinity College Cambridge. With Notices of Henry Mackenzie, B.A. By the +Rev. Charles Popham Miles, M.A., M.D., F.L.S., Glasgow. Nisbet and Co. +Fourth Edition. 1861.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_144" href="#FNanchor_144" class="label">[144]</a> +Including the present Earl Cairns.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_145" href="#FNanchor_145" class="label">[145]</a> +His uncle, Sir G. Clerk, is said to have had the same +peculiarity.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_146" href="#FNanchor_146" class="label">[146]</a> +Viz. at the time of my proposed visit to Cambridge.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_147" href="#FNanchor_147" class="label">[147]</a> +In the preceding Christmas vacation I was at a private +“séance” in Edinburgh, where Maxwell—whether he shammed or not who can +tell?—was selected by the operator (a man named Douglas, I think), who +vainly tried to make him seem to forget his name.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_148" href="#FNanchor_148" class="label">[148]</a> +Mr. Mathison’s lecture on trigonometry.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_149" href="#FNanchor_149" class="label">[149]</a> +<i>i.e.</i> <i>Anglicè</i>, “How did the dip agree with +it?”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_150" href="#FNanchor_150" class="label">[150]</a> +See above, <a href="#Page_118">p. 118</a>, 1. 2.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_151" href="#FNanchor_151" class="label">[151]</a> +According to the “contemporary Cantab,” Peterhouse and +Sidney really won the race, in spite of the removal of the bank of +weeds. The reason why Trinity got the cups was that the pistol of P. +and S.’s umpire <i>missed fire</i>.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_152" href="#FNanchor_152" class="label">[152]</a> +David M'Vinnie, see above, <a href="#Page_39">p. 39.</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_153" href="#FNanchor_153" class="label">[153]</a> +The late J. F. Maclennan, author of Primitive Marriage, +etc.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_154" href="#FNanchor_154" class="label">[154]</a> +He was the first who spoke to me (about 1865) of the +principles of coloured glass, which have since become fashionable; +observing that it should be rich in sea-green, and not, “like the +banners of the Assyrian, gleaming with purple and gold.” In his +critical studies of modern poets he used to note their fondness for +particular colours,—<i>e.g.</i>, the uses of “white,” “red,” “black,” +“ruby,” “emerald,” “sapphire,” in Tennyson and Browning.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_155" href="#FNanchor_155" class="label">[155]</a> +Professor Tait says, “He used to go up on the pollard at +the bathing-shed, throw himself <i>flat on his face</i> in the water, +dive and cross, then ascend the pollard on the other side, project +himself <i>flat on his back</i> in the water. He said it stimulated the +circulation!”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_156" href="#FNanchor_156" class="label">[156]</a> +See <a href="#CHAPTER_VIII"><span class="allsmcap">chap. VIII</span>.</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_157" href="#FNanchor_157" class="label">[157]</a> +<a href="#Page_135">P. 135.</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_158" href="#FNanchor_158" class="label">[158]</a> +“A wise son maketh a glad father.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_159" href="#FNanchor_159" class="label">[159]</a> +It is said that on the first occasion of his reading +in chapel after gaining his scholarship, his delivery of his first +lesson (from the Book of Job) in tones which, perhaps from nervousness, +were unusually broad, upset the gravity of every one, from the Master +downwards.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_160" href="#FNanchor_160" class="label">[160]</a> +Above, <a href="#Page_7">p. 7</a>, note 1.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_161" href="#FNanchor_161" class="label">[161]</a> +The Rev. F. W. Farrar, D.D., Canon of Westminster.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_162" href="#FNanchor_162" class="label">[162]</a> +The Rev. H. Butler, D.D., Head-Master of Harrow.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_163" href="#FNanchor_163" class="label">[163]</a> +The Rev. G. W. H. Tayler, now Vicar of Trinity Church, +Carlisle.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_164" href="#FNanchor_164" class="label">[164]</a> +See the letter of 2d February 1853, in which his father +refers to Miss Cay’s advice that he should take wine.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_165" href="#FNanchor_165" class="label">[165]</a> +At the same time, it is not to be supposed that Maxwell +was ever completely identified with any particular school of religious +opinion. He was too much “the heir of all the ages,” and, as he himself +expressed it, “his faith was too deep to be in bondage to any set of +opinions.” Scottish Calvinism was the theological system which had most +historical interest for him, and most claim on his hereditary piety. +He was learned in the writings of Owen and Jonathan Edwards. But that +which his latest pastor has called “his deep though simple faith,” was +not enclosed in any system. Even his youthful training (which in the +case of one so loyal is not to be disregarded) was favourable to a +comprehensive view of Christianity. Beginning with the Bible, which he +knew by heart from a child, Presbyterian and Episcopalian influence had +been blended as we have already seen. Hence, when he went to Cambridge, +there was nothing strange to him in the service of the English Church. +His mind was always moving (<i>elle planait</i>, as the French would +say), above and “beyond these voices,” yet they were not indifferent to +him.</p> + +<p>It is to be regretted that a letter on the Parties in the Church +of England, written to his father in 1852, has not been found. His +general approval of Hare’s sermons, and his remarks on the Maurician +controversy, indicate the direction which his thoughts on this subject +must have taken. His interest in sermons, good and bad, was like +Macaulay’s interest in novels, or Charles Lamb’s in old plays. Years +after this, on board a friend’s yacht one Sunday, he gave a sort of +impromptu exposition of a chapter in the Book of Joshua, shouting up +his remarks from below, which struck those who heard it as full of +originality and wisdom.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_166" href="#FNanchor_166" class="label">[166]</a> +Compare Plato, <i>Thœt.</i> 147, C D. A Cambridge +friend who knew Maxwell at a later time, says of him, “One striking +characteristic was remarked by his contemporaries at Hopkins’s +lectures. Whenever the subject admitted of it he had recourse to +diagrams, though the rest might solve the question more easily by a +train of analysis.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_167" href="#FNanchor_167" class="label">[167]</a> +In the garden at Glenlair.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_168" href="#FNanchor_168" class="label">[168]</a> +See above, <a href="#Page_80">p. 80.</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_169" href="#FNanchor_169" class="label">[169]</a> +<i>i.e.</i> preached.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_170" href="#FNanchor_170" class="label">[170]</a> +This letter has been quoted above, <a href="#Page_7">p. 7</a>, note.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_171" href="#FNanchor_171" class="label">[171]</a> +Viz. of Elizabeth M'Keand (see above, p. 47).</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_172" href="#FNanchor_172" class="label">[172]</a> +From the Diary:—“<i>1846, July, W., 29</i>.—(Day of +the prize-giving at the Edinburgh Academy). Made all ready to start +on journey to-morrow morning. At night James complained of the light +of the candle hurting his eyes. <i>Th. 30</i>.—Bad, wet day. Jas. +awoke at six; eyes weak and headache; ... seems to be a disorder from +excitement of school examinations.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_173" href="#FNanchor_173" class="label">[173]</a> +W. Christie, Esq., advocate.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_174" href="#FNanchor_174" class="label">[174]</a> +Bank-ground.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_175" href="#FNanchor_175" class="label">[175]</a> +Trinity College Examination.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_176" href="#FNanchor_176" class="label">[176]</a> +Alexander Robertson, Esq., now Sheriff of Forfarshire.</p> + +</div> +</div> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.<br> +<span class="allsmcap">BACHELOR-SCHOLAR AND FELLOW OF TRINITY—1854 to 1856—<i>Æt.</i> +22-24.</span></h2> +</div> + +<p class="nindc">“In the Main of Light.”</p> + +<div class="sidenote2">1854. +<i>Æt.</i> 22.</div> + +<p class="nind"> +JAMES CLERK MAXWELL'S position as Second Wrangler and +equal Smith's Prizeman, gave deep satisfaction to his friends in +Edinburgh. Any lurking wish that he had been Senior was silenced by +the examples of William Thomson and Charles Mackenzie, as others have +been since consoled with the examples of Maxwell and Clifford. His +father was persuaded by Miss Cay to sit for his portrait to Sir John +Watson Gordon, as a gift of lasting value to his son. James was not +indifferent to these reflex aspects of his success; but the chief +interest of the moment to him undoubtedly was that he was now free to +prosecute his life-career, and to use his newly-whetted instruments in +resuming his original investigations. His leisure was not absolute, +for he took pupils as a matter of course, and the Trinity Fellowship +was only to be gained by examination. But his freedom was as great +as he himself desired, and it is a fact worthy of attention from +“researchers,” that Maxwell, with his heart fully set on physical +inquiries, engaged of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</span> his own accord in teaching, undertook the task +of examining Cheltenham College, and submitted to the routine which +belonged to his position at Cambridge. As a foretaste of delights in +store, he had spent the evenings of the Senate-house days in (physico-) +magnetic <i>séances</i> with his friends. But when actually emancipated +he seems to have reverted principally at first to his beloved Optics. +He makes inquiries about a microscope manufactory at Zurich; reads +Berkeley’s <i>Theory of Vision</i>—taking up Mill’s <i>Logic</i> by +the way, and finding there by no means the last word on the relation of +sense to knowledge; looks up his stock of coloured papers furnished by +D. R. Hay, and sets to work spinning and weaving the different rays; +inquires him out colour-blind persons on all sides; and invents an +instrument for inspecting the living retina, especially of dogs. By +and by it is the Art of Squinting which again has charms for him, and +he combines it with the teaching of solid and spherical geometry, by +drawing wonderful stereoscopic diagrams. So far, his investigations +oscillate between colour and form. But even the fascination of the +Colour-Top<a id="FNanchor_177" href="#Footnote_177" class="fnanchor">[177]</a> cannot<span class="pagenum" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</span> hold him long from searching into the more +hidden things of Matter in Motion. Thus, in his letter to his father +of May 15, 1855, after describing a successful exhibition of the Top +and extemporary statement of his optical theories before the Cambridge +Philosophical Society, he adds:—“I am reading Electricity and working +at Fluid Motion.” And on May 23—“I am getting on with my electrical +calculations every now and then, and working out anything that seems +to help the understanding thereof.' Some days earlier, May 5, he had +written:—“I am working away at Electricity again, and have been +working my way into the views of heavy German writers. It takes a +long time to reduce to order all the notions one gets from these men, +but I hope to see my way through the subject, and arrive at something +intelligible in the way of a theory.” These brief notices obviously +refer to the studies which led up to his important paper on Faraday's +Lines of Force, which was put into shape in the winter of 1855-6.</p> + +<p>The “vassals” were not forgotten by him even when most occupied at +Cambridge. The choice and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</span> provision of suitable literature for the +consumption of Sam Murdoch and Sandy Fraser is a frequent topic of +correspondence between him and his father.</p> + +<p>How earnestly he now set himself to make the most of life in a +religious sense appears from a sort of aphorism on conduct which he +wrote down originally for his own use, and afterwards communicated as +a parting gift to his friend Farrar (now Canon of Westminster), who +was about to become a master at Marlborough School. As a record of the +spirit in which Maxwell entered at three-and-twenty on his independent +career, this fragment<a id="FNanchor_178" href="#Footnote_178" class="fnanchor">[178]</a> is of extraordinary value.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><div class="sidenote">1854. +<i>Æt.</i> 23.</div> + +<p>He that would enjoy life and act with freedom must have the work of the +day continually before his eyes. Not yesterday’s work, lest he fall +into despair, nor to-morrow’s, lest he become a visionary,—not that +which ends with the day, which is a worldly work, nor yet that only +which remains to eternity, for by it he cannot shape his actions.</p> + +<p>Happy is the man who can recognise in the work of To-day a connected +portion of the work of life, and an embodiment of the work of Eternity. +The foundations of his confidence are unchangeable, for he has been +made a partaker of Infinity. He strenuously works out his daily +enterprises, because the present is given him for a possession.</p> + +<p>Thus ought Man to be an impersonation of the divine process of nature, +and to show forth the union of the infinite with the finite, not +slighting his temporal existence, remembering that in it only is +individual action possible, nor yet shutting out from his view that +which is eternal, knowing that Time is a mystery which man cannot +endure to contemplate until eternal Truth enlighten it.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</span></p> + +<p>Meanwhile in his recreations he was as boyishly agile as ever, and +his feats in bathing and gymnastics, though cautiously reported by +him, somewhat alarmed his father, whose own health now showed signs of +breaking.</p> + +<p>His friendships went on multiplying. To the list already given must +now be added in particular the names of Hort, V. Lushington, Pomeroy, +and Cecil Monro. And his constant observation of character was gaining +in fulness and precision. A letter to his father of 21st April +1855, besides referring to a pupil (Platt) who had gained a Trinity +scholarship, contains a graphic delineation of several of his coevals +who were going in for the first open competition for appointments in +the Indian Civil Service. He confides to his father all his thoughts +about them, in which speculative and personal interests are combined.</p> + +<p>He had soon another outlet for this kind of sympathy. The children of +his uncle, Mr. R. Dundas Cay, who had lately returned from Hong-Kong, +were advancing in their education, and two of the boys, William and +Charles, showed considerable promise in mathematics. He had spent some +days with his cousins in the summer vacation of 1854 at Keswick, where +there was also a Cambridge reading party under Mathison, the tutor +of Trinity. After a joyous time with them he walked home to Galloway +from Carlisle, and it was during this walk that he thought out certain +improvements in his dynamical top. He took a continuous interest in +the progress of his cousins, and prepared a special set of problems +for<span class="pagenum" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</span> the behoof of Willy, the eldest, who was by this time a student in +Edinburgh.</p> + +<p>Maxwell continued his contributions to the “Apostle” Essay Club, and on +May 5, 1855, he read to them in his own rooms a paper on Morality, in +which he summed up the principles and tendencies of the chief existing +systems of moral philosophy, so resuming another thread of his earlier +thought.<a id="FNanchor_179" href="#Footnote_179" class="fnanchor">[179]</a></p> + +<p>This essay appears to have been promised early in the year, to judge +from an allusion to the subject of it in a letter to C. J. Monro of +February 7, which may be quoted here as showing also by what home cares +his intellectual energies were interrupted or diversified. The reader +of what precedes will not be misled by the light way in which he speaks +of things which touched his heart so nearly.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>I am at present superintending a course of treatment practised on my +father, for the sake of relieving certain defluxions which take place +in his bronchial tubes. These obstructions are now giving way, and the +medico, who is a skilful bellowsmender, pronounces the passages nearly +clear.</p> + +<p>However, it will be a week or two before he is on his pins again, so +would you have the goodness to tell Freeman to tell Mrs. Jones to tell +those whom it may concern, that I cannot be up to time at all.... +I may be up in time to keep the term, and so work off a streak of +Mathematics, which I begin to yearn after. At present I confine myself +to Lucky Nightingale’s fine of business, except-that I have been +writing descriptions of Platometers for measuring plane figures, and +privately by letter confuting rash mechanics, who intrude into things +they have not got up, and suppose that their devices will act when +they can’t. I hope that<span class="pagenum" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</span> my absence will not delay the assumption of +W. D. Maclagan.<a id="FNanchor_180" href="#Footnote_180" class="fnanchor">[180]</a> He has been here all the vacation, if not there +and everywhere. The foundation of Ethics, though it may have tickled +my core, has not germinated at my vertex. Whether it will yet be laid +bare, either as a paradox or a truism, is more than I can tell. Perhaps +it may be a pun....</p> + +<p>I have now to do a little cooking and buttling, in the shape of toast +and beef-tea and everfizzing draught.... Does Pomeroy flourish, and has +he Crimean letters still?</p> +</div> + +<p>It was only because his father insisted on his doing so that he +returned to Cambridge at all at this time.</p> + +<div class="sidenote2"><i>Æt.</i> 24.</div> + +<p>At the meeting of the British Association, held at Glasgow in September +1855, Maxwell was present when Brewster made an attack on Whewell’s +optical theories, but he followed the example of the Master of Trinity, +who was present, in saying nothing. He exhibited his Colour-Top, +however, the same afternoon, by appointment, at Professor Ramsay’s +house, where Brewster had been expected, but did not appear. Maxwell +at the same time renewed his intercourse with Dr. George Wilson, the +Edinburgh Professor of Technology, whose likeness hung beside that +of Forbes in his rooms at Trinity. Wilson brought out immediately +afterwards a little book on Colour Blindness, in which the substance of +his conversations with Maxwell is recorded.</p> + +<div class="sidenote2">1855. +<i>Æt.</i> 24.</div> + +<p>In October he gained his fellowship at Trinity. It was his second +trial, and his name appeared as one<span class="pagenum" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</span> of three mathematicians who had +been chosen from the bachelors of the second year.</p> + +<p>He was at once appointed to lecture to the Upper Division of the third +year in Hydrostatics and Optics, and, to reserve time for his own +studies, he now desisted from taking private pupils. He had indeed +enough to occupy him without burdening himself with them. Besides the +lecture in hydrostatics and optics, for which he found it desirable +to read beforehand “so as not to tell lies,” he had a large share in +“exercising the questionists,” <i>i.e.</i> preparing pass-men for the +final examination, by setting papers in arithmetic, algebra, etc., and +looking them over with the writers individually.</p> + +<p>He had also been asked to prepare a text-book<a id="FNanchor_181" href="#Footnote_181" class="fnanchor">[181]</a> on optics, and made +some plans for doing so, having previously resisted the solicitation +of his friend Monro, who had urged upon him the task of “translating +Newton.” And it is a fact worthy of the attention of bachelor fellows, +that young Clerk Maxwell thought it worth while to attend the lectures +of the Professor of Mechanics<a id="FNanchor_182" href="#Footnote_182" class="fnanchor">[182]</a> and to exchange ideas with him.</p> + +<p>For Electricity and Magnetism he took out Poisson again, and presently +began putting together more systematically his own ideas on Faraday's +<i>Lines of Force</i>.</p> + +<p>His interest in coevals and juniors, which even in his undergraduate +days was often like that of an<span class="pagenum" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</span> elder brother, assumed a deeper and +more authoritative cast. He read more widely than ever, and nothing, +from the latest novel to the newest metaphysical system, escaped +his penetrating mind. He never read without criticising, and his +criticisms, often quaintly expressed, were always worth attending to. +“I hope that analysis of Hegel has done the writer good,” “Comte has +good ideas about method, but no notion of what is meant by a person,” +“Some people keep water-tight compartments in their minds.” Such were +the sparks that flew about. Other examples, not less striking, will be +found in the letters. His observation of social phenomena also took +a new departure, and his remarks on life and manners were endlessly +entertaining.</p> + +<p>He was elected a member of the Ray Club, which he had attended as +a visitor in the spring, and did not forsake the assembling of the +“Apostles,” as appears from at least two essays which can only be +referred to this period. He also took an active interest in the scheme +for the higher education of working men, which had been lately set on +foot by Mr. Maurice.</p> + +<p>Between whiles he found time for a full course of classical English +reading. And as all that he read he read critically, and had it +thereafter in perfect possession, his literary acquirements were by +this time of no mean order. He was, at the same time, careful to +maintain himself in proper physical condition, by a steady course of +exercises at the new gymnasium, which proved a welcome refuge in the +wet November of that year. It was an unhealthy season, and to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</span> all his +other employments was now added that of helping to nurse his friend +Pomeroy, who was struck down with bilious fever.</p> + +<p>His many-sided nature was in full activity. It is most characteristic +of him that at this important crisis of his intellectual life, the +best hour of day after day was given ungrudgingly to the task of +literally making a friend's bed in his sickness. A lighter trait of +the same kind may be found in the fact that, in the midst of the +fellowship examination, he had given his father detailed advice about +the “vassals’” reading:—“When Sam Murdoch has finished <i>Arabia</i>, +there are the volumes of the Cabinet Library, called <i>Drake, +Cavendish, and Dampier, and Circumnavigation of the Globe</i>, +Humboldt's <i>Travels and Polar Regions</i>, but it would be better to +change and try the third volume of <i>Household Words</i>.”</p> + +<p>His thoughts turned homewards the more often, because his father’s +health was now becoming a matter for grave anxiety. In going up to +Trinity for the fellowship trials, he had been doubtful whether in any +case it would be right for him to stay up for the rest of the term. +And, although this question was decided in the affirmative, every +letter home bears some trace of his unceasing solicitude.</p> + +<p>Thus, at the close of a period of manifold brightness, there was some +foreshadowing of darker days shortly to come, when Death would take +his father from him, and make the first breach in the circle of his +friends.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</span></p> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">Letters, 1854 to 1856.</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">From his Father.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>India Street, 4th Feby. 1854.</i></p> + +<p>I have got yours of the 1st inst., and to-night or on Monday I will +expect to hear of the Smith’s Prizes. I get congratulations on all +hands, including Prof. Kelland and Sandy Fraser, and all others +competent.</p> + + +<p class="right"><i>18 India St., 6 th Feby. 1854.</i></p> + +<p>George Wedderburn came into my room at 2 <span class="allsmcap">A.M.</span> yesterday +morning, having seen the Saturday <i>Times</i>, received by the express +train, and I got your letter before breakfast yesterday. As you are +equal to the Senior in the champion trial, you are but a very little +behind him.</p> + +<p>I am going to dine with John Cay, and with him proceed to the Royal +Society. I may perhaps catch Prof. Gregory about the microscopist.</p> + + +<p class="right"><i>5th March 1854.</i></p> + +<p>Mrs. Morrieson told me she had a poetical epistle from you on St. +David’s Day.<a id="FNanchor_183" href="#Footnote_183" class="fnanchor">[183]</a></p> + +<p>Aunt Jane stirred me up to sit for my picture, as she said you wished +for it and were entitled to ask for it, quâ wrangler. I have had four +sittings to Sir John Watson Gordon, and it is now far advanced; I +think it is very like. It is Kit-cat size, to be a companion to Dyce’s +picture of your mother and self, which Aunt Jane says she is to leave +to you.</p> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To E. B. Litchfield, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Trin. Coll., 25th March 1854.</i></p> + +<p>I am experiencing the effects of Mill, but I take him slowly. I do +not think him the last of his kind. I think more is wanted to bring +the connexion of sensation with Science to light, and show what it +is not. I have been reading Berkeley on the <i>Theory of Vision</i>, +and greatly admire it, as I do all his other non-mathematical works;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</span> +but I was disappointed to find that he had at last fallen into the +snare of his own paradoxes, and thought that his discoveries with +regard to the senses and their objects would show some fallacy in +those branches of high mathematics which he disliked. It is curious +to see how speculators are led by their neglect of exact sciences to +put themselves in opposition to them where they have not the slightest +point of contact with their systems. In the Minute Philosopher there +is some very bad Political Economy and much very good thinking on more +interesting subjects. Paradox is still sought for and exaggerated. We +live in an age of wonder still.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Miss Cay.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Trin. Coll., Whitsun. Eve, 1854.</i></p> + +<p>I am in great luxury here, having but 2 pups., and able to read the +rest of the day, so I have made a big hole in some subjects I wish to +know. We have hot weather now, and I am just come from a meeting of +subscribers to the Bathing Shed, which we organised into a Swimming +Club so as to make it a more sociable affair, instead of mere “pay your +money and use your key.”</p> + +<p>A nightingale has taken up his quarters just outside my window, and +works away every night. He is at it very fierce now. At night the owls +relieve him, softly sighing after their fashion.</p> + +<p>I have made an instrument for seeing into the eye through the pupil. +The difficulty is to throw the light in at that small hole and look +in at the same time; but that difficulty is overcome, and I can see +a large part of the back of the eye quite distinctly with the image +of the candle on it. People find no inconvenience in being examined, +and I have got dogs to sit quite still and keep their eyes steady. +Dogs’ eyes are very beautiful behind, a copper-coloured ground, with +glorious bright patches and networks of blue, yellow, and green, with +blood-vessels great and small.</p> + + +<p class="right"><i>Trin. Coll., 21th Novr. /54.</i></p> + +<p>I have been very busy of late with various things, and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</span> am just +beginning to make papers for the examination at Cheltenham, which I +have to conduct about the 11th of December. I have also to make papers +to polish off my pups. with I have been spinning colours a great deal, +and have got most accurate results, proving that ordinary peoples' eyes +are all made alike, though some are better than others, and that other +people see two colours instead of three; but all those who do so agree +amongst themselves. I have made a triangle of colours by which you may +make out everything.</p> +</div> + +<figure class="figright width500" id="i_247" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_247.jpg" width="300" height="133" alt="A geometric +diagram showing two points labeled D on the left connected by long +lines to a cluster of points labeled B, K, W, G, and Y on the right, +forming a complex polyhedron-like network of intersecting lines."> +</figure> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>You see that W lies outside the triangle B, R, Y, so that White can't +be made with Blue, Red, and Yellow; but if you mix blue and yellow you +don’t get green, but pink—a colour between W and R. Those who see two +colours only distinguish blue and yellow, but not red and green: for +instance—</p> + +<p>6 of blue and 94 of red make a red which looks to them like a gray made +of 10 W and 90 Black.</p> + +<p>40 of blue and 60 of green make 34 of W and 66 Black.</p> + +<p>I should like you to find out if the Normans have got Bishop Percy’s +<i>Reliques of Ancient Ballad Poetry</i>, for if they have I would not +send them a duplicate; if not I think the book would suit one-half of +that family.</p> + +<p>If you can find out any people in Edinburgh who do not see colours +(I know the Dicksons don’t), pray drop a hint that I would like to +see them. I have put one here up to a dodge by which he distinguishes +colours without fail. I have also constructed a pair of squinting +spectacles, and am beginning operations on a squinting man.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To C. J. Monro, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>18 India Street, Edinburgh, 19th Feb. /55.</i></p> + +<p>My steps will be no more by the reedy and crooked<span class="pagenum" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</span> till Easter term. +My father’s recovery is retarded by the frosty weather, though we have +got up an etherial mildness here by means of a good fire and a towel +hung up wet at the other end of the room, together with an internal +<i>exhibition</i> of nitric ether.</p> + +<p>I wrote to Mackenzie about putting a respectable man in my rooms as a +stopper to Cat’s Hall men, Manns and Boy Joneses, but I have not heard +of his success. I have no time at present for anything except looking +through novels, etc., and finding passages which will not offend my +father to read to him. He strongly objects to new-fangled books, +and knows the old by heart. But he likes the <i>Essays in Intervals +of Business</i>, cause why, they have not too many words. The frost +here has lasted long, and I am beginning to make use of it. I get an +uncle to take my place in the afternoon, and I rush off to Lochend or +Duddingston. I have not yet succeeded in skating on one foot for an +indefinite time and getting up speed by rising and sinking at the bends +of the path; but I attribute my failure to want of faith, for I can get +up speed for a single bend, only I always slip at a certain critical +turning. However, I have only been 3 days, and I may do it yet. My +plans are not fixt, but I think it will be some while before my father +is on his pins again, and when he is I intend to look after him still, +but do a private streak of work, for I will soon be in a too much +bottled up condition of mathematics, from which even mental collapse +would be a relief. I have no intention of doing a Newton or any elegant +mathematics. I have a few thoughts on top-spinning and sensation +generally, and a kind of dim outline of Cambridge palavers, tending +to shadow forth the influence of mathematical training on opinion and +speculation.</p> + +<p>I suppose when my father can move I will see him out of this eastern +clime and safe located in Gallovidian westnesses, and so be up in Cam. +before the beginning of next term.</p> + +<p>I should like to know how many kept baccalaurean weeks go to each of +these terms, and when they begin and end. Overhaul the calendar, and +when found make note of.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Is Pomeroy up, or where This is the 2nd time of asking.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To his Father.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Trin. Coll., Saturday, 21st April 1855.</i><br> +[Date in John C. M.’s hand.]</p> + +<p>Lots of men are going in for the H.E.I.C.S. examination,—Pomeroy, B., +C., D. (the best double degree for many years), E. (Senior Wrangler), +etc., so I suppose the competition will be pretty active; but it is +evident that these men will be totally different judges, etc., tho’ +they may be all good in examination subjects.</p> + +<p>Pomeroy is a genial giant, generous and strong, but hasty in +condemnation tho’ slow to wrath. B., intelligent and able to detect +any humbug but his own; but excitable, and impudent in the extreme to +people he does not know. C. has strong feelings and affections, with a +great amount of sympathy for all cases, but it is repressed for want +of courage, and he is left with somewhat of a sneaking virtue of his +own, always trying to put on the manners which suit those he is with. +D. is a good man of business, using up every scrap of his time most +successfully, and honest, I believe. E. is what I don’t know, but I can +conceive him reduced by circumstances to act the part of Sir Elijah +Impey in India; but I hope circumstances may be different, and then he +may be a harmless mathematician or scientific referee, and leave a high +reputation behind him.</p> + + +<p class="right"><i>Trin. Coll., Vesp. SS. Philipp. & S. Jac. 1855.</i></p> + +<p>I have been working at the motion of fluids, and have got out some +results. I am going to show the colour trick at the Philosophical on +Monday. Routh has been writing a book about Newton in conjunction with +Lord Brougham. Stokes is back again and lecturing as usual.</p> + + +<p class="right"><i>Saturday, 5th May 1855.</i></p> + +<p>The Royal Society have been very considerate in sending me my paper on +colours just when I wanted it for the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</span> Philosophical here. I am to let +them see the tricks on Monday evening, and I have been there preparing +their experiments in the gaslight. There is to be a meeting in my rooms +to-night to discuss Adam Smith’s “Theory of Moral Sentiments,” so I +must clear up my litter presently. I am working away at electricity +again, and have been working my way into the views of heavy German +writers. It takes a long time to reduce to order all the notions one +gets from these men, but I hope to see my way through the subject and +arrive at something intelligible in the way of a theory.</p> + + +<p class="right"><i>Trin. Coll., 15th May 1855.</i></p> + +<p>The colour trick came off on Monday, 7th. I had the proof sheets of +my paper, and was going to read; but I changed my mind and talked +instead, which was more to the purpose. There were sundry men who +thought that Blue and Yellow make Green, so I had to undeceive them. I +have got Hay’s book of colours out of the Univ. Library, and am working +through the specimens, matching them with the top. I have a new trick +of stretching the string horizontally above the top, so as to touch +the upper part of the axis. The motion of the axis sets the string +a-vibrating in the same time with the revolutions of the top, and the +colours are seen in the haze produced by the vibration. Thomson has +been spinning the top, and he finds my diagram of colours agrees with +his experiments, but he doubts about browns what is their composition. +I have got colcothar brown, and can make white with it, and blue and +green; also, by mixing red with a little blue and green and a great +deal of black, I can match colcothar exactly.</p> + +<p>I have been perfecting my instrument for looking into the eye. Ware has +a little beast like old Ask,<a id="FNanchor_184" href="#Footnote_184" class="fnanchor">[184]</a> which sits quite steady and seems to +like being looked at, and I have got several men who have large pupils +and do not wish to let me look in. I have seen the image of the candle +distinctly in all the eyes I have tried, and the veins of the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</span> retina +were visible in some; but the dogs’ eyes showed all the ramifications +of veins, with glorious blue and green network, so that you might copy +down everything. I have shown lots of men the image in my own eye by +shutting off the light till the pupil dilated and then letting it on.</p> + +<p>I am reading Electricity and working at Fluid Motion, and have got out +the condition of a fluid being able to flow the same way for a length +of time and not wriggle about.</p> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="right"><i>Trin. Coll., Eve. of H. M. Nativity.</i></p> + +<p>Wednesday last I went with Hort and Elphinstone to the Ray Club, which +met at Kingsley of Sidney’s rooms. Kingsley is great in photography and +microscopes, and showed photographs of infusoria, very beautiful, also +live plants and animals, with oxy-hydrogen microscope.</p> + +<p>... I am getting on with my electrical calculations now and then, and +working out anything that seems to help the understanding thereof.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">From his Father,</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 21st May 1855.</i></p> + +<p>Have you put a burn in fit condition to flow evenly, and not beat +on its banks from side to side? That would be the useful practical +application.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">From Professor J. D. Forbes.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Clifton, Bristol, 4th May 1855.</i></p> + +<p>I left directions with Messrs. Neill & Co. to forward proofs of your +paper, by inquiring at 18 India Street, and I understand that they were +sent out on the 1st May.</p> + +<p>I am informed that my note to you about some of my experiments on +colour has been printed in the <i>Edinburgh Philosophical Journal</i>. +This was by no means what I intended.... What I thought that you might +do was to introduce into that part of your paper where you speak of +what has been done or written on the subject, mention of the fact +that as early as January 18— (I do not at the moment recollect<span class="pagenum" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</span> +the year I stated to you) I had used the method of rapid motion +in blending colours; that I had endeavoured to obtain an equation +between certain mixed colours and pure gray; and that I had pointed +out before Helmholtz, or I believe any one else, that a mixture of +yellow and blue, under these circumstances at least, does not produce +green; you yourself being a witness to what I then tried, though I was +prevented from resuming the subject by ill health and some experimental +occupations (conduction of heat) which I considered more imperative.</p> + +<p>I hope you will continue to prosecute your interesting inquiries, and +with an equal measure of success.</p> + +<p>I address this to Cambridge, as I think you said you should be there +this month.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">From the Same.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Clifton, Bristol, 16th May 1855.</i></p> + +<p>I am much obliged by your note mentioning your intention of referring +to my experiments.</p> + +<p>You inquire how I altered the proportions of the constituent colours. +My plan was, in fact, the same as yours. I had sectors much larger than +I required of each colour, making them overlap, and fixing them down +by a screw at the centre, pressing a disc of indiarubber on the discs. +When I got the anomalous result of blue and yellow, I got Mr. Hay to +make a disc of <i>many</i> alternating narrow sectors merely to see +whether it might be a physiological effect from the imperfect blending +of the colours.</p> + +<p>I still think the experiment ought to be tried <i>without motion</i>, +by winding blue and yellow threads of silk or worsted round a card and +looking at it at a good distance, or (as you proposed) by viewing it +with a telescope out of focus.</p> + +<p>You will recollect that I had a whirling-machine (made on purpose), in +which a number of discs revolved simultaneously with equal velocities. +I used black and white on one of these; colours on another. Your +teetotum, combining both, I consider preferable for experiments. By +the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</span> way, I did not get the teetotum you were to leave for me.</p> + +<p><i>P.S.</i>—I hope you have got the proof of the plate as well as of +the paper. If not, write to Messrs. Johnston, engravers, 4 St. Andrew +Square, Edinburgh.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To E. B. Litchfield, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Trin. Coll., 6th June 1855.</i></p> + +<p>It is hard work grinding out “appropriate ideas,” as Whewell calls +them. However, I think they are coming out at last, and by dint of +knocking them against all the facts and ½-digested theories afloat, I +hope to bring them to shape, after which I hope to understand something +more about inductive philosophy than I do at present.</p> + +<p>I have a project of sifting the theory of light and making everything +stand upon definite experiments and definite assumptions, so that +things may not be supposed to be assumptions when they are either +definitions or experiments.</p> + +<p>I have been looking into all the dogs’ eyes here to see the bright +coating at the back of the eye, thro’ an instrument I made to that end. +The spectacle is very fine. I remember the appearance of Mungo’s eyes +at Cheltenham. He would be the dog to sit. Human eyes are very dark and +brown as to their retina, but you can see the image of a candle quite +well on it, and sometimes the blood-vessels, etc.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">From William Dyce Cay, Esq., to John C. M.</span></p> + +<p class="nindc">(<i>Glasgow, at the Meeting of the British Association</i>).</p> + +<p class="right"><i>18th September 1855.</i></p> + +<p>Sir David Brewster was upon the triple spectrum. As far as I can +understand, he believes the spectrum to be composed of three +colours—red, blue, and yellow; and that the intermediate colours +are composed of mixtures of these, as, for example, the green from a +mixture of blue and yellow, which, I think, is different from what +James believes.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</span> James did not say anything in the controversy which +followed his speech, as he was to meet Sir D. Brewster at the Ramsays’ +afterwards, where he would have his top and other apparatus to show him.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To his Father.</span></p> + +<p class="nindc">(<i>After the Meeting of the British Association at Glasgow</i>).</p> + +<p class="right"><i>Holbrooke, by Derby, 2th Sept. 1855.</i></p> + +<p>We had a paper from Brewster on the theory of three colours in +the spectrum, in which he treated Whewell with philosophic pity, +commending him to the care of Prof. Wartman of Geneva, who was +considered the greatest authority in cases of his kind, cases in +fact of colour-blindness. Whewell was in the room, but went out, and +avoided the quarrel; and Stokes made a few remarks, stating the case +not only clearly but courteously. However, Brewster did not seem +to see that Stokes admitted his experiments to be correct, and the +newspapers represented Stokes as calling in question the accuracy of +the experiments.</p> + +<p>I am getting my electrical mathematics into shape, and I see through +some parts which were rather hazy before; but I do not find very much +time for it at present, because I am reading about heat and fluids, so +as not to tell lies in my lectures. I got a note from the Society of +Arts about the platometer, awarding thanks, and offering to defray the +expenses to the extent of £10, on the machine being produced in working +order. When I have arranged it in my head, I intend to write to James +Bryson about it.</p> + +<p>I got a long letter from Thomson about colours and electricity. He is +beginning to believe in my theory about all colours being capable of +reference to three standard ones, and he is very glad that I should +poach on his electrical preserves.</p> + +<p class="right"><i>Trin. Coll, 27th Sept. 1855.</i></p> + +<p>... It is difficult to keep up one’s interest in intellectual matters +when friends of the intellectual kind are<span class="pagenum" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</span> scarce.<a id="FNanchor_185" href="#Footnote_185" class="fnanchor">[185]</a> However, there +are plenty friends not intellectual, who serve to bring out the active +and practical habits of mind, which overly-intellectual people seldom +do. Wherefore, if I am to be up this term, I intend to addict myself +rather to the working men who are getting up classes, than to pups., +who are in the main a vexation. Meanwhile there is the examination<a id="FNanchor_186" href="#Footnote_186" class="fnanchor">[186]</a> +to consider.</p> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="right"><i>Trin. Coll., 5th October 1855.</i></p> + +<p>You say Dr. Wilson has sent his book. I will write and thank him. I +suppose it is about colour-blindness. I intend to begin Poisson’s +papers on electricity and magnetism to-morrow. I have got them out of +the library; my reading hitherto has been of novels,—<i>Shirley</i> +and <i>The Newcomes</i>, and now <i>Westward Ho</i>.</p> + + +<p class="right"><i>Trin. Coll., 10th October 1855.</i></p> + +<p>Macmillan proposes to get up a book of optics, with my assistance, +and I feel inclined for the job. There is great bother in making a +mathematical book, especially on a subject with which you are familiar, +for in correcting it you do as you would to pups.—look if the +principle and result is right, and forget to look out for small errors +in the course of the work. However, I expect the work will be salutary, +as involving hard work, and in the end much abuse from coaches and +students, and certainly no vain fame, except in Macmillan’s puffs. But, +if I have rightly conceived the plan of an educational book on optics, +it will be very different in manner, though not in matter, from those +now used.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">From his Father.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 10th October 1855.</i></p> + +<p>The book sent by Dr. Wilson is the full edition about colour-blindness, +with notes and appendices, containing your letter to him and notices of +your communications to him on the subject.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Lewis Campbell, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Trin. Coll., 17th October 1855.</i></p> + +<p>I expect to be grinding this term. There are lectures on hydrostatics +and optics, papers for questionists to be set and read over with the +men, which is procrastinations. Besides this I may have to lecture the +working men, and what spare time I have I intend to use on various +subjects, which will keep me in work for some time to come, so I do +not require any pupils to keep my hand in this term. I was looking +for Jowett’s book in the library, but, as usual, all the new theology +had been carried off in a lump by the M.A.’s, who get in the first +day. I wanted Ellicott, but he was out too, so I took Carlyle on the +French Revolution. I have been reading the English language, comprising +Chaucer, Sir Tristram, Bacon F., Pope, Berkeley, Goldsmith, Cowper, +Burns’ letters, Isaac Taylor’s <i>Saturday Night</i>, Carlyle, Ruskin, +Kingsley, Maurice, and combining the whole with Trench on <i>English +Past and Present</i>, and with all this I derive pleasure and +information, but not a single glimmer of a theory about Words.</p> + +<p>And yet I have presently to state whether words mould thought or +thought brews words. Is not one theory as good as another? Faith and +a dale better too, if it was not for the sake of laying them together +by the ears, which is a difficult task when you have to catch both +yourself.</p> + +<p>I was staying at the Blackburns’ when I was at Glasgow, but they were +away, and the Ramsays fed and tended me. I found your photograph there, +together with a few other pleasant recollections. I have been over to +H. M. Butler, who is come up again. We were talking about Maurice, +etc. Maurice is a man I am loath to say nay to, or to accuse of wilful +perversion of facts; but in some matters I think he is in great error, +especially in his estimate of respectable ordinary Christians, as far +as regards their creed. He cannot go too far in enforcing practice and +work on people who were bound to it beforehand theoretically confess +it, but he is too hard upon the theories, and totally misrepresents<span class="pagenum" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</span> +them. I would rather be taken for a Yezide than for one of Maurice’s +popular religionists.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To his Father.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Trin. Coll., 17th October 1855.</i></p> + +<p>The lectures were settled last Friday. I am to do the upper division +of the third year in hydrostatics and optics, and I have most of the +exercising of the questionists.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">From his Father.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 20th October 1855.</i></p> + +<p>If you do a book for M'Millan on optics, do not let him hurry it on. +Take full time to yourself to revise and re-revise the MS., and let +anything published be creditable. Do nothing in a careless manner, and +so get a bad name. A first work especially should be very carefully got +up.</p> + +<p>When you are set to lecture on hydrostatics and optics, have you any +apparatus for illustration?</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To his Father.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Trin. Coll., 25th October 1855.</i></p> + +<p>I have refused to take pupils this term, as I want to get some time for +reading and doing private mathematics, and then I can bestow some time +on the men who attend lectures.</p> + +<p>I go in bad weather to an institution just opened for sports of all +sorts—jumping, vaulting, etc. By a little exercise of the arms every +day, one comes to enjoy one’s breath, and to sleep much better than if +one did nothing but walk on level roads.</p> + + +<p class="right"><i>1st November 1855.</i></p> + +<p>I have been lecturing two weeks now, and the class seems improving, and +they come up and ask questions, which is a good sign.</p> + +<p>I have been making curves to show the relations of pressure and volume +in gases, and they make the subject easier. I think I told you about +the Ray Club. I was<span class="pagenum" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</span> elected an associate last Wednesday.... We had a +discussion and an essay by Pomeroy last Saturday about the position +of the British nation in India, and sought through ancient and modern +history for instances of such a relation between two nations, but found +none. We seem to be in the position of having undertaken the management +of India at the most critical period, when all the old institutions +and religions must break up, and yet it is by no means plain how new +civilisation and self-government among people so different from us is +to be introduced. One thing is clear, that if we neglect them, or turn +them adrift again, or simply make money of them, then we must look +to Spain and the Americans for our examples of wicked management and +consequent ruin.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">From his Father.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>11th November 1855.</i></p> + +<p>The platometer will require much consideration, both by you and by any +one that undertakes the making. You need hardly expect the details all +rightly planned at the first; many defects will occur, and new devices +contrived to conquer unforeseen difficulties in the execution. I would +suspect £10 would not go far to get it into anything like good working +order. If the instrument were made, to whom is it to belong? And if it +succeeds well, for whose profit is all to be contrived? Does Bryson so +understand it as to be able to make it? Could he estimate the cost, or +would he contract to get an instrument up? Fixing on a suitable size is +very important.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To his Father.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Trin. Coll., 12th November 1855.</i></p> + +<p>I attended Willis on Mechanism to-day, and I think I will attend his +course, which is about the parts of machinery. I was lecturing about +the velocity of water escaping from a hole this morning. There was a +great noise outside, and we looked out at a magnificent jet from a pipe +which had gone wrong in the court. So that I was saved the trouble of +making experiments.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>I was talking to Willis about the platometer, and he thinks it will +work. Instead of toothed wheels to keep the spheres in position always, +I think watch-spring bands would be better.</p> + + +<p class="right"><i>Trin. Coll., 25th November 1855.</i></p> + +<p>I think I told you that Pomeroy was ill. He has had rather a sharp +attack of bilious fever. His mother has come up. He was getting round +on Thursday, but he saw too many people, and was rather the worse +of it. However, the doctor says that the recovery simply requires +attention, and patience, and no hurrying.</p> + +<p>I have been reading old books of optics, and find many things in them +far better than what is new. The foreign mathematicians are discovering +for themselves methods which were well known at Cambridge in 1720, but +are now forgotten.</p> + +<p>I have got a contrivance made for expounding instruments. It is a +squared rod, one yard long, on which slide pieces, which will carry +lenses. Each piece has a wedge which fixes it tight on the rod, and a +saw-shaft, with holes through it, for fastening the pasteboard frame of +the lens. By means of this I intend to set up all kinds of models of +instruments.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To R. B. Litchfield, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Trin. Coll., 28th November 1855.</i></p> + +<p>I am busy with questionists pretty regularly just now, slanging them +one after another for the same things. As they have just set upon me +for the evening, I must stop now and get out some optical things to +show them.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To his Father.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Trin. Coll., 3d December 1855.</i></p> + +<p>I had four questionist papers last week, as my subjects come thick +there; so I am full of men looking over papers. I have also to get +ready a paper on Faraday’s Lines of Force for next Monday.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Pomeroy is still very ill, but to-day he feels easier, and his mouth is +not quite so dry and sore. He gets food every two or three hours, and +port wine every time. I go up in the morning and look after the getting +up and bed-making department along with the nurse, after which Mrs. +Pomeroy comes, and the nurse goes to bed.</p> + +<p>Maurice was here from Friday to Monday, inspecting the working men’s +education. He was at Goodwin’s on Friday night, where we met him and +the teachers of the Cambridge affair. He talked of the history of the +foundation of the old colleges, and how they were mostly intended to +counteract the monastic system, and allow of work and study without +retirement from the world.</p> + + +<p class="right"><i>Trin. Coll., 11th December.</i></p> + +<p>Last night I lectured on Lines of Force at the Philosophical. I put off +the second part of it to next term. I have been drawing a lot of lines +of force by an easy dodge. I have got to draw them accurately without +calculation.</p> + +<p>Pomeroy has been improving slowly, but sometimes stopping. He is so big +that it requires a great deal to get up his strength again. I saw Dr. +Paget at the Philosophical to-day, and he seemed to think him in a fair +way to recover.</p> +</div> + + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_177" href="#FNanchor_177" class="label">[177]</a> +The “colour-box,” though perfected only in 1862, was in +full operation in the study at Glenlair several years before this—I +think as early as 1850. And even then he had begun spinning coloured +discs, proportionately arranged, so as to ascertain the true “mixture +of colours.” He was fond of insisting, to his female cousins, aunts, +etc., on the truth that blue and yellow do not make green. I remember +his explaining to me the difference between pigments and colours, and +showing me, through the “colour-box,” that the central band in the +spectrum was different from any of the hitherto so-called “primary +colours.” His theory on this subject was gradually formed through an +immense number of ingeniously arranged observations.</p> + +<p>His interest in Faraday’s investigations must have dated from a very +early time, certainly before 1849. And now he sought to give to these +speculations, at which his imaginative mind had long been working, +precise mathematical expression. I wish I could recall the date (1857?) +of a drive down the Vale of Orr, during which he described to me for +the first time, with extraordinary volubility, the swift, invisible +motions by which magnetic and galvanic phenomena were to be accounted +for. It was like listening to a fairy-tale. For the substance of it see +his papers in the <i>Philosophical Magazine</i> for 1861-2.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_178" href="#FNanchor_178" class="label">[178]</a> +An autograph copy was found amongst his papers. Another +copy, together with the interesting fact mentioned above, determining +the date, has been supplied by Canon Farrar’s kindness.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_179" href="#FNanchor_179" class="label">[179]</a> +<i>Supra</i>, <a href="#Page_114">p. 114.</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_180" href="#FNanchor_180" class="label">[180]</a> +Now Bishop of Lichfield. Maxwell had recommended him for +co-optation by the “Apostles’” Club.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_181" href="#FNanchor_181" class="label">[181]</a> +The MS. of a considerable part of this hook is still +extant. There appears to have been sometimes a contest in his mind +between the claims of different subjects. “I will have nothing to do +with optics,” he was heard once to exclaim.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_182" href="#FNanchor_182" class="label">[182]</a> +Professor Willis.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_183" href="#FNanchor_183" class="label">[183]</a> +Mrs. Morrieson’s early home was in Montgomeryshire.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_184" href="#FNanchor_184" class="label">[184]</a> +Above, <a href="#Page_57">p. 57.</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_185" href="#FNanchor_185" class="label">[185]</a> +This is said <i>à propos</i> of a recent visit to a +college friend who was settled as a clergyman in the country.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_186" href="#FNanchor_186" class="label">[186]</a> +For the Trinity College Fellowship.</p> + +</div> +</div> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.<br> +<span class="allsmcap">ESSAYS AT CAMBRIDGE—1853 TO 1856.</span></h2> +</div> + +<p class="nind"> +THE description of Maxwell’s life at Cambridge would be +incomplete without some notice of the Essays written by him from time +to time for the “Apostles’”</p> + +<p>Club. These range from the spring of 1853 to the summer of 1856. +Thrown off, as such things are, in irresponsible gaiety of heart, +mere “gardens of Adonis,” as Plato would call them, they contain real +indications of the writer’s speculative tendencies, and are most +characteristic of the activity and fulness of his mind, of his ironical +humour, and of his provoking discursiveness and indirectness of +expression. He is not “upon his oath,” and often throws out tentatively +a whole train of arguments or ideas.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +1. “<i>Decision</i>.” Written in February 1853.</p> + +<div class="sidenote2"><i>Æt.</i> 21.</div> + +<p>After a humorous sketch of the distraction arising from the different +associations of term and vacation time, the question is raised whether +on the whole a learned education is unfavourable to decision of +character and opinion. The answer pointed at, though not distinctly +given, is that high education may often unsettle opinion, but ought to +strengthen character. It must suffice here to quote a few of the most +characteristic passages:—</p> + +<p>“... In this charitable (holiday) frame of mind, we<span class="pagenum" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</span> resolved to try +the effect of our learning upon a mixed company.</p> + +<p>“Not to dazzle them too much at first, we merely ventured to quote +to an elderly lady a passage from Griffin on Presbyopic Vision. She +intended to get a new pair of spectacles, and hoped that optical +advice, fresh from College, might assist her in her choice. She was +surprised to learn that she must ascertain the distance behind the +retina at which the image of a distant object is formed, and that she +might then determine from the proper formula the focal lengths of the +lenses she required.</p> + +<p>“Shocked at the unhesitating way in which we proposed the most +barbarous if not impossible operations, she replied that she would +rather try several pairs, and take those that suited her best.”</p> + +<p>“... When this indecision” (of opinion) “cannot be traced to +hypochondria, we generally find indications of a defective appreciation +of quantity and a deceptive memory.</p> + +<p>“Its victims measure reasons by their number and not by their weight. +They do not say 'so much' but 'so many things to be said on both +sides.’ To make the number equal on both sides they will split an +argument or state it in several ways. These ingenious self-tormentors +have invented a form of reasoning which ought to take its place beside +the 'reasoning in a circle.’ We may call it reasoning in a corner, +or tergiversation.... It derives its name from the motion of the +imprisoned monarch in a drawn game at draughts, and is resorted to +when pressed by a disjunctive argument.... In this way these clacking +metronomes endeavour to transfer their inquietude to their neighbours.”</p> + +<p>“... It is this consciousness of aim that gives to their experience the +character of self-education. While other men are drifted hither and +thither by conflicting influences, their sails seem to resolve every +blast in a favourable direction. To them catastrophes are lessons and +mysteries illustrations. Every thing and every person is estimated by +its effect in accelerating personal advancement.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>“The aims thus adopted may be different in kind and value. One may aim +at effective deeds, another at completeness, a third at correctness, +a fourth at dignity, while another class estimates its progress by +the universality of its sentiments and the comprehensiveness of +its sympathy with the varieties of the human mind. Some, in short, +attend more to self-government, and some to mental expansion. When +these tendencies can be combined and subordinated, there emerges the +perfectly educated man, who, in the rigidity of his principles, acts +with decision, and in the expansibility of his sympathy tolerates all +opinions.”</p> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +2. “<i>What is the Nature of Evidence of Design?</i>” 1853.</p> + +<p>“Design! The very word ... disturbs our quiet discussions about how +things happen with restless questionings about the why of them all. +We seem to have recklessly abandoned the railroad of phenomenology, +and the black rocks of Ontology stiffen their serried brows and frown +inevitable destruction.</p> + +<p>“... The belief in design is a necessary consequence of the Laws of +Thought acting on the phenomena of perception.</p> + +<p>“... The essentials then for true evidence of design are—(1) A +phenomenon having significance to us; (2) Two ascertained chains of +physical causes contingently connected, and both having the same +apparent terminations, viz., the phenomenon itself and some presupposed +personality.... If the discovery of a watch awakens my torpid +intelligence I perceive a significant end which the watch subserves +It goes, and, considering its locality, it is going well.... My young +and growing reason points out two sets of phenomena ... (<i>a</i>) the +elasticity of springs, etc. etc., and (<i>b</i>) the astronomical facts +which render the mean solar day the unit of civil time combined with +those social habits which require a cognisance of the time of day.</p> + +<p>“... It is the business of science to investigate these causal chains. +If they are found not to be independent but to meet in some ascertained +point, we must transfer the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</span> evidence of design from the ultimate +fact to the existence of the chain. Thus, suppose we ascertained that +watches are now made by machinery ... the machinery including the watch +forms one more complicated and therefore more evident instance of +design.”</p> + +<p>“... The only subordinate centres of causation which I have seen +formally investigated are men and animals; the latter even are often +overlooked. But every well-ascertained law points to some central +cause, and at once constitutes that centre a <i>being</i> in the +general sense of the word. Whether that being be <i>personal</i> is +a question which may be determined by induction. The less difficult +question whether the <i>being</i> be <i>intelligent</i> is more +practicable, and should be kept in view in the investigation of +organised beings.</p> + +<p>“The search for such invisible potencies or wisdoms may appear novel +and unsanctioned.... For my part I do not think that any speculations +about the personality or intelligence of subordinate agents in creation +could ever be perverted into witchcraft or demonolatry.</p> + +<p>“Why should not the Original Creator have shared the pleasure of His +work with His creatures and made the morning stars sing together, etc.?</p> + +<p>“I suspect that such a hope has prompted many speculations of natural +historians, who would be ashamed to put it into words.<a id="FNanchor_187" href="#Footnote_187" class="fnanchor">[187]</a></p> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>“... Three fallacies—(1) Putting the final cause in the place of a +physical connection, as when Bernoulli saw the propriety of making the +curves of isochronous oscillations and of shortest time of descent +both cycloids; (2) The erroneous assertion of a physical relation, +as when Bacon supplemented the statement of Socrates about the +eyebrows<span class="pagenum" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</span> by saying that pilosity is incident to moist places; (3) +(and worst) applying an argument from final causes to wrongly asserted +phenomena:—‘Because water is incompressible, it cannot transmit sound, +and therefore fishes have no ears.' Every fact here stated is erroneous”</p> + +<p>In the course of this paper—in which are discernible the traces +of early impressions derived through the poetry of Milton—there +occurs also incidentally a statement of the Hamiltonian doctrine of +Perception,<a id="FNanchor_188" href="#Footnote_188" class="fnanchor">[188]</a> with the following significant corollary:—</p> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>“Perception is the ultimate consciousness of self and thing together.</p> + +<p>“If we admit, as we must, that this ultimate phenomenon is incapable +of further analysis, and that subject and object alone are immediately +concerned in it, it follows that the fact is strictly private and +incommunicable. One only can know it, therefore two cannot agree in +a name for it. And since the fact is simple it cannot be thought of +by itself nor compared alone with any other equally simple fact. We +may therefore dismiss all questions about the absolute nature of +perception, and all theories of their resemblances and differences. We +may next refuse to turn our attention to perception in general, as all +perceptions are particular.”</p> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +3. <i>Idiotic Imps</i>. Summer Term, 1853.</p> + +<p>Starting from Isaac Taylor’s <i>Physical Theory of another life</i>, +which Maxwell at this time seems to have regarded as in itself an +innocent and rather attractive piece of fancy,—“the perusal of it has +a tendency rather to excite speculation than to satisfy curiosity, and +the author obtains the approbation of the reader, while he fails to +convince him of the soundness of his views,”—he takes occasion from +it to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</span> characterise the “Dark Sciences” to which Taylor’s book may +unintentionally lend encouragement—a result to be deprecated.</p> + +<p>“The first question I would ask concerning a spiritual theory would +be, Is it favourable or adverse to the present developments of Dark +Science? The Dark Sciences ... while they profess to treat of laws +which have never been investigated, afford the most conspicuous +examples of the operation of the well-known laws of association ... in +imitating the phraseology of science, and in combining its facts with +those which must naturally suggest themselves to a mind unnaturally +disposed. In the misbegotten science thus produced we have speciously +sounding laws of which our first impression is that they are truisms, +and the second that they are absurd, and a bewildering mass of +experimental proof, of which all the tendencies lie on the surface and +all the data turn out when examined to be heaped together as confusedly +as the stores of button-makers ... and those undigested narratives +which are said to form the nutriment of the minute philosopher.... The +most orthodox system of metaphysics may be transformed into a dark +science by its phraseology being popularised, while its principles are +lost sight of.”</p> + +<p>Three phases of dark science are described:—</p> + +<p>“(1.) At first they were or pretended to be physical sciences. Their +language was imitated from popular physics, and their professed aim +was to explain occult phenomena by means of new and still more occult +material laws. Experiments in animal magnetism were always performed +with the nose carefully turned towards the north. In electrobiology a +scrupulous system of insulation was practised at first, and afterwards, +when galvanism became more popular than statical electricity, +circuits were formed of alternate elements, those of one sex being +placed between those of the other.... The fluid which in former times +circulated through the nerves under the form of animal spirits, is in +our day expanded so as to fill the universe, and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</span> is the invisible +medium through which the communion of the sensitive takes place.</p> + +<p>“(2.) The next phase of the dark sciences is that in which ... the +phraseology of physics is exchanged for that of psychology. In this +stage we hear much of the power of the will. The verb to will acquires +a new and popular sense, so that every one now is able to will a thing +without bequeathing it. People can will not to be able to do a thing, +then try and not succeed; while those of stronger minds can will their +victims out of their wits and back again.</p> + +<p>“(3.) The third or pneumatological phase begins by distrusting, as +it well may, the explanations prevalent during the former stages of +apparitions, distant intercourse, etc. It suggests that different +minds may have some communion, though separated by space, through +some spiritual medium. Such a suggestion if discreetly followed up +might lead to important discoveries, and would certainly give rise to +entertaining meditations. But the cultivators of the dark sciences have +done as they have ever delighted to do. Their spirits are not content +with making themselves present</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">‘Where all the nerves of sense are numb,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Spirit to spirit, ghost to ghost.’</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="nind"> +but they become the familiar spirits of money-making media, and rap out +lies for hours together for the amusement of a promiscuous ‘circle.’ +... While the believers sit round the table of the medium and form one +loop of the figure 8, the spiritual circle enclosing the celestial +mahogany forms the upper portion of the curve, the medium herself +constituting the double point. But who shall say of the dark sciences +that they have reached the maximum of darkness? Men have listened to +the toes of a medium as to the voice of the departed. Let them now +stand about her table as about the table of devils. If one spirit can +wrap itself in petticoats, why may not another dance with three legs? +A most searching question truly! And accordingly the powerful analysis +of Godfrey has led him to the conclusion that a table of which the +plane surface is touched<span class="pagenum" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</span> by believing fingers may be transformed into +a diaboloid of revolution.... Will there be an interminable series of +such expressions of belief, each more unnatural than its predecessor, +and gradually converging towards absolute absurdity?”</p> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +4. <i>Has everything beautiful in Art its original in Nature</i> Spring +of 1854—shortly after the Tripos Examination.</p> + +<p>“As the possibility of working out the question within the time forms +no part of our specification, we may glance at heights which mock the +attenuated triangle of the mathematician, and throw our pebble into +depths which his cord and plummet can never sound.”</p> + +<p>Maxwell here takes his revenge upon the Senate-house by becoming more +discursive than ever.<a id="FNanchor_189" href="#Footnote_189" class="fnanchor">[189]</a></p> + +<p>He begins by deprecating precise definitions and proposing an appeal to +facts.</p> + +<p>His conclusion is as follows:—“Nothing beautiful can be produced by +Man except by the laws of mind acting in him as those of Nature do +without him; and therefore the kind of beauty he can thus evolve must +be limited by the very small number of correlative sciences which he +has mastered; but as the Theoretic and imaginative faculty is far in +advance of Reason, he can apprehend and artistically reproduce natural +beauty of a higher order than his science can attain to; and as his +Moral powers are capable of a still wider range, he may make his work +the embodiment of a still higher beauty, which expresses the glory of +nature as the instrument by which our spirits are exercised, delighted, +and taught. If there is anything more I desire to say it is that while +I confess the vastness of nature and the narrowness of our symbolical +sciences, yet I fear not any effect which either Science or Knowledge +may have on the beauty of that which is beautiful once and for ever.”</p> + +<p>The following observations occur in the course of the essay:—</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>“All your analysis is cruelly anatomical, and your separated faculties +have all the appearance of preparations. You may retain their names +for distinctness, but forbear to tear them asunder for lecture-room +demonstration.... They separate a faculty by saying it is not +intellectual, and then, by reasoning blindfold, every philosopher goes +up his own tree, finds a mare’s nest and laughs at the eggs, which turn +out to be pure intellectual abstractions in spite of every definition.</p> + +<p>“With respect to beauty of things audible and visible, we have a firm +conviction that the pleasure it affords to any being would be of the +same kind by whatever organisation he became conscious of it.... Our +enjoyment of music is accompanied by an intuitive perception of the +relations of sounds, and the agreement of the human race would go far +to establish the universality of these conditions of pleasure, though +Science had not discovered their physical and numerical significance.”</p> + +<p><i>Beauty of Form</i>.—“A mathematician might express his admiration +of the Ellipse. Ruskin agrees with him.... It is a universal condition +of the enjoyable that the mind must believe in the existence of a law, +and yet have a mystery to move about in.... All things are full of +ellipses—bicentral sources of lasting joy, as the wondrous Oken might +have said.” Beauty of form, then, is—1. Geometrical; 2. Organic; 3. +“Rivers and mountains have not even an organic symmetry; the pleasure +we derive from their forms is not that of comprehension, but of +apprehension of their fitness as the forms of flowing and withstanding +matter. When such objects are represented by Art, they acquire an +additional beauty as the language of Nature understood by Man, the +interpreter, although by no means the emendator, of her expressions.</p> + +<p>“... The power of Making is man’s highest power in connexion with +Nature.”</p> + +<p><i>Beauty of Colour</i>.—“The Science of Colour does, indeed, point +out certain arrangements and gradations which follow as necessarily +from first principles, as the curves of the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</span> second order from their +equations. These results of science are, many of them, realised in +natural phenomena taking place according to those physical laws of +which our mathematical formulæ are symbols; but it is possible that +combinations of colours may be imagined or calculated, which no optical +phenomenon we are acquainted with could reproduce. Such a result would +no more prove the impropriety of the arrangement than ignorance of the +planetary orbits kept the Greeks from admiring the Ellipse.”</p> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +5. <i>Envelopment: Can Ideas be developed without Reference to Things +as their developing Authorities?</i> Summer Term, 1854.</p> + +<p>Early in 1854 Maxwell had read J. H. Newman’s<a id="FNanchor_190" href="#Footnote_190" class="fnanchor">[190]</a> Essay on the +Development of Christian Doctrine. He appears to have felt an +inconsistency between the tenor of that work and its title, which set +him meditating on the difference between true Development—<i>i.e.</i> +Education—and Envelopment or Self-Involution, as a tendency incident +to certain habits of thought.</p> + +<p>He traces the working of this tendency in various subjects ending with +theology, and then proceeds as follows:—</p> + +<p>“Envelopment is a process by which the human mind, possessed with +a preternatural impatience of facts and fascinated by the apparent +simplicity of some half-apprehended theory, seeks, by involving the +chain of its speculations in hopeless confusion, to round it, as it +were, to a separate whole.</p> + +<p>“Thus Mr. Newman and his predecessors take up some single practice of +Christians, and by means of analogies derived from the practices of +Egyptian priests, Roman emperors, or Jewish rabbis, they determine, +most precisely, the situation, extent, and exposure of the place of +purging by fire, together with all the technicalities, observances, and +etiquette of that mysterious region. The convolutions of the brain are +very wonderful.”</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>As a further illustration he proceeds to trace the genesis of +phreno-mesmerism.</p> + + +<p>Against the Theory of the Development of Doctrine he sets the fact of +the Education of Mankind.</p> + + +<p class="space-above2"> +The Essay is highly ironical and full of caustic touches, but it is +difficult to detach them for quotation.</p> + +<p>“One great art in argument when you have the first move is to divide +everything into that which is and that which is not in some assigned +class. In this way you make it the business of the opponent to discover +what other important things there may be which may be said of the +subject in hand.</p> + +<p>“... These subtle differences when further multiplied by the +application of the seven tests of development, would require a seven +years’ apprenticeship with Thomas Aquinas before anything could be said +of them except assent or contempt.</p> + +<p>“... In every human pursuit there are two courses—one, that which +in its lowest form is called the useful, and has for its ultimate, +object the extension of knowledge, the dominion over Nature, and +the welfare of mankind. The objects of the second course are +entirely self-contained. Theories are elaborated for theories’ sake, +difficulties are sought out and treasured as such, and no argument is +to be considered perfect unless it lands the reasoner at the point from +which he started.</p> + +<p>“... Some years ago I encountered a gentleman whose main object was +to discover the musical relations of the number eleven. I hear on +good authority that the question is not only more perplexed but more +interesting than ever.</p> + +<p>“... I have unaccountably passed over that Logic by means of which +many a powerful mind has persuaded itself that it was usefully engaged +while devoting a life to the defence or attack of the fourth figure +of the syllogism, and that Metaphysics which even now seeks to find +arguments about the operations of the senses, while it rejects the aid +of physiology or any other appeal to facts.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>“I now proceed to envelop an argument from one of those dark sciences +which seem to have been sent up from Dom Daniel for the special purpose +of displaying reasonings of this kind.</p> + +<p>“It is well known that the brain is the organ of intellectual activity. +It is held by all that the intellect is made up of many distinct +faculties. Therefore the brain must be composed of corresponding +organs.” ...</p> + +<p>The Essay concludes quite seriously—“The education of man is so +well provided for in the world around him, and so hopeless in any of +the worlds which he makes for himself, that it becomes of the utmost +importance to distinguish natural truth from artificial system, the +development of a science from the envelopment of a craft.”</p> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +6. <i>Morality.</i> May 1855. (See above, p. 202), <i>Is Ethical Truth +obtainable from an Individual Point of View?</i></p> + +<p>An inquiry concerning the first principles of Moral Philosophy.</p> + +<p>Of three criteria, fitness, pleasure, and freedom, the last is +preferred, but is pronounced incomplete. Adam Smith’s use of the +principle of sympathy is then considered. “The repeated action of what +Smith calls sympathy, calls forth various moral principles, which may +be deduced, no doubt, from other theories, as necessary truths, but of +which the actual presence is now first accounted for.... Instead of +supposing the moral action of the mind to be a speculation on fitness, +a calculation of happiness, or an effort towards freedom, he makes it +depend on a recognition of our relation to others like ourselves.” This +method (that of self-projection) is pronounced the only true one, but +is to be extended so as to embrace other relations than that of mere +similarity.</p> + +<p>Such is the bare outline of an essay which would fill at least a dozen +pages. It touches on various themes, from the origin of law to the +religious sanction of morals, and contains no little evidence of the +writer’s growing power of observing human life.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +7. <i>Language and Speculation.</i> Autumn of 1855. (See above, p. +218.) <i>Is the Modern Vocabulary of the English Language the Effect or +the Cause of its Speculative State?</i></p> + +<p>A series of observations on style, original but very discursive, +chiefly aimed at certain literary affectations which were then +beginning to creep in.</p> + +<p>“... The new form of the old thought must be dressed out with words, +and must attract attention by bringing forward what should be kept in +the background. No wonder the poor fellow thinks his head is turned, +when he is trying to see over the collar of his coat.</p> + +<p>“... By all means let us have technical terms belonging to every +science and mystery practised by men, but let us not have mere +freemasonry or Ziph language by which men of the same cult can secretly +combine.”</p> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +8. <i>Analogies.</i> February 1856. <i>Are there Real Analogies in +Nature?</i></p> + +<p>This essay contains a serious exposition of Maxwell’s deliberate views +on philosophical questions, and is therefore given here entire, not +omitting the playful opening paragraph.</p> + +<p>“In the ancient and religious foundation of Peterhouse there is +observed this rule, that whoso makes a pun shall be counted the author +of it, but that whoso pretends to find it out shall be counted the +publisher of it, and that both shall be fined. Now, as in a pun two +truths lie hid under one expression, so in an analogy one truth is +discovered under two expressions. Every question concerning analogies +is therefore the reciprocal of a question concerning puns, and the +solutions can be transposed by reciprocation. But since we are still in +doubt as to the legitimacy of reasoning by analogy, and as reasoning +even by paradox has been pronounced less heinous than reasoning by +puns, we must adopt<span class="pagenum" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</span> the direct method with respect to analogy, and +then, if necessary, deduce by reciprocation the theory of puns.</p> + +<p>“That analogies appear to exist is plain in the face of things, for all +parables, fables, similes, metaphors, tropes, and figures of speech +are analogies, natural or revealed, artificial or concealed. The +question is entirely of their reality. Now, no question exists as to +the possibility of an analogy without a mind to recognise it—that is +rank nonsense. You might as well talk of a demonstration or refutation +existing unconditionally. Neither is there any question as to the +occurrence of analogies to our minds. They are as plenty as reasons, +not to say blackberries. For, not to mention all the things in external +nature which men have seen as the projections of things in their own +minds, the whole framework of science, up to the very pinnacle of +philosophy, seems sometimes a dissected model of nature, and sometimes +a natural growth on the inner surface of the mind. Now, if in examining +the admitted truths in science and philosophy, we find certain general +principles appearing throughout a vast range of subjects, and sometimes +re-appearing in some quite distinct part of human knowledge; and if, +on turning to the constitution of the intellect itself, we think +we can discern there the reason of this uniformity, in the form of +a fundamental law of the right action of the intellect, are we to +conclude that these various departments of nature in which analogous +laws exist, have a real inter-dependence; or that their relation is +only apparent and owing to the necessary conditions of human thought?</p> + +<p>“There is nothing more essential to the right understanding of things +than a perception of the relations of number. Now the very first notion +of number implies a previous act of intelligence. Before we can count +any number of things, we must pick them out of the universe, and give +each of them a fictitious unity by definition. Until we have done this, +the universe of sense is neither one nor many, but indefinite. But yet, +do what we will, Nature seems to have a certain horror of partition. +Perhaps the most natural thing to count “one” for is a man or human<span class="pagenum" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</span> +being, but yet it is very difficult to do so. Some count by heads, +others by souls, others by noses; still there is a tendency either +to run together into masses or to split up into limbs. The dimmed +outlines of phenomenal things all merge into another unless we put on +the focussing glass of theory and screw it up sometimes to one pitch of +definition, and sometimes to another, so as to see down into different +depths through the great millstone of the world.</p> + +<p>“As for space and time, any man will tell you that 'it is now known and +ascertained that they are merely modifications of our own minds.' And +yet if we conceive of the mind as absolutely indivisible and capable +of only one state at a time, we must admit that these states may be +arranged in chronological order, and that this is the only real order +of these states. For we have no reason to believe, on the ground of a +given succession of simple sensations, that differences in position, +as well as in order of occurrence, exist among the causes of these +sensations. But yet we are convinced of the co-existence of different +objects at the same time, and of the identity of the same object at +different times. Now if we admit that we can think of difference +independent of sequence, and of sequence without difference, we have +admitted enough on which to found the possibility of the ideas of space +and time.</p> + +<p>“But if we come to look more closely into these ideas, as developed in +human beings, we find that <i>their</i> space has triple extension, but +is the same in all directions, without behind or before, whereas time +extends only back and forward, and always goes forward.</p> + +<p>“To inquire why these peculiarities of these fundamental ideas +are so would require a most painful if not impossible act of +self-excenteration; but to determine whether there is anything in +Nature corresponding to them, or whether they are mere projections of +our mental machinery on the surface of external things, is absolutely +necessary to appease the cravings of intelligence. Now it appears to me +that when we say that space has three dimensions, we not only express +the impossibility of conceiving a fourth dimension, co-ordinate<span class="pagenum" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</span> with +the three known ones, but assert the objective truth that points may +differ in position by the independent variation of three variables. +Here, therefore, we have a real analogy between the constitution of the +intellect and that of the external world.</p> + +<p>“With respect to time, it is sometimes assumed that the consecution +of ideas is a fact precisely the same kind as the sequence of events +in time. But it does not appear that there is any closer connection +between these than between mental difference, and difference of +position. No doubt it is possible to assign the accurate date of every +act of thought, but I doubt whether a chronological table drawn up in +this way would coincide with the sequence of ideas of which we are +conscious. There is an analogy, but I think not an identity, between +these two orders of thoughts and things. Again, if we know what is at +any assigned point of space at any assigned instant of time, we may be +said to know all the events in Nature. We cannot conceive any other +thing which it would be necessary to know; and, in fact, if any other +necessary element does exist, it never enters into any phenomenon so as +to make it differ from what it would be on the supposition of space and +time being the only necessary elements.</p> + +<p>“We cannot, however, think any set of thoughts without conceiving +of them as depending on reasons. These reasons, when spoken of with +relation to objects, get the name of causes, which are reasons, +analogically referred to objects instead of thoughts. When the objects +are mechanical, or are considered in a mechanical point of view, the +causes are still more strictly defined, and are called <i>forces</i>.</p> + +<p>“Now if we are acquainted not only with the events, but also with +the forces, in Nature, we acquire the power of predicting events not +previously known.</p> + +<p>“This conception of cause, we are informed, has been ascertained to +be a notion of invariable sequence. No doubt invariable sequence, if +observed, would suggest the notion of cause, just as the end of a poker +painted red suggests the notion of heat, but although a cause without +its invariable<span class="pagenum" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</span> effect is absurd, a cause by its apparent frustration +only suggests the notion of an equal and opposite cause.</p> + +<p>“Now the analogy between reasons, causes, forces, principles, and moral +rules, is glaring, but dazzling.</p> + +<p>“A reason or argument is a conductor by which the mind is led from a +proposition to a necessary consequence of that proposition. In pure +logic reasons must all tend in the same direction. There can be no +conflict of reasons. We may lose sight of them or abandon them, but +cannot pit them against one another. If our faculties were indefinitely +intensified, so that we could see all the consequences of any +admission, then all reasons would resolve themselves into one reason, +and all demonstrative truth would be one proposition. There would be +no room for plurality of reasons, still less for conflict. But when we +come to causes of phenomena and not reasons of truths, the conflict of +causes, or rather the mutual annihilation of effects, is manifest. Not +but what there is a tendency in the human mind to lump up all causes, +and give them an aggregate name, or to trace chains of causes up to +their knots and asymptotes. Still we see, or seem to see, a plurality +of causes at work, and there are some who are content with plurality.</p> + +<p>“Those who are thus content with plurality delight in the use of the +word force as applied to cause. Cause is a metaphysical word implying +something unchangeable and always producing its effect. Force on the +other hand is a scientific word, signifying something which always +meets with opposition, and often with successful opposition, but +yet never fails to do what it can in its own favour. Such are the +physical forces with which science deals, and their maxim is that +might is right, and they call themselves laws of nature. But there are +other laws of nature which determine the form and action of organic +structure. These are founded on the forces of nature, but they seem to +do no work except that of direction. Ought they to be called forces? +A force does work in proportion to its strength. These <i>direct</i> +forces to work after a model. They are <i>moulds</i>, not forces.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</span> Now +since we have here a standard from which deviation may take place, we +have, besides the notion of strength, which belongs to force, that of +health, which belongs to organic law. Organic beings are not conscious +of organic laws, and it is not the conscious being that takes part +in them, but another set of laws now appear in very close connexion +with the conscious being. I mean the laws of thought. These may be +interfered with by organic laws, or by physical disturbances, and no +doubt every such interference is regulated by the laws of the brain +and of the connexion between that medulla and the process of thought. +But the thing to be observed is, that the laws which regulate the +right process of the intellect are identical with the most abstract +of all laws, those which are found among the relations of necessary +truths, and that though these are mixed up with, and modified by, the +most complex systems of phenomena in physiology and physics, they must +be recognised as supreme among the other laws of thought. And this +supremacy does not consist in superior strength, as in physical laws, +nor yet, I think, in reproducing a type as in organic laws, but in +being right and true; even when other causes have been for a season +masters of the brain.</p> + +<p>“When we consider voluntary actions in general, we think we see causes +acting like forces on the willing being. Some of our motions arise +from physical necessity, some from irritability or organic excitement, +some are performed by our machinery without our knowledge, and some +evidently are due to us and our volitions. Of these, again, some are +merely a repetition of a customary act, some are due to the attractions +of pleasure or the pressure of constrained activity, and a few show +some indications of being the results of distinct acts of the will. +Here again we have a continuation of the analogy of Cause. Some had +supposed that in will they had found the only true cause, and that all +physical causes are only apparent. I need not say that this doctrine is +exploded.</p> + +<p>“What we have to observe is, that new elements enter into the nature of +these higher causes, for mere abstract<span class="pagenum" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</span> reasons are simply absolute; +forces are related by their strength; organic laws act towards +resemblances to types; animal emotions tend to that which promotes the +enjoyment of life; and will is in great measure actually subject to all +these, although certain other laws of <i>right</i>, which are abstract +and demonstrable, like those of reason, are <i>supreme</i> among the +laws of will.</p> + +<p>“Now the question of the reality of analogies in nature derives most +of its interest from its application to the opinion, that all the +phenomena of nature, being varieties of motion, can only differ in +complexity, and therefore the only way of studying nature, is to +master the fundamental laws of motion first, and then examine what +kinds of complication of these laws must be studied in order to obtain +true views of the universe. If this theory be true, we must look for +indications of these fundamental laws throughout the whole range of +science, and not least among those remarkable products of organic life, +the results of cerebration (commonly called ‘thinking’). In this case, +of course, the resemblances between the laws of different classes +of phenomena should hardly be called analogies, as they are only +transformed identities.</p> + +<p>“If, on the other hand, we start from the study of the laws of +thought (the abstract, logical laws, not the physiological), then +these apparent analogies become merely repetitions by reflexion of +certain necessary modes of action to which our minds are subject. +I do not see how, upon either hypothesis, we can account for the +existence of one set of laws of which the supremacy is necessary, +but to the operation contingent. But we find another set of laws +of the same kind, and sometimes coinciding with physical laws, the +operation of which is inflexible when once in action, but depends in +its beginnings on some act of volition. The theory of the consequences +of actions is greatly perplexed by the fact that each act sets in +motion many trains of machinery, which react on other agents and come +into regions of physical and metaphysical chaos from which it is +difficult to disentangle them. But if we could place the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</span> telescope +of theory in proper adjustment, to see not the physical events which +form the subordinate foci of the disturbance propagated through the +universe, but the moral foci where the true image of the original act +is reproduced, then we shall recognise the fact, that when we clearly +see any moral act, then there appears a moral necessity for the trains +of consequences of that act, which are spreading through the world to +be concentrated on some focus, so as to give a true and complete image +of the act in its moral point of view. All that bystanders see, is the +physical act, and some of its immediate physical consequences, but as a +partial pencil of light, even when not adapted for distinct vision, may +enable us to see an <i>object</i>, and not merely light, so the partial +view we have of any act, though far from perfect, may enable us to see +it morally as an act, and not merely physically as an event.</p> + +<p>“If we think we see in the diverging trains of physical consequences +not only a capability of forming a true image of the act, but also of +reacting upon the agent, either directly or after a long circuit, then +perhaps we have caught the idea of <i>necessary</i> retribution, as the +legitimate consequence of all moral action.</p> + +<p>“But as this idea of the <i>necessary</i> reaction of the consequences +of action is derived only from a few instances, in which we have +guessed at such a law among the necessary laws of the universe; and we +have a much more distinct idea of <i>justice</i>, derived from those +laws which we necessarily recognise as supreme, we connect the idea +of retribution much more with that of <i>justice</i> than with that +of <i>cause and effect</i>. We therefore regard retribution as the +result of <i>interference</i> with the mechanical order of things, and +intended to vindicate the supremacy of the right order of things, but +still we suspect that the two orders of things will eventually dissolve +into one.</p> + +<p>“I have been somewhat diffuse and confused on the subject of moral law, +in order to show to what length analogy will carry the speculations of +men. Whenever they see a relation between two things they know well, +and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</span> think they see there must be a similar relation between things +less known, they reason from the one to the other. This supposes +that although pairs of things may differ widely from each other, the +relation in the one pair may be the same as that in the other. Now, as +in a scientific point of view the relation is the most important thing +to know, a knowledge of the one thing leads us a long way towards a +knowledge of the other. If all that we know is relation, and if all +the relations of one pair of things correspond to those of another +pair, it will be difficult to distinguish the one pair from the other, +although not presenting a single point of resemblance, unless we have +some difference of relation to something else, whereby to distinguish +them. Such mistakes can hardly occur except in mathematical and +physical analogies, but if we are going to study the constitution of +the individual mental man, and draw all our arguments from the laws of +society on the one hand, or those of the nervous tissue on the other, +we may chance to convert useful helps into Wills-of-the-wisp. Perhaps +the ‘book,’ as it has been called, of nature is regularly paged; if so, +no doubt the introductory parts will explain those that follow, and the +methods taught in the first chapters will be taken for granted and used +as illustrations in the more advanced parts of the course; but if it is +not a ‘book’ at all, but a magazine, nothing is more foolish to suppose +that one part can throw light on another.</p> + +<p>“Perhaps the next most remarkable analogy is between the principle, +law, or plan according to which all things are made suitably to what +they have to do, and the intention which a man has of making machines +which will work. The doctrine of final causes, although productive of +barrenness in its exclusive form, has certainly been a great help to +enquirers into nature; and if we only maintain the existence of the +analogy, and allow observation to determine its form, we cannot be led +far from the truth.</p> + +<p>“There is another analogy which seems to be supplanting the other +on its own ground, which lies between the principle, law, or plan +according to which the forms of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</span> things are made to have a certain +community of type, and that which induces human artists to make a set +of different things according to varieties of the same model. Here +apparently the final cause is analogy or homogeneity, to the exclusion +of usefulness.</p> + +<p>“And last of all we have the secondary forms of crystals bursting +in upon us, and sparkling in the rigidity of mathematical necessity +and telling us, neither of harmony of design, usefulness or moral +significance,—nothing but spherical trigonometry and Napier’s +analogies. It is because we have blindly excluded the lessons of these +angular bodies from the domain of human knowledge that we are still +in doubt about the great doctrine that the only laws of matter are +those which our minds must fabricate, and the only laws of mind are +fabricated for it by matter.”</p> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +9. <i>Autobiography.</i> (Dated) 8th March 1856. <i>Is Autobiography +possible?</i></p> + +<p>Under the guise of an ironical paradox, that all biography is (1) +impossible, (2) inevitable, Maxwell recommends the simple record of +facts, and deprecates the method of introspection. Of many shrewd +remarks occurring in the course of this essay, the following are the +most noticeable:—</p> + +<p>“... When a man once begins to make a theory of himself, he generally +succeeds in making himself into a theory.</p> + +<p>“... The truthfulness of the biography depends quite as much upon the +relations which subsisted between the author and his subject, as upon +his fidelity in collecting authentic accounts of his actions.</p> + +<p>“... It will be found that the motives under which the celebrated +characters of history have acted, are, whether good or bad, pretty +much of the same order of refinement, as long as we gather them from +the same historian. It is when we pass from one historian to another +that we discover a new order of motives, both in the good and the bad +characters.</p> + +<p>“... People do not talk of you, or if they do, they<span class="pagenum" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</span> make blunders. But +they do reflect you, and that more faithfully than your looking-glass.</p> + +<p>“... The stomach-pump of the confessional ought only to be used in +cases of manifest poisoning. More gentle remedies are better for the +constitution in ordinary cases.</p> + +<p>“... Every man has a right and is bound to become acquainted with +himself; but he will find himself out better by intercourse with +well-chosen reagents, than by putting on his own thumbscrews, or +by sending round to his friends for their opinions. In the choice +of reagents, the first thing to be avoided is incapability and +insincerity, which generally go together.</p> + +<p>“... Suppose such a history or biography to exist, where actions are +described without comment, but in a spirit faithful to the highest +truth. It will be an indestructible picture of life, which cannot be +distorted by future accidents, and which, by its clear arrangement and +perfect simplicity, is sure to pass into our experience without that +opposition which, by the constitution of man, accompanies the forcible +administration of moral precept.”</p> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +10. <i>Unnecessary Thought.</i> October (?), 1856. “<i>Is a horror of +Unnecessary Thought natural or unnatural? Which does Nature abhor most, +a superplenum or a vacuum of thought ”?</i></p> + +<p>A great part of every life is necessarily unconscious or mechanical. +“We have a natural and widespread aversion to the act of thinking, +which exists more or less in all men.” But, on the other hand, abstract +thought needs to be continually checked through contact with reality, +and it is more important that our thoughts should have a living root in +experience, than that they should be perfectly self-consistent at any +particular stage of their growth.</p> + +<p>“... They know the laws by heart, and do the calculations by +fingers.... When will they begin to think? Then comes active life: What +do they do that by? Precedent, wheel-tracks, and finger-posts.</p> + +<p>“... There is one part of the process at least to which<span class="pagenum" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</span> attention is +unfavourable. I mean the very important and necessary operation of +forgetting useless facts.</p> + +<p>“... Growth goes on in the mind as in the body by a process of +appropriation and rejection; and the mental growth is rendered steady +and real by its close connection with material and external things.”</p> +</div> + + +<p class="space-above2"> +11 and 12.—Two unfinished Essays, on <i>Sensation</i>, and on +<i>Reason and Faith</i>, may be probably assigned to the period of +attendance on his father’s illness in Edinburgh, in the spring of +1855. See his letter to C. J. Monro, of Feb. 19, on <a href="#Page_210">p. 210</a>. “I have +a few thoughts on ... sensation generally, and a kind of dim outline +of Cambridge palavers, tending to shadow forth the influence of +mathematical training on opinion and speculation.”</p> + + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_187" href="#FNanchor_187" class="label">[187]</a> +This Neo-platonic fancy (of δημιουργοί), with which the +reader may contrast the serio-comic lines on “Paradoxical Philosophy,” +is embodied in the alternative title of the paper—“Ought the Discovery +of a Plurality of Intelligent Creators to weaken our Belief in an +Ultimate First Cause?” A third title has been added later in the +author’s hand—“Does the Existence of Causal Chains prove an Astral +Entity or a Cosmothetic Idealism?”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_188" href="#FNanchor_188" class="label">[188]</a> +This statement concludes as follows:—“The late +superfluity of assertions might have been avoided by simply, +unintelligibly and therefore unanswerably, proclaiming myself a +natural dualist, uncontaminated with the heresy of unitarianism or the +pollution of cosmothetic idealism.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_189" href="#FNanchor_189" class="label">[189]</a> +See above, <a href="#Page_167">pp. 167</a>, <a href="#Page_168">8.</a></p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</span></p><div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_190" href="#FNanchor_190" class="label">[190]</a> +Cardinal Newman.</p> + +</div> +</div> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.<br> +DEATH OF HIS FATHER—PROFESSORSHIP AT ABERDEEN—1856, 1857—<i>Æt.</i> +24-25.</h2> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent14">“And yet thy heart</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The lowliest duties on herself did lay.”</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="nind"> +SOON after his return to Cambridge in February 1856 (after +seeing his father comfortably established in Edinburgh), Maxwell +heard from his old friend Professor Forbes that the Chair of Natural +Philosophy at Marischal College, Aberdeen, was vacant, and he shortly +afterwards became a candidate. He had never contemplated a life of +entire leisure, but it may seem strange that Cambridge, where besides +his lectureship he had various philanthropic interests, should not have +afforded him a sufficient field for regular work. He foresaw that the +Scotch appointment would please his father, and that the arrangement of +session and vacation time would enable him to spend the whole summer +uninterruptedly at Glenlair. Some expressions in his letters also seem +to indicate that he rather shrank from the prospect of becoming a +Cambridge “Don.” He had observed the narrowing tendencies of college +life, and preferred the rubs of the world.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</span></p> + +<p>His letters to his father and others at this time sufficiently explain +the course of his candidature, in which the point most deserving notice +is the generous way in which he speaks of his rivals. While treating +the whole matter with his usual grave irony, he seems to have conducted +his part of it with considerable sagacity, and when he returned to +Edinburgh about the middle of March everything was well in train. He +had the pleasure of knowing that his father’s interest in the question +was at least equal to his own, and that the old man had been roused by +it to some return of his former vigour. But the end was near. After a +few days spent in Edinburgh, the father and son went home to Glenlair, +as they had planned—a matter of no small anxiety and difficulty. The +short vacation had all but passed away, when, on Thursday the 2d of +April, just before his son was to have returned to Cambridge, Mr. John +Clerk Maxwell suddenly expired.</p> + +<p>The outward change was not very great. Maxwell went up to Cambridge as +usual. Glenlair was still his home. His interest in his own subjects +was undiminished. His candidature for Aberdeen continued. But the +personal loss to him was incalculable and irreparable. Their long daily +companionship had been followed by a correspondence which was all but +daily, by vacations spent together, and an uninterrupted interchange, +whether present or absent, of thoughts and social interests, both light +and grave. During the last six months it is true the old man had been +failing, and, to outward observers, was considerably<span class="pagenum" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</span> changed. But +the change had only called out his son's affection into more active +exercise, and had never checked the flow of communication by word or +letter. What depth of feeling lay beneath Maxwell’s quiet demeanour at +this time may be inferred from the poem written at Cambridge during +that summer term, and put into my hands when we met afterwards at +Glenlair. Some lines of it may be appropriately inserted here:—</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Yes, I know the forms that meet me are but phantoms of the brain,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For they walk in mortal bodies, and they have not ceased from pain,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Oh those signs of human weakness, left behind for ever now,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Dearer far to me than glories round a fancied seraph’s brow.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Oh the old familiar voices; oh the patient waiting eyes;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Let me live with them in dreamland while the world in slumber lies.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For by bonds of sacred honour will they guard my soul in sleep</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From the spells of aimless fancies that around my senses creep.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They will link the past and present into one continuous life;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">While I feel their hope, their patience, nerve me for the daily strife.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For it is not all a fancy that our lives and theirs are one,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And we know that all we see is but an endless work begun.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Part is left in nature’s keeping, part has entered into rest;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Part remains to grow and ripen hidden in some living breast.”</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Suck was James Clerk Maxwell during the “years of April blood.”</p> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">Letters, 1856.</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To his Father.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Trin., 14th Feb. 1856.</i></p> + +<p>Yesterday the Kay Club met at Hort’s. I took my great top there and +spun it with coloured discs attached to it. I have been planning a form +of top, which will have more variety of motion, but I am working out +the theory, so that I will wait till I know the necessary dimensions +before I settle the plan.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>I told Willie (Cay) how I had hung up a bullet by a combination of +threads.</p> + +<p>I have drawn from theory the curves which it ought to describe, and +when I set the bullet a-going over the proper curve, it traces it out +over and over again as if it were doing a pre-ordained dance, and kept +a steady eye on the line on the paper. I have enlarged my stock of +models for solid geometry, made of coloured thread, stretched between +two pasteboard ends.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">From Professor J. D. Forbes.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Edinburgh, 13th Feb. 1856.</i></p> + +<p>You may not perhaps have heard that Mr. Gray, Professor of Natural +Philosophy, Marischal College, Aberdeen, is dead. He was a pleasing and +energetic person, in the prime of life and health, a few months ago, +when I saw him last.</p> + +<p>I have no idea whether the situation would be any object to you; but I +thought I would mention it, as I think it would be a pity were it not +filled by a Scotchman, and you are the person who occurs to me as best +fitted for it.</p> + +<p>Do not imagine from my writing. that I have the smallest influence +in the matter, or interest in it beyond the welfare of the Scottish +Universities.</p> + +<p>It is in the gift of the Crown. The Lord Advocate and Home Secretary +are the parties to apply to. I am not acquainted with either.</p> + +<p>In the Commissioners’ Report of 1830 the emoluments are stated at about +£350. But they are not always to be depended upon.</p> + +<p>Another point. I think you ought certainly to be a Fellow of the Royal +Society of Edinburgh. I shall be glad to propose you if you wish it.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To his Father.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Trin. Coll., 15th Feb. 1856.</i></p> + +<p>Professor Forbes has written to me to say that the Professorship of +Nat. Phil, at Marischal College, Aberdeen, is vacant by the death of +Mr. Gray, and he inquires if I<span class="pagenum" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</span> would apply for the situation, so I +want to know what your notion or plan may be. For my own part, I think +the sooner I get into regular work the better, and that the best way of +getting into such work is to profess one’s readiness by applying for it.</p> + +<p>The appointment lies with the Crown—that is, the Lord Advocate +and Home Secretary. I suppose the correct thing to do is to send +certificates of merit, signed by swells, to one or other of these +officers.</p> + +<p>I am going to ask about the method of the thing here, and Thacker has +promised to get me the College Testimonials. If you see any one in +Edinburgh that understands the sort of thing, could you pick up the +outline of the process?</p> + +<p>In all ordinary affairs political distinctions are supposed to weigh a +great deal in Scotland. The English notion is that in pure and even in +mixed mathematics politics are of little use, however much a knowledge +of these sciences may promote the study of politics. As to Theology, +I am not aware that the mathematicians, as a body, are guilty of any +heresies, however some of them may have erred. But these are too +mysterious subjects to furnish matter for calculation, so I may tell +you that the reflecting stereoscope was finished yesterday, and looks +well, and that I got a Devil made at the same time, which I play at the +Gymnasium for relaxation and breathing time.</p> + +<p>Forbes also suggests my joining the Royal Society.</p> + + +<p class="right"><i>Trin. Coll., 20th Feb. /56.</i></p> + +<p>As far as writing (Testimonials) goes, there is a good deal, and if you +believe the Testimonials you would think the Government had in their +hands the triumph or downfall of education generally, according as they +elected one or not.</p> + +<p>However, wisdom is of many kinds, and I do not know which dwells with +wise counsellors most, whether scientific, practical, political, or +ecclesiastical. I hear there are candidates of all kinds relying on +the predominance of one or other of these kinds of wisdom in the +constitution of the Government.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>I had a letter from Dr. Swan of Edinburgh, who is a candidate, asking +me for my good opinion, which I gave him, so far as I had one. His +printed papers are good, and I hear he is so himself. Maclennan is also +a candidate. He has the qualification of making himself understood.</p> + +<p>The results of this term are chiefly solid Geometry Lectures, +stereoscopic pictures, and optical theorems. My lectures are to be on +Rigid Dynamics and Astronomy next term, so I do not expect to be out of +work by reason of Aberdeen, and I have plenty to get through in those +subjects.</p> + +<p>I have been making more stereoscopic curves for my lectures. I intend +to select some and draw them very neat the size of the ordinary +stereoscopic pictures, and write a description of them, and publish +them as mathematical illustrations. I am going to do one now to +illustrate the theory of contour lines in maps, and to show how the +rivers must run, and where the lines of watershed must be.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">From his Father.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>22d Feby. 1856.</i></p> + +<p>... I believe there is some salary, but fees and pupils, I think, +cannot be very plenty. But if the <i>postie</i> be gotten, and prove +not good, it can be given up; at any rate it occupies but half the year.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To his Father.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Trin. Coll., 12th March.</i></p> + +<p>I was at the Working College to-day, working at decimal fractions. We +are getting up a preparatory school for biggish boys to get up their +preliminaries. We are also agitating in favour of early closing of +shops. We have got the whole of the ironmongers, and all the shoemakers +but one. The booksellers have done it some time. The Pitt Press keeps +late hours, and is to be petitioned to shut up.</p> + +<p>I have just written out an abstract of the second part of my paper on +Faraday’s Lines of Force. I hope soon to write<span class="pagenum" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</span> properly the paper +of which it is an abstract. It is four weeks since I read it. I have +done nothing in that way this term, but am just beginning to feel the +electrical state come on again, and I hope to work it up well next term.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Miss Cay.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Thursday Afternoon (3d April 1856.)</i></p> + +<p><span class="allsmcap">Dear Aunt</span>—My father died to-day at twelve o’clock. He was +sleepless and confused at night, but got up to breakfast. He saw Sandy +a few minutes, and spoke rationally, then came into the drawing-room, +and sat down on a chair for a few minutes to rest, and gave a short cry +and never spoke again. We gave him ether for a little, but he could not +swallow it. There was no warning, and apparently no pain. He expected +it long, and described it so himself.</p> + +<p>Do you think Uncle Robert could come and help a little? Tell Dr. Bell +and other people. As it is, it is better than if it had been when +I was away. He would not let me stay. I was to go to Cambridge on +Friday.—Your aff. nephew,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="allsmcap">J. C. Maxwell.</span></p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Mrs. Blackburn of Killearn.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, Thursday.</i></p> + +<p><span class="allsmcap">Dear Mrs. Blackburn</span>—My father died suddenly to-day at 12 +o’clock. He had been giving directions about the garden, and he said he +would sit down and rest a little as usual. After a few minutes I asked +him to lie down on the sofa, and he did not seem inclined to do so, and +then I got him some ether, which had helped him before.</p> + +<p>Before he could take any he had a slight struggle, and all was over. He +hardly breathed afterwards.</p> + +<p>He used often to talk to me about this, which has come at last, and he +seemed fully to have made up his mind to it and to be prepared for it. +His nights have sometimes been troubled, and last night I was with him +the whole time trying to get him into a comfortable sleep, which did +not come till light.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Otherwise we thought him better than when in Edin. He was very glad to +get back here again.</p> + +<p>I write to you that you may tell Mrs. Wedderburn. She ought to know, +and I trust you will let her know, that not only was there no pain or +distress about my father’s death, but he had often been speaking of how +glad he was that he had got everything put in. order, and that he was +home again.</p> + +<p>I have written to ask my Uncle Robert Cay to come and help me in +various things, as I am rather alone here. Of course I have written to +Sir George, and will do so to other relatives as soon as I can.—Your +affte. cousin,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="allsmcap">James Clerk Maxwell.</span></p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">From R. Dundas Cay, Esq., to Miss Cay, on Mr. John +Clerk Maxwell’s Death.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 8th April 1856.</i></p> + +<p>I think you will be glad to hear how we are getting on. It is very nice +to see how natural James is. There is no affectation of more feeling +than he really has, but he talks away upon his own subjects when not +busy with the necessary preparations for to-morrow. Fortunately these +occupy him a good deal, and as I think the business is of use to him, I +only assist him and keep him talking. For instance, he made out all the +list and directed the letters himself; I sat by and sealed them. Then +my health requires a walk every day, so we go out and talk away very +much as usual all the time, discussing the thinning of plantations, etc.</p> + +<p>It is beautiful to see the feeling of all the people towards him, all +thinking for him, and trying to assist him in every way, and he trying +to carry on everything as before:—or when he wants to make a change, +his anxiety, lest people should think he disapproves of the former +customs. For instance, he wished to have the servants in for prayers +every evening, instead of our reading by ourselves and reading to them +separately; he was quite afraid they should think his doing so would +look as if he thought it was wrong, it not having been done before.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Lewis Campbell, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Trin. Coll., 22d April 1856.</i></p> + +<p>I have had many things to attend to lately, which have kept me from +writing to you. I am glad you wrote to me. I got a very kind letter +from your mother and Bob, for which you must thank them meanwhile. My +uncles, Robert and Albert, stayed with me till the 15th. That day I got +a letter from Cambridge about college matters, and so I had to set to +work at home more vigorously. George Wedderburn came in the afternoon, +and we had two hard days’ work of various kinds.</p> + +<p>On Friday he and I left Glenlair, and I got here on Saturday, and since +yesterday have been lecturing.</p> + +<p>All things are as if I had been up after a common vacation, and I see +them all the same as they used to be. I have got back among chapels +and halls and scholarships, and all the regular routine, with now +and then some expression of condolence, which is all that strangers +can or ought to afford. Neither they nor I enter on a subject which +must be misunderstood; but it seems to me that while all the old +<i>subjects</i> are as interesting to me as ever, I talk about them +without understanding the men I talk to.</p> + +<p>I have two or three stiff bits of work to get through this term here, +and I hope to overtake them. When the term is over I must go home and +pay diligent attention to everything there, so that I may learn what to +do.</p> + +<p>The first thing I must do is carry on my father’s work of personally +superintending everything at home, and for doing this I have his +regular accounts of what used to be done, and the memories of all the +people, who tell me everything they know. As for my own pursuits, it +was my father’s wish, and it is mine, that I should go on with them. We +used to settle that what I ought to be engaged in was some occupation +of teaching, admitting of long vacations for being at home; and when +my father heard of the Aberdeen proposition he very much approved. I +have not heard anything very lately, but I believe my name is not yet +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</span>put out of question in the \(mathrm{L}^{\mathrm{d}}\). Advocate’s book. +If I get back to Glenlair I shall have the mark of my father’s work +on everything I see. Much of them is still his, and I must be in some +degree his steward to take care of them. I trust that the knowledge of +his plans may be a guide to me, and never a constraint.</p> + +<p>I am glad to hear of your [Oxford] W[orking Men’s] Coll[ege]. The +preparatory school here has at once got from seventy to ninety +scholars, all in earnest, and they have had to migrate to a larger +schoolhouse.</p> + +<p>We might consider of you and Bob and W. Cay coming for a quiet week or +two to Glenlair in summer, if all goes well. Bob is with Willie and +Charlie now touring.</p> + +<p>I am getting a new top turned to show my class the motion of bodies of +various forms about a fixed point. I expect to get very neat results +from it, and agreeing with theory of course.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">From Professor J. D. Forbes.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Bridge of Allan, 30th April 1856.</i></p> + +<p><span class="allsmcap">My dear Sir</span>—I have just seen in the newspaper that you have +been appointed to the Chair in Marischal College, on which I beg +sincerely to congratulate you.</p> + +<p>I regret much that it should at the same time be my lot to express my +sympathy on the occasion of the recent death of your father. Such a +loss occurs but once in a lifetime. In your case I am sure that it has +the greatest alleviation which it admits of—I mean the consciousness +that you have been an affectionate and dutiful son, and that your +excellent conduct relieved your father’s mind from every shade of +anxiety regarding you.—Believe me always, yours very sincerely,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="allsmcap">James D. Forbes.</span></p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To B. B. Litchfield, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Trinity, 4th June 1856.</i></p> + +<p>On Thurs. evening I take the North-western route to the North. I am +busy looking over immense rubbish of papers, etc., for some things not +to be burnt lie among much combustible matter, and some is soft and +good for packing.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>It is not pleasant to go down to live solitary, but it would not be +pleasant to stay up either, when all one had to do lay elsewhere. The +transition state from a man into a Don must come at last, and it must +be painful, like gradual outrooting of nerves. When it is done there is +no more pain, but occasional reminders from some suckers, tap-roots, or +other remnants of the old nerves, just to show what was there and what +might have been.</p> +</div> + +<div class="sidenote2">1856. +<i>Æt.</i> 25.</div> + +<p>After his father’s death, Maxwell set himself anew to the tasks before +him, with a mingled sense of loss and responsibility. One of his +first duties was to apply himself to the management of his estate. He +remained at Glenlair during most of the summer, only making a short +excursion to Belfast on account of his cousin, William Cay, who, in +accordance with his advice, was about to study Engineering under James +Thomson, the brother of the Glasgow Professor. In the autumn, besides +entertaining Charles Hope Cay, then a boy of fifteen, in his school +holidays, he had various Cambridge friends to stay with him, as in +former years.<a id="FNanchor_191" href="#Footnote_191" class="fnanchor">[191]</a></p> + +<p>In November he began his work at Aberdeen. A Scotch Professor has one +advantage over a College lecturer at Cambridge. If his students are +less advanced, he has the entire direction of their work in his own +department. It is left to him, apart from any<span class="pagenum" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</span> prescribed system, +to determine the order in which the parts of his subject shall be +developed. His selection of topics is not dominated by the Final +Examination. This peculiarity of his position was fully appreciated +by Clerk Maxwell, whose experience of the course in Edinburgh under +Forbes, gave him a “standpoint” from which to arrange his great fund of +scientific acquirement in presenting it to his students.</p> + +<p>Had Maxwell the qualities of a teacher? That he was not on the whole +successful in oral communication is an impression too widespread to be +contradicted without positive proof. Yet his letters bear sufficient +evidence that in many respects he had a true vocation as an educator. +The combination of keen sympathy with native authority and dignity, +the intense interest in his subject, his endless power of taking +trouble, his philanthropic enthusiasm, his critical study of mankind, +his wide range of language and ideas, must have enabled him to make +his mark as a public teacher, either at Aberdeen or Cambridge, if he +had remained long enough at either place to wear off some superficial +impediments, to adapt his methods to his environment, and to effect a +thorough understanding with his pupils. As it was, his lectureship at +Trinity lasted only for a year, and in the Scotch university he had +only taught for three short sessions when Marischal College was on +the point of being suppressed, and his reputation as a teacher was, +under these circumstances, brought into comparison with that of others +whose strength lay in exposition. To those who know what is implied +in academical contests<span class="pagenum" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</span> and controversies, the mention of these facts +will be a sufficient caution against taking the lowest estimate of +Maxwell’s teaching powers; and in after years “at Cambridge, where his +class consisted of picked students,” we have good authority for saying +“his lectures were listened to with an attention and pleasure similar +to that with which his books are now read.” But at this earlier time +there were certainly drawbacks, of which he himself was imperfectly +conscious. Between his students’ ignorance and his vast knowledge, it +was difficult to find a common measure. The advice which he once gave +a friend whose duty it was to preach to a country congregation, “Why +don’t you give it them thinner?” must often have been applicable to +himself. Another hindrance lay in the very richness of his imagination, +and the swiftness of his wit. The ideas with which his mind was teeming +were perpetually intersecting, and their interferences, like those of +the waves of light, made “dark bands” in the place of colour, to the +unassisted eye. Illustrations of <i>ignotum per ignotius</i>, or of the +abstruse by some unobserved property of the familiar, were multiplied +with dazzling rapidity. Then the spirit of indirectness and paradox, +though he was aware of its dangers, would often take possession of him +against his will, and either from shyness, or momentary excitement, or +the despair of making himself understood, would land him in “chaotic +statements,” breaking off with some quirk of ironical humour. Add to +this his occasional hesitation, his shortsightedness, and the long +years of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</span> solitary intercourse with his father, who understood his +meaning from the slightest hint and rather encouraged the family trick +of “calling things out of their names,” and the list of hindrances is +sufficiently formidable. But he was striving to overcome those of which +he knew, and even if he had never done so completely, the weight of his +character as well as the profundity of his genius, and his unvarying +kindliness, must have won their way.</p> + +<p>As marking his educational enthusiasm, it should not be forgotten here +that he continued at Aberdeen the practice which he had commenced at +Cambridge, of lecturing to working men. This was entirely voluntary, +and for aught I know may have been regarded as a piece of eccentricity.</p> + +<p>A trivial incident may be recorded as throwing light on his relations +to professors and students severally. The professors had unlimited +access to the library, and were in the habit of sometimes taking out +a volume for the use of a friend. The students were only allowed two +volumes at a time. Maxwell took out books for his students, and when +checked for this by his colleagues explained that the students were his +friends.</p> + +<p>Amongst the human phenomena surrounding him, one which genuinely +interested him was the religious “revival” which took place about +that time in Scotland. His intercourse with evangelical friends in +England had prepared him to sympathise with such “experiences,” and +his Calvinistic. reading had familiarised him with the language used. +And he was less<span class="pagenum" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</span> jealous of Antinomianism than of a cut and dried +morality.<a id="FNanchor_192" href="#Footnote_192" class="fnanchor">[192]</a> But he was in no wise distracted from his professional +duties by this or anything else, and although he referred to it in +conversation, it has left no trace in any of his remaining letters +which I have seen.</p> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">Letters, 1856-1857.</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To R B. Litchfield, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 4th July 1856.</i></p> + +<p>I have got some prisms and opticals from Edinbro’, and I am fitting up +a compendious colour-machine capable of transportation. I have also my +top for doing dynamics and several colour-diagrams, so that if I come +to Cheltenham I shall not be empty handed. At the same time I should +like to hear from you soon.</p> + +<p>I have been giving a portion of time to Saturn’s Rings, which I find +a stiff subject but curious, especially the case of the motion of a +fluid ring. The very forces which would tend to divide the ring into +great drops or satellites are made by the motion to keep the fluid in a +uniform ring.</p> + +<p>I find I get fonder of metaphysics and less of calculation continually, +and my metaphysics are fast settling into the rigid high style, that +is about ten times as far <i>above</i> Whewell as Mill is <i>below</i> +him, or Comte or Macaulay <i>below</i> Mill, using above and below +conventionally like <i>up</i> and <i>down</i> in Bradshaw.</p> + +<p>Experiment furnishes us with the values of our arbitrary constants, +but only suggests the form of the functions. Afterwards, when the form +is not only recognised but understood scientifically, we find that it +rests on precisely the same foundation as Euclid does, that is, it is +simply the contradiction of an absurdity, out of which may we all get +our legs at last!</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Same.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 18th July 1856.</i></p> + +<p>I can promise you milk and honey and mutton, with wind and water to +match, a reasonable stock of natives of great diversity, and very +unlike any natives I know elsewhere. I also expect a cousin<a id="FNanchor_193" href="#Footnote_193" class="fnanchor">[193]</a> here, +who carries a clear and active mind in a body ditto, and I hope to make +them stick closer together by the material above stated.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Same.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 9th September 1856.</i></p> + +<p>My only hope for Pomeroy is that he may keep his health; if that +remains I think it quite presumptuous to interfere with him by hopes +or otherwise, for I would rather be interfered with by him (from which +I am safe) than bother a man who steers so well himself. You must +remember that besides the clerical shell of respectability which is to +be put on, there is sometimes a lay shell of ανηριθμον γελασμα, which +has in some measure to be put off, or perhaps more truly drawn in, for +no one that has once known can ever forget that instead of two views +there are three, good, bad, and grotesque; and tho’ all things are full +of jokes, that does not hinder them from being quite full, or even +more so, of more solemn matters. It also strikes me that if we were to +compare notes, the thing we would most differ about would be the notion +we have of the “standpoint” (see religious prints, <i>passim</i>) of +the men whom we know in common.</p> + +<p>My own notion is that you see him where he ought to be according to +principle, and I see him where he acts, as if he was, that is, in the +position which would naturally produce his actual life. But I find +on comparing notes with other people that a man always shows himself +up differently according to the man who is with him. In fact I do it +myself, so I must now show up the fishing side for the benefit of +Charlie (Cay).</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To C. J. Monro, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 14th October 1856.</i></p> + +<p>... During September I had Lushington, Maclennan, and two cousins “Cay” +here. Now I am writing a solemn address or manifesto to the Natural +Philosophers of the North,<a id="FNanchor_194" href="#Footnote_194" class="fnanchor">[194]</a> which I am afraid I must reinforce with +coffee and anchovies, and a roaring hot fire and spread coat-tails to +make it all natural. By the way, I have proved that if there be nine +coefficients of magnetic induction, perpetual motion will set in, and +a small crystalline sphere will inevitably destroy the universe by +increasing all velocities till the friction brings all nature into a +state of incandescence, or as H—— would say, Terrestrial all in Chaos +shall exhibit efflorescence.</p> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Miss Cay.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>129 Union Street, Aberdeen,<br> +27th February 1857.</i></p> + +<p>You are right about my being two letters in debt to you. I proceed to +“post you up” to the most recent epoch. The weather is mild and sunny, +but the winter has been severe. The planets Jupiter and Venus have been +neighbours; Saturn, Mars, and Mercury also visible.</p> + +<p>To descend to particulars. I find everything going on very smoothly. +I never passed an equal time with less trouble. I have plenty of work +but no vexation as yet. In fact, I am beginning to fear that I must get +into some scrape just to put an end to my complacency.</p> + +<p>I will begin with the College. We are having public meetings and +caucuses (that is, the students are) for the election of Lord Hector. +Lord Stanley won’t come. Lord Elgin is doubtful. They seem to prefer +Elgin to Layard. We are to have a commission consisting of Col. Mure, +Cosmo Innes, and Stirling of Keir.</p> + +<p>To-morrow I hold my second general examination on the subject we have +done. I hope that my men of science<span class="pagenum" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</span> won’t have their heads turned with +politics. I have all the squibs regularly presented to me. They are not +very good.</p> + +<p>I have had 13 special examinations, and the two last have been the best +answered of any. I send you my paper for to-morrow to give it to Bob +Campbell with my profoundest esteem.</p> + +<p>We have been at the theory of Heat and the Steam Engine this month, and +on Monday we begin Optics. I have a volunteer class who have been thro’ +astronomy, and we are now at high Optics. Tuesday week I give a lecture +to operatives, etc., on the Eye. I have just been getting cods’ and +bullocks’ eyes, to refresh my memory and practise dissection. The size +of the cod and the ox eye is nearly the same. As this was our last day +of fluids, I finished off with a splendid fountain in the sunlight. We +were not very wet.</p> + +<p>Out of College I have made the most of my time in seeing the natives. +I used to walk <i>every day</i> with Professor Martin, but he was not +well for some time, and we broke that habit. I get on better with +people of more decision and less refinement, because they keep me in +better order.</p> + +<p>I have been keeping up friendly relations with the King’s College men, +and they seem to be very friendly too. I have not received any rebukes +yet from our men for so doing, but I find that the families of some +of our professors have no dealings, and never had, with those of the +King’s people. Theoretically we profess charity.</p> + +<p>I had a glorious solitary walk to-day in Kincardineshire by the +coast—black cliffs and white breakers. I took my second dip this +season. I have found a splendid place, sheltered and safe, with +gymnastics on a pole afterwards.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Rev. Lewis Campbell.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>129 Union Street,<br> +Aberdeen, 6th February 1857.</i></p> + +<p>I got your letter<a id="FNanchor_195" href="#Footnote_195" class="fnanchor">[195]</a> this morning at breakfast. I was somewhat seedy +from being up late, but the perusal seemed<span class="pagenum" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</span> to clear up everything, and +I got on better with explaining the properties of elastic fluids than +I had any reason to hope. So when I have doubts about the best mode of +explaining anything, I must consult your letter, only it will not do +for ever. I must have a new one now and then.</p> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>But I have not been so glad for long. Knowing you of old, I can see +how things are by the way you write, and it is not always that similar +announcements have given me similar satisfaction.</p> + +<p>So I am glad that you do not know what “it” was. Avoid the neuter +pronoun. “It” is unworthy of beasts that perish. “He” and “She” are +for ever and ever. What the form of the pronoun may be after this I +cannot tell, but I think more is meant in the distinction than is fully +expressed in this life.</p> + +<p>The Sadducees on the one side, and the ascetics on the other, point out +the errors. Solomon, Prov. <span class="allsmcap">VIII.</span>, <i>et passim</i>, and Eph. +<span class="allsmcap">VI.</span>, indicate matter of contemplation not unallied to action, +which in good ground bears good fruit.</p> + +<p>But as Urania remarked to Melpomene, I am but displaying the fact of my +belonging to a lower stage in the scale of things, so I must for the +present go down beside my native rill.</p> + +<p>With respect to this “northern hermitage,” my cell is pretty +commodious. In quitting the cenobitic cloister of Trinity for the +howling wilderness of Union Street, I have not been made an anchoret. +It is quite consistent with the eremitic life to modify one’s fast in +friends’ houses 4 days per week or so.</p> + +<p>One thing I am thankful for, though perhaps you will not believe +it.—Up to the present time I have not even been tempted to mystify any +one.</p> + +<p>I have made out who were most likely to excite my passion that way, +and I have avoided some, and broken the ice with others. I am glad +B—— is not here; he would have ruined me. I once met him. I was as +much astonished as he was at the chaotic statements I began to make. +But as far as I can learn I have not been misunderstood<span class="pagenum" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</span> in anything, +and no one has heard a single oracle from my lips. Of course I do +not mean that my class do not mistake my meaning sometimes. That is +found out and remedied day by day. I speak of professors, ministers, +doctors, advocates, matrons, maidens, and phenomenal existences +(Chimeræ bombylantes in vacuo). We are through mechanics. I had an +\(\mathrm{ex}^{\mathrm{n}}\) on bookwork on 24th Jan. I got answers to +all the questions and riders, though no one floored them all right. I +have now to be brewing experiments on Heat, as well as determining the +form of doctrine to be presented to the finite capacities of my men.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">From C. J. Monro, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>15th February 1857.</i></p> + +<p>Have you seen the Pomeroy packet? It has much more in it than any +travels I ever read. Lots of phenomena, human and otherwise, on the way +out: especially the waves in a storm....</p> + +<p>... They who deal in instruments of strings say that if you strike +a certain note you hear certain others above. Is that because of +the further terms in a Fourier’s integral, or because a sympathetic +vibration is excited in certain other of the strings of the same +instrument? I observe Weber says that it does not occur in wind +instruments.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">From Professor J. D. Forbes.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Edinburgh, 31st March 1857.</i></p> + +<p><span class="allsmcap">My dear Maxwell</span>—I have often wished to ask you to tell me +how your first session had turned out; consequently I was exceedingly +glad to get your letter this Evening, and to find that you have not +been disappointed in the results of the step to which you kindly say +that my assistance was of some use. In what you say about the monotony +of reiteration, I can confidently assure you that your conclusions are +quite correct; certain precautions being taken which an active mind +like yours is sure to fall upon.</p> + +<p>We shall be delighted to see you at the R. S. on the 20th<span class="pagenum" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</span> and to have +your paper, which, if convenient, please to put into my hands, as a +matter of form, when ready.</p> + +<p>I have been at several meetings of the Society, but am feeling a little +just now the effects of the season and the winter’s work, so I shall +not be there on the 6th. On the whole, however, I have got through the +winter well.</p> + +<p>I shall like much to see your Top, of which I read the account in the +<i>Athenæum</i>.</p> + +<p>Have you observed in that same flippant paper for last Saturday an +attack upon Faraday (as it seems to me) of a most presumptuous and +ignorant kind? Though by no means as yet a convert to the views which +Faraday maintains, yet I have so far a general appreciation of them as +to believe that this conceited mathematician (some fifteenth Cambridge +wrangler, I guess) is ignorant altogether of what Faraday wishes to +prove.—Always yours sincerely,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="allsmcap">James D. Forbes.</span></p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To C. J. Monro, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, Springholm,<br> +Dumfries, 20th May 1857.</i></p> + +<p>I went to Old Aberdeen for Fourier, ... but I have forgotten what was +to be discovered out of him.</p> + +<p>The session went off smoothly enough. I had Sun all the beginning of +optics, and worked off all the experimental part up to Fraunhofer’s +lines, which were glorious to see with a water prism I have set up in +the form of a cubical box, 5 inch side. The only things not generally +done that I attempted last session were the undulatory medium made of +bullets for advanced class, and Plateau’s experiments on a sphere of +oil in a mixture of spirits and water of exactly its own density.</p> + +<p>I succeeded very well with heat. The experiments on latent heat came +out very accurate. That was my part, and the class could explain +and work out the results better than I expected. Next year I intend +to mix experimental physics with mechanics, devoting Tuesday and +<span class="allsmcap">Thursday<span class="pagenum" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</span></span> (what would Stokes say?) to the science of +experimenting accurately.</p> + +<p>I got a glorified top made at Aberdeen. I think you saw the wooden type +at Cambridge. I have made it the occasion of a short screed on rotation +coming out in the Roy. Soc., Edinburgh, presently.</p> + +<p>Last week I brewed chlorophyll (as the chemists word it), a green +liquor, which turns the invisible light red. My pot of all the winter +spinach that remained was portentous, so I exhibited the optical +effects, which were allowed to be worth the potful.</p> + +<p>My last grind was the reduction of equations of colour which I made +last year. The result was eminently satisfactory.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To R B. Litchfield, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 29th May 1857.</i></p> + +<p>It is with a profound feeling of pity that I write to a denizen of Hare +Court after participating in the blessings of this splendid day. We had +just enough of cloud to prevent scorching, and the grass seemed to like +to grow just as much as the beasts to eat it.</p> + +<p>I have not had a mathematical idea for about a fortnight, when I wrote +them all away to Prof. Thomson, and I have not got an answer yet with +fresh ones. But I believe there is a department of mind conducted +independent of consciousness, where things are fermented and decocted, +so that when they are run off they come clear.</p> + +<p>By the way, I found it useful at Aberdeen to tell the students what +parts of the subject they were mt to remember, but to get up and forget +at once as being rudimentary notions necessary to development, but +requiring to be sloughed off before maturity.</p> + +<p>I have no one with me but the domestics and dog. The valley seems +deserted of its gentry; but we have one gentleman from Dumfriesshire, +who is living in a hired house, and building with great magnificence +an Episcopal Chapel in Castle-Douglas at his own expense. His own +house is 20 miles off, a capital place, and this is perhaps the least<span class="pagenum" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</span> +Episcopal part of Scotland by reason of the memory of the dragoons. +One old family of the Stewartry is of that persuasion, and most of +the persecutors’ families are now Presbyterian and Whig, so that the +congregation is but feeble.</p> + +<p>It is very different at Aberdeen, where the Presbyterians persecuted +far more than the Prelatists, so there I actually found a true Jacobite +(female, I could not undertake to produce a male specimen), and there +are three distinct Episcopal religions in Aberdeen, all pretty lively.</p> + +<p>Can you tell me what the illustrated Tennyson is like? I shan’t see it +till I go to Edinbro’. I don’t mean are the prints the best possible, +or impervious to green spectacles; but are they nice diagrams as such +things go? I should like to know before long about it, and whether the +characters are of the Adamic type, and in reasonable condition, or +pre-Rafaelitic in all but colour, and symbolising everything except the +“Archetypal Skeleton” and the “Nature of Limbs.”</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To C. J. Monro, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 5th June 1857.</i></p> + +<p>I have not seen article seven, but I agree with your dissent from +it entirely. On the vested interest principle, I think the men who +intended to keep their fellowships by celibacy and ordination, and +got them on that footing, should not be allowed to desert the virgin +choir or neglect the priestly office, but on those principles should +be allowed to live out their days, provided the whole amount of souls +cured annually does not amount to £20 in the King’s Book. But my +doctrine is that the various grades of College officers should be set +on such a basis that, although chance lecturers might be sometimes +chosen from among fresh fellows who are going away soon, the reliable +assistant tutors, and those that have a plain calling that way, should +after a few years be elected permanent officers of the College, and be +tutors and deans in their time, and seniors also, with leave to marry, +or rather, never prohibited or asked any questions on that head, and +with leave to retire after<span class="pagenum" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</span> so many years’ service as seniors. As for +the men of the world, we should have a limited term of existence, and +that independent of marriage or “parsonage.”</p> + +<p>I saw a paragraph about the Female’ Artists Exhibition, and that Mrs. +Hugh Blackburn had her Phaethon there.... She has done a very small +picture of a haystack making, somewhat pre-Raphaelite in pose, but +graceful withal, and such that the Moidart natives know every lass +on the stack, whether seen behind or before. It was at the Edinburgh +Academy of Painters.</p> + +<p>I have done a screed of introduction to optics, and am at a sort +of general summary of mechanical principles—doctrines relating to +absolute and relative motion, analysis of the doctrine of Force into +the smallest number of independent truths, theory of angular momentum +and couples of work done, and <i>vis viva</i>, of actual and potential +energy, with continual jaw on the doctrine of measurement by units all +through.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Rev. Lewis Campbell.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 7th August 1857.</i></p> + +<div class="sidenote"><i>Æt.</i> 26.</div> + +<p>I got your letter yesterday. I have oftener corresponded with people +I expected to see than with those I had just left, so you must excuse +my being rather more glad of it than if I had expected it. So you were +better than I took you for; put that in the Logic-mill and grind it +by “Conversion of Props.” Since you left I have been stirring up old +correspondents. Poor W—— is “himself again,” with not many to care +about him. He could not keep the A—— youths in order, and tried +to get his authority backed by the big authorities. Then I suppose +ensued a struggle between bodily weakness and hesitation, and mental +sternness, stubbornness, and conscientiousness. The result probably +was something severe in substance and mild in manner, or otherwise +open to scorn from the youths.—I don’t know, but he has resigned his +place. The youths then proceeded to express their penitence, and the +authorities their regret. But he is now taking private pupils for that +seat of ... learning, with not more friends and friendliness than<span class="pagenum" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</span> of +old. Not exactly. I am glad to hear of his knowing some mathematical +men, actuaries, etc., and corresponding with them, and he is much more +friendly by the post than by speech and face.</p> + +<p>Yesterday we did our Castle-Douglas, and round by Greenlaw (Gordon, +Esq.) Old Greenlaw impounded us at once, and embarked us in his boat +down to Threave Castle, where some falsified antiquity, and some apart +behind thick woven thorns bathed in the black water of Dee.</p> + +<p>Then back to dinner with another party of chance visitors, songs both +of the drawing-room and the quire and the cotton fields, and, to +conclude, the unpremeditated hop.</p> + +<p>The thing was not destitute of its humours. Old Greenlaw, heir of +entail, with charters in his bedroom belonging to “Young Lochinvar” +his forbear, and various Douglases, with rights of pit and gallows, +and other curious privileges, sending all his people and visitors +neck and heels in the very best direction for themselves. Son and +daughter—mild, indefatigable, generally useful, doing (at home) +exactly as they are bid. One gay litter(ar)y widow, charming never so +wisely, with her hair about her ears and her elbows on her knees, on a +low stool, talking Handel, or Ruskin, or Macaulay, or general pathos of +unprotected female, passing off into criticism, witticism, pleasantry, +unmitigated slang, sporting, and betting.</p> + +<p>One little Episcopal chaplain, a Celt, whom I see often, but do not +quite fathom—that is, I don’t know how far he respects and how far he +is amused with his most patronising friends. One, mathematical teacher +somewhere,—friend to chaplain. Voice. Mild, good fellow, like a grown +up chorister, quite modest about everything except his voice—“What +will they say in England,” “The Standard Bearer,” “Oh Susannah” +(Chaplain leads chorus), “Courtin’ down in Tenessee” (Chaplain +obligato), “Yet once more” (Handel), “But who may abide” (do.), and so +on.</p> + +<p>One good old widow lady, with manners. One son to +\(\mathrm{d}^{\circ}.\), —sanguine temperament, open countenance, very +much run to nose, brain inactive, probably fertile in military virtue.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</span> +Two daughters to \(\mathrm{d}^{\circ}.\),—healthy, physical force +girls, brains more developed owing to their not having escaped in the +form of nose.</p> + +<p>Now, conceive the Voice set down beside one of the physical forces, +and trying to interest her in the capacities of different rooms for +singing in, she being more benevolent and horsefleshy than technically +musical,—the Chaplain entertaining the other with an account of his +solitary life in his rooms,—old Greenlaw hospitably entreating the +mannerly widow, and trying to get the Nose to talk.</p> + +<p>The young widow fixed on Colin, and informed him that if Solomon were +to reappear with all his wisdom, as well as his glory, he would yet +have to learn the polka; and that the mode of feasting adopted by the +Incas of Peru reminded her strongly of a custom prevalent among the +Merovingian race of kings of France.</p> + +<p>Living in the Pampas she regarded as an enviable lot, and she was at +a loss to know the best mode of studying Euclid for the advantage of +being able to teach a young brother of six (years old).</p> + +<p>So we did not get home till near 11, and I had to be up at Glenlair +at 5 this morning, the result of which is that at 12 to-night I am +a little sleepy. Johnnie<a id="FNanchor_196" href="#Footnote_196" class="fnanchor">[196]</a> can swim across the big pool at the +Chapel, all by himself. His taste of water through the nose did him +great good.... I have had some races after stones down the water in +Loch Loan. I have kept the stone in sight a good way, but it has always +beaten me. I’ll try some broken crockery to begin with.</p> + +<p>I have succeeded in establishing the existence of an error in my +Saturnian mazes, but I have not detected it yet. I have finished the +first part of the Réligion Naturelle.<a id="FNanchor_197" href="#Footnote_197" class="fnanchor">[197]</a> I am not a follower of those +who believe they know what perfection must imply, and then make a deity +to that pattern; but it is very well put, and carries one through, +though if the book belongs to this age at all, it is eminently unlike +most books of this century in England. But I only know<span class="pagenum" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</span> one other book +of French argument on the positive (not positiviste) side, and that +also worked by “demonstration.” My notion is, that reason, taste, and +conscience are the judges of all knowledge, pleasure, and action, and +that they are the exponents not of a code, but of the unwritten law, +which they reveal as they judge by it <i>in presence of the facts</i>. +The facts must be witnessed to by the senses, and cross-examined by +the intellect, and not unless everything is properly put on record and +proved as fact, will any question of law be resolved at headquarters.</p> + +<p>We are only going through our Lehrjahr in the knowledge of Perfection, +and we may have a Wanderjahr to complete even after getting the first +diploma, which is a certificate of having eyes to see the work, a +conscience to feel after Right, and faith to believe in the Word, and +to reach a station thereby where both those eyes and that conscience +may be satisfied, or at least appeased. I do not think it is doing +Reason, etc. any injustice to say that rough dead facts are the +necessary basis on which to work in order to elicit the living truth, +not from the facts, but either from the utterer of facts or the giver +of Reason, which two are one, or Reason would never decipher facts.</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">For know, whatever was created needs</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To be sustained and fed. Of elements</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The grosser feeds the purer, etc.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">—— various degrees</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of substance, and in things that live, of life</div> + <div class="verse indent14">Meanwhile enjoy</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Your fill what happiness this happy state</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Can comprehend, incapable of more.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> +</div> + + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_191" href="#FNanchor_191" class="label">[191]</a> +With one of these, who happened to be “Carlyle-mad,” +he drove one day on pilgrimage to Craigenputtock. The enthusiast, in +his rapture, harangued an old peasant, who was hoeing “neeps,” on +the glorious doings of the former tenant of the farm-house. The man +listened, stooping over his work till the rhapsody was over, then +looked up for a moment saying, “It is aye gude that mends,” and resumed +his labour. Maxwell was fond of relating this.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_192" href="#FNanchor_192" class="label">[192]</a> +See <a href="#Page_111">p. 111.</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_193" href="#FNanchor_193" class="label">[193]</a> +Charles Hope Cay.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_194" href="#FNanchor_194" class="label">[194]</a> +His Inaugural Lecture at Aberdeen.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_195" href="#FNanchor_195" class="label">[195]</a> +Announcing our marriage engagement.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_196" href="#FNanchor_196" class="label">[196]</a> +His cousin John Cay, younger brother of William and +Charles.</p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</span></p> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_197" href="#FNanchor_197" class="label">[197]</a> +By M. Jules Simon.</p> + +</div> +</div> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X.<br> +<span class="allsmcap">ABERDEEN—MARRIAGE—1857 TO 1860</span>, <i>Æt.</i> 26-29.</h2> +</div> + +<p class="nind"> +THE Glenlair letters of 1857 (see last chapter) sufficiently +indicate, Maxwell’s mental condition in the interval between his first +and second sessions at Aberdeen. His expansive sociable spirit is +putting forth fresh feelers, and he has made a new beginning in his +observation of man in society. But he has not yet recovered from the +loss of the preceding year, and those who read between the lines cannot +fail to trace here and there a touch of sadness peering from beneath +the habitual buoyancy of his style.</p> + +<p>In September of this year another loss renewed the feeling of +desolation which had haunted him since his father’s death. His friend +Pomeroy, whom he had nursed in illness, and of whose career in India +he had augured so highly, was carried off by a second attack of fever, +caused by a hurried journey during the first outbreak of the Mutiny. +Maxwell’s letters to Mr. Litchfield show how keenly he felt this blow, +and what deep thoughts on human life and destiny were once more stirred +up in him.</p> + +<p>His original work on electricity was now for a while interrupted by +another laborious task, which<span class="pagenum" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</span> absorbed his best energies for more than +a year. The examiners for the Adam’s Prize, given by St. John's College +in honour of the discovery of Neptune,<a id="FNanchor_198" href="#Footnote_198" class="fnanchor">[198]</a> had set as a subject, +“The Structure of Saturn's Ring.” To frame and test an hypothesis +which should account for the observed phenomena was a problem of no +ordinary complexity, and one to which the speculative imagination and +mathematical ingenuity of Clerk Maxwell were particularly adapted. It +appears to have completely fascinated him for the time. The essay by +which he gained the prize, and which he published after elaborately +revising it, is well known to students, and the allusions to the +subject in his letters at this time will be read with interest.</p> + +<p>Such was the strain of feeling, and such the chief intellectual +interest, with which he returned to Aberdeen, where he seems to have +been once more destined, though in his native country, to understand +more than he was understood; and in his letters, together with the +deepening earnestness and the unfailing humour, there is now and then +mingled for the first time a grain of bitterness, or what may be +taken for such. But it is rather the cry of a spirit hungering for +completion. And the phase of disharmony quickly passes off, and is +followed by a song of triumph.</p> + + +<p class="space-above2"> +Of his new acquaintances at Aberdeen he had become most intimate with +the family of Principal Dewar of Marischal College, and he was a +frequent<span class="pagenum" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</span> visitor at their house. His deep and varied knowledge, not +only of his own and kindred subjects, but of history, literature, and +theology, his excellence of heart, and the religious earnestness which +underlay his humorous “shell,” were there appreciated and admired. He +had been asked to join them in their annual visit to Ardhallow, the +home of the Principal’s son-in-law, Mr. M‘Cunn, in the neighbourhood of +Dunoon, and had accepted the invitation. The time of his stay there in +September 1857 is marked by letters which, unlike some others of this +period, reflect his brightest mood.</p> + + +<p class="space-above2"> +In February 1858 he announced his betrothal to Katherine Mary Dewar, +and they were married early in the following June. In May he had made +a journey to the south of England to visit me in my parish of Milford, +in Hampshire, and to act as “best man” on the occasion of our marriage, +which took place at Brighton. My wife and I found our way to Aberdeen +in time to be present at the wedding there, and were shortly afterwards +entertained at Glenlair.</p> + +<p>The correspondence of these months and the poems then written contain +the record of feelings which in the years that followed were transfused +in action and embodied in a married life which can only be spoken of as +one of unexampled devotion.<a id="FNanchor_199" href="#Footnote_199" class="fnanchor">[199]</a></p> + + +<p class="space-above2"> +He remained for two more sessions at Aberdeen.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</span> But in 1860 came the +fusion of the colleges, and the Professorship of Natural Philosophy at +Marischal College was one of those suppressed. In the same winter his +old friend Professor James D. Forbes, after struggling for eight years +against ill-health, resigned his Chair, and Maxwell became a candidate +for the vacant post. It is enough to have alluded once for all<a id="FNanchor_200" href="#Footnote_200" class="fnanchor">[200]</a> to +the contest, which ended in the appointment of Professor Tait. It only +remains to say that Maxwell’s relations with that eminent man, who had +been his companion both in Edinburgh and at Cambridge, always continued +to be of the most friendly kind; and their correspondence, often of +the quaintest description, would of itself fill a volume of very +entertaining reading for those possessed of a clue to the labyrinth of +science, learning, wit, and frolicsome allusion, which it contains. +The two men looked over proof-sheets of each other’s writings, and +when they most differed, Maxwell’s criticism condensed in humorous +verse was always understood and welcomed by the Edinburgh Professor. In +the summer<span class="pagenum" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</span> of 1860 the ex-professor of Aberdeen was appointed to the +vacant Professorship of Natural Philosophy in King’s College, London.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">To Lewis Campbell, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 28th August 1857.</i></p> + +<p>... I have been battering away at Saturn, returning to the charge every +now and then. I have effected several breaches in the solid ring, and +now I am splash into the fluid one, amid a clash of symbols truly +astounding. When I reappear it will be in the dusky ring, which is +something like the state of the air supposing the siege of Sebastopol +conducted from a forest of guns 100 miles one way, and 30,000 miles the +other, and the shot never to stop, but go spinning away round a circle, +radius 170,000 miles....</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Same.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Ardhallow, Dunoon, 4th Sept. 1857.</i></p> + +<p>The road along Loch Eck is the most glorious for shape and colour of +hills and rocks that I have seen anywhere, specially on a fine calm +day, with clouds as well as sun, and with large patches of withered +bracken mixed with green on the less steep parts of the hills. Then the +crushing and doubling up of the strata, and the slicing and cracking +of the already doubled up strata, quite without respect to previous +torment, gives a notion of active force, as well as passive, even to +ungeological minds. We inspected Duncan Marshall, the Hermit of these +parts, and wound up the day with a pull in the boat till dark....</p> + +<p>Mrs. Wed[derburn] professes herself ready to “follow South” when +asked, so when Johnny and I have done our Moidart and Loch Aylort, +we shall hoist sail or get up steam or something, and then very +likely he may reappear to his parent and aunt, and I shall continue +my road with my aunt to wait upon the faithful Tobs, and realise +Saturn’s Rings, and probably feed a few natives of the valley with<span class="pagenum" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</span> +the produce of its soil. I was writing great screeds of letters +to Professor Thomson about those Rings, and lo! he was a-laying +of the telegraph which was to go to America, and bringing his +obtrusive science to bear upon the engineers, so that they broke +the cable with not following (it appears) his advice. However, +I know nothing. List to the new words to a common song, which I +conceived on the railway to Glasgow. As I have only a bizzing, loose, +interruption-to-talking-&-deathblow-to-general-conversation-memory of +the orthodox version, I don’t know if the metre is correct; but it +is some such rambling metre anyhow, and contains some insignificant +though apparently treasonable remarks in a perfect thicket of vain +repetitions. To avoid these let \((\mathrm{U})\) = “Under the sea,” +so that \(2(\mathrm{U})=\), by parity of reasoning, represents two +repetitions of that sentiment. This being granted, we shall have as +follows:—</p> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"><span class="allsmcap">The Song of the Atlantic Telegraph Company.</span></div> +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="poetry-container">I.</div> + <div class="poetry-container">\(2(\mathrm{u})\)</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Mark how the telegraph motions to me,</div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">\(2(\mathrm{u})\)</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent11">Signals are coming along,</div> + <div class="verse indent6">With a wag, wag, wag;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The telegraph needle is vibrating free,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And every vibration is telling to me</div> + <div class="verse indent6">How they drag, drag, drag,</div> + <div class="verse indent11">The telegraph cable along,</div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">II.</div> + <div class="poetry-container">\(2(\mathrm{u})\)</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">No little signals are coming to me,</div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">\(2(\mathrm{u})\)</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent11">Something has surely gone wrong,</div> + <div class="verse indent6">And it’s broke, broke, broke;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">What is the cause of it does not transpire,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But something has broken the telegraph wire</div> + <div class="verse indent6">With a stroke, stroke, stroke,</div> + <div class="verse indent11">Or else they’ve been pulling too strong.</div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">III.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</span></div> + <div class="poetry-container">\(2(\mathrm{u})\)</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Fishes are whispering. What can it be,</div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">\(2(\mathrm{u})\)</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="stanza">So many hundred miles long?</div> + <div class="verse indent6">For it’s strange, strange, strange,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How they could spin out such durable stuff,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lying all wiry, elastic, and tough,</div> + <div class="verse indent6">Without change, change, change,</div> + <div class="verse indent11">In the salt water so strong</div> +</div> + <div class="poetry-container">IV.</div> + <div class="poetry-container">\(2(\mathrm{u})\)</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">There let us leave it for fishes to see;</div> +</div> + <div class="poetry-container">\(2(\mathrm{u})\)</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent11">They’ll see lots of cables ere long,</div> + <div class="verse indent6">For we’ll twine, twine, twine,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And spin a new cable, and try it again,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And settle our bargains of cotton and grain,</div> + <div class="verse indent6">With a line, line, line,—</div> + <div class="verse indent11">A line that will never go wrong.</div> +</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="nind">Receive, etc.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To K. B. Litchfield, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 23d Sept. 1857.</i></p> + +<p>I have just returned from the remote Highlands, and have met all the +Indian news on my way, and found your letter at home. I suppose it is +best to say what I think to you, rather than what I feel, for that is +confusion. You may well ask “Why?” I myself see a horrible despair +waiting for us if we knew or even paid enough attention to things +happening continually. Is it merely a reaction from our animal life +that makes us comfortable again? or excitement of some other kind? or +defective sympathy? No; I think real sympathy is the very thing we +want, and we suffer more from want of union than from any other cause. +I cannot make the thing clearer either to you or to myself; but as I +was coming home and expecting bad news, I thought of dead and absent +friends, and how they endeavoured<span class="pagenum" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</span> when alive to make themselves known +to us, and how the impression they had left in us remained untouched +and sacred during their absence. Then I thought of those who had left +the clearest impression on me,—how some were dead, and their character +never known or proved to the world, and their deeds never done as +they would have been if they had lived. But this secret knowledge is +strengthening as well as sad, if our brother’s life is an inheritance +to us when he falls, and we rise (like Triamond) to fight his battle as +well as our own.</p> + +<p>Do not understand all this as a theory. I wish to say that it is in +personal union with my friends that I hope to escape the despair which +belongs to the contemplation of the outward aspect of things with human +eyes. Either be a machine and see nothing but “phenomena,” or else try +to be a man, feeling your life interwoven, as it is, with many others, +and strengthened by them whether in life or in death. You will say +that this is what a man writes after a course of healthy exercise and +boisterous health, when he suddenly feels a pull on his soul, but his +body goes on as before. But though my knowledge of our friend does not +reach so far back as yours, there is a great part of all my thoughts +which bears the mark of his honest handling, for to me he was most +liberal in communication, so that all manner of thought became our +common property. When he was ill at Cambridge, my father, who was then +rather better, was very much concerned about him, so that afterwards, +when he was worse himself, he would speak of him from recollections of +what I had told him before. So I used to think of them together,—the +one guiding me along by wise plans in the ways of freedom, and the +other supplying the energy of speculative honesty and the freshness +of a younger mind. And is all gone? Certainly not, look at it as you +will. I am not trying to persuade myself into hope. I find I cannot do +otherwise. I have been miserable about these very things when there +seemed no particular reason at the time, and then, when the time was +worst, felt well; but that must be one’s own personal affair. If we +can hear the General’s voice<span class="pagenum" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</span> we will rise in our tears and go to our +places, having conquered ourselves. Long ago I felt like a peasant in a +country overrun with soldiers, and saw nothing but carnage and danger. +Since then I have learned at least that some soldiers in the field die +nobly, and that all are summoned there for a cause.</p> + +<p>I am very sorry for India, and for you and poor Mrs. Pomeroy. She had a +stake in him that none of us could have.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Miss Cay.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 28th September 1857.</i></p> + +<p>My dear friend Pomeroy died at Ghazeepore about 1st August, from +overwork and forced marches. He was a civilian, and appointed assistant +magistrate at Azinghur. He and the rest of the civilians proceeded +thither with about 400 men. When they got there they fought about +2000 insurgents in two feet of water, and beat them off three times. +Pomeroy volunteered to take in a wounded man (Lieut. Lewis, 65 N. I.) +to Ghazeepore, when no one else would venture to go. He stayed there a +few days, but was unwell Then he went back to his post at Azinghur for +about a week. On the news of the Dinapore mutiny they were all ordered +in, and made a forced march on Ghazeepore, forty miles.</p> + +<p>He died soon after getting in.</p> + +<p>Of all the men I have known he was the most likely to have done +something for India, I never knew a man more able to see his way +through difficulties, more respected by men of all classes, or more +determined that duty should be done whatever might happen. We have one +comfort for ourselves, that few men have made themselves more open to +their friends, so that many men may receive something of his spirit, +though he is cut off before strangers could take example by his deeds.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To E. B. Litchfield, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 15th October 1857.</i></p> + +<p>I was glad S. sent me the letter. Remember that<span class="pagenum" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</span> besides all the danger +and distance from friends, there was the fever, of which he had already +long experience, and which in such times he knew to be as inconvenient +to his friends as himself. But it is no use saying this and that. Some +men redeem their characters by their deeds, and we praise them. Those +that merely show their character by their deeds should be remembered, +not praised; and a complete true man will live longest in the memory, +and I cannot but think will be less changed in reality, than one who +has doubtfully struggled with duplicity in his constitution, and has +walked with hesitation, though along a good path. I know that both do +deny and renounce themselves in favour of duty and truth, as they come +to see them; and as they come to see how goodness, having the knowledge +of evil, has passed through sorrow to the highest state of all, they +accept it as a token that they have found their true head and leader, +and so, with their eyes on him, they complete the process called the +knowledge of Good and Evil, which they commenced so early and so +ignorantly.</p> + +<p>Now, what the “completion of the process” is I cannot conceive, but +I can feel the difference of Good and Evil in some degree, and I can +conceive the perception of that difference to grow by contemplating +the Good till the confusion of the two becomes an impossibility. Then +comes the mystery. I have memory and a history, or I am nothing at all. +That memory and history contain evil, which I renounce, and must still +maintain that I was evil. But it contains the image of absolute good, +and the fight for it, and the consciousness that all this is right.</p> + +<p>So there the matter lies, a problem certain of solution....</p> + +<p>I am grinding hard at Saturn, and have picked many holes in him, and am +fitting him up new and true. I am sure of most of him now, and have got +over some stumbling-blocks which kept me niggling at calculations two +years.</p> + +<p>I am to have some artisans as weekly students this winter.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Same.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Lauriston Lodge,<br> +Edinburgh, 25th October 1857.</i></p> + +<p>... As to collecting memorials, that is a thing to do faithfully if +at all. No man can write himself down wholly at once, so no one thing +will give a complete autograph of the man. As for anecdotes, they are +to be tolerated as the roughest way of giving to the public sketches of +public men; but they will satisfy no private friend, not even him from +whose memory they are drawn.</p> + +<p>But if any essays (I know some that were not read aloud to any +particular people, but were written by himself for himself) or anything +else of his are to be had, they might be given to Mrs. Pomeroy with +what explanation we could give, and so (not hastily but) when times +occur, she might continue to learn more of him and his honestly fought +and thoroughly conquered and well secured path through a land of +shadows, where friends and foes seemed to exchange appearances, so +that honesty and sincerity had parted with order and reverence, and +indecision had passed for conscientiousness, and enquiry after truth +had been taken for infidelity. A sad world to seek for truth in under +any man’s guiding. The exact point at which this progress has been +interrupted may be disputed by men, but they have no jurisdiction, and +are ignorant even of their own true faith till something bring it into +action.</p> + +<p>I could not conceive of any one undertaking to <i>write</i> a +<i>memoir</i>. I am fully satisfied of the impossibility of that, with +respect to any <i>young</i> man. The journal of voyage, which was meant +to be read, is far the best memorial, and it is a very good one indeed +for his mother and friends, for it is so wonderfully open-hearted +and unaffected. I appreciate these qualities on account of the force +which it requires for me to say or do anything according to nature, +especially in ordinary circumstances.</p> + +<p>This spring I read a great deal of MS. at home, which gave me much +light about my father and his dealings with various people. There were +journals of travels and adventures<span class="pagenum" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</span> from twelve years of age to thirty, +and many other things. Well, I have found that reading profitable in +making me remember him better, and honour him more, and understand +better how he ordered his life, and who were his friends. That is the +use and intent of keeping anything belonging to our friends. I do not +intend to advertise these things for public sale, for I doubt whether +the public would be better, and I would be worse.</p> +</div> + +<p>The following letter from Pomeroy to his mother, of which a copy was +found in Maxwell’s handwriting, throws further light on the character +of the man whose loss was felt so deeply:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="right"><i>Azingurh, July 28, 1857.</i></p> + +<p><span class="allsmcap">My dear Mother</span>—I sit down to write to you in rather a solemn +mood, partly owing to my having received yesterday a note from Mrs. W. +H. T., which I enclose, and partly because that, in this part of India, +and particularly in these outlying stations, with no European soldiers, +the lives of Englishmen more clearly lie in God’s hand than on most +occasions in our sojourn on earth.</p> + +<p>I have told you in former letters that I volunteered to go with any +civilians who reoccupied a station in the Benares district. I did this +completely of my own responsibility, and whether I was right or wrong +God alone knows. I was then in excellent health, and I could not bear +to think that I should be absolutely doing nothing in a safe station, +when an additional European, who could ride or use firearms, even if +he could do nothing else, was not utterly useless to the brave men who +were going out in order to make, persuade, or enable the natives to +cultivate their fields, during the three important months of the year, +and so avoid a famine.</p> + +<p>Mr. Tucker responded immediately to my volunteering, and appointed +me “Assistant Magistrate” of Azingurh, with nearly —— a month. You +know the delay in going, and that I was ill during that time. We left +(Benares) on the 16th, and arrived here on the 18th. The march, which +I performed partly on horseback and partly in my buggy, did not do +me any harm, but the fatigue, excitement, and varied feelings caused +by an affray with a body of natives, led by Oude Zemindars, in which +we were finally victorious, after five hours of half fighting (not +that I fought much, but I was on horseback most of the time), rather +weakened me. Then there was a wounded man to be taken into Ghazipoor, +and of those whose duty it was to accompany him nobody who could be +spared could be induced to go, so I volunteered,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</span> whereby I pleased +him, poor fellow, and his fellow-officers very much, and I believe I +was of use to him. I hoped to have got three days rest at Ghazipoor, +but the excitement of seeing new faces, and giving all my news over +and over again, and trying to soothe angry officers whose corps had +been abused, and explaining mistakes, etc. etc., made the rest very +ambiguous; and the journey back knocked me up. I was very feverish +last night, but Home (the magistrate) took tremendous care of me, put +my bed next his, and got me limes and honey, and everything he could +get for cough or fever. To-day I am a great deal better, but still on +rice-milk and chicken-broth, and as I have no duties but a share in the +mess management, I get lots of lying down, but no absolute rest, as +the nine of us, civil and military, live in one six-roomed bungalow. +Don’t imagine that nine (only) is the number walking about inside: +everybody’s bearer except mine and another’s, I believe, walk about +like tame dogs, bringing their masters’ slightest wants, for few think +of getting anything for themselves, even from across the room.</p> + +<p>We have a very grave piece of intelligence from the neighbourhood of +Legowlie, the headquarters of the 12th Irregular Cavalry. A native +brought a report to a gentleman living 8 miles from Legowlie, that on +the 24th of July the men of the 12th who were there left the station, +and that the commanding officer (Major Holmes) and his wife, and the +Doctor (Gardner), had been killed. This news has at length reached +us, whom it concerns nearly, as one hundred of the same regiment are +here. On the other side, it is to be said that all the principal +native officers were absent from Legowlie, two being here now, and one +elsewhere, so that the mutiny may not spread, and we have no treasure +here to tempt them, and the Hindu Sepoys are not likely to join them, +though their hatred of Musselmans has two or three times given way to +their desire for plunder or love of Christian blood. Our position is +precarious, but I can look it straight in the face, and in four days or +less the crisis will, I hope, have passed.</p> + +<p>Herne is a Poole man, with an uncle there of the name of Biddel. His +wife is in the hills, and he hears from her now pretty often, but there +is a month’s interval between the departure and arrival of her letters. +He is a decidedly religious man of a very genuine stamp. He read us +last Sunday that grand sermon the Bishop of Calcutta preached towards +the end of June. You should get it if it is to be had in England.</p> + +<p>We are daily expecting to hear of the safety of Lucknow. Poor Mrs. +Cooper! She and her children must have been living in cellars for the +last month, to be out of the way of cannon balls: and to live in a +cellar in India must be dreadfully trying. If any children survive it +will be a mercy,—a mercy indeed if they escape the awful, horrible +fate of the ladies of Cawnpore. Mrs. Cave, whom I mentioned in my +Journal, was, I fear, at the latter place. As a Madras fusilier said to +me (in a broad Irish accent), “I don’t care what they do to the likes +of me—but the women—and Ladies too!”</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Poor T—— writes me letters intended to be cheery, but really awfully +dismal. She bears up bravely, and thinks no one sees her sorrow.</p> + +<p>We have a picture in the house that belonged to some one who fled from +this on the 3d June. It is called “Woman’s Mission.” You must have seen +it in the print-shop windows,—two Scutari volunteer nurses attending +a wounded man. A pathetic picture suits our feelings. All but two, I +believe, have either wife or lover to think of; but sorry should I or +any be that any woman should be with us. Poor Batty married a very +short time ago, and had to part from his Bride almost immediately, and +send her to Calcutta. He, too, has lost a Brother.</p> + +<p>I hope the English papers will have better and truer accounts than the +Indian generally have; but you cannot follow events without some good +map, like Allen’s £2: 2s. one. So don’t try; it will only puzzle you, +and the <i>Times</i> will give you the pith of the matter. The fire +is now really being extinguished, though it will be long before stray +points cease to flare up and burn those within their range.</p> + +<p>There are two hundred of the King of Nepaul’s Goorkas on the march to +form part of our garrison, and on those we think we can really depend. +They are very brave, and more than a match for Sepoys, and are more +different in race and manners from the Hindus than we are, and very +different in religion.</p> + +<p>Urgent requisitions have been sent to Ghazipoor and Benares for +Europeans, which may now at length be answered.</p> + +<p>With regard to Mrs. T——, whom I was nearly forgetting in my +egotism, I hope—if she has by the time this reaches you visited +Cheltenham—that you have seen her. What a comfort it must be to her, +poor thing, to think that she made him face those thoughts he had +shunned and shirked so long. She left by last mail, so she will have +been a fortnight in England or Ireland when this reaches you. I hope +to write you a letter by Bombay and Marseilles of a later date, and +to Editha by Calcutta and Marseilles; so that this letter, which I +confess is an alarmist one, will not arrive till you know the Event. I +have written what I have that you may see I know my danger, and have, +I hope, right feelings under it.—I remain, my very dear mother, your +most affectionate son,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="allsmcap">Robert Henry Pomeroy.</span></p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Prof. Maxwell from Prof. G. G. Stokes.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>School of Mines,<br> +Jermyn Street, 7th November /57.</i></p> + +<p>I have just received your papers on a dynamical top, etc., and the +account of experiments on the perception of colour. The latter, which +I missed seeing at the time when it was published, I have just read +with great interest. The results<span class="pagenum" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</span> afford most remarkable and important +evidence in favour of the theory of three primary colour-perceptions, a +theory which you, and you alone, so far as I know, have established on +an exact numerical basis.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Prof. J. C. Maxwell from Prof. Faraday.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Albemarle Street,<br> +7th November 1857.</i></p> + +<p>I have just read and thank you heartily for your papers. I intended +to send you copies of two of mine. I think I have sent them, but do +not find them ticked off. So I now send copies, not because they are +assumed as deserving your attention, but as a mark of my respect, and +desire to thank you in the best way that I can.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Prof. J. C. Maxwell from Prof. Tyndall.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Royal Institution,<br> +7th November 1857.</i></p> + +<p>I am very much obliged to you for your kind thoughtfulness in sending +me your papers on the Dynamical Top and on the Perception of Colour, as +also for your memoir on Lines of Force, received some time ago. I never +doubted the possibility of giving Faraday’s notions a mathematical +form, and you would probably be one of the last to deny the possibility +of a totally different imagery by which the phenomena might be +represented.<a id="FNanchor_201" href="#Footnote_201" class="fnanchor">[201]</a></p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Prof. Maxwell from Prof. Faraday.</span><a id="FNanchor_202" href="#Footnote_202" class="fnanchor">[202]</a></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Albemarle Street, London,<br> +13th November 1857.</i></p> + +<p>If on a former occasion I seemed to ask you what you<span class="pagenum" id="Page_289">[Pg 289]</span> thought of my +paper, it was very wrong; for I do not think any one should be called +upon for the expression of their thoughts before they are prepared, and +wish to give them. I have often enough to decline giving an opinion +because my mind is not ready to come to a conclusion, or does not wish +to be committed to a view that may by further consideration be changed. +But having received your last letter, I am exceedingly grateful to you +for it, and rejoice that my forgetfulness of having sent the former +paper on conservation has brought about such a result. Your letter is +to me the first intercommunication on the subject with one of your mode +and habit of thinking. It will do me much good, and I shall read and +meditate it again and again.</p> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>I daresay I have myself greatly to blame for the vague use of +expressive words. I perceive that I do not use the word “force” as you +define it, “the tendency of a body to pass from one place to another.” +What I mean by the word is the <i>source</i> or <i>sources</i> of +all possible actions of the particles or materials of the universe; +these being often called the <i>powers</i> of nature when spoken of in +respect of the different manners in which their effects are shown. In a +paper which I have received at the moment from the <i>Phil. Mag.</i>, +by Dr. Woods, they were called the “forces, such as electricity, heat, +etc.” In this way I have used the word “force” in the description of +gravity which I have given as that expressing the received idea of its +nature and source; and such of my remarks as express an opinion or are +critical apply only to that sense of it. You may remember I speak to +labourers like myself, experimentalists on force generally, who receive +that description of gravity as a physical truth, and believe that it +expresses all, and no more than all, that concerns the nature and +locality of the power. To these it limits the formation of their ideas, +and the direction of their exertions, and to these I have endeavoured +to speak; showing how such a thought, if accepted, pledged them to a +very limited and probably erroneous view of the cause of the force, +and to ask them to consider whether they should not look (for a time +at least) to a source in part external to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_290">[Pg 290]</span> the particles. I send you +two or three old printed lines <i>marked</i>, relating to this point. +To those who <i>disown</i> the definition or description as imperfect, +I have nothing to urge, as there is then probably no real difference +between us.</p> + +<p>I hang on to your words because they are to me weighty, and where you +say, “I for my part can not realise your dissatisfaction with the +law of gravitation, provided you conceive it according to your own +principles,” they give me great comfort. I have nothing to say against +the law of action of gravity. It is against the law which measures +its total strength as an inherent force that I venture to oppose my +opinion; and I must have expressed myself badly (though I do not find +the weak point) or I should not have conveyed any other impression. +All I wanted to do was to move men (not No. I. but No. II.) from the +unreserved acceptance of a principle of physical action which might be +opposed to natural truth. The idea that we may possibly have to connect +<i>repulsion</i> with the lines of gravitation force (which is going +far beyond anything my mind would venture on at present, except in +private cogitation), shows how far we may have to depart from the view +I oppose.</p> + +<p>There is one thing I would be glad to ask you. When a mathematician +engaged in investigating physical actions and results has arrived at +his conclusions, may they not be expressed in common language as fully, +clearly, and definitely as in mathematical formulæ? If so, would it +not be a great boon to such as I to express them so?—translating +them out of their hieroglyphics, that we also might work upon them by +experiment. I think it must be so, because I have always found that you +could convey to me a perfectly clear idea of your conclusions, which, +though they may give me no full understanding of the steps of your +process, give me the results neither above nor below the truth, and +so clear in character that I can think and work from them. If this be +possible, would it not be a good thing if mathematicians, working on +these subjects, were to give us the results in this popular, useful, +working state, as well as in that which is their own and proper to them?</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_291">[Pg 291]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To H. P. Droop, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>129 Union Street, Aberdeen,<br> +14th November 1857.</i></p> + +<p>I am very busy with Saturn on the top of my regular work. He is all +remodelled and recast, but I have more to do to him yet, for I wish +to redeem the character of mathematicians, and make it intelligible. +I have a large advanced class for Newton, physical astronomy, the +electric sciences, and high optics. What is your department by the way?</p> + +<p>I have also a mechanics’ class in the evening, once a week, on +mechanical principles, such as doctrine of lever work done by machines, +etc. So I have 15 hours a week, which is a deal of talking straight +forward.</p> + +<p>I am getting several tops (like the one I had at Cambridge) made here +for various parties who teach rigid dynamics.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To C. J. Monro, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>127 Union Street, Aberdeen,<br> +26th November 1857.</i></p> + +<p>The enclosed letters came from Mrs. Pomeroy to me. I think they are, +one of them at least, yours. I doubt of the smaller one, but you will +know. They seem dropping in still on poor Mrs. Pomeroy. Even ordinary +returned letters are strange things to read again, as if you had been +talking on when everybody had gone away.</p> + +<p>I got your letter of the 6th. I have been grinding so hard ever since I +came here that I left many letters unanswered. When I have time I shall +write to you, and meanwhile only thank you for your letter.</p> + +<p>I am at full college work again. A small class with a bad name for +stupidity, so there was the more field for exciting them to more +activity. So I have got into regular ways, and have every man <i>viva +voce'd</i> once a week, and the whole class examined in writing on +Tuesdays, and roundly and sharply abused on Wednesday morning; and lots +of exercises which I find it advantageous to brew myself overnight.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_292">[Pg 292]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Public Opinion here says that what our colleges want is inferior +professors, and more of them for the money. Such men, says P. O., +would devote their attention more to what would pay, and would pay +more deference to the authority of the local press than superior or +better paid men. Therefore, although every individual but one who came +before the Commission was privately convinced that the best thing in +itself would be to fuse our two institutions into one, with one staff +of teachers, yet they all agreed that the public opinion of the whole +was the opposite of the private opinion of each, and that more harm +than good would result from adopting the course which seemed good to +the members, but not to the body, of the public. So the battle rages +hot between Union (of Universities only) and Fusion (of classes and +professors). Almost all the professors in Arts are fusionists, and +all the country south of the Dee, together with England and the rest +of Europe and the world, but Aberdeen (on the platform), is Unionist, +and nothing else is listened to at public meetings, though perhaps +a majority of those present might be fusionists. Such is Public +Opinion; but we are all quiet again now, and I am working at various +high matters, for I have a very good class for Physical Astronomy, +Electricity, and Undulations, etc., and I want to do them justice.</p> + +<p>I have had a lot of correspondence about Saturn’s Rings, Electric +Telegraph, Tops, and Colours. I am making a Collision of Bodies’ +machine, and a model of Airy’s Transit Circle (with lenses), and I am +having students’ teas when I can. Also a class of operatives on Monday +evening, who do better exercises than the University men about false +balances, Quantity of Work, etc.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Miss Cay.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>129 Union Street, Aberdeen,<br> +28th Nov. 1857.</i></p> + +<p>I had a letter from Willy to-day about jet pumps to be made for real +drains, but not saying anything about the Professorship of Engineering.</p> + +<p>I have been pretty steady at work since I came. The<span class="pagenum" id="Page_293">[Pg 293]</span> class is small and +not bright, but I am going to give them plenty to do from the first, +and I find it a good plan. I have a large attendance of my old pupils, +who go on with the higher subjects. This is not part of the College +course, so they come merely from choice, and I have begun with the +least amusing part of what I intend to give them. Many had been reading +in summer, for they did very good papers for me on the old subjects at +the beginning of the month. Most of my spare time I have been doing +Saturn’s Rings, which is getting on now, but lately I have had a great +many long letters to write,—some to Glenlair, some to private friends, +and some all about science.... I have had letters from Thomson and +Challis about Saturn—from Hayward of Durham University about the brass +top, of which he wants one. He says that the Earth has been really +found to change its axis regularly in the way I supposed. Faraday has +also been writing about his own subjects. I have had also to write +Forbes a long report on colours, so that for every note I have got I +have had to write a couple of sheets in reply, and reporting progress +takes a deal of writing and spelling....</p> + +<p>I have had two students’ teas, at which I am becoming expert. I have +also indulged in long walks, and have seen more of the country. The +evenings are beautiful at this season. There have been some very fine +waves on the cliffs south of the Dee.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Rev. L. Campbell.</span></p> + +<p class="nindc"><i>(On taking Priest's Orders).</i></p> + +<p class="right"><i>129 Union Street, Aberdeen,<br> +22d Dec. 1857.</i></p> + +<p>I take for granted that sometime on Sunday last you entered the second +of the ecclesiastical transformations. May your life and doctrine set +forth God’s glory, and be the means of setting forward the salvation +of all men! Some of my friends think that the separation to a “holy +function” puts a man into an artificial position with respect to the +conduct of his thoughts, words, and acts, and that he is<span class="pagenum" id="Page_294">[Pg 294]</span> immersed in a +professional atmosphere,—a world, in fact, differing from the world of +business or of fashion only in the general colouring of its scenery. It +has always seemed to me that men who have fallen into this “religious +world” have completely failed in getting into the Church, seeing that +the Church professes to be an escape from the world, and the only +escape. And what holds of the Church ought to hold of the clergy +preeminently. So far my theory of the Church not being a clerical +world. How I believe it not only as a theory, but as a fact, that a man +will find the thing so if he will try it himself.</p> + +<p>The restraints and professional stiffness of sentiment are not made for +lawful members, but for those whom the truth has not yet made entirely +free. I have to tell my men that all they see, and their own bodies, +are subject to laws which they cannot alter, and that if they wish +to do anything they must work according to those laws, or fail, and +therefore we study the laws. You have to say that what men are and the +nature of their actions depends on the state of their wills, and that +by God’s grace, through union with Christ, the contradictions and false +action of those wills may be settled and solved, so that one way lies +perfect freedom, and the other way bondage under the devil, the world, +and the flesh, and therefore you entreat them to give heed to the +things which they have heard.</p> + +<p>How, no man accuses me of being stiff, because I try to make what I +say precise. Everybody knows that I believe it, whether I am stating +a well-established law or only a half-verified conjecture. And I +think that you have fully more right to be respected, inasmuch as +the nature of your message implies the duty of <i>preaching</i> it, +and the convictions that may be arrived at are as cogent, being more +<i>clear</i>, if less <i>distinct</i>, than scientific truths.</p> + +<p>I have been reading Butler’s <i>Analogy</i> again, specially with +reference to obscurities in style and language, and also to distinguish +the merits of the man, and what habits of thought they depended on. +Also Herschel’s Essays, of which read that on Kosmos, and Froude’s +History. One night I read<span class="pagenum" id="Page_295">[Pg 295]</span> 160 pages of Buckle’s <i>History of +Civilisation</i>—a bumptious book, strong positivism, emancipation +from exploded notions, and that style of thing, but a great deal of +actually original matter, the true result of fertile study, and not +mere brain-spinning. The style is not refined, but it is clear, and +avoids fine writing. Froude is very good that way, though you can see +the sort of pleasure that a University man takes in actually realising +what he has talked over at Hall about showing what England was in the +middle ages, and transfusing himself, style and all, thereinto, that +his friends may see. A solitary student never does that sort of thing, +nor can he appreciate the graces of imitation. I wish Froude would +state whether he translates, and from what language, in each document.</p> + +<p>I am still at Saturn’s Rings. At present two rings of satellites are +disturbing one another. I have devised a machine to exhibit the motions +of the satellites in a disturbed ring; and Ramage is making it, for +the edification of sensible image worshippers. He has made four new +dynamical tops, for various seats of learning.</p> + +<p>I have set up a model of Airy’s Transit Circle, and described it to +my advanced class to-day. That institution is working well, with a +steady attendance of fourteen, who have come of their own accord to do +subjects not required by the College, <i>and the dryest first</i>.</p> + +<p>To the present time we have been on Newton’s <i>Principia</i> (that +is, Sects, <span class="allsmcap">I.</span> <span class="allsmcap">II.</span> <span class="allsmcap">III.</span>, as they are,—and +a general view of the Lunar Theory, and of the improvements and +discoveries founded on such inquiries). Now we go on to Magnetism, +which I have not before attempted to explain.</p> + +<p>The other class is at two subjects at once. Theoretical and +mathematical mechanics is the regular subject, but two days a week +we have been doing principles of mechanism, and I think the thing +will work well. We now go on to Friction, Elasticity, and Breakage, +considered as subjects for experiment, and as we go on we shall take +up other experimental subjects germane to the regular course. I am +happy in the knowledge of a good tinsmith, in addition to a smith,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_296">[Pg 296]</span> an +optician, and a carpenter. The tinsmith made the Transit Circle.</p> + +<p>College Fusion is holding up its head again under the fostering care +of Dr. David Brown (father to Alexander of Queen’s).<a id="FNanchor_203" href="#Footnote_203" class="fnanchor">[203]</a> Know all men +I am a Fusionist, and thereby an enemy of all the respectable citizens +who are Unionists (that is, unite the three learned faculties, and +leave double chairs in Arts). But there is no use writing out their +theory to you. They want inferior men for professors—men who will find +it their interest to teach what will pay to small classes, and who will +be more under the influence of parents and the local press than more +learned or better paid men would be in a larger college.</p> +</div> + +<p>I send you a description of the Murtle Lecture delivered in our Public +School:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>To those who admire the genius of the bard who sang of The Dee, the +Don, Balgownie Brigg’s black wall, the following lines will be welcome +from their resemblance to the opening of one of his poems:—</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Know ye the Hall where the birch and the myrtle</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Are emblems of things half profane, half divine,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where the hiss of the serpent, the coo of the turtle,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Are counted cheap fun at a sixpenny fine?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Know ye the Hall of the pulpit and form,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With its air ever mouldy, its stove never warm;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where the chill blasts of Eurus, oppressed with the stench,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wax faint at the window, and strong at the bench;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where Tertian and Semi are hot in dispute,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the voice of the Magistrand never is mute;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where the scrape of the foot and the audible sigh</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In nature though varied, in discord may vie,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till the accents of Wisdom are stifled and die;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where the Bajuns are dense as the cookies they chew,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And all save the Regents have something to do;—</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_297">[Pg 297]</span> + <div class="verse indent0">’Tis our Hall of Assembly, our high moral School,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Must its walls never rest from the bray of the fool?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Oh vain as the prospect of summer in May</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Are the lessons they learn and the fines that they pay.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="nind"> +All the public discipline, fines, etc., are arranged and levied at the +Public School. The Bajuns, Semis, Tertians, and Magistrands are the +four years of men. The Regents are the four Professors—Greek, Nat. +Hist., Nat. Phil., and Mor. Phil.</p> + +<p>Gaiety is just beginning here again. Society is pretty steady in +this latitude,—plenty of diversity, but little of great merit or +demerit,—honest on the whole, and not vulgar.... No jokes of any kind +are understood here. I have not made one for two months, and if I feel +one coming I shall bite my tongue. I shall write as soon as I hear +again from you.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Same.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>129 Union Street, 20th Jan. 1858.</i></p> + +<p>I should have written to thank you for the little book,<a id="FNanchor_204" href="#Footnote_204" class="fnanchor">[204]</a> but I +think you will prefer my thanks now that I have read it.</p> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>What is the English book that says <i>dasz Wahrheit Offenbarung mache, +nicht Offenbarung Wahrheit</i>?</p> + +<p>The marrow of the book lies in the man’s being a Fremdling, conscious +of the shell that surrounds him and divides him from others, and able +neither to live in it nor to break it. But the shell is only the outer +surface of a minute drop of fluid, impenetrable because minute, and +arising from molecular forces in himself. But he meets with another +drop, confined to one spot it is true, but a great deal larger than +himself. He coalesces, and both are now larger and more fluid than +before. Note that though he was movable and active, she fixed and +ill, she knew the Hofrath; he knew no one, unless perhaps his mother. +People differ in their need of knowing others, and in their power of +conquering that knowledge. I have been reading<span class="pagenum" id="Page_298">[Pg 298]</span> Lavater and his life. +He needed to know people; he was a man of a refined and tender spirit, +but it was vigorous, although not very massive or powerful, and he +came to know people, made friends, a few enemies, stuck to his work, +and lived happy. Other men have lived well and done good without even +wishing to burst the shell of separate existence, feeling it like the +natural garment of a personal being.</p> + +<p>How I find that the transfusive tendency is not identical with personal +attraction (using the last two words in anything but their newspaper +sense). There are some people whom I feel disposed to love, honour, and +obey, though in many things I may dislike them, and may have no wish +to have a complete fusion of thought and feeling with them. There are +others who are easily sympathised with, and open out willingly, but +do not thereby acquire the power and authority which the first have +without seeking it. Both is best, but of the two the first is more +permanent than the second.</p> + +<p>To return to the book, the different sex of the parties is treated as +an accident, but by the effect on the man it certainly is not, neither +is the effect of it insensible on the lady. She treats his statements +with more reverence than is their due, as coming from a man, and, I +think, fails entirely in framing a scheme for coalescing, without +entering on that state of which marriage is the symbol, even though by +accident there may be checks which may enable or compel the parties to +stop short. It is not society that does it; it is a law in us. How I +must stop, or I shall be teaching my grand-mother to suck eggs.</p> + +<p>Let me try my hand on that worthy relative in her professional as +well as private capacity, with respect to the Lilleshall sermon. I am +sure you will be able, with pains, to put anything you have sure hold +of before your hearers; but there are certain subjects which, after +being handled by some of our writers, get coated over with language +so tenacious that it is difficult to recognise them in plain clothes, +so that you become like the “lovely song of one that hath a pleasant +voice.”</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_299">[Pg 299]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Now it is good to learn wisdom wherever it is to be found, but in +teaching it, it must be made light, wholesome, and digestible, by +being stripped of all vagueness and wordiness, and refitted with +illustrations and conceptions carefully adapted to the hearers. Not but +what the other method is pleasant to listen to, and not without profit +(if taken with salt); but there are good books, out of which you may +preach very bad sermons, with which your people may be as delighted as +Mary Anne was with Faraday’s lecture, of which she gave an account to +<i>Punch</i>.</p> + +<p>I find my principal work here is teaching my men to avoid vague +expressions, as “a certain force,” meaning uncertain; <i>may</i> +instead of <i>must</i>; <i>will be</i> instead of <i>is</i>; +<i>proportional</i> instead of <i>equal</i>....</p> + +<p>As to yourself, I do not know whether college or parish work is best +for you to be set to. I am not sorry about the rich people. They +require you as much as the poor. But you must find out your own spirit, +and what you were made for, and not steer by men either towards one man +or from another.</p> + +<p>Now I sent you a libellous description of our public school here last +letter. Last week I was walking with the tune of the “Lörelei” running +in my head, and it set itself into a “kind of allegory.” The words are +very crude, but that is the way they came together. I profess myself +responsible for most things I say, but less for this than for most:—</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Alone on a hillside of heather,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I lay with dark thoughts in my mind,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the midst of the beautiful weather</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I was deaf, I was dumb, I was blind.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I knew not the glories around me,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I thought of the world as it seems,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till a spirit of melody found me,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And taught me in visions and dreams.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">For the sound of a chorus of voices</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Came gathering up from below,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And I heard how all Nature rejoices,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And moves with a musical flow.</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_300">[Pg 300]</span> + <div class="verse indent0">O strange! we are lost in delusion,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Our ways and doings are wrong,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">We are drowning in wilful confusion</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The notes of that wonderful song.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">But listen, what harmony holy</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Is mingling its notes with our own!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The discord is vanishing slowly,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And melts in that dominant tone.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And they that have heard it can never</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Return to confusion again;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Their voices are music for ever,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And join in the mystical strain.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">No mortal can utter the beauty</div> + <div class="verse indent2">That dwells in the song that they sing;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They move in the pathway of duty,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">They follow the steps of their King.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I would barter the world and its glory,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The vision of joy to prolong,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or to hear and remember the story</div> + <div class="verse indent2">That lies in the heart of their song.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Same.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>129 Union Street, 31st January 1858.</i></p> + +<p>Thank you for your letter, so kind and so speedy. Now there are two of +us, and I have that knowledge which is better than all advice. Not that +I undervalue the advice at all, only the sense of unity between us is +the main thing, whether we keep up correspondence or not. And I know +that my friends are <i>ipso facto</i> your’s, and your’s mine, so that +we are a large and influential body....</p> + +<p>But don’t suppose that I intend to make you my confessor. It would not +be just to you, for I do not like being confessed to myself; and I +think every one should bear his own burden, though willing to lighten +that of others. Besides, confession brings into set words and distinct +outlines, doubtful suspicions and half-formed thoughts, which would +fade at once if they were not stirred up.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_301">[Pg 301]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>To do the thing adequately, without extenuation, voluntary +exaggeration, or colouring of any kind, is far beyond human power. +The consciousness of the presence of God is the only guarantee +for true self-knowledge. Everything else is mere fiction, fancy +portraiture,—done to please one’s friends or self, or to exhibit one’s +moral discrimination at the expense of character.</p> + +<hr class="r5"> + +<p>And now be assured that I feel like Spenser’s “Diamond,” who had +“Priamond’s” spirit in him as well as his own. There is another human +aid that is with me. The memory of my father is a great help to being +practical and active. The more I think of him the better I get on, and +I am the less tempted to absurdity and eccentricity in thought.</p> + +<p>As for outward act, no one here seems to think me odd or daft. Some did +at Cambridge, but here I have escaped. My rule is to avoid the company +of young men whom I do not respect, unless I have the control of them.</p> + +<p>King’s College has its Senior Wrangler this year. I announced it to my +class yesterday morning. Lightfoot has commissioned some more from me +to be sent to Trinity.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To E. B. Litchfield, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>129 Union Street,<br> +Aberdeen, 7th February 1858.</i></p> + +<p>When I last wrote I was on my way here. Since then I have been at work, +Statics and Dynamics; two days a week being devoted to Principles of +Mechanism, and afterwards to Friction, Elasticity and Strength of +Materials, and also Clocks and Watches, when we come to the pendulum. +We have just begun hydrostatics. I have found a better text-book for +hydrostatics than I had thought for,—the run of them are so bad, +both Cambridge and other ones,—Galbraith and Haughton’s <i>Manual of +Hydrostatics</i> (Longmans, 2s.) There are also manuals of Mechanics +and Optics of the same set. There is no humbug in them, and many +practical matters are introduced instead of mere intricacies. The only +defect is a somewhat ostentatious resignation of the demonstrations<span class="pagenum" id="Page_302">[Pg 302]</span> +of certain truths, and a leaning upon feigned experiments instead of +them. But this is exactly the place where the students trust most to +the professor, so that I care less about it. I shall adopt the Optics, +which have no such defect, and possibly the Mechanics, next year.</p> + +<p>My students of last year, to the number of about fourteen, form a +voluntary class, and continue their studies. We went through Newton +<span class="allsmcap">I. II. III.</span>, and took a rough view of the Lunar Theory, and +of the present state of Astronomy. Then we have taken up Magnetism and +Electricity, static and current, and now we are at Electro-magnetism +and Ampère’s Laws. I intend to make Faraday’s book the backbone of all +the rest, as he himself is the nucleus of everything electric since +1830.</p> + +<p>So much for class work. Saturn’s Rings are going on still, but this +month I am clearing out some spare time to work them in. I have got up +a model to show the motions of a ring of satellites, a very neat piece +of work, by Ramage, the maker of the “top.”</p> + +<p>For other things—I have not much time in winter for improving my +mind. I have read Froude’s History, <i>Aurora Leigh</i>, and Hopkins’s +<i>Essay on Geology</i>, also Herschel’s collected Essays, which I like +much, also Lavater’s life and <i>Physiognomy</i>, which has introduced +me to him pleasantly though verbosely. I like the man very much, quite +apart from his conclusions and dogmas. They are only results, and far +inferior to methods. But many of them are true if properly understood +and applied, and I suppose the rest are worth respect as the statements +of a truth-telling man.</p> + +<p>Well, work is good, and reading is good, but friends are better. I have +but a finite number of friends, and they are dropping off, one here, +one there. A few live and flourish. Let it be long, and let us work +while it is day, for the night is coming, and work by day leads to rest +by night.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Rev. Lewis Campbell.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>129 Union Street,<br> +Aberdeen, 17th February 1858.</i></p> + +<p>... I have not been reading much of late. I have<span class="pagenum" id="Page_303">[Pg 303]</span> been hard at +mathematics. In fact I set myself a great arithmetical job of +calculating the tangential action of two rings of satellites, and +I am near through with it now. I have got a very neat model of my +theoretical ring, a credit to Aberdeen workmen. Here is a diagram, but +the thing is complex and difficult to draw:—</p> + +<p>Two wheels turning on parallel parts of a cranked axle; thirty-six +little cranks of same length between corresponding points of the +circumferences; each carries a little ivory satellite.<a id="FNanchor_205" href="#Footnote_205" class="fnanchor">[205]</a></p> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Miss Cay.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>129 Union Street,<br> +18th February 1858.</i></p> + +<p><span class="allsmcap">Dear Aunt</span>—This comes to tell you that I am going to have a +wife.</p> + +<p>I am not going to write out a catalogue of qualities, as I am not fit; +but I can tell you that we are quite necessary to one another, and +understand each other better than most couples I have seen.</p> + +<p>Don’t be afraid; she is not mathematical; but there are other things +besides that, and she certainly won’t stop the mathematics. The only +one that can speak as an eyewitness is Johnnie, and he only saw her +when we were both trying to act the indifferent. We have been trying it +since, but it would not do, and it was not good for either.</p> + +<p>So now you know who it is, even Katherine Mary Dewar (hitherto). I have +heard Uncle Robert speak (second-hand) of her father, the Principal. +Her mother is a first-rate lady, very quiet and discreet, but has stuff +in her to go through anything in the way of endurance.... So there is +the state of the case. I settled the matter with her, and the rest of +them are all conformable.</p> + +<p>I hope some day to make you better acquainted. I can hardly admit that +Johnnie saw her at all,—not as he will when she appears in a true +light.... For the present you<span class="pagenum" id="Page_304">[Pg 304]</span> must just take what I say on trust. You +know that I am not given to big words. So have faith and you shall know.</p> + +<p>... I don’t write separately to Uncle Robert, seeing he is with +you, and I am very busy, and just now I should just write the same +thing over again, and I have not a copying press. So good-bye.—Your +affectionate nephew.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To E. B. Litchfield, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>129 Union Street,<br> +Aberdeen, 5th March 1858.</i></p> + +<p>My “lines” are so pleasant to me that I think that everybody ought to +come to me to catch the infection of happiness. This college work is +what I and my father looked forward to for long, and I find we were +both quite right—that it was the thing for me to do. And with respect +to the particular college, I think we have more discipline and more +liberty, and therefore more power of useful work, than anywhere else. +It is a great thing to be the acknowledged “regent” of one’s class for +a year, so as to have them to one’s self except in mathematics and +what additional classes they take. Then the next year I get those that +choose to come, which makes a select class for the higher branches. +They have all great power of work.</p> + +<p>In Aberdeen I have met with great kindness from all sects of people, +and you now know of my greatest achievement in the way of discovery, +namely, the method of converting friendship and esteem into something +far better. We are following up that discovery, and making more of it +every day; getting deeper and deeper into the mysteries of personality, +so as to know that we ourselves are united, and not merely attracted by +qualities or virtues, either bodily or mental.—(Don’t suppose we talk +metaphysics.) ...</p> + +<p>You will easily see that my “confession of faith” must be liable to +the objection that Satan made against Job’s piety. One thing I would +have you know, that I feel as free from compulsion to any form of +compromised faith as I did before I had any one to take care of, for I +think we both<span class="pagenum" id="Page_305">[Pg 305]</span> believe too much to be easily brought into bondage to +any set of opinions.</p> + +<p>With respect to the “material sciences,” they appear to me to be +the appointed road to all scientific truth, whether metaphysical, +mental, or social. The knowledge which exists on these subjects +derives a great part of its value from ideas suggested by analogies +from the material sciences, and the remaining part, though valuable +and important to mankind, is not scientific but aphoristic. The +chief <i>philosophical</i> value of physics is that it gives the +mind something distinct to lay hold of, which, if you don’t, Nature +at once tells you you are wrong. Now, every stage of this conquest +of truth leaves a more or less presentable trace on the memory, so +that materials are furnished here more than anywhere else for the +investigation of the great question, “How does Knowledge come?”</p> + +<p>I have observed that the practical cultivators of science (<i>e.g.</i>, +Sir J. Herschel, Faraday, Ampère, Oërsted, Newton, Young), although +differing excessively in turn of mind, have all a distinctness and a +freedom from the tyranny of words in dealing with questions of Order, +Law, etc., which pure speculators and literary men never attain.</p> + +<p>Now, I am going to put down something on my own authority, which you +must not take for more than it is worth. There are certain men who +write books, who assume that whatever things are orderly, certain, and +capable of being accurately predicted by men of experience, belong to +one category; and whatever things are the result of conscious action, +whatever are capricious, contingent, and cannot be foreseen, belong to +another category.</p> + +<p>All the time I have lived and thought, I have seen more and more +reason to disagree with this opinion, and to hold that all want of +order, caprice, and unaccountableness results from interference with +liberty, which would, if unimpeded, result in order, certainty, and +trustworthiness (certainty of success of predicting). Remember I do +not say that caprice and disorder are not the result of free will (so +called), only I say that there is a liberty which is not disorder,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_306">[Pg 306]</span> and +that this is by no means less free than the other, but more.</p> + +<p>In the next place, there are various states of mind, and schools of +philosophy corresponding to various stages in the evolution of the idea +of liberty.</p> + +<p>In one phase, human actions are the resultant (by +\(\mathrm{par}^{\mathrm{m}}\), of forces) of the various attractions +of surrounding things, modified in some degree by internal states, +regarding which all that is to be said is that they are subjectively +capricious, objectively the “<span class="allsmcap">Result of Law</span>,”—that is, the +wilfulness of our wills feels to us like liberty, being in reality +necessity.</p> + +<p>In another phase, the wilfulness is seen to be anything but free will, +since it is merely a submission to the strongest attraction, after the +fashion of material things. So some say that a man’s will is the root +of all evil in him, and that he should mortify it out till nothing of +himself remains, and the man and his selfishness disappear together. So +said Gotama Buddha (see Max Müller), and many Christians have said and +thought nearly the same thing.</p> + +<p>Nevertheless there is another phase still, in which there appears +a possibility of the exact contrary to the first state, namely, an +abandonment of wilfulness without extinction of will, but rather +by means of a great development of will, whereby, instead of being +consciously free and really in subjection to unknown laws, it becomes +consciously acting by law, and really free from the interference of +unrecognised laws.</p> + +<p>There is a screed of metaphysics. I don’t suppose that is what you +wanted. I have no nostrum that is exactly what you want. Every man must +brew his own, or at least fill his own glass for himself, but I greatly +desire to hear some more from you, just to get into <i>rapport</i>.</p> + +<p>As to the Roman Catholic question, it is another piece of the doctrine +of Liberty. People get tired of being able to do as they like, and +having to choose their own steps, and so they put themselves under holy +men, who, no doubt, are really wiser than themselves. But it is not +only wrong, but impossible, to transfer either will or responsibility +to another;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_307">[Pg 307]</span> and after the formula have been gone through, the patient +has just as much responsibility as before, and feels it too. But it is +a sad thing for any one to lose sight of their work, and to have to +seek some conventional, arbitrary treadmill-occupation prescribed by +sanitary jailors....</p> + +<p>With respect to the class, I send you the paper they did last week. +Five floored it approximately, two first-rate. I got half-a-dozen +correct answers to questions on the effects of mixtures of ice and +steam in various proportions, and on the effect of heating and cooling +on the thrust of iron beams (numerical). From the higher class I have +essay on Vision (construction of eye, spectacles, stereoscopes, etc.) +So the work done is equivalent to the work spent.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Rev. Lewis Campbell.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Aberdeen, 15th March 1858.</i></p> + +<p>When we had done with the eclipse to-day, the next calculation was +about the conjunction. The rough approximations bring it out early in +June....</p> + +<p>The first part of May I will be busy at home. The second part I may go +to Cambridge, to London, to Brighton, as may be devised. After which we +concentrate our two selves at Aberdeen by the principle of concerted +tactics. This done, we steal a march, and throw our forces into the +happy valley, which we shall occupy without fear, and we only wait your +signals to be ready to welcome reinforcements from Brighton.... Good +night.—Your affectionate friend.</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="allsmcap">J. C. Maxwell.</span></p> + +<p><i>N.B.</i>—We are going to do optical experiments together in summer. +I am getting two prisms, and our eyes are so good as to see the spot on +the sun to-day without a telescope.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Prof. J. C. Maxwell from Prof. Forbes.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Edinburgh, 16th March 1858.</i></p> + +<p>I was much obliged to you for your letter, and the announcement of +your marriage, which I have not the smallest<span class="pagenum" id="Page_308">[Pg 308]</span> doubt will add to your +happiness, while at the same time I do not fear its abstracting you +from science.</p> + +<p>Your notice of Saturn will be very acceptable. But it should not run to +too great a length, as the 19th will probably be our last meeting, and +is always a crowded billet. Give me an idea of the least time requisite +to give an idea of your subject; and more particularly try to send me a +piece of the MS., so that I may legally hold it as a MS. delivered, and +take precedence of some trivial communications of which I stand rather +in dread.</p> + +<p>I duly received the <i>Top</i>. I suppose it is all right, but my +energies have been absorbed in Electrical experiments merely for +lecture, and which have been very heavy upon me. I ought to have paid +for the Top ere now, but I will soon.</p> + +<p>We saw the Eclipse very badly, and it seems that in England it was no +better. I had arranged to give a telegraphic account to R. Soc. last +night, from no less than 3 points on the central line....</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Rev. Lewis Campbell.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, Springholm,<br> +Dumfries, 28th April 1858.</i></p> + +<p>... I wish you great joy, now and always! I hope to certify myself ere +long what sort of “friend’s wife” I am to have. I have faith already, +but sight is better, and you will have some pleasure in getting my +verdict, though you don’t need anything of the kind.</p> + +<p>I have been very happy in observing the very admirable frame of mind +in which all my friends seem disposed to regard my affairs, and yet I +would rather that their opinions and sentiments had a more distinct +basis of observation. But I suppose they observe me, and see I am “all +right and no mistake.” ...</p> + +<p>I tell you this ... because you are our friend for better for worse.</p> + +<p>I shall bring you a small pen-wiper that Katherine made for you the +last day I was in Aberdeen. If you are careful<span class="pagenum" id="Page_309">[Pg 309]</span> in using it as it ought +to be used, you will get rid of all the “odium theologicum” and other +bitter principles sometimes occurring in parsons’ ink, and your heart +will indite good matter with the pen of a ready writer....</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To C. J. Monro, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 29th April 1858.</i></p> + +<p>... I displayed my model of Saturn’s Ring at the Edinburgh Royal +Society on the 19th. The anatomists seemed to take most interest in the +construction of it. We are going to do some experiments on colour this +summer, if my prisms turn out well. I have got a beautiful set of slits +made by Ramage, to let in the different pencils of light at the proper +places, and of the proper breadths.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Miss K. M. Dewar.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>2d May 1858.</i></p> + +<p>Now you must remember that all I say about texts and matters of that +sort is only a sort of help to being together when we read, for I am +not skilful to know what is the right meaning of anything so as to tell +other people, only I have a right to try to make it out myself, and +what I say to myself I may say to you.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Same.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>6th May 1858.</i></p> + +<p>Isaiah <span class="allsmcap">LI</span>. and Gal. <span class="allsmcap">V</span>. I. suppose the leaven in +<span class="allsmcap">V</span>. 9 is the little bit of Judaism that they were going to +adopt on the plea that it is “safer” to do and believe too much than +too little, and yet these little things altered the character of the +whole of their religion by making it a thing of labour and wages, +instead of an inward growth of faith working by love, which purifies +the heart now, and encourages us to wait for the hope of righteousness. +But still the desire of the spirit is contrary to the desire of the +flesh, the one tending towards God, and the other towards the elements +of the world, so that we are kept stretched as it were, and this is +our training in this life. Our flesh is God’s making, who<span class="pagenum" id="Page_310">[Pg 310]</span> made us +part of His world; but then He has given us the power of coming nearer +to Himself, and so we ought to use the world and our bodies as means +towards the knowledge of Him, and stretch always as far as our state +will permit towards Him. If we do not, but wilfully seek back again +to the elements as the Israelites to Egypt, then we are not like +infants or even brutes, but far worse, as recoiling from God and His +blessedness. Here are manifest the works of the flesh, which are not +only not those of righteousness, but opposed to them; but the fruit of +the spirit comes when, like good trees, we stretch our best affections +upwards till we see the sun, and breathe the air and drink the rain, +and receive all free gifts, instead of sending our branches after our +roots, down among things that once had life but now are decaying, and +seeking there for nourishment that can only be had from above.</p> + +<p>See the order of ripening of the fruit. How, love brings joy to +ourselves, and this, peace with others, and this, long-suffering of +their attacks, for why should we be angry? Gentleness is a higher +degree of this, being active. Goodness is used in a less general sense +than we use it. It seems something like “good nature,” only better +and more manly, and refers to the good disposition of a man among +men. Faith is put in here as the <i>result</i> of good living; which +is true, for it is nourished thereby. Then see what comes of adding +faith to a good disposition,—meekness, which we cannot afford to have +without faith; and lastly, temperance or moderation, which is also +founded on faith, and is a virtue that can never be perfect till all +the rest are so.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Same.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Milford, Lymington (Hants),<br> +9th May 1858.</i></p> + +<p>To-day we were called at seven; were down soon thereafter, and had +everything leisurely and comfortably till ten, when we went to school. +I had a class of youths just beginning to read, and some of them +knew not what swine were, still less what a herd was. At eleven to +church—Lewis<span class="pagenum" id="Page_311">[Pg 311]</span> read prayers and lessons very well and distinctly, and +Chester preached on James <span class="allsmcap">I</span>. 15. Sin when it is finished +bringeth forth death. He showed up sin as the universal poison, and +showed how it might be seen working death in several instances, and +also in all, good and bad, in this life, and then turned to the next, +and finally indicated the remedy, though not so clearly as Paul in Rom. +<span class="allsmcap">VIII</span>. 2, which he should have read.</p> + +<p>In the afternoon Chester read prayers and Lewis preached on “Ye must be +born again,” showing how respectable a man it was addressed to, and how +much he, and all the Jews, and all the world, and ourselves, needed to +be born from above (for that is the most correct version of the word +translated again). Then he described the changes on a man new-born, and +his state and privileges. I think he has got a good hold of the people, +and will do them good and great good.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Same.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>10th May 1858.</i></p> + +<p>Eph. <span class="allsmcap">III</span>. 19.—Paul can express no more, but read the last +two verses and you will see this is not the crown, but only what can +be asked or thought. What a field for ambition there is,—for climbing +up, or rather, being drawn up, into Christ’s love, and receiving into +our little selves all the fulness of God. Let us bless God even now for +what He has made us capable of, and try not to shut out His spirit from +working freely.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Same.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>13th May 1858.</i></p> + +<p>I have been reading again with you Eph. <span class="allsmcap">VI</span>. Here is more about +family relations. There are things which have meanings so deep that +if we follow on to know them we shall be led into great mysteries of +divinity. If we despise these relations of marriage, of parents and +children, of master and servant, everything will go wrong, and there +will be confusion as bad as in Lear’s case. But if we reverence them, +we shall even see beyond their first aspect a spiritual meaning, for +God speaks to us more plainly in these bonds of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_312">[Pg 312]</span> our life than in +anything that we can understand. So we find a great deal of Divine +Truth is spoken of in the Bible with reference to these three relations +and others.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Same.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>16th May 1858.</i></p> + +<p>Phil. <span class="allsmcap">III</span>.—There is great wisdom in <span class="allsmcap">V</span>. 13. Never +look back with complacency on anything done, or attained, or possessed. +See the description of those who mind earthly things, and let us depart +from their ways. Conversation in <span class="allsmcap">V</span>. 20 means going backwards +and forwards, and refers to the walking of the preceding verses. What +a description of the power of Christ in the last verse, over “all +things,” and our vile bodies among the rest, and what a day it will be +when He has done all His work and is satisfied.</p> + +<p>I think the more we enter together into Christ’s work He will have the +more room to work His work in us. For He always desires us to be one +that He may be one with us. Our worship is social, and Christ will be +wherever two or three are gathered together in His name.</p> + +<p>I have been vexed that I could not speak better to ——. I had a long +walk with him, talking of what people have believed, and what was +necessary to be believed. I hope we may come to understand each other, +but more that he may come to the clear light. I wish I could speak to +him wise words. He is so anxious to hear, and I to speak, and then the +words are all wind after all.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Prof. J. C. Maxwell from Vernon Lushington, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Ockham, 31st May 1858.</i></p> + +<p>Next Wednesday is <i>your</i> second of June, after which we shall +no longer be able to think of you as one of ourselves—the youthful +wanderers and seekers of the earth. So how can I better employ the end +of this Sunday evening than by bidding you Farewell and God speed?...</p> + +<p>When Wednesday comes I hope I shall think of you.</p> + +<p>I like thinking of you,—what you were, what you are, and what you may +be. All happiness be with you and yours!</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_313">[Pg 313]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To C. J. Monro, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 24th July 1858.</i></p> + +<p>... We are no great students at present, preferring, various passive +enjoyments, resulting from the elemental influences of sun, wind, and +streams. This week I have begun to make a small hole into Saturn, who +has slept on his voluminous ring for months.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Mrs. Maxwell.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>16th September 1859.</i></p> + +<p>Mrs. Sabine learnt mathematics of her husband after she was married, +so she was not married for it. Murchison knew no geology when he was +married, but his wife did a little; and there was a fall of a cliff +in the morning early, and her maid told her of it, so she was for +up;<a id="FNanchor_206" href="#Footnote_206" class="fnanchor">[206]</a> so Murchison got up too, and there were the great hones of an +Icthyosaurus in the broken cliff, and he was interested and took to +geology. Before that he was an idle young officer.</p> +</div> + + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_198" href="#FNanchor_198" class="label">[198]</a> +See above, <a href="#Page_85">p. 85.</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_199" href="#FNanchor_199" class="label">[199]</a> +See the Poems of 1858 amongst the Occasional Pieces in +<a href="#PART_III">Part III.</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_200" href="#FNanchor_200" class="label">[200]</a> +See above, <a href="#Page_258">p. 258</a>. As this candidature was the last +occasion on which Maxwell was compelled to collect testimonials, it +may be well to add here to what has been said above about his teaching +powers, that his success at Aberdeen was very strongly attested by +his colleagues, and in particular by Thomas Clark, the Professor of +Chemistry. And four years earlier, in February 1854, Professor G. +G. Stokes had given this important testimony:“... One thing more is +wanted in a teacher, namely, a power of conveying clearly his knowledge +to others. That Mr. Maxwell possesses that power I feel satisfied, +having once been present when he was giving an account of some of his +geometrical researches to the Cambridge Philosophical Society, on +which occasion I was struck with the singularly lucid manner of his +exposition.” (See <a href="#Page_212">p. 212.</a>)</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_201" href="#FNanchor_201" class="label">[201]</a> +For confirmation of this, see Maxwell’s (fragmentary) +preface to the smaller treatise on electricity, published posthumously +in 1881; especially these words: “In the larger treatise I sometimes +made use of methods which I do not think the best in themselves, but +without which the student cannot follow the investigations of the +founders of the Mathematical Theory of Electricity. I have since become +aware of the superiority of methods akin to those of Faraday, and have +therefore adopted them from the first.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_202" href="#FNanchor_202" class="label">[202]</a> +This letter has already been published in the <i>Life of +Faraday</i>.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_203" href="#FNanchor_203" class="label">[203]</a> +See a little book entitled “Crushed Hopes Crowned in +Death,” London, 1862.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_204" href="#FNanchor_204" class="label">[204]</a> +<i>Deutche Liebe.</i> (By Prof. Max Müller.)</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_205" href="#FNanchor_205" class="label">[205]</a> +The sketch which follows corresponds to the model which +is preserved in the Cavendish Laboratory. See <a href="#PART_II">Part II.</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_206" href="#FNanchor_206" class="label">[206]</a> +“was for up,” <i>i.e.</i> wished to get up.</p> + +</div> +</div> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_314">[Pg 314]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI.<br> +<span class="allsmcap">KING’S COLLEGE, LONDON, 1860 TO 1865—GLENLAIR, 1860 to +1870—<i>ÆT.</i> 29-39.</span></h2> +</div> + +<p class="nind"> +FROM this point onward the interest of Maxwell’s life +(save things “wherewith the stranger intermeddles not”) is chiefly +concentrated in his scientific career. As some account of his labours +in science will be given in the second portion of this book, what +remains of the present narrative is comparatively brief.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">1860-1865. +<i>Æt.</i> 29-34.</div> + +<p>The work at King’s College was more exacting than that in Aberdeen. +There were nine months of lecturing in the year, and evening lectures +to artisans, etc., were recognised as a part of the Professor’s regular +duties. Maxwell retained the post until the spring of 1865, when he +was succeeded by Professor W. G. Adams, but continued lecturing to the +working men during the following winter.</p> + +<p>In June 1860 Maxwell attended the British Association’s meeting at +Oxford, where he exhibited his box for mixing the colours of the +spectrum. He also presented to Section A a most important paper on +Bernoulli’s Theory of Gases; a theory which supposes that a gas +consists of a number of independent particles moving about among one +another without<span class="pagenum" id="Page_315">[Pg 315]</span> mutual interference, except when they come into +collision. Maxwell showed that the apparent viscosity of gases, their +low conductivity for heat, and Graham’s laws of diffusion, could be +satisfactorily explained by this theory, and gave reasons for believing +that in air at ordinary temperature each particle experiences on an +average more than 8,000,000,000 collisions per second. It is probable +that the contemplation of the “flight of brick-bats” (his own vivid +phrase for the constitution of Saturn’s rings) led him on to his +far-reaching investigations in this field of molecular physics.</p> + +<p>On the 17th of May 1861 he delivered his first lecture before the +Royal Institution. The subject was “On the Theory of the three Primary +Colours.”</p> + +<p>All this while Maxwell was quietly and securely laying the foundations, +deep and wide, of his great work on Electricity and Magnetism, but he +had not the leisure that was requisite for bringing it to completion.</p> + +<p>The period of his King’s College Professorship was far, however, from +being scientifically unfruitful. The colour-box was perfected, and many +series of observations were made with it. Mrs. Maxwell’s observations +were found to have a special value. Through a striking discrepancy +between her readings and C. H. Cay’s, Maxwell discovered that the +blindness of the <i>Foramen Centrale</i> to blue light, which was +strongly marked in his own dark eyes, was either altogether absent from +hers, or present in a very low degree. The comparison of J. C. M.’s +(J.’s) eyes, and Mrs. M.’s (K.’s) is referred to in Part II.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_316">[Pg 316]</span></p> + +<p>The experimental measurements by which the present standard of +electrical resistance (the Ohm) was first determined, were made at +King’s College by a sub-committee of the B.A., consisting of Maxwell, +Balfour Stewart, and Fleeming Jenkin, in 1862-63, in accordance with a +method proposed by Sir Wm. Thomson. A further experimental measurement +was made next year by Maxwell, Fleeming Jenkin, and Charles Hockin +(Fellow of St. John’s). The importance of the work may be estimated +by the fact that the system of units then determined by the B.A. +Committee was, in the main, adopted by the Electrical Congress which +met last year (1881) in Paris, and an International Commission has +been appointed by the European Governments to make a redetermination +of the standard of resistance first measured by the B.A. Committee. +Maxwell’s papers on this subject, with those of his fellow-workers, +were republished in 1873 in a volume edited by Fleeming Jenkin.<a id="FNanchor_207" href="#Footnote_207" class="fnanchor">[207]</a> +Many are the references to successful or fruitless “spins” in the home +letters of this period. The following quotation will suffice:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="right"><i>28th January 1864.</i></p> + +<p>We are going to have a spin with Balfour Stewart to-morrow. I hope we +shall have no accidents, for it puts off time so when anything works +wrong, and we cannot at first find out the reason, or when a string +breaks, and the whole spin has to begin again.... However, we hope to +bring out our standards by September, and Becker<a id="FNanchor_208" href="#Footnote_208" class="fnanchor">[208]</a> makes them up +excellently.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_317">[Pg 317]</span></p> + +<p>A mass of correspondence, containing numerous suggestions made by +Maxwell from day to day in 1863-4, has been preserved by Professor +Jenkin. Two of the least technical passages will be found amongst the +letters in this chapter (pp. 337, 340).</p> + + +<p class="space-above2"> +Another very important experimental investigation conducted by +Maxwell about this period was the determination of the ratio of the +electromagnetic and electrostatic units of electricity, for the +purpose of comparing this quantity with the velocity of light. As +this investigation will be again referred to in Part II., it is only +necessary to say here that the experiment amounts to a comparison +between the attractions of two electric currents flowing in coils of +wire, and the attraction or repulsion between two metal plates which +have each received a charge of electricity. Maxwell had pointed out +that, in accordance with his theory, the ratio of the units should +be equal to the velocity of light, and the value obtained by him was +intermediate between the extreme values obtained for that velocity by +previous observers. The experiment was the outcome of his theory of the +constitution of the space in the neighbourhood of magnetic and electric +currents, by which he accounted for all the then known phenomena of +magnetism and electricity, and which he published in a semi-popular +form in the <i>Philosophical Magazine</i> in 1861 and 1862.</p> + +<p>During most of the King’s College time Maxwell resided at 8 Palace +Gardens Terrace, Kensington, where he carried on many of his +experiments in a large garret<span class="pagenum" id="Page_318">[Pg 318]</span> which ran the whole length of the +house. When experimenting at the window with the colour-box (which was +painted black, and nearly eight feet long), he excited the wonder of +his neighbours, who thought him mad to spend so many hours in staring +into a coffin. This was also the scene of his well-known experiments +on the viscosity of gases at different pressures and temperatures. For +some days a large fire was kept up in the room, though it was in the +midst of very hot weather. Kettles were kept on the fire, and large +quantities of steam allowed to flow into the room. Mrs. Maxwell acted +as stoker, which was very exhausting work when maintained for several +consecutive hours. After this the room was kept cool, for subsequent +experiments, by the employment of a considerable amount of ice.</p> + +<p>During Maxwell’s residence in London his brother-in-law, the Rev. +Donald Dewar, came and stayed in his house in order to undergo a +painful operation at the hands of Sir James Ferguson. Maxwell gave up +the ground floor of his house to Mr. Dewar and his nurse. He himself, +meanwhile, used to take his meals in a very small back room, where +frequently he breakfasted (on porridge) on his knees, because there was +no room for another chair at the table. Maxwell acted frequently in the +capacity of nurse to Mr. Dewar, who would always look out anxiously for +his return from college, and whose face would light up with a smile of +pleasure and relief when he saw him coming, because he said he knew he +should be comfortable when Maxwell returned.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_319">[Pg 319]</span></p> + +<p>One pleasant incident of his stay in London was the improvement of his +acquaintance with Faraday, with whom he seems to have dined on the +occasion of his lecture before the Royal Institution in 1861.</p> + +<p>On one occasion he was wedged in a crowd attempting to escape from the +lecture theatre of the Royal Institution, when he was perceived by +Faraday, who, alluding to Maxwell’s work among the molecules, accosted +him in this wise—“Ho, Maxwell, cannot you get out? If any man can find +his way through a crowd it should be you.”</p> + +<p>He also renewed his personal intercourse with Litchfield, Droop, and +other Cambridge friends.</p> + +<p>His habit at this time was to do his scientific work chiefly in the +mornings, unless when entertaining friends, when he would give up +his days to them and take hours for work out of the night. In the +afternoons he would ride with Mrs. Maxwell. She had been recommended +horse exercise in 1860, when the pony “Charlie,” called after Charles +Hope Cay, was bought at the Rood fair. He was a high-bred, spirited, +light bay Galloway, with arched neck and flowing tail. Maxwell himself +broke him in, riding side-saddle, with a piece of carpet to take the +place of a habit. This pony was a great favourite until the end in 1879.</p> + +<p>About this time (between 1860 and 1865) the endowment of Corsock Church +was completed, and the Manse built. Maxwell gave largely to both +objects, which were promoted mainly by his zeal and energy.</p> + +<p>At the beginning and at the close of the King’s College period Maxwell +suffered from two severe<span class="pagenum" id="Page_320">[Pg 320]</span> illnesses, both of a dangerously infectious +nature, and in both of them he was nursed by Mrs. Maxwell. In September +1860 he had an attack of smallpox at Glenlair, which he was supposed +to have caught at the fair, where “Charlie” was bought. During this +illness his wife was left quite alone with him—the servants only +coming to the door of the sick-room. He has been heard to say that by +her assiduous nursing on this occasion she saved his life.</p> + +<p>The second illness was in September 1865, also at Glenlair. Maxwell +had been riding a strange horse, and got a scratch on the head from a +bough of a tree; this was followed by an attack of erysipelas, which +brought him very low. Mrs. Maxwell was again his nurse, and to listen, +as he insisted on doing, to her quiet reading of their usual portion of +Scripture every evening, was the utmost mental effort which he could +bear.</p> + + +<div class="sidenote">1866-1870. +<i>Æt.</i> 35-39.</div> + +<p>The years which followed the resignation of his post at King's College +were spent, for the most part, at Glenlair, the house being at this +time enlarged in general accordance with his father’s plan. And Maxwell +took advantage of this retirement to embody some of the results of his +investigations in substantive books. The great work on Electricity and +Magnetism, although not published till 1873, was now taking definite +shape, and the treatise on Heat, which appeared in 1870, had been +undertaken as a by-work during the same period.</p> + +<p>His scientific and other correspondence also took<span class="pagenum" id="Page_321">[Pg 321]</span> up a good deal of +energy. Some measure of it is afforded by the fact that a “pillar”-box +was let into the rough stone wall on the roadside, across the Urr, for +the sole use of Glenlair House. Maxwell would himself carry the letters +to and from this rustic post-office in all weathers, at the same time +giving the dogs a run.</p> + +<p>Both now and afterwards, his favourite exercise—as that in which his +wife could most readily share—was riding, in which he showed great +skill. Mr. Fergusson remembers him in 1874, on his new black horse, +“Dizzy,” which had been the despair of previous owners, “riding the +ring,” for the amusement of the children at Kilquhanity, throwing up +his whip and catching it, leaping over bars, etc.</p> + +<p>A considerable portion of the evening would often be devoted to +Chaucer, Spenser, Milton, or a play of Shakespeare, which he would read +aloud to Mrs. Maxwell.</p> + +<p>On Sundays, after returning from the kirk, he would bury himself in +the works of the old divines. For in theology, as in literature, +while reckoning frankly with all phases, his sympathies went largely +with the past. Not that he would have checked the real progress of +thought on the subject of religion, but he did not share the sanguine +hopes of some who have sought to hasten these “slow-paced” changes; +nor did he believe in progress by ignoring differences, or by merging +the sharp outlines of traditional systems in the haze of a “common +Christianity.” He was one of those in whom physical studies seem to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_322">[Pg 322]</span> +have the effect of leading the mind to dwell on the permanent aspects +of thought as well as of things, thus reinforcing the instincts of +conservatism. No mind ever delighted more in speculation, and yet none +was ever more jealous of the practical application or the popular +dissemination of what appeared to him as crude and half-baked theories +about the highest subjects. He preferred resting on the great thoughts +of other ages, though no man knew better wherein they (and scientific +theories likewise) fell short of certainty; and while he was anything +rather than a formalist or a dogmatist, and still clung to the belief +that love remains while knowledge vanishes away, he was the enemy of +indefiniteness and indifferentism, as well as of a style of preaching +which, as he used to say, “dings ye wi mere morality.” His theological +attitude, which it would be rash to develop further here, is indicated +to some extent in his letter to Bishop Ellicott, and in his reply to +the Secretary of the Victoria Institute, both of which will be found in +Chapter XII (<a href="#Page_393">pp. 393</a>, <a href="#Page_404">404</a>).</p> + +<p>But he was far, indeed, from judging men by their opinions. “I have +no nose for heresy,” he used to say. His sympathy pierced beneath the +outer shell of circumstance and association, and he hardly ever failed +to discover what was best and strongest in those with whom he had to do.</p> + +<p>His kindly relations with his neighbours and with their children may +be passed without further notice after what has been said above. But +it may be mentioned that he used occasionally to visit any sick<span class="pagenum" id="Page_323">[Pg 323]</span> +person in the village, and read and pray with them in cases where such +ministrations were welcomed.</p> + +<p>One who visited at Glenlair between 1865 and 1869 was particularly +struck with the manner in which the daily prayers were conducted by the +master of the household. The prayer, which seemed extempore, was most +impressive and full of meaning.<a id="FNanchor_209" href="#Footnote_209" class="fnanchor">[209]</a></p> + +<p>It is right also to record briefly his continued intercourse with +his cousins of the Cay family. Mr. William Dyce Cay, who had now +entered on his profession as a civil engineer, was employed by him to +build the bridge over the Urr, and has a vivid recollection of their +intercourse, both then (1861-2) and in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_324">[Pg 324]</span> former years. In particular he +remembers how, on one occasion, Maxwell spent the whole time during a +walk of several miles over the hill from Glenlair to Parton, “giving +one example after another to explain by illustration the principle of +virtual velocities.” ... “The feeling I had,” says Mr. Cay, “was that +before I got to the bottom of one example he had rushed off to another.”</p> + +<p>And the reader will find in the correspondence two of Maxwell’s letters +to my friend Charles Hope Cay, and in another letter a few words +of bright description of him. He died in 1869, at the early age of +twenty-eight, the most devoted of teachers, one of the purest-hearted +and most amiable of men. If he <i>could</i> have listened to his +cousin’s gentle warnings against excessive zeal, perhaps his services +to Clifton College, if less vividly remembered, might have been +continued longer. But who knows? “They whom the gods love die young.”</p> + +<div class="sidenote"><i>Æt.</i> 35.</div> + +<p>Maxwell’s retirement was not by any means unbroken. There was a visit +to London in the spring of every year. And in the spring and early +summer of 1867 he made a tour in Italy with Mrs. Maxwell. They had +the misfortune to be stopped for quarantine at Marseilles, and his +remarkable power of physical endurance and of ministration were felt +by all who shared in the mishap. True to the associations of his early +days (see above, pp. 28, 121), he became the general water-carrier, and +in other ways contributed greatly to the alleviation of discomforts +that were by no means light.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_325">[Pg 325]</span></p> + +<p>We met accidentally at Florence, and I remember his mentioning two +things as having particularly struck him amongst the innumerable +objects of interest at Rome. He had looked at the dome of St. Peter's +with an eye of sympathetic genius,<a id="FNanchor_210" href="#Footnote_210" class="fnanchor">[210]</a> and his ear for melody had +been satisfied by “the Pope's band.” He acquired Italian with great +rapidity, and amused himself with noticing the different phonetic +values of the letters in Italian and English.<a id="FNanchor_211" href="#Footnote_211" class="fnanchor">[211]</a> One of his chief +objects in learning the language was to be able to converse with +Professor Matteucci, whose bust now stands in the Campo Santo at Pisa. +During the same tour he took special pains to improve his acquaintance +with French and German. The only language he had any difficulty in +mastering was Dutch.</p> + +<p>In the years 1866, 1867, 1869, and 1870, he was either Moderator or +Examiner in the Mathematical Tripos at Cambridge, where his influence +was more and more felt. His work on these occasions was, indeed, a +principal factor in the movement, to be hereafter described, which +led ultimately to important changes in the Examination system; to the +creation of the Cavendish Laboratory; and to the foundation of the +Chair of Experimental Physics.</p> + +<p>His paper on the Viscosity of Gases, printed in the <i>Phil. Trans.</i> +for 1866, had been delivered by him as the Bakerian Lecture for that +year.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_326">[Pg 326]</span></p> + +<div class="sidenote"><i>Æt.</i> 39.</div> + +<p>He also attended several meetings of the British Association, and, in +1870, at the Liverpool meeting, was President of Section A (Mathematics +and Physics). His Presidential Address was on the relation of +Mathematics and Physics to each other—a theme suggested by Professor +Sylvester, who had been president of the same section in the previous +year. The opening passage, in which he alludes to other recent +scientific addresses, is characteristic; and may be quoted here:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>I have endeavoured to follow Mr. Spottiswoode, as with far-reaching +vision he distinguishes the systems of science into which phenomena, +our knowledge of which is still in the nebulous stage, are growing. I +have been carried, by the penetrating insight and forcible expression +of Dr. Tyndall, into that sanctuary of minuteness and of power, where +molecules obey the laws of their existence, clash together in fierce +collision, or grapple in yet more fierce embrace, building up in secret +the forms of visible things. I have been guided by Professor Sylvester +towards those serene heights</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Where never creeps a cloud or moves a wind,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nor ever falls the least white star of snow,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nor ever lowest roll of thunder moans,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nor sound of human sorrow mounts, to mar</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Their sacred everlasting calm.”</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>But who will lead me into that still more hidden and dimmer region +where Thought weds Fact,—where the mental operation of the +mathematician and the physical action of the molecules are seen in +their true relation? Does not the way to it pass through the very den +of the metaphysician, strewed with the remains of former explorers and +abhorred by every man of science? ...</p> +</div> + +<p>Two important papers read by Maxwell at the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_327">[Pg 327]</span> same meeting were +that “On Hills and Dales,” to which reference will be found in the +correspondence (pp. 382, 383), and that “On Colour Vision at different +Points of the Retina.”</p> + +<p>The Cambridge examinations were the only cause which separated him +for more than a day or two from Mrs. Maxwell. When most pressed with +the load of papers to be read, he would write to her daily—sometimes +twice a day—in letters full of “<i>enfantillages</i>,” as in his +boyish endeavours to amuse his father, telling her of everything, +however minute, which, if she had seen it, would have detained her eye, +small social phenomena, grotesque or graceful (including the dress of +lady friends), together with the lighter aspects of the examinations; +College customs, such as the “grace-cup;” his dealings with his +co-examiners, and marks of honour to himself which he knew would please +her, though they were indifferent to him. And sometimes he falls into +the deeper vein, which was never long absent from his communion with +her, commenting on the portion of Scripture which he knew that she was +reading, and passing on to general meditations on life and duty.</p> + +<p>In November 1868 his old teacher, James D. Forbes, had resigned the +principalship of the United College in the University of St. Andrew's, +and an effort was made by several of the professors<a id="FNanchor_212" href="#Footnote_212" class="fnanchor">[212]</a> to induce +Maxwell to stand for the vacant post, which was in the gift of the +Crown, and had been held by Brewster and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_328">[Pg 328]</span> Forbes successively. He was +touched by the kindness, and travelled a whole day from Galloway to +confer with us, but, on mature consideration, relinquished the idea.</p> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">Letters, 1860 to 1870.</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><i>To Rev. Lewis Campbell.</i></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Marischal College,<br> +Aberdeen, 5th January 1860.</i></p> + +<p>... I have been publishing my views about Elastic Spheres in the +<i>Phil. Mag</i>. for Jany., and am going to go on with it as I get +the \(\mathrm{prop}^{\mathrm{ns}}\), written out. I have also sent my +experiments on Colours to the Royal Society of London, so I have two +sets of irons in the fire, besides class work. I hope you get on with +Plato, and that your pupils are all Theætetuses, and that wisdom soaks +like oil into their inwards. There is a man here who is striving after +a general theory of things, but he has great difficulty in so churning +his thoughts as to coagulate and solidify the vague and nebulous +notions which wander in his head. He has been applying to me very +steadily whenever he can pounce on me, and I have prescribed for him as +I best could, and I hope his abstract of his general theory of things +will be palatable to the readers of the <i>British Ass. Reports</i> for +1859.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To his Wife.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Edinburgh, 13th April 1860.</i></p> + +<p>How let us read (2 Cor.) chapter <span class="allsmcap">XII.</span>, about the organisation +of the Church, and the different gifts of different Christians, and the +reason of these differences that Christ’s body may be more complete +in all its parts. If we felt more distinctly our union to Christ, we +would know our position as members of His body, and work more willingly +and intelligently along with all the rest in promoting the health and +growth of the body, by the use of every power which the spirit has +distributed to us.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_329">[Pg 329]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Let us read about charity,—that love which is so perfect that it +remains when that which is in part shall be done away. May God purify +our love, and make it fit for eternity, by grafting upon it the love of +Himself, that so both the human root and the engrafted branches and the +divine fruit may be holy to Him!</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">From C. J. Monro, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Hadley, Barnet, N.<br> +23d October 1861.</i></p> + +<p>Thank you much for the papers. That about vortices I had skimmed +already in the magazine. I shall now be able to do more than skim +it. The coincidence between the observed velocity of light and your +calculated velocity of a transverse vibration in your medium seems a +brilliant result. But I must say I think a few such results are wanted +before you can get people to think that, every time an electric current +is produced, a little file of particles is squeezed along between +rows of wheels. But the instances of bodily transfer of matter in the +phenomena of galvanism look like it already, and I admit that the +possibility of convincing the public is not the question.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To H. B. Droop, Esq.</span> (of the Equity Bar).</p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, Dalbeattie, N.B., 28th December 1861.</i></p> + +<p>I enclose a short statement of the scheme of endowing the chapel which +was built near us in 1838 for this district, which is very far from +any parish church. If we can raise £1000, there is a fund already +raised which will contribute £2000, so as to give a salary of £120 to +the minister permanently, and as the people are too poor to support +the minister themselves, we hope to make the chapel independent of +chance contributions in this way. Great part of the funds for building +the church were subscribed in London by all kinds of people who were +friends of an English gentleman who then had property here; but we have +no longer any such means of drawing on the metropolis.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_330">[Pg 330]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>If you can put us in the way of diminishing the deficit we shall be +grateful, and I will see that the money goes to the fund, and that the +names are duly entered, however small the contributions.</p> + +<p>... I have nothing to do in King’s College till Jany. 20, so we came +here to rusticate. We have clear hard frost without snow, and all the +people are having curling matches on the ice, so that all day you hear +the curling-stones on the lochs in every direction for miles, for the +large expanse of ice vibrating in a regular manner makes a noise which, +though not particularly loud on the spot, is very little diminished by +distance. I am trying to form an exact mathematical expression for all +that is known about electro-magnetism without the aid of hypothesis, +and also what variations of Ampère’s formula are possible, without +contradicting his expressions. All that we know is about the action of +<i>closed</i> currents—that is, currents through closed curves. Now, +if you make a hypothesis (1) about the mutual action of the elements of +two currents, and find it agree with experiment on closed circuits, it +is not proved, for—</p> + +<p>If you make another hypothesis (2) which would give <i>no action</i> +between an element and a <i>closed</i> circuit, you may make a +combination of (1) and (2) which will give the same result as (1). So +I am investigating the most general hypothesis about the mutual action +of elements, which fulfils the condition that the action between an +element and a closed circuit is null. This is the case if the action +between two elements can be reduced to forces between the extremities +of those elements depending only on the distance and + or — according +as they act between similar or opposite ends of the elements. If the +force is an attraction +\[ +=\phi(r) s s^{\prime}\left(\cos \omega+2 \cos \theta \cos \theta^{\prime}\right) +\] +where \(\omega\) is the angle between \(s\) and \(s^{\prime}\), +\(r\) the distance of \(s\) and \(s^{\prime}\) and \(\theta\) and +\(\theta^{\prime}\) the angles \(s\) and \(s^{\prime}\), the elements, +make with \(r\), then the condition of no action will be fulfilled.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_331">[Pg 331]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Same.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>8 Palace Gardens Terrace, W.,<br> +24th January 1862.</i></p> + +<p>... When I wrote to you about closed currents, it was partly to arrange +my own thoughts by imagining myself speaking to you. Ampère’s formula +containing \(n\) and \(k\) is the most general expression for an +attractive or repulsive force in the line joining the elements; and +I now find that if you take the most general expression consistent +with symmetry for an action transverse to that line, the resulting +expression for the action of a closed current on an element gives a +force not perpendicular to that element. Now, experiment 3d (Ampère) +shows that the force on a movable element is perp. to the directions of +the current, so that I see Ampère is right.</p> + +<p>But the best way of stating the effects is with reference to “lines of +magnetic force.” Calculate the magnetic force in any plane, arising +from every element of the circuit, and from every other magnetising +agent, then the force on an element is in the line perp. to the plane +of the element and of the lines of force.</p> + +<p>But I shall look up Cellerier and Plann, and the long article in +Karsten’s <i>Cyclopœdia</i>. I want to see if there is any evidence +from the mathematical expressions as to whether element acts on +element, or whether a current first produces a certain effect in the +surrounding field, which afterwards acts on any other current.</p> + +<p>Perhaps there may be no mathematical reasons in favour of one +hypothesis rather than the another.</p> + +<p>As a fact, the effect on a current at a given place depends solely +on the direction and magnitude of the magnetic force at that point, +whether the magnetic force arises from currents or from magnets. So +that the theory of the effect taking place through the intervention +of a medium is consistent with fact, and (to me) appears the simplest +in expression; but I must prove either that the direct action theory +is completely identical in its results, or that in some conceivable +case they may be different. My theory of the rotation<span class="pagenum" id="Page_332">[Pg 332]</span> of the plane of +polarised light by magnetism is coming out in the <i>Phil. Mag.</i> I +shall send you a copy.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Same.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>8 Palace Gardens Terrace,<br> +Kensington, London, W. 28th January 1862.</i></p> + +<p>Some time ago, when investigating Bernoulli’s theory of gases, I was +surprised to find that the internal friction of a gas (if it depends on +the collision of particles) should be independent of the density.</p> + +<p>Stokes has been examining Graham’s experiments on the rate of flow +of gases through fine tubes, and he finds that the friction, if +independent of density, accounts for Graham’s results, but, if taken +proportional to density, differs from those results very much. This +seems rather a curious result, and an additional phenomenon, explained +by the “collision of particles” theory of gases. Still one phenomenon +goes against that theory—the relation between specific heat at +constant pressure and at constant volume, which is in air = 1·408, +while it ought to be 1·333.</p> + +<p>My brother-in-law, who is still with us, is getting better, and had his +first walk on crutches to-day across the room.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To C. J. Monro, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>8 Palace Gardens Terrace,<br> +London W., 18th February 1862.</i></p> + +<p class="right">(<i>Recd. 3d March</i>)</p> + +<p>I got your letter in Scotland, whither we had gone for the Christmas +holidays. I have been brewing Platonic suds, but failed, owing I +suppose to a too low temperature. I had not read Plateau’s recipe then. +Some of the bubbles on the surface lasted a fortnight in the air, but +they were scummy and scaly and inelastic. I shall take more care next +time. Elliot of the Strand (30) is going to produce colour-tops, with +papers from De La Rue, and directions for use by me; and so I shall be +put in competition with the brass Blondin and the Top on the top of the +Top.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_333">[Pg 333]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>... With regard to Britomart’s nurse—I have not Spenser here, but +I think Spenser was not a magician himself, and got all his black +art out of romances and not out of the professional treatises,—the +notions to be brought out were:—1st, The unweaving any web in which +B. had been caught; 2d, Doing so in witch-like fashion; 3d, Not like +a wicked witch, but like a well-intentioned nurse, unused to the art, +and therefore blunderingly. She believes in the number three and in +contrariety, and therefore says everything thrice and does everything +thrice, saying inversions of sentences, and doing reversions of her +revolutions, which are described in similar language. The revolutions +begin by + 3 (2\(pi\)) against the visible motion of the sun, then by a +revolution - (6\(pi\)) she returns all contrary and unweaves the first. +Then she goes round + (6\(pi\)), to make the final result contrary to +the natural revolution, and to make a complete triad. Withershins is, +I believe, equivalent to wider die Sonne in High Dutch, which I am not +aware is a modern or ancient idiom in that language, but it may be one +in a cognate language. If the “phamplets” have not turned up in Madeira +yet, let me know, that I may “replace” them.</p> + +<p>I suppose in your equations, when the numbers do not amount to unity, +Black has been present. +\[ +\cdot 841 \text{Brunsw}. \mathrm{G}+\cdot 159 \mathrm{W}=\cdot 200 \mathrm{V}+\cdot 423 \mathrm{U}+\cdot 377 \text{Black}. +\]</p> + +<p>That is, green a little palish and dark mauve, your last +equation by the young eyes. It is something like a colour-blind +\(\mathrm{eq}^{\mathrm{n}}\), but all those I know say 100 Brunswick +G = 100 Vermillion, so that this person sees the green darker than +the Vermillion, or in other words sees much more of the second side +of the equation than a colour-blind person would. But in twilight +\(\mathrm{U}\) comes out strong, while \(\mathrm{G}\) does not; so that +I think the apparent equality arises from suppression of all colours +but blue (in \(\mathrm{U}\) and \(\mathrm{U}\)) in the twilight, so +that you may write— +\[ +\cdot 841 \text{Black} + \cdot 159 \mathrm{W}=\cdot 577 \text{Black} +\cdot 423 \mathrm{U} +\]</p> + +<p>There is no use going to the \(3^{\text{rd.}}\) place of decimals, +unless you spend a good while on each observation, and have first-rate<span class="pagenum" id="Page_334">[Pg 334]</span> +eyes. But if you can get observations to be consistent to the +\(3^{\text{rd.}}\) place of decimals, glory therein, and let me know +what the human eye can do.</p> + +<p>Donkin gave me tea in Oxford, July 1, 1860.</p> + +<p>I find that my belief in the reality of State affairs is no greater +in London than in Aberdeen, though I can see the clock at Westminster +on a clear day. If I went and saw the parks of artillery at Woolwich, +and the Consols going up and down in the city, and the Tuscarora and +Mr. Mason, I would know what like they were, but otherwise a printed +statement is more easily appropriated than experience is acquired by +being near where things are being transacted.</p> + +<p>I am getting a large box made for mixture of colours. A beam of +sunlight is to be divided into colours by a prism, certain colours +selected by a screen with slits. These gathered by a lens, and restored +to the form of a beam by another prism, and then viewed by the eye +directly. I expect great difficulties in getting everything right +adjusted, but when that is done I shall be able to vary the intensity +of the colours to a great extent, and to have them far purer than by +any arrangement in which white light is allowed to fall on the final +prism.</p> + +<p>I am also planning an instrument for measuring electrical effects +through different media, and comparing those media with air. A and B +are two equal metal discs, capable of motion towards each other by +fine screws; D is a metal disc suspended between them by a spring, +C; E is a piece of glass, sulphur, vulcanite, gutta-percha, etc. A +and B are then connected with a source of + electricity, and D with - +electricity. If everything was symmetrical, D would be attracted both +ways, and would be in unstable equilibrium, but this is rendered stable +by the elasticity of the spring G. To find the effect of the plate E, +you work A further or nearer till there is no motion of D consequent on +electrification. Then the plate of air between A and D is electrically +equivalent to the two plates of air and one of glass (say) between D +and B, whence we deduce the \(\mathrm{coeff}^{\mathrm{t.}}\) for E.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_335">[Pg 335]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Rev. Lewis Campbell.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>8 Palace Gardens Terrace,<br> +Kensington, W, 21st April 1862.</i></p> + +<p>It is now a long time since I wrote half a letter to you, but I have +never since had time to write or to find the scrap. I suppose, as it +was more than a good intention, but less than a perfect act, it may be +regarded as destined to paper purgatory. This is the season of work to +you, when folks visit shrines in April and May, but I get holiday this +week. I have been putting together a large optical box, 10 feet long, +containing two prisms of bisulphuret of carbon, the largest yet made +in London, five lenses and two mirrors, and a set of movable slits. +Everything requires to be adjusted over and over again if one thing is +not quite right placed, so I have plenty of trial work to do before it +is perfect, but the colours are most splendid.</p> + +<p>I think you asked me once about Helmholtz and his philosophy. He is +not a philosopher in the exclusive sense, as Kant, Hegel, Mansel are +philosophers, but one who prosecutes physics and physiology, and +acquires therein not only skill in discovering any desideratum, but +wisdom to know what are the desiderata, <i>e.g.</i>, he was one of the +first, and is one of the most active, preachers of the doctrine that +since all kinds of energy are convertible, the first aim of science +at this time should be to ascertain in what way particular forms of +energy can be converted into each other, and what are the equivalent +quantities of the two forms of energy.</p> + +<p>The notion is as old as Descartes (if not Solomon), and one statement +of it was familiar to Leibniz. It was wholly unknown to Comte, but all +sorts of people have worked at it of late,—Joule and Thomson for heat +and electricals, Andrews for chemical combinations, Dr. E. Smith for +human food and labour. We can now assert that the power of our bodies +is generated in the muscles, and is not conveyed to them by the nerves, +but produced during the transformation of substances in the muscle, +which are supplied fresh by the blood.</p> + +<p>We can also form a rough estimate of the efficiency of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_336">[Pg 336]</span> a man as a mere +machine, and find that neither a perfect heat engine nor an electric +engine could produce so much work and waste so little in heat. We +therefore save our pains in investigating any theories of animal power +based on heat and electricity. We see also that the soul is not the +direct moving force of the body. If it were, it would only last till +it had done a certain amount of work, like the spring of a watch, +which works till it is run down. The soul is not the mere mover. Food +is the mover, and perishes in the using, which the soul does not. +There is action and reaction between body and soul, but it is not of a +kind in which energy passes from the one to the other,—as when a man +pulls a trigger it is the gunpowder that projects the bullet, or when +a pointsman shunts a train it is the rails that bear the thrust. But +the constitution of our nature is not explained by finding out what it +is not. It is well that it will go, and that we remain in possession, +though we do not understand it.</p> + +<p>Hr. Clausius of Zurich, one of the heat philosophers, has been working +at the theory of gases being little bodies flying about, and has found +some cases in which he and I don’t tally, so I am working it out again. +Several experimental results have turned up lately, rather confirmatory +than otherwise of that theory.</p> + +<p>I hope you enjoy the absence of pupils. I find that the division of +them into smaller classes is a great help to me and to them; but the +total oblivion of them for definite intervals is a necessary condition +of doing them justice at the proper time.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Fleeming Jenkin, Esq.</span><a id="FNanchor_213" href="#Footnote_213" class="fnanchor">[213]</a></p> + +<p class="right"><i>27th Aug. 1863.</i></p> + +<p>... To compare electromagnetic with electrostatic units:—</p> + +<p>1<i>st</i>, Weber’s method.—Find the capacity of a condenser in +electrostatic measure (meters).</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_337">[Pg 337]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Determine its potential when charged, and measure the charge of +discharge through a galvanometer.</p> + +<p>2<i>d</i>, Thomson’s.—Find the electromotive force of a battery by +electromagnetic methods, and then weigh the attraction of two surfaces +connected with the two poles.</p> + +<p>3<i>d</i>, (Not tried, but talked of by Jenkin).—Find the resistance +of a very bad conductor in both systems—</p> + +<p>(1) By comparison with (4th June),</p> + +<p>(2) By the log. decrement of charge per second.</p> + +<p>All the methods require a properly graduated series of steps. The 1st +and 2d determine V, a velocity = 310,740,000 meters per second.</p> + +<p>The 3d method determines \(\mathrm{V}^{2}\).</p> + +<p>The first method requires a condenser of large capacity, and +the measurement of this capacity and that of the discharge by a +galvanometer.</p> + +<p>I think this method looks the best; but I would use a much larger +condenser than Weber, and determine its capacity by more steps.</p> + +<p>The chief difficulty of Thomson’s method is the measurement of a very +small force and a very small distance. I think these difficulties may +be overcome by making the force act on a comparatively stiff spring and +magnifying optically the deflection.</p> + +<p>On the third method we require a very large condenser indeed, also +a series of resistances in steps between 4th June and that of the +insulating substance of the condenser, and a galvanometer (or +electrometer) to measure discharge (or tension)....</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To C. H. Cay, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>8 Palace Gardens Terrace,<br> +18th November 1863.</i></p> + +<p>We hope to hear how you are. A little literature helps to chase away +mathematics from the mind. I have read <i>Paracelsus</i> in parts, but +concluded that there was a great deal of poetry in it; but Mr. Browning +has written much better poems with half the quantity of poetry at his +disposal.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_338">[Pg 338]</span> Have you seen <i>Pessimus, a Prose Poem in Paradox</i>, +from Oxford, and <i>Sketch from Cambridge</i> by a Don who imagines +that mathematical men are safer not to talk shop than classical. I +know several men who see all nature in symbols, and express themselves +conformably whether in Quintics or Quantics, Invariants or Congruents. +I send you the electric scheme.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To his Wife.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>22d June 1864.</i></p> + +<p>May the Lord preserve you from all evil, and cause all the evil that +assaults you to work out His own purposes, that the life of Jesus may +be made manifest in you, and may you see the eternal weight of glory +behind the momentary lightness of affliction, and so get your eyes off +things seen and temporal, and be refreshed with the things eternal! How +love is an eternal thing, and love between father and son or husband +and wife is not temporal if it be the right sort, for if the love of +Christ and the Church be a reason for loving one another, and if the +one be taken as an image of the other, then, if the mind of Christ be +in us, it will produce this love as part of its complete nature, and it +cannot be that the love which is first made holy, as being a reflection +of part of the glory of Christ, can be any way lessened or taken away +by a more complete transformation into the image of the Lord.</p> + +<p>I have been back at 1 Cor. <span class="allsmcap">XIII</span>. I think the description of +charity or divine love is another loadstone for our life—to show us +that this is one thing which is not in parts, but perfect in its own +nature, and so it shall never be done away. It is nothing negative, +but a well-defined, living, almost acting picture of goodness; that +kind of it which is human, but also divine. Read along with it 1 John +<span class="allsmcap">IV.</span>, from verse 7 to end; or, if you like, the whole epistle +of John and Mark <span class="allsmcap">XII.</span> 28.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Same.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>23d June 1864.</i></p> + +<p>Think what God has determined to do to all those who<span class="pagenum" id="Page_339">[Pg 339]</span> submit themselves +to His righteousness and are willing to receive His gift. They are to +be conformed to the image of His Son, and when that is fulfilled, and +God sees that they are conformed to the image of Christ, there can be +no more condemnation, for this is the praise which God Himself gives, +whose judgment is just. So we ought always to hope in Christ, for as +sure as we receive Him now, so sure will we be made conformable to +His image. Let us begin by taking no thought about worldly cares, and +setting our minds on the righteousness of God and His kingdom, and then +we shall have far clearer views about the worldly cares themselves, +and we shall be continually enabled to fight them under Him who has +overcome the world.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Same.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>26th June 1864.</i></p> + +<p>Note in (2 Cor.) ver. 10 that the judgment is according to what we have +done, so that if we are to be counted righteous, we must really get +righteousness and do it. Note also that we are to receive the things +done in the body, not rewards or punishments merely, but the things +themselves are to be brought back to us, and we must meet them in the +spirit of Christ, who bore our sins and abolished them, or else we must +be overwhelmed altogether.</p> + +<p>... I have come from Mr. Baptist Noel. The church was full to standing, +and the whole service was as plain as large print. The exposition was +the Parable of Talents, and the sermon was on John <span class="allsmcap">III.</span> 16. +The sermon was the text writ large, nothing ingenious or amusing, +and hardly any attempt at instruction, but plain and very serious +exhortation from a man who evidently believes neither more nor less +than what he says.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Same.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>28th June 1864.</i></p> + +<p>I can always have you with me in my mind—why should we not have our +Lord always before us in our minds, for we have His life and character +and mind far more clearly described than we can know any one here? If +we had seen<span class="pagenum" id="Page_340">[Pg 340]</span> Him in the flesh we should not have known Him any better, +perhaps not so well. Pray to Him for a constant sight of Him, for He is +man that we may be able to look to Him, and God, so that He can create +us anew in His own image.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To C. Hockin, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right">Glenlair, Dalbeattie, September 7th 1864.</p> + +<p>... I have been doing several electrical problems. I have got a theory +of “electric absorption,” <i>i.e.</i> residual charge, etc., and I +very much want determinations of the specific induction, electric +resistance, and absorption of good dielectrics, such as glass, +shell-lac, gutta-percha, ebonite, sulphur, etc.</p> + +<p>I have also cleared the electromagnetic theory of light from all +unwarrantable assumption, so that we may safely determine the velocity +of light by measuring the attraction between bodies kept at a given +difference of potential, the value of which is known in electromagnetic +measure.</p> + +<p>I hope there will be resistance coils at the British Association.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Professor Lewis Campbell.</span><a id="FNanchor_214" href="#Footnote_214" class="fnanchor">[214]</a></p> + +<p class="right"><i>8 Palace Gardens Terrace,<br> +London, W., 22d November 1864.</i></p> + +<p>It was very kind of you to think of me at this time, and write to me. I +shall always remember your mother’s kindness to me, beginning more than +twenty-three years ago, and how she made me the same as you two when I +came to see you. To you her memory is what you can share with none, so +I can say no more except that you will continue to find that to have +had a mother so devoted to her duty gives you a consciousness of your +own obligations which will be strengthened whenever you think of her.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_341">[Pg 341]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To C. H. Cay, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 5th January 1865.</i></p> + +<p>We are sorry to hear you cannot come and see us, but you seem better +by your letter, and I hope you will be able for your travels, and be +better able for your work afterwards, and not take it too severely, +and avoid merimnosity and taking over too much thought, which greatly +diminishes the efficiency of young teachers. We have been here since +22d ult., and are in the process of dining the valley in appropriate +batches. We have had very rough weather this week, which, combined with +the dining, has prevented our usual airings. The ordinary outing is to +the Brig of Urr, Katherine on Charlie and I on Darling. Charlie has got +a fine band on his forehead, with his name in blue and white beads.</p> + +<p>The Manse of Corsock is now finished; it is near the river, not far +from the deep pool where we used to bathe.</p> + +<p>I set Prof. W. Thomson a prop, which I had been working with for a +long time. He sent me 18 pages of letter of suggestions about it, none +of which would work; but on Jan 3, in the railway from Largs, he got +the way to it, which is all right; so we are jolly, having stormed the +citadel, when we only hoped to sap it by approximations.</p> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_379a" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_379a.jpg" width="300" height="132" alt="A simple +line diagram showing a grid of curved lines forming a flow-field or +field-line pattern, with horizontal parallel lines on either side +converging and curving around a central point or obstacle in the +middle."> +</figure> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>The prop, was to draw a set of lines like this so that the ultimate +reticulations shall all be squares.</p> +</div> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_379b" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_379b.jpg" width="300" height="127" alt="A simple +line diagram showing a vertical line labeled D intersecting a +horizontal arrangement of parallel bars or plates labeled B, A, and C, +resembling a layered or stacked structure."> +</figure> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_342">[Pg 342]</span></p><div class="blockquot"> + +<p>The solution is exact, but rather stiff. Now I have a disc A hung by +a wire D, between two discs B, C, the interval being occupied by air, +hydrogen, carbonic acid, etc., the friction of which gradually brings +A to rest. In order to calculate the thickdom or viscosity of the gas, +I require to solve the problem above mentioned, which is now done, +and I have the apparatus now ready to begin. We are also intent on +electrical measurements, and are getting up apparatus, and have made +sets of wires of alloy of platinum and silver, which are to be sent all +abroad as standards of resistance. I have also a paper afloat, with an +electro-magnetic theory of light, which, till I am convinced to the +contrary, I hold to be great guns.</p> + +<p>Spice<a id="FNanchor_215" href="#Footnote_215" class="fnanchor">[215]</a> is becoming first-rate: she is the principal patient under +the ophthalmoscope, and turns her eyes at command, so as to show the +tapetum, the optic nerve, or any required part. Dr. Bowman, the great +oculist, came to see the sight, and when we were out of town he came +again and brought Donders of Utrecht with him to visit Spice.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To H. R Droop, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, Dalbeattie, 19th July 1865.</i></p> + +<p>There are so many different forms in which Societies may be cast, that +I should like very much to hear something of what those who have been +thinking about it propose as the plan of it.</p> + +<p>There is the association for publishing each other’s productions; for +delivering lectures for the good of the public and the support of the +Society; for keeping a reading room or club, frequented by men of a +particular turn; for dining together once a month, etc.</p> + +<p>I suppose W——’s object is to increase the happiness of men in London +who cultivate physical sciences, by their meeting together to read +papers and discuss them, the publication of these papers being only +one, and not the chief end of the Society, which fulfils its main +purpose in the act of meeting and enjoying itself.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_343">[Pg 343]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>The Royal Society of Edinburgh used to be a very sociable body, but it +had several advantages. Most of the fellows lived within a mile of the +Society's rooms. They did not need to disturb their dinner arrangements +in order to attend.</p> + +<p>Many of them were good speakers as well as sensible men, whose mode of +considering a subject was worth hearing, even if not correct.</p> + +<p>The subjects were not limited to mathematics and physics, but included +geology, physiology, and occasionally antiquities and even literary +subjects. Biography of deceased fellows is still a subject of papers. +Now those who cultivate the mathematical and physical sciences are +sometimes unable to discuss a paper, because they would require to keep +it some days by them to form an opinion on it, and physical men can +get up a much better discussion about armour plates or the theory of +glaciers than about the conduction of heat or capillary attraction.</p> + +<p>The only man I know who can make everything the subject of discussion +is Dr. Tyndall. Secure his attendance and that of somebody to differ +from him, and you are all right for a meeting.</p> + +<p>If we can take the field with a plan in our head, I dare say we could +find a good many men who would co-operate.</p> + +<p>We ride every day, sometimes both morning and evening, and so we +consume the roads. I have made 68 problems, all stiff ones, not +counting riders.</p> + +<p>I am now getting the general equations for the motion of a gas +considered as an assemblage of molecules flying about with great +velocity. I find they must repel as inverse fifth power of distance.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To C. H. Cay, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 14th October 1865.</i></p> + +<p>... I hope you keep your conscience in good order, and do not bestow +more labour on erroneous papers than is useful to the youth who +wrote it. Always set him to look for the mistake, if he prefers that +to starting fresh, for to find your<span class="pagenum" id="Page_344">[Pg 344]</span> own mistake may sometimes be +profitable, but to seek for another man’s mistake is weariness to the +flesh.</p> + +<p>There are three ways of learning props.—the heart, the head, and +the fingers; of these the fingers is the thing for examinations, +but it requires constant practice. Nevertheless the fingers have +a fully better retention of methods than the heart has. The head +method requires about a mustard seed of thought, which, of course, is +expensive, but then it takes away all anxiety. The heart method is +full of anxiety, but dispenses with the thought, and the finger method +requires great labour and constant practice, but dispenses with thought +and anxiety together.</p> + +<p>We have had very fine weather since you went away, but I was laid up +for more than three weeks with erysipelas all over my head, and got +very shaky on my pins. But I have been out for a fortnight, and riding +regularly as of old, which is good for Katherine after the nursing, and +I eat about double what any man in Galloway does, and know nothing of +it in half an hour; but my legs are absorbing the beef as fast as it is +administered.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Rev. C. B. Tayler.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>8 Palace Gardens Terrace, W.,<br> +2d February 1866.</i></p> + +<p>I was very glad to get your kind letter, and to be assured that you +still remembered me. I thought of you when I was in Cambridge, and +made up my mind to write to you and hear of you and Mrs. Tayler, and +your nephew George. A nephew of yours was for a short time in my class +in King’s Coll., and I asked him about you, but he had not seen you +lately. Is George still in Hull?</p> + +<p>You ask for my history since I wrote to you before my marriage. We +remained in Aberdeen till 1860, when the union or fusion of the +Colleges took place, and I went to King’s Coll., London, where I +taught till last Easter, when I was succeeded by W. G. Adams, brother +of the astronomer. I have now my time fully occupied with experiments +and speculations of a physical kind, which I could not undertake<span class="pagenum" id="Page_345">[Pg 345]</span> as +long as I had public duties. These are the chronological data. It is +13 years nearly since I was with you, and you carried me about when +I could not move myself, but I remember everything about you and +Otley much better than most things before and after that time. I got +advantage from your nursing when my father was ill, and many other +things have since brought you and Mrs. Tayler to mind. If you and Mrs. +Tayler are to be in London during the spring, we shall be exceedingly +glad to see you here, or if you ever go to Scotland in summer or +autumn, we hope you will try and stay with us some time. My wife knows +you quite well,—that is, as well as I do,—all but what can only be +got by seeing and hearing directly, and it would do us both great good +to see you, and open up our minds a little.</p> + +<p>Many people’s minds seem to be shut up with solemn charms, so that +though they seem Christians, and know what they mean to speak about, +they can say nothing. At Cambridge I heard several sermons from +excellent texts, but all either on other subjects or else right against +the text. There is a Mr. Offord in this street, a Baptist<a id="FNanchor_216" href="#Footnote_216" class="fnanchor">[216]</a> who +knows his Bible, and preaches as near it as he can, and does what he +can to let the statements in the Bible be understood by his hearers. +We generally go to him when in London, though we believe ourselves +baptized already.</p> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Pray let me hear from you occasionally. We shall be here till the end +of March, and after that address Glenlair, Dalbeattie, N.B., which is +my permanent address, and is sure at all times to find me.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Maxwell joins me in kind regards to you and Mrs. Tayler, and I +remain your afft. friend,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="allsmcap">J. Clerk Maxwell.</span></p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Professor Lewis Campbell.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, Dalbeattie, 3d November 1868.</i></p> + +<p>I have given considerable thought to the subject of the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_346">[Pg 346]</span> candidature, +and have come to the decision not to stand. The warm interest which +you and other professors have taken in the matter has gratified me +very much, and the idea of following Principal Forbes had also a great +effect on my feelings, as well as the prospect of residing among +friends; but I still feel that my proper path does not lie in that +direction.—Your afft. friend,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="allsmcap">J. Clerk Maxwell.</span></p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To C. J. Monro, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, Dalbeattie, 6th July 1870.</i></p> + +<p>My question to the Mathematical Society bore fruit in various forms.... +It would give my mind too great a wrench just now to go into elliptic +integrals, but I will do so when I come to revise about circular +conductors. ... I can cut the subject short with an easy conscience, +for I have no scruple about steering clear of tables of double entry, +especially when, in all really useful cases, convergent series may +be used with less trouble, and without any knowledge of elliptic +integrals. On this subject see a short paper on Fluid Displacement in +next part of the <i>Math. Soc. Trans.</i>, where I give a picture of +the stream lines, and the distortion of a transverse line as water +flows past a cylinder.</p> + +<p>Mr. W. Benson, architect, 147 Albany Street, Regent Park, N.W., told +me that you had been writing to <i>Nature</i>, and that yours was the +only rational statement in a multitudinous correspondence on colours. +Mr. Benson considers that Aristotle and I have correct views about +primary colours. He has written a book, with coloured pictures, on +the science of colour, and he shows how to mix colours by means of a +prism. He wants to publish an elementary book with easy experiments, +but gets small encouragement, being supposed an heretic. No other +architect in the Architect’s Society believes him. This is interesting +to me, as showing the chromatic condition of architects. I made a great +colour-box in 1862, and worked it in London in ’62 and ’64. I have +about 200 equations each year, which are<span class="pagenum" id="Page_347">[Pg 347]</span> reduced but not published. I +have set it up here this year, and have just got it in working order. +I expect to get some more material, and work up the whole together. In +particular, I want to find any change or evidence of constancy in the +eyes of myself and wife during eight years. I can exhibit the yellow +spot to all who have it,—and all have it except Col. Strange, F.R.S., +my late father-in-law, and my wife,—whether they be Negroes, Jews, +Parsees, Armenians, Russians, Italians, Germans, Frenchmen, Poles, +etc. Professor Pole, for instance, has it as strong as me, though he +is colour-blind; Mathison, also colour-blind, being fair, had it less +strongly marked.</p> + +<p>One J. J. Müller in <i>Pogg. Ann.</i> for March and April 1870, +examines compound colours, and finds the violet without any tendency +to red, or the red to blue. He also selects a typical green out of the +spectrum.</p> +</div> + + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_207" href="#FNanchor_207" class="label">[207]</a> +<i>Reports of the Committee on Electrical Standards, +appointed by the British Association for the advancement of +Science</i>. Spon, London and New York, 1873.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_208" href="#FNanchor_208" class="label">[208]</a> +Of Messrs. Elliott Brothers.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_209" href="#FNanchor_209" class="label">[209]</a> +The following fragments have been found amongst his +papers:—</p> + +<p>“Almighty God, who hast created man in Thine own image, and made him a +living soul that he might seek after Thee and have dominion over Thy +creatures, teach us to study the works of Thy hands that we may subdue +the earth to our use, and strengthen our reason for Thy service; and so +to receive Thy blessed Word, that we may believe on Him whom Thou hast +sent to give us the knowledge of salvation and the remission of our +sins. All which we ask in the name of the same Jesus Christ our Lord.”</p> + +<p>“O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Thy name in all the earth, who hast +set Thy glory above the heavens, and out of the mouths of babes and +sucklings hast perfected praise. When we consider Thy heavens, the work +of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars which Thou hast ordained, teach +us to know that Thou art mindful of us, and visitest us, making us +rulers over the works of Thy hands, showing us the wisdom of Thy laws, +and crowning us with honour and glory in our earthly life; and looking +higher than the heavens, may we see Jesus, made a little lower than +the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour, +that He, by the grace of God, should taste death for every man. O Lord, +fulfil Thy promise, and put all things in subjection under His feet. +Let sin be rooted out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. +Bless Thou the Lord, O my soul, praise the Lord.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_210" href="#FNanchor_210" class="label">[210]</a> +The tone in which he spoke of this brought home to me, +more than anything I have seen in books, the joy of Michael Angelo in +etherealising the work of Brunelleschi.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_211" href="#FNanchor_211" class="label">[211]</a> +On learning from our teacher, Sign. Briganti, the +pronunciation of <i>suolo</i>, he said, “That is the English for +<i>rondinella</i>.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_212" href="#FNanchor_212" class="label">[212]</a> +It is right that I should add that the suggestion did +not proceed from me.—<i>L. C.</i></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_213" href="#FNanchor_213" class="label">[213]</a> +Now Professor of Engineering in Edinburgh.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_214" href="#FNanchor_214" class="label">[214]</a> +Mrs. Morrieson died on the 17th of November 1864.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_215" href="#FNanchor_215" class="label">[215]</a> +The Scotch terrier of the period.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_216" href="#FNanchor_216" class="label">[216]</a> +Whilst in London, Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell occasionally +attended Nonconformist services, partly led, perhaps, by recollections +of the simple Presbyterian worship, to which Mrs. Maxwell had been +accustomed.</p> + +</div> +</div> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_348">[Pg 348]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII.<br> +<span class="allsmcap">CAMBRIDGE—1871 TO 1879.</span></h2> +</div> + +<p class="nind"> +THE Chair of Experimental Physics in the University of +Cambridge was founded by a Grace of the Senate on the 9th of February +1871.</p> + +<p>In October 1870 the Duke of Devonshire, who was Chancellor of the +University, had signified his desire to build and furnish a Physical +Laboratory for Cambridge. In acting as a member of the Royal Commission +on Scientific Education, he had perceived how useful such an +institution might be made. It was in connection with the acceptance of +this munificent offer that the new professorship was established by the +Senate.</p> + +<p>The question, who should be the first professor? was for some time +attended with anxiety. It was understood that Sir William Thomson had +declined to stand, and it was thought uncertain whether Clerk Maxwell +could be persuaded to leave the retirement of his country-seat. After +some hesitation, arising chiefly from genuine diffidence, he was +induced to become a candidate, on the understanding that he might +retire at the end of a year, if he wished to do so. His candidature was +announced on the 24th of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_349">[Pg 349]</span> February.<a id="FNanchor_217" href="#Footnote_217" class="fnanchor">[217]</a> There was no opposition, and +he was appointed on the 8th of March.</p> + +<p>The following letters indicate the part taken by various persons in +bringing about this result:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">From the Hon. J. W. Strutt</span> (Lord Rayleigh).</p> + +<p class="right"><i>Cambridge, 14th February 1871.</i></p> + +<p>When I came here last Friday I found every one talking about the new +professorship, and hoping that you would come. Thomson, it seems, +has definitely declined.... There is no one here in the least fit +for the post. What is wanted by most who know anything about it is +not so much a lecturer as a mathematician who has actual experience +in experimenting, and who might direct the energies of the younger +Fellows and bachelors into a proper channel. There must be many who +would be willing to work under a competent man, and who, while learning +themselves, would materially assist him.... I hope you may be induced +to come; if not, I don’t know who it is to be. Do not trouble to answer +me about this, as I believe others have written to you about it.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">From the Rev. E. W. Blore, M.A.</span> (now Vice-Master +of Trinity).</p> + +<p class="right"><i>14th February 1871.</i></p> + +<p>Many residents of influence are desirous that you should occupy the +post, hoping that in your hands this University would hold a leading +place in this department. It has, I believe, been ascertained that Sir +W. Thomson would not accept the professorship. I mention this lest you +should wish to avoid the possibility of coming into the field against +him.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_350">[Pg 350]</span></p> + +<p>Maxwells usual modesty is apparent in the draft of his reply to this +letter:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, Dalbeattie, 15th February 1871.</i></p> + +<p><span class="allsmcap">My dear Blore</span>—Though I feel much interest in the proposed +Chair of Experimental Physics, I had no intention of applying for it +when I got your letter, and I have none now, unless I come to see that +I can do some good by it.</p> + +<p>... I am sorry Sir W. Thomson has declined to stand. He has had +practical experience in teaching experimental work, and his +experimental corps have turned out very good work. I have no experience +of this kind, and I have seen very little of the somewhat similar +arrangements of a class of real practical chemistry. The class of +Physical Investigations, which might be undertaken with the help of +men of Cambridge education, and which would be creditable to the +University, demand, in general, a considerable amount of dull labour +which may or may not be attractive to the pupils.</p> +</div> + +<p>In the Grace of Senate of 9th February, it had been enacted that it +should be “the principal duty of the professor to teach and illustrate +the laws of Heat, Electricity, and Magnetism; to apply himself to the +advancement of the knowledge of such subjects; and to promote their +study in the University.”</p> + +<p>For some time after his appointment, Maxwell’s principal work was +that of designing and superintending the erection of the Cavendish +Laboratory.</p> + +<p>He inspected the Physical Laboratories of Sir William Thomson at +Glasgow and of Professor Clifton at Oxford, in order to embody in the +new structure the best features of both of these institutions. But +many of the most important arrangements<span class="pagenum" id="Page_351">[Pg 351]</span> were of his own invention. An +account of the Laboratory itself will be found in <i>Nature</i> (vol. +<span class="allsmcap">X.</span> p. 139); it is sufficient here to say that it would be +difficult to imagine a building better adapted to its purpose, or one +in the construction of which more provision should be made for possible +requirements. In no case was convenience sacrificed to architectural +effect, but in both respects the building is a decided success. The +architect was Mr. W. M. Fawcett of Cambridge, who appears to have +fully appreciated and thoroughly carried out all Professor Maxwell’s +suggestions. The contract was given to Mr. Loveday of Kibworth, his +tender being recommended by the report of the Syndicate appointed to +superintend the building, dated 1st March 1872.</p> + + +<p class="space-above2"> +The work of arranging and furnishing the Cavendish Laboratory occupied +a considerable time. It was not completed until the spring of 1874, +when the practical work of experimenting commenced, and on the 16th of +June in that year, the Chancellor formally presented his gift to the +University. Sir Charles Lyell and the French astronomer Leverrier were +among those who visited the Laboratory and received the honorary degree +of LL.D. from the University on that occasion.</p> + +<p>The following draft of a letter from Maxwell to the Vice-Chancellor in +the previous year affords an interesting illustration of the thorough +and business-like manner in which he had addressed himself to these +preliminary labours.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_352">[Pg 352]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Vice-Chancellor, Cambridge.</span></p> + +<p class="nindc">(<i>Draft of a Letter.</i>)</p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 5th July 1878.</i></p> + +<p>I enclose a provisional list of fixtures and apparatus required for the +Laboratory.</p> + +<p>At present I am not able to estimate the prices of many of the articles.</p> + +<p>Some of them are in the market, and have simply to be ordered; others +require to be constructed specially for the Laboratory.</p> + +<p>I have begun with a list arranged according to the places and rooms in +the Laboratory, but, of course, all small things must be kept in cases, +either in the apparatus room, or in the special rooms.</p> + +<p>The special duty of the professor of experimental physics is to teach +the sciences of heat and electricity, and also to encourage physical +research. The Laboratory must therefore contain apparatus for the +illustration of heat and electricity, and also for whatever physical +research seems most important or most promising.</p> + +<p>The special researches connected with heat which I think most deserving +of our efforts at the present time are those relating to the elasticity +of bodies, and in general those which throw light on their molecular +constitution; and the most important electrical research is the +determination of the magnitude of certain electric quantities, and +their relations to each other.</p> + +<p>These are the principles on which I have been planning the arrangement +of the Laboratory. But if in the course of years the course of +scientific research should he deflected, the plans of work must vary +too, and the rooms must be allotted differently.</p> + +<p>I agree with you that the income of the Museums must be largely +increased in order to meet the demands of this and other new buildings, +and I am glad that the University is able to increase it.</p> + +<p>It is impossible to procure many of the instruments, as<span class="pagenum" id="Page_353">[Pg 353]</span> they are +not kept in stock, and have to be made to order. Some of the most +important will require a considerable amount of supervision during +their construction, for their whole value depends on their fulfilling +conditions which can as yet be determined only by trial, so that it may +be some time before everything is in working order.</p> +</div> + +<p>Even in 1874, however, there were still manifold desiderata, and the +Duke expressed his wish to furnish the Laboratory completely with the +necessary apparatus. To carry out this wish was again a work of time, +for the Professor would never order an important instrument until he +was satisfied that its design and construction were the best that could +be obtained. In his annual report to the University in 1877 Professor +Maxwell announced that the Chancellor had now “completed his gift to +the University, by furnishing the Cavendish Laboratory with apparatus +suited to the present state of science;” but at the same time he wrote +to the Vice-Chancellor stating that he should reserve to himself +the privilege of presenting to the Laboratory such apparatus as the +advancement of science might render it desirable for the University +to possess. And during the short remainder of his tenure of the +professorship he expended many hundreds of pounds in this manner. And +already, in the spring of 1874, he had presented to the Laboratory all +the apparatus in his own possession. The apparatus provided by the +British Association for their Committee on Electrical Standards (see +p. 316), was also deposited in the Laboratory, in accordance with a +resolution passed at the Edinburgh Meeting of 1871—the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_354">[Pg 354]</span> apparatus +remaining the property of the Association, and subject to the control +of the Committee.</p> + + +<p class="space-above2"> +While the Laboratory was thus gradually made available, the other work +of the professorship went on uninterruptedly from the first. Maxwell +gave annual courses of lectures on the subjects prescribed in his +commission,<a id="FNanchor_218" href="#Footnote_218" class="fnanchor">[218]</a> commencing with October 1871, when he delivered his +inaugural lecture. This and the lecture “On Colour Vision,” given at +the Royal Institution shortly after his appointment in the preceding +spring, are perhaps the happiest of his literary efforts. Philosophic +grasp, scientific clearness, and poetic imagination could hardly be +more successfully combined.</p> + +<p>The Cambridge lecture (October 1871) sets forth in luminous outline the +meaning and tendency of the moment in the evolution of the University +of Cambridge, which was marked by the institution of the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_355">[Pg 355]</span> course of +Experimental Physics, and the erection of the Devonshire Laboratory.</p> + +<p>The following passage is especially characteristic:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Science appears to us with a very different aspect after we have found +out that it is not in lecture-rooms only, and by means of the electric +light projected on a screen, that we may witness physical phenomena, +but that we may find illustrations of the highest doctrines of science +in games and gymnastics, in travelling by land and by water, in storms +of the air and of the sea, and wherever there is matter in motion.</p> + +<p>This habit of recognising principles amid the endless variety of their +action can never degrade our sense of the sublimity of nature, or +mar our enjoyment of its beauty. On the contrary, it tends to rescue +our scientific ideas from that vague condition in which we too often +leave them, buried among the other products of a lazy credulity, and +to raise them into their proper position among the doctrines in which +our faith is so assured that we are ready at all times to act on them. +Experiments of illustration may be of very different kinds. Some may be +adaptations of the commonest operations of ordinary life; others may +be carefully arranged exhibitions of some phenomenon which occurs only +under peculiar conditions. They all, however, agree in this, that their +aim is to present some phenomenon to the senses of the student in such +a way that he may associate with it some appropriate scientific idea. +When he has grasped this idea, the experiment which illustrates it has +served its purpose.</p> + +<p>In an experiment of research, on the other hand, this is not the +principal aim.... Experiments of this class—those in which measurement +of some kind is involved—are the proper work of a physical laboratory. +In every experiment we have first to make our senses familiar with the +phenomenon; but we must not stop here,—we must find out which of its +features are capable of measurement, and what measurements are required +in order to make a complete specification<span class="pagenum" id="Page_356">[Pg 356]</span> of the phenomenon. We must, +then, make these measurements, and deduce from them the result which we +require to find.</p> + +<p>This characteristic of modern experiments—that they consist +principally of measurements—is so prominent that the opinion seems to +have got abroad that, in a few years, all the great physical constants +will have been approximately estimated, and that the only occupation +which will then be left to men of science will be to carry these +measurements to another place of decimals.</p> + +<p>If this is really the state of things to which we are approaching, our +Laboratory may perhaps become celebrated as a place of conscientious +labour and consummate skill; but it will be out of place in the +University, and ought rather to be classed with the other great +workshops of our country, where equal ability is directed to more +useful ends.</p> + +<p>But we have no right to think thus of the unsearchable riches of +creation, or of the untried fertility of those fresh minds into which +these riches will continually be poured.... The history of science +shows that even during that phase of her progress in which she devotes +herself to improving the accuracy of the numerical measurement of +quantities with which she has long been familiar, she is preparing the +materials for the subjugation of new regions, which would have remained +unknown if she had been contented with the rough methods of her early +pioneers.</p> +</div> + +<p>The movement which was now to receive so great an impulse may be +roughly dated from Sir William Thomsons first appearance as a Public +Examiner in Cambridge; and Maxwell's own influence, as Examiner and +Moderator, had been mainly instrumental in promoting it. The nature +of the change has been described as follows by one whose University +experience reaches back into the previous time:—</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_357">[Pg 357]</span></p><div class="blockquot"> + +<p>The style of mathematics which was popular in Cambridge for some time +before was, to say the least, one-sided, and one-sided in a somewhat +unproductive direction. There were many complaints that Cambridge +was behind the rest of the scientific world, and that, whereas the +students of so many other Universities were introduced to the splendid +discoveries of such subjects as Electricity and Heat, the Wranglers +of Cambridge spent their time upon mathematical trifles and problems, +so-called, barren alike of practical results and scientific interest. +Maxwell’s questions (as Moderator in 1866) infused fresh life into +the Cambridge Tripos, and, therefore, into the University studies, by +the number of original ideas and new lines of thought opened up by +them, thus preparing for the change of system in 1873, when so many +interesting subjects were added to the Examination.</p> +</div> + +<p>Sir William Thomson gives the following important testimony to the same +effect:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="right"><i>The University, Glasgow,<br> +21st January 1882.</i></p> + +<p>The influence of Maxwell at Cambridge had undoubtedly a great effect in +directing mathematical studies into more fruitful channels than those +in which they had been running for many years. His published scientific +papers and books, his action as an examiner at Cambridge, and his +professorial lectures, all contributed to this effect; but above all, +his work in planning and carrying out the arrangements of the Cavendish +Laboratory. There is, indeed, nothing short of a revival of Physical +Science at Cambridge within the last fifteen years, and this is largely +due to Maxwell’s influence.</p> +</div> + +<p>Evidence might easily be multiplied, but it is enough to quote the +weighty words of Lord Rayleigh at a recent public meeting at Cambridge +in support of the proposed Devonshire Memorial:—</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_358">[Pg 358]</span></p><div class="blockquot"> + +<p>It was no little thing to have had Professor Maxwell so closely +connected with Cambridge, for by his genius effects were produced which +could hardly have been produced in any other way. Before coming there +to occupy the position he then held, he (Lord Rayleigh) had not given +any particular attention to electricity, but he found Cambridge to be +so saturated with the subject that he quickly came to the conclusion +that it would be best to make it his particular study. All this was +owing to the influence of Maxwell.<a id="FNanchor_219" href="#Footnote_219" class="fnanchor">[219]</a></p> +</div> + + +<p class="space-above2"> +While speaking of his work in lecturing, it may be well briefly to +advert to the famous “Discourse on Molecules,” delivered before the +British Association at Bradford in September 1873, which has been more +often quoted than, perhaps, any other of his writings. This address +was extremely rich in scientific matter, but its chief interest lay in +the concluding paragraphs, which may be said to indicate more clearly +than any other of Maxwell’s writings the position of his mind towards +certain doctrines maintained by scientific men:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>In the heavens we discover by their light, and by their light alone, +stars so distant from each other that no material thing can ever have +passed from one to another;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_359">[Pg 359]</span> and yet this light, which is to us the +sole evidence of the existence of these distant worlds, tells us also +that each of them is built up of molecules of the same kinds as those +which we find on earth. A molecule of hydrogen, for example, whether in +Sirius or in Arcturus, executes its vibrations in precisely the same +time.</p> + +<p>Each molecule therefore throughout the universe bears impressed upon +it the stamp of a metric system as distinctly as does the metre of the +Archives at Paris, or the double royal cubit of the temple of Karnac.</p> + +<p>No theory of evolution can be formed to account for the similarity of +molecules, for evolution necessarily implies continuous change, and the +molecule is incapable of growth or decay, of generation or destruction.</p> + +<p>None of the processes of Nature, since the time when Nature began, have +produced the slightest difference in the properties of any molecule. We +are therefore unable to ascribe either the existence of the molecules +or the identity of their properties to any of the causes which we call +natural.</p> + +<p>On the other hand, the exact equality of each molecule to all others +of the same kind gives it, as Sir John Herschel has well said, the +essential character of a manufactured article, and precludes the idea +of its being eternal and self-existent.</p> + +<p>Thus we have been led, along a strictly scientific path, very near to +the point at which Science must stop,—not that Science is debarred +from studying the internal mechanism of a molecule which she cannot +take to pieces, any more than from investigating an organism which +she cannot put together. But in tracing back the history of matter, +Science is arrested when she assures herself, on the one hand, that the +molecule has been made, and, on the other, that it has not been made by +any of the processes we call natural.</p> + +<p>Science is incompetent to reason upon the creation of matter itself +out of nothing. We have reached the utmost limits of our thinking +faculties when we have admitted that because matter cannot be eternal +and self-existent it must have been created.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_360">[Pg 360]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>It is only when we contemplate, not matter in itself, but the form in +which it actually exists, that our mind finds something on which it can +lay hold.</p> + +<p>That matter, as such, should have certain fundamental properties,—that +it should exist in space and be capable of motion,—that its motion +should be persistent, and so on,—are truths which may, for anything we +know, be of the kind which metaphysicians call necessary. We may use +our knowledge of such truths for purposes of deduction, but we have no +data for speculating as to their origin.</p> + +<p>But that there should be exactly so much matter and no more in every +molecule of hydrogen is a fact of a very different order. We have here +a particular distribution of matter—a <i>collocation</i>—to use the +expression of Dr. Chalmers, of things which we have no difficulty in +imagining to have been arranged otherwise.</p> + +<p>The form and dimensions of the orbits of the planets, for instance, +are not determined by any law of nature, but depend upon a particular +collocation of matter. The same is the case with respect to the size +of the earth, from which the standard of what is called the metrical +system has been derived. But these astronomical and terrestrial +magnitudes are far inferior in scientific importance to that most +fundamental of all standards which forms the base of the molecular +system. Natural causes, as we know, are at work, which tend to modify, +if they do not at length destroy, all the arrangements and dimensions +of the earth and the whole solar system. But though in the course of +ages catastrophes have occurred and may yet occur in the heavens, +though ancient systems may be dissolved and new systems evolved out of +their ruins, the molecules out of which these systems are built—the +foundation-stones of the material universe—remain unbroken and unworn. +They continue this day as they were created—perfect in number and +measure and weight; and from the ineffaceable characters impressed on +them we may learn that those aspirations after accuracy in measurement, +and justice in action, which we reckon among our noblest attributes as +men, are ours because they are<span class="pagenum" id="Page_361">[Pg 361]</span> essential constituents of the image of +Him who in the beginning created, not only the heaven and the earth, +but the materials of which heaven and earth consist.</p> +</div> + +<p>In 1875 he read before the Chemical Society a paper “On the Dynamical +Evidence of the Molecular Constitution of Bodies.”</p> + +<p>The lecture on Thermodynamics at the Loan Exhibition of Scientific +Apparatus in London in 1876 (to which he had contributed his +real-image Stereoscope, etc.), was illustrated by his own model of the +Thermodynamic Surface.<a id="FNanchor_220" href="#Footnote_220" class="fnanchor">[220]</a></p> + +<p>The last of his public lectures was the Rede Lecture “On the +Telephone,” delivered at Cambridge in 1878, and illustrated with the +aid of Mr. Gower’s Telephonic Harp.</p> + +<p>After pointing out the extreme simplicity as well as the absolute +novelty of the invention, he made it the text of a discourse which is +remarkable both for suggestiveness and discursiveness.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>I shall ... consider the telephone as a material symbol of the widely +separated departments of human knowledge, the cultivation of which has +led, by as many converging paths, to the invention of this instrument +by Professor Graham Bell.</p> + +<p>... In a University we are especially bound to recognise not only the +unity of Science itself, but the communion of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_362">[Pg 362]</span> the workers of Science. +We are too apt to suppose that we are congregated here merely to be +within reach of certain appliances of study, such as museums and +laboratories, libraries and lectures, so that each of us may study what +he prefers. I suppose that when the bees crowd round the flowers it +is for the sake of the honey that they do so, never thinking that it +is the dust which they are carrying from flower to flower which is to +render possible a more splendid array of flowers and a busier crowd of +bees in the years to come.</p> + +<p>We cannot therefore do better than improve the shining hour in helping +forward the cross-fertilisation of the Sciences.</p> + +<p>One great beauty of Professor Bell's invention is that the instruments +at the two ends of the line are precisely alike.... The perfect +symmetry of the whole apparatus—the wire in the middle, the two +telephones at the ends of the wire, and the two gossips at the ends of +the telephones, may be very fascinating to a mere mathematician, but it +would not satisfy the evolutionist of the Spenserian type, who would +consider anything with both ends alike, such as the Amphisbæna, or +Mr. Bright’s terrier, or Mr. Bell’s telephone, to be an organism of a +very low type, which must have its functions differentiated before any +satisfactory integration can take place.</p> + +<p>Accordingly many attempts have been made, by differentiating the +function of the transmitter from that of the receiver, to overcome the +principal limitation of the power of the telephone. As long as the +human voice is the sole motive power of the apparatus, it is manifest +that what is heard at one end must be fainter than what is spoken at +the other. But if the vibration set up at one end is used no longer +as the source of energy, but merely as a means of modulating the +strength of a current supplied by a voltaic battery, then there will +be no necessary limitation of the intensity of the resulting sound, +so that what is whispered to the transmitter may be proclaimed <i>ore +rotundo</i> by the receiver.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_363">[Pg 363]</span></p> + +<p>He then briefly referred to Edison's loud-speaking telephone, and went +on to exhibit and explain the microphone of Professor Hughes.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>I have said the telephone is an instance of the benefit to be derived +from the cross-fertilisation of the sciences. ... Professor Graham +Bell ... is the son of a very remarkable man, Alexander Melville Bell, +author of a book called <i>Visible Speech</i>, and of other works +relating to pronunciation. In fact his whole life has been employed in +teaching people to speak. He brought the art to such perfection that, +though a Scotchman, he taught himself in six months to speak English, +and I regret extremely that when I had the opportunity in Edinburgh +I did not take lessons from him.<a id="FNanchor_221" href="#Footnote_221" class="fnanchor">[221]</a> Mr. Melville Bell has made a +complete analysis and classification of all the sounds capable of +being uttered by the human voice, from the Zulu clicks to coughing and +sneezing; and he has embodied his results in a system of symbols, the +elements of which are not taken from any existing alphabet, but are +founded on the different configurations of the organs of speech.</p> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>... Helmholtz, by a series of daring strides, has effected a passage +for himself over that untrodden wild between acoustics and music—that +Serbonian bog where whole armies of scientific musicians and musical +men of science have sunk without filling it up.</p> + +<p>We may not be able even yet to plant our feet in his tracks and follow +him right across—that would require the seven league boots of the +German Colossus; but to help us in Cambridge we have the Board of +Musical Studies vindicating for music its ancient place in a liberal +education. On the physical side we have Lord Rayleigh laying our +foundation deep and strong in his Theory of Sound. On the æsthetic<span class="pagenum" id="Page_364">[Pg 364]</span> +3side we have the University Musical Society doing the practical work, +and, in the space between, those conferences of Mr. Sedley Taylor, +where the wail of the Siren draws musician and mathematician together +down into the depths of their sensational being, and where the gorgeous +hues of the Phoneidoscope are seen to seethe and twine and coil like the</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Dragon boughts and elvish emblemings</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="nind">on the gates of that city, where</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">An ye heard a music, like enow</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They are building still, seeing the city is built</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To music, therefore never built at all</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And therefore built for ever.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="nind">The special educational value of this combined study of music and +acoustics is that more than almost any other study it involves a +continual appeal to what we must observe for ourselves.</p> + +<p>The facts are things which must be felt; they cannot be learned from +any description of them.</p> + +<p>All this has been said more than 200 years ago by one of our own +prophets, William Harvey of Gonville and Caius College:—“For whosoever +they be that read authors, and do not, by the aid of their own senses, +abstract true representations of the things themselves (comprehended +in the author’s expressions) they do not represent true ideas, but +deceitful idols and phantasmas; by which means they frame to themselves +certaine shadows and chimaeras, and all their theory and contemplation +(which they call science) represents nothing but waking men’s dreams +and sick men’s phrensies.”</p> +</div> + +<p>After the opening of the Cavendish Laboratory in 1874, the most +continuous, as well as the most important, work of the Chair was the +superintendence of various courses of experiments, undertaken by young +aspirants for scientific distinction. With characteristic<span class="pagenum" id="Page_365">[Pg 365]</span> loyalty +and humility, Maxwell seems often to have taken more pride in their +researches than in his own. To enumerate the men who were thus favoured +would be to name many who are now amongst the most efficient teachers +of science in the United Kingdom. But there can be nothing invidious +in making particular mention of those who are named by Maxwell himself +in his correspondence, although the omission of other names may be +accidental. Besides Mr. W. Garnett, who was his demonstrator in the +Laboratory from first to last, he refers with especial satisfaction +to the work of Mr. George Chrystal, now Professor of Mathematics in +Edinburgh, and to that of Mr. W. D. Niven.</p> + +<p>Mr. Chrystal was encouraged by him to undertake a series of experiments +for verifying Ohm’s Law respecting the relation between the current and +the electro-motive force in a wire, on which some doubt had been thrown +by Weber’s theories, and, in an opposite direction, by a series of +experiments reported to the British Association by Dr. Schuster in 1874.</p> + +<p>In consequence of these doubts a committee was appointed by the British +Association consisting of Professor Maxwell, Professor Everitt, and +Dr. Schuster, and the report of this committee was presented to the +Association at their annual meeting in Glasgow in 1876. The report +consists mainly of an account of two experimental investigations +planned by Professor Maxwell and carried out in the Cavendish +Laboratory by Mr. Chrystal. To this report Mr. Chrystal added a brief +account of his experiments on the unilateral<span class="pagenum" id="Page_366">[Pg 366]</span> and bilateral deflection +of a galvanometer, affording a possible explanation of Dr. Schuster’s +result. The investigation proved that when a unit current passes +through a conductor of a square centimetre section, its resistance +does not differ from its value for indefinitely small currents by +0·000,000,001 per cent.</p> + + +<div class="sidenote">1873-9.</div> + +<p>The scene of these congenial labours was surrounded with manifold +associations, which his love for Cambridge intensified. He had pleasant +intercourse with many persons there, and after a while resumed the +habit of occasional essay writing. Under the name of Erănus (or picnic) +a club of older men was formed, differing little apparently from the +“Apostles,” except in the greater seriousness of the discussions. Dr. +Lightfoot (now Bishop of Durham) and Professors Hort and Westcott +were members of this little circle of congenial spirits. Maxwell’s +contributions, containing his matured thoughts on various speculative +questions, will be found in <a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">Chapter XIII</a>. It may be remarked generally +that the most marked feature of his later life was an ever-increasing +soberness of spirit, and a deepening inward repose, which took nothing +from the brightness of his companionship, but rather kept fresh the +inexhaustible springs of cheerfulness and humorous mirth in him. The +beginnings of such “life in earnest” may be traced far back, but are +most obviously perceptible in his third year at Cambridge (1853),<a id="FNanchor_222" href="#Footnote_222" class="fnanchor">[222]</a> +in the summer<span class="pagenum" id="Page_367">[Pg 367]</span> of 1856, after his father’s death, and in the crisis of +his life at Aberdeen (1857-8).</p> + +<p>This graver tone by no means checked the playful impulses that burst +forth from time to time in sparkling <i>jeux d'esprits</i>. It rather +fledged his arrows, while it loaded them, giving them a steadier +aim, so that his lightest effusions carried an unsuspected weight of +meaning. His wit was never more brilliant, more incisive, or (it may be +added) more perfectly good-humoured, than in the verses on Professor +Cayley’s portrait, and the “Notes of the President’s Address.” He found +time also to indulge his old taste for reading and writing in cypher, +and thus, on one occasion, considerably disconcerted a contributor to +the second column of the <i>Times</i>.</p> + +<p>His outward appearance in these later years has been well described by +one who saw him first in 1866:—</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_368">[Pg 368]</span></p><div class="blockquot"> + +<p>A man of middle height, with frame strongly knit, and a certain +spring and elasticity in his gait; dressed for comfortable ease +rather than elegance; a face expressive at once of sagacity and good +humour, but overlaid with a deep shade of thoughtfulness; features +boldly but pleasingly marked; eyes dark and glowing; hair and beard +perfectly black, and forming a strong contrast to the pallor of his +complexion.... He might have been taken, by a careless observer, for a +country gentleman, or rather, to be more accurate, for a north country +laird. A keener eye would have seen, however, that the man must be a +student of some sort, and one of more than ordinary intelligence.</p> + +<p>In later years his hair had turned to iron gray, but until a few years +before his death he retained his elasticity of step.</p> + +<p>The picture of Maxwell, as he appeared in 1866, became afterwards +perfectly familiar to residents in Cambridge. They will remember his +thoughtful face as he walked in the street, revolving some of the many +problems that engaged him, Toby lagging behind, till his master would +suddenly turn, as if starting from a reverie, and begin calling the dog.</p> +</div> + +<p>The same authority continues—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>... He had a strong sense of humour, and a keen relish for witty or +jocose repartee, but rarely betrayed enjoyment by outright laughter. +The outward sign and conspicuous manifestation of his enjoyment was +a peculiar twinkle and brightness of the eyes. There was, indeed, +nothing explosive in his mental composition, and as his mirth was never +boisterous, so neither was he fretful or irascible. Of a serenely +placid temper, genial and temperate in his enjoyments, and infinitely +patient when others would have been vexed or annoyed, he at all times +opposed a solid calm of nature to the vicissitudes of life.</p> + +<p>In performing his private experiments at the laboratory, Maxwell was +very neat-handed and expeditious. When working thus, or when thinking +out a problem, he had a habit of whistling, not loudly, but in a +half-subdued manner, no<span class="pagenum" id="Page_369">[Pg 369]</span> particular tune discernible, but a sort of +running accompaniment to his inward thoughts.... He could carry the +full strength of his mental faculties rapidly from one subject to +another, and could pursue his studies under distractions which most +students would find intolerable, such as a loud conversation in the +room where he was at work. On these occasions he used, in a manner, to +take his dog into his confidence, and would say softly, “Tobi, Tobi,” +at intervals, and after thinking and working for a time, would at last +say (for example), “It must be so: Plato (<i>i.e.</i> Plateau), thou +reasonest well.” He would then join in the conversation.</p> + +<p>... His acquaintance with the literature of his own country, and +especially with English poetry, was remarkable alike for its +extent, its exactness, and the wide range of his sympathies. His +critical taste, founded as it was on his native sagacity, and a keen +appreciation of literary beauty, was so true and discriminating that +his judgment was, in such matters, quite as valuable as on mathematical +writings. ... As he read with great rapidity, and had a retentive +memory, his mind was stored with many a choice fragment which had +caught his fancy. He was fond of reading aloud at home from his +favourite authors, particularly from Shakspeare, and of repeating such +passages as gave him the greatest pleasure.<a id="FNanchor_223" href="#Footnote_223" class="fnanchor">[223]</a></p> +</div> + +<p>Maxwell wag rarely seen walking without a dog accompanying him, and, +when visiting the Laboratory for a short time, Toby or Coonie, or +both, would always attend him. Toby (II. or III.) came to Cambridge +with Professor Maxwell in 1871, and was thoroughly conversant with +the details of the Laboratory and some of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_370">[Pg 370]</span> its apparatus. He always +betrayed signs of uneasiness when he heard electric sparks, but when +summoned to his post he would sit down between his master’s feet and +allow the electrophorus to be excited upon his back, growling all the +time in a peculiar manner, as though to relieve his mind, but not +evidencing any signs of real discomfort. On one occasion Toby sat +quietly on an insulating support, and allowed himself to be rubbed +with a cat’s skin, when it was found that the dog became positively +electrified, contrary to the general belief that a cat’s skin is +positive to everything; whereupon Professor Maxwell remarked that “a +live dog is better than a dead lion.” It remains for a future physicist +to determine the electric relations of a live cat and dog.</p> + +<p>One great charm of Maxwell’s society was his readiness to converse on +almost any topic with those whom he was accustomed to meet, although he +always showed a certain degree of shyness when introduced to strangers. +He would never tire of talking with boyish glee about the d——l on +two sticks and similar topics, and no one ever conversed with him for +five minutes without having some perfectly new ideas set before him; +sometimes so startling as to utterly confound the listener, but always +such as to well repay a thoughtful examination. Men have often asked, +after listening to a conversation on some scientific question, whether +Maxwell were in earnest or joking.<a id="FNanchor_224" href="#Footnote_224" class="fnanchor">[224]</a> The charm of his conversation +rendered it<span class="pagenum" id="Page_371">[Pg 371]</span> very difficult to carry on any independent work when +he was present, but his suggestions for future work far more than +compensated for the time thus spent.</p> + +<p>On one occasion, after removing a large amount of calcareous deposit +which had accumulated in a curiously oolitic form in a boiler, Maxwell +sent it to the Professor of Geology with a request that he would +identify the formation. This he did at once, vindicating his science +from the aspersion which his brother professor would playfully have +cast on it.</p> + +<p>Maxwell still found occasional recreation in riding at Cambridge as +well as more frequently at Glenlair, where he resided as much as +he could consistently with his professional duties.<a id="FNanchor_225" href="#Footnote_225" class="fnanchor">[225]</a> He always +arranged to leave Cambridge at the end of the Easter term in time to +officiate at the midsummer communion in the kirk at Parton, where he +was an elder. His liberality in his own neighbourhood was very great. +Besides the endowment of the church, and building of the manse at +Corsock, he had planned a large contribution to the cause of primary +education. When the School Board was instituted in the district, +Maxwell was very anxious to keep up the school established in the +reign of George III. at Merkland, in the immediate neighbourhood of +the village of Kirkpatrick-Durham, in addition to the Board school at +Corsock, five miles away. When this offer was refused, he set apart +a site and had plans made for a school to be<span class="pagenum" id="Page_372">[Pg 372]</span> erected and supported +at his own expense upon his estate, but failing health prevented the +accomplishment of his purpose.</p> + +<p>The last few years of Maxwell’s life were saddened by the serious and +protracted illness of Mrs. Maxwell. Notwithstanding the inexhaustible +freshness of his spirit, his work could not but be somewhat modified by +a cause so grave. He was an excellent sick-nurse, and we have already +seen how he attended upon Pomeroy when attacked with fever in college, +how he devoted himself to his father during his illness, and how he +cared for his brother-in-law when in London. On one occasion during +Mrs. Maxwell’s illness he did not sleep in a bed for three weeks, but +conducted his lectures and other work at the Laboratory as usual. While +attending on his wife he would continue working at his manuscripts, +or would arrange a series of experiments to be carried out by one +of the workers at the Cavendish Laboratory; but the time which he +could personally devote to his own experiments was very limited. The +same cause prevented his attendance at meetings in London and at the +British Association, for which, however, he retained his affection. +His wonderful devotion to his wife, and the almost mystical manner in +which he regarded the marriage tie, are sufficiently apparent from his +letters.</p> + +<p>The meeting of the British Association, held at Belfast in 1874 when +Professor Tyndall was President, was the last which Maxwell attended. +Before Section A he read a note “On the Application of Kirchhoff’s +Rules for Electric Circuits to the Solution of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_373">[Pg 373]</span> a Geometrical Problem;” +but his attendance at this meeting will be remembered chiefly on +account of his paraphrase of the President’s address, which was +published in <i>Blackwood’s Magazine</i>, and, together with the late +Mr. Shilleto’s Greek translation of it, will be found reprinted in Part +III. His verses on the Red Lions, a social club consisting of members +of the Association, were also written at this meeting.</p> + +<p>In university politics Maxwell was regarded as a Conservative, and, as +such, in November 1876, he was elected a member of the Council of the +Senate of the University. His views respecting various questions of +university reform are sufficiently indicated by his letters, especially +those addressed to Mr. Monro (see p. 269). He was also a member of the +Mathematical Studies and Examinations Syndicate, which was appointed on +17th May 1877, and which sat every week during term for a whole year +for the purpose of reorganising the Mathematical Tripos.</p> + +<p>In 1873 and 1874 Professor Maxwell was one of the examiners for the +Natural Sciences Tripos, and in 1873 he was the first “Additional +Examiner” in the Mathematical Tripos under the new regulations which +then came into force. This was the fifth time that he had examined in +the Mathematical Tripos in the course of seven years. He was president +of the Cambridge Philosophical Society during the session 1876-7.<a id="FNanchor_226" href="#Footnote_226" class="fnanchor">[226]</a></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_374">[Pg 374]</span></p> + +<p>Besides many contributions to Nature and other similar publications +during his residence in Cambridge, Maxwell wrote several articles for +the Ninth Edition of the <i>Encyclopœdia Britannica</i>. The last +scientific paper he ever wrote was the very brief article on Harmonic +Analysis, the proof of which was sent for correction when its author +was too weak to read it.</p> + +<p>Although the publication of the <i>Treatise on Heat</i> and of the +<i>Electricity and Magnetism</i> falls within this period, they were +mainly written during the time of his retirement at Glenlair. The +“small book on a great subject,” entitled <i>Matter and Motion</i>, was +merely the concise expression of his most habitual thoughts. But his +chief literary work during the last seven years of his life was the +editing of the <i>Electrical Researches of the Hon. Henry Cavendish, +F.R.S</i>.</p> + +<p>Henry Cavendish was son of Lord Charles Cavendish<span class="pagenum" id="Page_375">[Pg 375]</span> and great uncle to +the present Duke of Devonshire. He published only two papers relating +to electricity—“An Attempt to Explain some of the Phenomena of +Electricity by means of an Elastic Fluid” (<i>Phil. Trans.</i> 1771) +and “An Account of some Attempts to Imitate the Effects of the Torpedo +by Electricity” (<i>Phil. Trans.</i> 1776). He had prepared, however, +some twenty packets of manuscript on Mathematical and Experimental +Electricity. These, after his death, were placed by the then Earl +of Burlington, now Duke of Devonshire, in the hands of the late Sir +William Snow Harris, who appears to have made an abstract of them, +with a commentary of great value on their contents. Of this abstract +and commentary Professor Maxwell was unable to gain possession, +but the Cavendish Manuscripts were placed in his hands by the Duke +of Devonshire in 1874. The manner in which the contents of these +manuscripts were investigated by Professor Maxwell, and the series of +experiments he conducted in order to test Cavendish’s results, will be +referred to in Part II. The final proof-sheets were returned to press +during the summer of 1879, and the book was published in October of +the same year. The letters on this subject, which will be found below, +are types of very many that were written by Maxwell respecting the +Cavendish papers.</p> + +<p>The title of the book as published in October 1879 (one thick volume, +8vo) is <i>An Account of the Electrical Researches of the Honourable +Henry Cavendish</i>, F.R.S., <i>between</i> 1771 <i>and</i> 1781. Few +or none could have performed that task as he has performed it.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_376">[Pg 376]</span> And yet +some may wish that these precious years had been given rather to the +unimpeded prosecution of his own original researches.<a id="FNanchor_227" href="#Footnote_227" class="fnanchor">[227]</a></p> + +<p>At my last meeting with him,—it was in his house at Cambridge, in the +year 1877,—in the midst of some discursive talk, he took the MS. of +this book out of a cabinet, and began showing it to me and discoursing +about it in the old eager, playful, affectionate way, just as with the +magic discs in boyhood, or the register of the colour-box observations +at a later time, in the little study at Glenlair. “And what,” I said, +“of your own investigations in various ways?” “I have to give up so +many things,” he answered, with a sad look, which till then I had never +seen in his eyes. Even before this, as it now appears, he had felt the +first symptoms of the inexorable malady, which in the spring of 1879 +assumed a dangerous aspect, and killed him in the autumn of that year.</p> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">Letters, 1871 to 1879—<i>ÆT.</i>. 39-48.</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">From C. J. Monro, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Hadley, Barnet, 3d March 1871.</i></p> + +<p>The Hon. J. W. Strutt, son of Lord Rayleigh, and senior wrangler in +1865, has been meddling with your colours, and has given occasion also +to me to do so again. I send a selection of <i>Natures</i> containing +him and me, and my old contributions of last year, which, or one of +which, you say met Mr. Benson’s approval. Strutt’s last letter ends +with a sentence which obliged me to write to him<span class="pagenum" id="Page_377">[Pg 377]</span> personally; and I +could not help saying, with regard to the sentence which begins it, +p. 264, that I thought you would object to inferences founded on +comparison by contrast, and that the proper way was to compare by +matching recognised browns with a compound.</p> + +<p>Listing’s paper, mentioned in p. 102, was to me rather a paradox,—I +had got to regard the subdivisions of the colour-scale which are +assumed in language, as something so arbitrary. If you cared to see +it, I have that number of Poggendorff; I think he would hardly agree +with your J. J. Müller. I wish you or Benson could eradicate the +insane trick of reasoning about colours <i>as identified by their +names</i>. People seem to think that blue is blue, and one blue as +good as another. Benson’s book I have seen (since I heard of it from +you), but not read. His way of mixing by means of a prism is very +happy.... I wish, with your new set up box, you would just put the +prism observations into relation with the disk ones. It would be very +easy. White we have got; and it would only be <i>strictly</i> necessary +to determine two other standard colours, such as vermilion or emerald, +by reference to the spectrum primaries. You don’t say whether your +dwellers in Mesopotamia and elsewhere agree on the whole better or +worse than “J” and “K,” who, I suppose, agree for better and for worse. +To judge by their case, the discrepancy would be a little diminished +by taking as units of colour co-ordinates for any given pair of eyes, +not the intensities of the primaries as they appear in the spectrum, +but their intensities as they appear in the combination which to that +pair of eyes makes (say) white. This amounts to transforming from +trilinear to Hamilton’s anharmonic co-ordinates with white for the +fourth point,— in the language of “scientific metaphor.” On the other +hand, ought not all your co-ordinates to be cooked by multiplying by +\(\dfrac{d.\, \text {scale, page}\, 68}{d.\, \text {wave-length}}\)?</p> + +<p>You know where I learnt <i>scientific metaphor</i>. I have read +the address in Section A more than once with much pleasure, and, I +hope, profit in proportion. The pleasure, I<span class="pagenum" id="Page_378">[Pg 378]</span> confess, was with me, +as I found it was with Litchfield, partly that of recognising an old +well-remembered style, and reflecting that here at least was something +which might be “thought to be beyond the reach of change.”... By the +way, Boole is “one of the profoundest mathematicians of our time;” but +how about “thinkers”? Certainly his expositions of the principle of a +piece of mathematics are beautiful up to and, I don’t doubt, beyond +my appreciating. But that last chapter of the <i>Laws</i>, etc., from +which you quote, with Empedocles and Pseudo-Origen and the rest of +them, always seems to me to render a sound as of a largish internal +cavity; and the whole book, taken together with his B.S.E. paper on +testimony and least squares, presents, I think, too many instances +of a particular class of fallacy—I know I am speaking blasphemies, +but there would be a strike among the postmen if I put in all the +necessary qualifications—too many instances to be got over, not in +absolute number if they were of different kinds, for anybody may +make mistakes, but too many of one kind. The kind is <i>insufficient +interpretation</i>, <i>i.e.</i> letting your equations lead you by the +nose. The most serious example,—I maintain it is an example,—is his +insisting that his theory of logic is not founded on quantity, so that +it furnishes (he holds) an independent foundation for probabilities, +independent of the usual quantitative foundation. That this is a +fallacy, and that in particular it is an example of the fallacy of +insufficient interpretation, is evident surely when you find that, even +in the higher case of “secondary” propositions, the elective symbols +represent in his own opinion <i>quantities</i> of “time” after all. +With regard to the sentence you quote, I am always suspicious of any +inclination I may feel to find a question too easy; and, independently +of that, your quoting it is itself a staggerer. But the difficulty I +confess does strike me as a rather artificial one. There is nothing, +scarcely, in which I think Mill is so right and the Hamiltonians so +wrong as that question about logic being the laws of thought. Hamilton +says <i>as thought</i>, Mill says <i>as valid</i>, and so does Boole +and so do you; but if Mill is right, where is<span class="pagenum" id="Page_379">[Pg 379]</span> the difficulty? Why +<i>should</i> the conditions of thinking correctly he inviolable in the +sense of not preventing you from thinking incorrectly, provided they +are inviolable in the sense of ensuring that you take the consequences +if you do? The laws of projection in geometry are inviolable, but +nobody ever thought it a paradox that it is possible for a picture to +be <i>out of drawing</i> in spite of them, nor is it a paradox that in +unfamiliar classes of cases a rigorously accurate piece of perspective +<i>looks</i> out of drawing. Perhaps you meant, for I suppose the +report in <i>Nature</i> is incomplete, that it was a difficulty to +say in what sense mathematical propositions could be said to be +<i>certain</i>, considering that one may make mistakes about them. +Perhaps something else, which for the above reason or others, is hidden +from me.</p> + +<p>... By the way, I hope it is true that you are to profess experimental +physics at Cambridge, or what I hope comes to the same thing, that you +are a candidate.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To C. J. Monro, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, Dalbeattie, 15th March 1871.</i></p> + +<p>I have been so busy writing a sermon on Colour, and Tyndalising my +imagination up to the lecture point, that along with other business I +have had no leisure to write to any one.</p> + +<p>I think a good deal may be learned from the names of colours, not about +colours, of course, but about names; and I think it is remarkable that +the rhematic instinct has been so much more active, at least in modern +times, on the less refrangible side of primary green (\(\lambda=510 +\times 10^{-9} \text{inches})\).</p> + +<p>I am not up in ancient colours, but my recollection of the +interpretations of the lexicographers is of considerable confusion +of hues between red and yellow, and rather more discrimination on +the blue side. Qu. If this is true, has the red sensation become +better developed since those days? Benson has a new book, Chapman & +Hall, 1871, called <i>Manual of Colour</i>.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_380">[Pg 380]</span> I think it is a great +improvement on the Quarto, both in size and quality. It is the size of +this paper I write on.</p> + +<p>I have not asked you if you wish to go to sermon on Colour, for I do +not think the P. I.<a id="FNanchor_228" href="#Footnote_228" class="fnanchor">[228]</a> a good place to go to of nights, even for +strong men. I have, however, some tickets to spare.</p> + +<p>The peculiarity of our space is that of its three dimensions none is +before or after another. As is \(x\), so is \(y\) and so is \(z\).</p> + +<p>If you have 4 dimensions this becomes a puzzle, for—first, if three of +them are in our space, then which three? Also, if we lived in space of +\(m\) dimensions, but were only capable of thinking \(n\) of them, then +1st, Which \(n\)? 2d, If so, things would happen requiring the rest to +explain them, and so we should either be stultified or made wiser.</p> + +<p>I am quite sure that the kind of continuity which has four dimensions +all co-equal is not to be discovered by merely generalising Cartesian +space equations. (I don’t mean by Cartesian space that which Spinoza +worked from Extension the one essential property of matter, and Quiet +the best glue to stick bodies together). I think it was Jacob Steiner +who considered the final cause of space to be the suggestion of new +forms of continuity.</p> + +<p>I hope you will continue to trail clouds of glory after you, and +tropical air, and be as it were a climate to yourself. I am glad to see +you occasionally in <i>Nature</i>. I shall be in London for a few days +next week,—address Athenæum Club.</p> + +<p>I think Strutt on sky-blue is very good. It settles Clausius’s +vesicular theory,</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“for, putting all his words together.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">’tis 3 blue beans in 1 blue bladder.”—<i>Mat. Prior.</i></div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>The Exp. Phys. at Cambridge is not built yet, but we are going to try.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_381">[Pg 381]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>The desideratum is to set a Don and a Freshman to observe and register +(say) the vibrations of a magnet together, or the Don to turn a winch, +and the Freshman to observe and govern him.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">From Professor Tyndall.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Monday.</i></p> + +<p><span class="allsmcap">My dear Maxwell</span>—Why ... did you run away so rapidly. I wished +to shake your hand before parting.—Yours ever,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="allsmcap">John Tyndall.</span></p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Mrs. Maxwell.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>20th March 1871.</i></p> + +<p>There are two parties about the professorship. One wants popular +lectures, and the other cares more for experimental work. I think there +should be a gradation—popular lectures and rough experiments for the +masses; real experiments for real students; and laborious experiments +for first-rate men like Trotter and Stuart and Strutt.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">From C. J. Monro, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Hadley, 21st March 1871.</i></p> + +<p>... I never observed before that ancient colour-nomenclature was more +discriminate than ours for the more “violently” refracted tints as +compared with the less; but I think there must be something in it. +But I have always suspected that they referred colour to a positively +distinct set of co-ordinates from ours. Gladstone says something of +this sort in <i>Homer</i>; who put it into his head I can’t think; +if he made it out for himself I should be very sorry to agree with +a man who does not believe in spectrum analysis, and does believe +that Leto is the Virgin Mary. Such queer applications of words of +colour one does find. You know the “pale” horse of the Apocalypse +(vi. 8); well, that is \(\chi \lambda \omega \rho o ́ s\) which +is usually “green,” you know. General Daumas says the Arabs call +“vert” what the French call “louvet” in horses; and <i>louvet</i>, +in Littré, “Se dit, chez le cheval, d’une robe caractérisé par la +présence de<span class="pagenum" id="Page_382">[Pg 382]</span> la nuance jaune et du noir, qui lui donne une certaine +ressemblance avec le poil du loup.... Substantivement,” he continues, +“Le louvet n’est, à proprement parler, qu’un isabelle charbonné.” The +Arabic for green, and (I have no doubt) the word Daumas speaks of, +is akhdár, kh as ch in Scotch, and the dot marking a modification +which, it happens, is imitated by interpolating an L in Spanish +and Portuguese; so \(\chi\lambda\omega\rho\mathrm{o}'\varsigma\) +may have been supposed to have something to do with the Semitic +word. However, according to dictionaries, “the three greens” in +Arabic are “gold, wine, and meat,” which beats the green horse. +I suppose the Revisionists will leave “pale,” and certainly +\(\chi\lambda\omega\rho\mathrm{ò}\nu\) δέος? is the Homeric for a blue +funk. But \(\chi\lambda\omega\rho\mathrm{o}'\varsigma\), and akhdár, +too, are certainly the colour of chlorophyll, and Daumas’s remark is a +note on a line in a translation from a poet, which runs “Ces chevaux +verts comme le roseau qui croit au bord des fleuves.”</p> + +<p>I am glad you are going to preach, and I should like to sit under you, +but as you assume, it would not do. Thanks all the same.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Mrs. Maxwell.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Athenæum, 22d March 1871.</i></p> + +<p>I also got a first-rate letter from Monro about colour, and the Arab +words for it (I suppose he studied them in Algeria). They call horses +of a smutty yellow colour “green.” The “pale” horse in Revelation is +generally transcribed green elsewhere, the word being applied to grass, +etc. But the three green things in the Arabic dictionary are “gold, +wine, and meat,” which is a very hard saying.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">From C. J. Monro, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Hadley, Barnet, 10th September 1871.</i></p> + +<p>... Of your own things, the <i>Classification of Quantities</i> and +the <i>Hills and Dales</i>, are all I have read to much purpose. Nor +them either, you may say, if I go on to ask why you say that “in the +pure theory of surfaces there is no method of determining a line of +water-shed or water-course, except<span class="pagenum" id="Page_383">[Pg 383]</span> as therein is excepted, that is in +page 6? Why does not this determine them? to wit— +\[ +\left(\frac{d z}{d x}\right)^{2}+\left(\frac{d z}{d y}\right)^{2} \text {maximum,}\, \&\left\{\begin{array}{l} +z \max \text {for a shed.} \\ +z \operatorname{min.} \text {for a course.} +\end{array}\right. +\] +Or if this does determine them, how does it resolve itself into “first +finding,” etc.?</p> + +<p>I am glad you like Strutt on sky-blue. You see he sees his way now to +a new theory of double refraction. Looking at your old letter again, +I don’t quite see the force of either of your objections to space of +more than three dimensions. First, you ask if we can think some of the +dimensions and not others, then which? Surely one might answer, that +depends—depends namely on your circumstances—on circumstances which +in your circumstances you cannot expect to judge of.</p> + +<p>“I can easily believe,” as Darwin would say, that before we were tidal +ascidians we were a slimy sheet of cells floating on the surface of +the sea. Well, in those days, the missing dimension, and the two +forthcoming ones respectively, kept changing with the rotation of the +earth,—we now know how, but could not guess then. So, now, the missing +dimension or dimensions, if any, might be determined by circumstances +which we could not tell unless we knew all about the said dimension or +dimensions.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Professor Lewis Campbell.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, Dalbeattie, 19th October 1872.</i></p> + +<p>... Lectures begin 24th. Laboratory rising, I hear, but I have no +place to erect my chair, but move about like the cuckoo, depositing +my notions in the chemical lecture-room 1st term; in the Botanical in +Lent, and in Comparative Anatomy in Easter.</p> + +<p>I am continually engaged in stirring up the Clarendon Press, but they +have been tolerably regular for two months. I find nine sheets in +thirteen weeks is their average. Tait gives me great help in detecting +absurdities. I am getting converted to Quaternions, and have put some +in my book, in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_384">[Pg 384]</span> a heretical form, however, for as the Greek alphabet +was used up, I have used German capitals from \(\mathfrak{A}\) to +\(\mathfrak{J}\) to stand for Vectors, and, of course, \(\nabla\) +occurs continually. This letter is called “Nabla,”<a id="FNanchor_229" href="#Footnote_229" class="fnanchor">[229]</a> and the +investigation a Nablody. You will be glad to hear that the theory +of gases is being experimented on by Profs. Loschmidt and Stefan of +Vienna, and that the conductivity of air and hydrogen are within 2 per +cent of the value calculated from my experiments on friction of gases, +though the diffusion of one gas into another is “<i>in erglanzender +ubereinstimmung mit</i> \(\dfrac{d p}{d t}\) <i>schen Theorie</i>.”</p> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Professor W. G. Adams.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Natural Science Tripos,<br> +3d December 1873.</i></p> + +<p>I got Professor Guthrie’s circular some time ago. I do not approve +of the plan of a physical society considered as an instrument for +the improvement of natural knowledge. If it is to publish papers on +physical subjects which would not find their place in the transactions +of existing societies, or in scientific journals, I think the progress +towards dissolution will be very rapid. But if there is sufficient +liveliness and leisure among persons interested in experiments to +maintain a series of stated meetings to show experiments, and talk +about them as some of the Ray Club do here, then I wish them all joy; +only the manners and customs of London, and the distances at which +people live from any convenient centre, are very much against the +vitality of such sociability.</p> + +<p>To make the meeting a dinner supplies that solid ground to which the +formers of societies must trust if they would build for aye. A dinner +has the advantage over mere scientific communications, that it can +always be had when certain conditions are satisfied, and that no one +can doubt its existence. On the other hand, it completely excludes any +scientific matter which cannot be expressed in the form of conversation +with your two chance neighbours, or else by<span class="pagenum" id="Page_385">[Pg 385]</span> a formal speech on your +legs; and during its whole continuance it reduces the Society to the +form of a closed curve, the elements of which are incapable of changing +their relative position.</p> + +<p>For the evolution of science by societies the main requisite is the +perfect freedom of communication between each member and any one of the +others who may act as a reagent.</p> + +<p>The gaseous condition is exemplified in the soiree, where the members +rush about confusedly, and the only communication is during a +collision, which in some instances may be prolonged by button-holing.</p> + +<p>The opposite condition, the crystalline, is shown in the lecture, where +the members sit in rows, while science flows in an uninterrupted stream +from a source which we take as the origin. This is radiation of science.</p> + +<p>Conduction takes place along the series of members seated round a +dinner table, and fixed there for several hours, with flowers in the +middle to prevent any cross currents.</p> + +<p>The condition most favourable to life is an intermediate plastic or +colloidal condition, where the order of business is (1) Greetings and +confused talk; (2) A short communication from one who has something +to say and to show; (3) Remarks on the communication addressed to +the Chair, introducing matters irrelevant to the communication but +interesting to the members; (4) This lets each member see who is +interested in his special hobby, and who is likely to help him; and’ +leads to (5) Confused conversation and examination of objects on the +table.</p> + +<p>I have not indicated how this programme is to be combined with eating. +It is more easily carried out in a small town than in London, and more +easily in Faraday’s young days (see his life by B. Jones) than now. It +might answer in some London district where there happen to be several +clubbable senior men who could attract the juniors from a distance.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Professor Lewis Campbell.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, Dalbeattie, 3d April 1873.</i></p> + +<p>The roof of the Devonshire Laboratory is being put on,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_386">[Pg 386]</span> and we hope to +have some floors in by May, and the contractors cleared out by October. +We are busy electing School Boards here. The religious difficulty is +unknown here. The chief party is that which insists on keeping down +the rates; no other platform will do. All candidates must show the +retrenchment ticket.</p> + +<p>The Cambridge Philosophical Society have been entertained by Mr. Paley +on Solar Myths, Odusseus as the Setting Sun, etc. Your Trachiniæ is +rather in that style, but I think Middlemarch is not a mere unconscious +myth, as the Odyssey was to its author, but an elaborately conscious +one, in which all the characters are intended to be astronomical or +meteorological.</p> + +<p>Rosamond is evidently the Dawn. By her fascinations she draws up into +her embrace the rising sun, represented as the Healer from one point +of view, and the Opener of Mysteries from another; his name, Lyd Gate, +being compounded of two nouns, both of which signify something which +opens, as the eye-lids of the morn, and the gates of day. But as the +sun-god ascends, the same clouds which emblazoned his rising, absorb +all his beams, and put a stop to the early promise of enlightenment, +so that he, the ascending sun, disappears from the heavens. But the +Rosa Munda of the dawn (see Vision of Sin) reappears as the Rosa Mundi +in the evening, along with her daughters \(\unicode{x2640}\) and +\(\unicode{x263f}\), in the chariot of the setting sun, who is also a +healer, but not an enlightener.</p> + +<p>Dorothea, on the other hand, the goddess of gifts, represents the other +half of the revolution. She is at first attracted by and united to the +fading glories of the days that are no more, but after passing, as the +title of the last book expressly tells us, “from sunset to sunrise,” we +find her in union with the pioneer of the coming age, the editor.</p> + +<p>Her sister Celia, the Hollow One, represents the vault of the midnight +sky, and the nothingness of things.</p> + +<p>There is no need to refer to Nicolas Bulstrode, who evidently +represents the Mithraic mystery, or to the kindly family of Garth, +representing the work of nature under the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_387">[Pg 387]</span> rays of the sun, or to the +various clergymen and doctors, who are all planets. The whole thing is, +and is intended to be, a solar myth from beginning to end.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Mrs. Maxwell.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>December 1873.</i></p> + +<p>I am always with you in spirit, but there is One who is nearer to you +and to me than we ever can be to each other, and it is only through +Him and in Him that we can ever really get to know each other. Let us +try to realise the great mystery in Ephesians <span class="allsmcap">V.</span>, and then we +shall be in our right position with respect to the world outside, the +men and women whom Christ came to save from their sins.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Professor Lewis Campbell.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>11 Scroope Terrace,<br> +Cambridge, 26th February 1874.</i></p> + +<p>Jackson has sent me a MS. of yours about the mechanism of the +heavens.<a id="FNanchor_230" href="#Footnote_230" class="fnanchor">[230]</a> After the interpretation of είλλομένην, about which +Greek appears to meet Greek as to whether it expresses motion or only +configuration, the main point seems to be, What is the motion and +function of τὸν διὰ παντὸς πόλον?</p> + +<p>(\(\alpha\)) Is it in one piece with the sphere of the stars? or +(\(\beta\)) with that of the sun or (\(\gamma\)) is it fixed in the +earth?</p> + +<p>It is evidently a good stout axle, not a mere geometrical line, and it +has some stiff work to do.</p> + +<p>What is this work?</p> + +<p>If the earth is fixed, and the great shafts has its bearings in a hole +in the earth, then she (the earth) may, in virtue of her dignity and +office, cause the axle to revolve, carrying with it the stars according +to \(\alpha\), or the sun according to \(\beta\). Thus the earth may +be the cause of the motion of the Same without moving herself, as a +spinster is the cause of the whirling of the spindle, though she does +not herself pirouette.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_388">[Pg 388]</span></p><div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Or we may suppose the earth to act as one who twirls an expanded +umbrella over his head about its stick as an axis, the holes in the +same representing the stars. The objection to this view (which seems to +me to be Jowett’s) is that in stating the relation between the earth +and the axis, the earth is said to be related to the axis (packed or +whirling as the case may be), and not the axis to the earth. Now, I +suppose that without all contradiction the less is related to the +better. Here the earth is like a ball of clay packed round a graft on +the branch of a tree, rather than like a field in which, by means of a +rotatory boring tool, men bore for water.</p> + +<p>But the business of the earth is not so much to keep the stars in +motion as to effect the changes of night and day. This she may do +either by rotating herself from W. to E., or by controlling the motion +of the sun, by the help of the great shaft.</p> + +<p>Now, if you always observe at the same time of night (a common +practice), you find the eastern stars higher every day, and the western +lower. All have the <i>same</i> motion, which carries them round from +E. to W. in a <i>year</i>.</p> + +<p>Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, in spite of their wanderings go on the whole +in the same direction, but slower. Venus and Mercury oscillate about +the sun, and the moon goes the opposite way—from W. to E.</p> + +<p>That this way of viewing the matter was really prevalent at one time +is plain, from the expression the rising of such a star to denote not +a time of night but a time of year. It means either (1) the day when +the star rises, just before it is lost in the brightness of the sun +who follows it, or (2) the day when the star is rising, when it just +becomes visible after sunset.</p> + +<p>Virgil, who speaks of stars rising, evidently had no practical +knowledge of what he meant. Plato, if he sometimes gets hazy, is far +clearer than Virgil. Grote would place him far below Mr. Jellinger +Symons, who denied the rotation of the moon, because Grote makes +Plato say that both the heavens and the earth rotate both in the same +direction, and with the same angular velocity.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_389">[Pg 389]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>I think I understand you to make Plato make the earth sit still and +preside over the heavenly motions, and so become the artificer of day +and night, like a policeman who swings his bull’s-eye round to his +back. But his words are capable of being used by the movers of the +earth, as Milton says,</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">If earth, <i>industrious of herself, fetch day</i></div> + <div class="verse indent0">Travelling east.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>I hope you will let me know whether I have not misunderstood both you, +Plato, and the Truth. I have never thanked you for your Œdipus, etc., +which I have enjoyed. But at present I am all day at the Laboratory, +which is emerging from chaos, but is not yet cleared of gas-men, who +are the laziest and most permanent of all the gods who have been +hatched under heaven.<a id="FNanchor_231" href="#Footnote_231" class="fnanchor">[231]</a></p> + +<p>Mrs. Maxwell joins me in kind regards to Mrs. Campbell and +yourself.—Your afft. friend.</p> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To W. Garnett, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 8th July 1874.</i></p> + +<p>... In the MS. he [Cavendish] appears to be familiar with the theory of +divided currents, and also of conductors in series, but some reference +to his printed paper [on the Torpedo] is required to throw light on +what he says. He made a most extensive series of experiments on the +conductivity of saline solutions in tubes compared with wires of +different metals, and it seems as if more marks were wanted for him if +he cut out G. S. Ohm long before constant currents were invented. His +measurements of capacity will give us some work at the Cavendish Lab., +before we work up to the point where he left it. His only defect is +not having Thomson’s electrometer. He found out inductive capacity of +glass, resin, wax, etc.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_390">[Pg 390]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Professor Lewis Campbell.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, Dalbeattie, 26th September 1874.</i></p> + +<div class="sidenote"><i>Æt.</i> 43.</div> + +<p>Yours of the 29th instant is to hand. Whether your devotion to Michael +Angelo has urged you to anticipate his day, or whether Time gallops +with those who sit to view Necessity, with her weary pund o’ tow massed +round her rock, being all the remains of the stane o’ lint with which +she was originally endowed, those who may be set to construe this +sentence will be apt to lose much time.</p> + +<p>With regard to atoms, I am preparing a hash of them for Baynes of the +<i>Britannica</i>. The easiest way of showing what atoms can’t do is +to get some sort of notion of what they can do. If atoms are finite +in number, each of them being of a certain weight, then it becomes +impossible that the germ from which a man is developed should contain +(actually, of course, not potentially, for potentiality is nonsense +in materialism unless it is expressed as configuration and motion) +gemmules of everything which the man is to inherit, and by which he +is differentiated from other animals and men,—his father’s temper, +his mother’s memory, his grand-father’s way of blowing his nose, his +arboreal ancestor’s arrangement of hair on his arms, and his more +remote littoral ancestor’s devotion to the tide-swaying moon. Francis +Galton, whose mission it seems to be to ride other men’s hobbies to +death, has invented the felicitous expression “structureless germs.” +Now, if a germ, or anything else, contains in itself a power of +development into some distinct thing, and if this power is purely +physical, arising from the configuration and motion of parts of the +germ, it is nonsense to call it structureless because the microscope +does not show the structure; the germ of a rat <i>must</i> contain +more separable parts and organs than there are drops in the sea. But +if we are sure that there are not more than a few million molecules +in it, each molecule being composed of component molecules, identical +with those of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, etc., there is no +room left for the sort of structure which is required for pangenesis +on purely physical principles. Again, suppose that a great many +individual atoms take part in a disturbance<span class="pagenum" id="Page_391">[Pg 391]</span> in my brain, to whom does +this signify anything? As for the atoms, they have been in far worse +rows before they became naturalised in my brain, but they forget the +days before, etc.<a id="FNanchor_232" href="#Footnote_232" class="fnanchor">[232]</a> At any rate the atoms are a very tough lot, and +can stand a great deal of knocking about, and it is strange to find a +number of them combining to form a man of feeling.</p> + +<p>In your letter you apply the word imponderable to a molecule. Don’t +do that again. It may also be worth knowing that the æther cannot be +molecular. If it were, it would be a gas, and a pint of it would have +the same properties as regards heat, etc., as a pint of air, except +that it would not be so heavy.</p> + +<p>Under what form (right or light) can an atom be imagined? Bezonian! +speak or die! Now I must go to post with two dogs in the rain.—Your +afft. friend.</p> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Same.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>11 Scroope Terrace,<br> +Cambridge, 4th March 1876.</i></p> + +<div class="sidenote2"><i>Æt.</i> 44.</div> + +<p>Aias arrived here about a week ago. I read him with pleasure. He +recalled the year 1851, when I got him up. The outline of the play +seems very bare and unpromising compared with some others, but this +is relieved by other features which are not in the “argument,” as +<i>e.g.</i> the loyalty of the chorus and of Tecmessa to Aias under +all circumstances (for the chorus in general veers about, and backs +occasionally, according as the wind blows or the cat jumps).</p> + +<p>This contrasts favourably with the character of Athena, who is but so, +only not so comic as the Atreidæ.</p> + +<p>But why do Ulysses and Aias not name each other in the same language? I +suppose the last syllable of Odysseus, pronounced Anglicé, is somewhat +unpleasant in verse, and Ajax, though familiarised by Pope, has lost +the interjectional sound of your hero’s name.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_392">[Pg 392]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Two Aberdonians, Chrystal and Mollison, are working at the Cavendish +Laboratory. I think Chrystal’s work is of a kind not comparable +with that done in “a third-class German university,” which was the +charitable hope of <i>Nature</i> as to what we might aspire to in ten +years' time. He has worked steadily at the testing of Ohm's Law since +October, and Ohm has come out triumphant, though in some experiments +the wire was kept bright red-hot by the current.—Your afft. friend.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">From the Right Rev. C. J. Ellicott, D.D., Lord Bishop of Gloucester +and Bristol.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Palace, Gloucester, 21st Nov. 1876.</i></p> + +<p><span class="allsmcap">My dear Sir</span>—Will you kindly pardon a great liberty? I have +quoted in a forthcoming charge a remarkable expression of yours that +atoms are “manufactured articles.” Could you in your kindness give me +the proper title and reference to the paper and the page? I am now, +alas, far from libraries, and have, in matters scientific especially, +to ask the aid of others. Will you excuse me asking this further +question?</p> + +<p>Are you, as a scientific man, able to accept the statement that is +often made on the theological side, viz. that the creation of the sun +posterior to fight involves no serious difficulty,—the creation of +light being the establishment of the primal vibrations, generally; +the creation of the sun, the primal formation of an origin, whence +vibrations would be propagated earthward?</p> + +<p>My own mind,—far from a scientific one,—is not clear on this point. +I surmise, then, that the scientific mind might not only not be clear +as to the explanation, but equitably bound to say that it was no +explanation at all. Excuse the trouble I am giving you, for the truth’s +sake, and believe me, very faithfully yours,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="allsmcap">C. J. Gloucester and Bristol.</span></p> +</div> + +<p>Maxwell replied as follows by return of post:—</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_393">[Pg 393]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="right"><i>11 Scroope Terrace, Cambridge,<br> +Nov. 1876.</i></p> + +<p><span class="allsmcap">My Lord Bishop</span>—The comparison of atoms or of molecules to +“manufactured articles,” was originally made by Sir J. F. D. Herschel +in his “Preliminary Discourse on the Study of Natural Philosophy,” Art. +28, p. 38 (ed. 1851, Longmans).</p> + +<p>I send you by book post several papers in which I have directed +attention to certain kinds of equality among all molecules of the same +substance, and to the bearing of this fact on speculations as to their +origin.</p> + +<p>The comparison to “manufactured articles” was criticised (I think in a +letter to <i>Nature</i>) by Mr. C. J. Monro [<i>Nature</i>, <span class="allsmcap">X</span>. +481, 15th October 1874], and the latter part of the <i>Encyc. +Brit.</i>, Article “Atom,” is intended to meet this criticism, which +points out that in some cases the uniformity among manufactured +articles is evidence of want of power in the manufacturer to adapt each +article to its special use.</p> + +<p>What I thought of was not so much that uniformity of result which is +due to uniformity in the process of formation, as a uniformity intended +and accomplished by the same wisdom and power of which uniformity, +accuracy, symmetry, consistency, and continuity of plan are as +important attributes as the contrivance of the special utility of each +individual thing.</p> + +<p>With respect to your second question, there is a statement printed in +most commentaries that the fact of light being created before the sun +is in striking agreement with the last results of science (I quote from +memory).</p> + +<p>I have often wished to ascertain the date of the original appearance +of this statement, as this would be the only way of finding what “last +result of science” it referred to. It is certainly older than the time +when any notions of the undulatory theory became prevalent among men of +science or commentators.</p> + +<p>If it were necessary to provide an interpretation of the text in +accordance with the science of 1876 (which may not agree with that of +1896), it would be very tempting to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_394">[Pg 394]</span> say that the light of the first +day means the all-embracing æther, the vehicle of radiation, and not +actual light, whether from the sun or from any other source. But I +cannot suppose that this was the very idea meant to be conveyed by the +original author of the book to those for whom he was writing. He tells +us of a previous darkness. Both light and darkness imply a being who +can see if there is light, but not if it is dark, and the words are +always understood so. That light and darkness are terms relative to the +creature only is recognised in Ps. <span class="allsmcap">CXXXIX.</span> 12.</p> + +<p>As a mere matter of conjectural cosmogony, however, we naturally +suppose those things most primeval which we find least subject to +change.</p> + +<p>Now the æther or material substance which fills all the interspace +between world and world, without a gap or flaw of \(\dfrac{1}{100000}\) +anywhere, and which probably penetrates through all grosser matters, +is the largest, most uniform and apparently most permanent object we +know, and we are therefore inclined to suppose that it existed before +the formation of the systems of gross matter which now exist within it, +just as we suppose the sea older than the individual fishes in it.</p> + +<p>But I should be very sorry if an interpretation founded on almost +conjectural scientific hypothesis were to get fastened to the text in +Genesis, even if by so doing it got rid of the old statement of the +commentators which has long ceased to be intelligible. The rate of +change of scientific hypothesis is naturally much more rapid than that +of Biblical interpretations, so that if an interpretation is founded +on such an hypothesis, it may help to keep the hypothesis above ground +long after it ought to be buried and forgotten.</p> + +<p>At the same time I think that each individual man should do all he can +to impress his own mind with the extent, the order, and the unity of +the universe, and should carry these ideas with him as he reads such +passages as the 1st Chap, of the Ep. to Colossians (see Lightfoot on +Colossians, p. 182), just as enlarged conceptions of the extent<span class="pagenum" id="Page_395">[Pg 395]</span> and +unity of the world of life may be of service to us in reading Psalm +viii.; Heb. <span class="allsmcap">II.</span> 6, etc. Believe me, yours faithfully,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="allsmcap">J. Clerk Maxwell.</span></p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">From the Bishop of Gloucester and Bristol.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Palace, Gloucester,<br> +24th Nov. 1876.</i></p> + +<p><span class="allsmcap">Dear Professor Clerk Maxwell</span>—Allow me not to lose a post +in thanking you most warmly for your most kind letter and for the +packet of pamphlets,—for which I hardly know how enough to express +my gratitude. They are exactly what I needed,—yet I fear I may be +taking from your stock more than I ought to take. I have already read +a good deal of the <i>Encyc. Brit.</i> article on atoms; so pray, if +you are short of copies, don’t hesitate to drop me a line. The paper +on attraction was also most welcome. I am ashamed to own (for bishops +should not enter into these pleasures) that I have of late been +speculating a good deal on the physical explanation of gravitation. I +seem to feel it must be in the Ether,—and yet how, I see not. In the +case of a body near the earth, I can conceive a vast amount of elastic +ether behind it, and possibly urging it on, while a small quantity is +under it, being excluded by the earth.</p> + +<p>I seem also to see how this might be applied to the case of the heavy +bodies that fell nearer to the steep side of Schehallion than they +ought to have done by calculation; but then, when I attempt to go +farther, I find the theory break down.</p> + +<p>It seems to me that we want for several things, <i>e.g.</i> light, the +conception of an ether-beach all round the visible universe from which +waves might be reflexively started, and at which the particles might be +more closely packed; but then again I see not what it is that keeps up +the beach.</p> + +<p>But I am really ashamed of troubling you, a scientific man, with +such wanderings. It will only show that your kindness is thoroughly +appreciated.</p> + +<p>I cordially agree with you as to the light question. Theologians are +a great deal too fond of using up the last<span class="pagenum" id="Page_396">[Pg 396]</span> scientific hypothesis +they can get hold of. The Christian Knowledge Society are publishing +my charge. When it is published I shall ask you to do me the favour +to accept a copy. You will then see that the best note in the little +volume is due to your kindness and aid. I remain, with all good wishes, +and sincere thanks, very faithfully yours,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="allsmcap">C. J. Gloucester and Bristol.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>P.S.</i>)—If you are in London in the spring and near the +Athenæum, do me the kindness of looking in on me, as I shall be +very glad to make your personal acquaintance. I am commonly in town +regularly after Easter.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Professor Lewis Campbell.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, Dalbeattie, Christmas 1876.</i></p> + +<div class="sidenote"><i>Æt.</i> 45.</div> + +<p>... I hope that when this severe weather is past you will be able to +derive benefit from a moderate use of Plato and Sophocles.</p> + +<p>We intended to have gone round by Edinburgh, to pay Aunt Jane a visit; +but we both had such bad colds that we came home to nurse them, and are +now snowed up, and enjoying the artificial heat of coals, peats, and +sticks judiciously intermingled.</p> + +<p>The demonstrator at the Cavendish Laboratory has been out of sorts all +this term, and has had to go home about a month ago, so we have not +been in full force there. I hope he will be well in February, to absorb +the energy of the new B.A.’s set free from the Tripos and its attendant +anxieties.</p> + +<p>As we get richer in apparatus, mathematical lectures give way to +experimental, and the black board to the lamp and scale. I have had a +pupil quite innocent of mathematics who has learned to measure focal +lengths of lenses, and has found the electro-motive force from the +water-pipes to the gas-pipes, and from either set of pipes to the +lightning-conductor.</p> + +<p>I have been making a mechanical model of an induction coil, in which +the primary and secondary currents are represented by the motion of +wheels, and in which I can symbolise<span class="pagenum" id="Page_397">[Pg 397]</span> all the effects of putting in +more or less of the iron core, or more or less resistance and Leyden +jars in either circuit.</p> + +<p>I have also been making a clay model of Prof. W. Gibb’s thermodynamic +surface, representing the relations of the solid liquid and gaseous +states, and the different paths by which a body may get from the one to +the other.—Your afft. friend,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="allsmcap">J. Clerk Maxwell.</span></p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To W. Garnett</span>, Esq.<a id="FNanchor_233" href="#Footnote_233" class="fnanchor">[233]</a></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 4th January 1877.</i></p> + +<p>By all means take the Groves and coils for your lecture. Are you aware +that the electric flash is entirely due to the resinous particles of +electricity? This is well known on the stage, where they blow the +particles through a tube over a candle to make stage lightning. The +vitreous electricity has nothing to do with it, as you may prove by +using pounded glass.</p> +</div> + + +<p>In a letter to Mr. Garnett, dated Glenlair, 9th July 1877, Professor +Maxwell gave the following suggestions respecting a projected article +on Dynamics, and the letter, like those which follow it, is a good +illustration of the help he was constantly rendering to his students +and others who asked his advice:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>I think it a pity that the old historical word Dynamics should, for +mere considerations of time, be split up into Kinematics, Kinetics, and +Statics. With respect to the divisions of the subject, I think they +fall thus:—</p> + +<p>1. Early attempts at founding the science, ancient Kinematics +(mechanical description of curves, etc.) generally correct.</p> + +<p>Ancient Statics.—Archimedes.</p> + +<p class="hanging2"> +Modern Dynamics.—Galileo, first founder. Descartes, good up to +Kinematics and Statics, failed in Kinetics.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_398">[Pg 398]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p><i>Promoters</i>—</p> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">Wren, Wallis, Huygens, Hooke.</span></p> + +<p>Laws of collision established, and motion in a circle.</p> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">Newton.</span></p> + +<p>Three laws of motion. Form suggested by the laws of Descartes. Meaning +established by Newton’s own copious and complete examples of using them.</p> + +<p>Second statement of Newton’s third Law.</p> + +<p>My notions on the three laws are in “Matter and Motion.”</p> +</div> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">Newtonians.</span></p> + +<table class="autotable"> +<tbody><tr> +<td class="tdl"><i>Cambridge School.</i></td> +<td class="tdl"> <i>Popularisers.</i></td> +<td class="tdl"> <i>Scotch School.</i></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl">Roger Cotes.</td> +<td class="tdl">D. Gregory.</td> +<td class="tdl">Colin Maclaurin.<a id="FNanchor_234" href="#Footnote_234" class="fnanchor">[234]</a></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl">Robert Smith, etc.</td> +<td class="tdl">Desaguliers.</td> +<td class="tdl">James Gregory.</td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl">Attwood.</td> +<td class="tdl">Mme. du Chatelet</td> +<td class="tdl">J. Playfair.</td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl">Whewell.</td> +<td class="tdl">and Voltaire.</td> +<td class="tdl">Ivory.</td> +</tr> + </tbody> +</table> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Leibniz and the Vis Viva Controversy.</p> + +<p>Methods of dealing with connected systems.</p> + +<p>Example of correct methods by Newton and others before D’Alembert.</p> + +<p>D’Alembert’s enunciation.—Its historical importance.</p> + +<p>Euler. The Bernoullis, etc. Laplace, the flower of this stage of +development.</p> + +<p>Lagrange and Virtual Velocity.</p> + +<p>This is the germ of the method of energy which was fully developed +in mathematical form in the <i>Mecanique Analytique</i>, but very +little appreciated outside the inner circle of mathematicians till the +physical theory of energy became generally known.</p> + +<p>Mathematical development of higher dynamics. (See Cayley’s <i>Brit. +Ass. Report</i>, 1857 and 1862? specially Hamilton and Jacobi.)</p> + +<p>Effect of T and T' since 1867.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_399">[Pg 399]</span> Kirchoffs notions in beginning of +Vorlesungen (not equal to Lagrange, but worth noticing).</p> + +<p>I also think that Clausius’ equation and definition of “Virial” is +important.</p> + +<p>The dynamics of other varieties of space than our own requires very +brief notice indeed.—Yours truly,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="allsmcap">J. Clerk Maxwell.</span></p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To W. Garnett, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, Dalbeattie, 24th July 1877.</i></p> + +<p>... There is a great slur over the word mechanics since a few poets and +biologists have misused it. Pratt thought it a fine word.</p> + +<p>The result of motion without reference to time I call Displacement. +Kinematics must involve the idea of time if it treats of continuous +displacements, velocities, and accelerations, though it does not +contain within itself materials for comparing different intervals of +time. For this we must go to the science which deals with matter; call +it Kinetics, Dynamics, or Mechanics.</p> + +<p>But I consider that Statics also deserves a place on the same level as +Kinematics, as it deals with the equivalence of different systems of +forces. But I do not agree with Whewell that Statics is more elementary +than Kinematics....</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Same.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 11th August 1877.</i></p> + +<p>Your experiments on electrified paraffin oil are excellent, and may +lead to increase of knowledge.</p> + +<p>If the fluid dielectric and also the air are perfect insulators, +nothing can get electrified, but the equation at the surface, instead +of being \(\mathrm{P}=\mathrm{P}_{0}\). will be +\[ +\mathrm{P}+\left.\frac{1}{8 n}\left(\mathrm{K}^{2}-1\right) \frac{\overline{d \mathrm{V}}}{d \nu}\right|^{2}=\mathrm{P}_{0} +\] +(excluding capillary action) where \(\dfrac{d V}{d \nu}\) is the +resultant<span class="pagenum" id="Page_400">[Pg 400]</span> electric force normal to the surface and just outside it. +This causes the surface to rise wherever the normal force is great, or +close to the electrodes.</p> + +<hr class="r5"> + +<p>The science of displacements is in Euc. I. 4, etc., and wherever +one figure is placed upon another. It belongs to the method of +contemplating the relations of two figures which may be supposed to +co-exist, though we may also suppose that they are copies of the same +figure in different positions.</p> + +<p>But just as we assume that distance is a continuous quantity capable +of measurement, though all our attempts at measurement are made +with instruments made of non-rigid and discontinuous matter, so we +may assume that time is a continuously flowing quantity capable of +measurement, though we have not yet found out any accurate method of +comparing distant intervals of time.</p> + +<p>Now Kinematics requires no more than this notion of time, as the +common independent variable \(t\). If we suppose that \(\tau\) is that +(unknown) which flows uniformly, then for kinematical purposes it is +enough that \(t\) is a function of \(t\); but when we come to Kinetics +proper we must have \(\dfrac{d^{2} t}{d \tau^{2}}\) very small.</p> + +<p>Have you read Julius in <i>Nature</i>, about the beginning of June? +[14th June].</p> + +<p>The most constant things we know are the properties of bodies. For +instance, water in equilibrium with ice and vapour gives us a good deal.</p> + +<p>I. A unit of density (not the orthodox one) \(\dfrac{M}{L^{3}}=D\).</p> + +<p>II. A unit of pressure (too small for practical use) +\(\dfrac{\mathrm{M}}{\mathrm{LT}^{2}}=\mathrm{P}\).</p> + +<p>III. A unit of time (namely, the time of revolution of a satellite just +grazing a sphere of water) =\(\mathrm{T}\).</p> + +<p>These three quantities being independent of each other +give \(\mathrm{M}\), \(\mathrm{L}\) and \(\mathrm{T}\).</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_401">[Pg 401]</span></p> + +<p>\(\dfrac{\mathrm{P}}{\mathrm{D}}\) gives a \((\text{velocity}^{2})\) +which could also be got from the \(\frac{\mathrm{P}}{\mathrm{D}}\) of +the vapour (a different one).</p> + +<p>Then this gives also a standard temperature; all that we want is to get +pure water.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Same.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 23d August 1877.</i></p> + +<p>I have been copying Cavendish on the resistance of electrolytes. If +there is any one who would try a few of them roughly in the U tube, +it might be interesting to compare with Cavendish’s results. For weak +solutions Kohlrausch may be referred to.</p> +</div> + +<p class="nindc"><i>Sea Salt (Chloride of Sodium.)</i></p> + +<table class="autotable"> +<tbody><tr> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdc"><i>Experiments in January 1781.</i></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdc">Watered to 1 of Salt.</td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdc">Resistance.</td> +<td class="tdc">Resistance \(\times\) quantity of Salt.</td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl">Saturated sol.</td> +<td class="tdc">\(3 \cdot 78\)</td> +<td class="tdc">\(\cdot 602\)</td> +<td class="tdc"></td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdc">12</td> +<td class="tdc">\(1 \cdot 91\)</td> +<td class="tdc">\(\cdot 602\)</td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdc">30</td> +<td class="tdc">\(3 \cdot 97\)</td> +<td class="tdc">\(\cdot 500\)</td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdc">70</td> +<td class="tdc">\(8 \cdot 8\)</td> +<td class="tdc">\(\cdot 475\)</td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdc">143</td> +<td class="tdc">\(15 \cdot 75\)</td> +<td class="tdc">\(\cdot 352\)</td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdc">1000</td> +<td class="tdc">\(93 \cdot 02\)</td> +<td class="tdc">\(\cdot 352\)</td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdc">20,000</td> +<td class="tdc">\(18 \cdot 23\)</td> +<td class="tdc">\(\cdot 345\)</td> +</tr> + </tbody> +</table> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Salt in 20,000 conducts about 7 times better than distilled water.</p> + +<p>Salt in 69 of water conducts 1·97 times better at \(105^{\circ} +\mathrm{F}.\) than at \(58 \frac{1}{2}^{\circ}.\).</p> + +<p>If Professor Liveing is in Cambridge, could you ask him to put me in +the way of finding the best book on chemistry for the year 1777, so as +to obtain the equivalents and the names of salts used by Cavendish?</p> + +<p>The numbers in the first columns are the quantities which were +equivalent to the “acid” in solution of 1 of salt in 29 of water.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_402">[Pg 402]</span> +\(3 \cdot 2\) Sal Sylvii (potassium chloride). \(2 \cdot 3\) Sal Amm. +(ammonium chloride). \(14 \cdot 10\) Calc. S.S.A. (?) \(2 \cdot 21\) +Calcined Glauber's Salt (sodium sulphate). \(3 \cdot 17\) Quadrangular +Nitre (sodium nitrate). \(5 \cdot 19\) Salt D. (?)</p> + +<p>The solutions were 3, 10, 12.</p> + +<p>I am going to try if this is Troy or Apothecaries’ weight.</p> + +<p>Saturated solution (1 in 3·78) of common salt has 437,000 the +resistance of iron wire. New distilled water has more resistance than +distilled water kept a year.</p> + +<p>All these results and many more were got by comparison of the strength +of shocks taken through Cavendish’s body. I think this series of +experiments is the most wonderful of them all, and well worth +verification.</p> + +<hr class="r5"> + +<p>Cavendish is the first verifier of Ohm’s Law, for he finds by +successive series of experiments that the resistance is as the +following power of the velocity, 1·08, 1·03, ·980, and concludes that +it is as the first power. All this by the physiological galvanometer.</p> + +<p>... Can you solve the equation +\[ +\frac{d z}{d x}\left(\frac{d^{2} z}{d y^{2}}-2 \frac{d^{2} z}{d x d y}\right)+\frac{d z}{d y}\left(\frac{d^{2} z}{d x^{2}}-2 \frac{d^{2} + z}{d x d y}\right)=0? +\]</p> + +<p>\(z=\dfrac{\mathrm{A}}{x y}\) is a solution. Find the general ditto.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Professor Lewis Campbell.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>11 Scroope Terrace,<br> +Cambridge, 5th January 1878.</i></p> + +<div class="sidenote"><i>Æt.</i> 46.</div> + +<p>It is more than a month that I have had your letter lying by me. +I am glad you like Chrystal. His departure is a great loss to the +laboratory, as it is difficult to find any one to take up heavy work. +W. D. Niven (brother of the competitor) is going in for a heavy +piece of work on conduction of heat in gases. I am no judge of Greek +plays,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_403">[Pg 403]</span> but I think that your success in choruses is fully equal to +that in dialogue, considering the greater difficulty, not only in +the interpretation, but in guessing the kind of effect, musical, +rhythmical, rhetorical, poetical, and pictorial, which was aimed at in +the delivery of the chorus.</p> + +<p>We have all been conversing on the telephone. Garnett recognised +the voice of a man who called by chance. But the phonograph will +preserve to posterity the voices of our best speakers and singers. See +<i>Nature</i> of Jan. 3d.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To W. Garnett, Esq.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, 20th September 1878.</i></p> + +<p>... Cavendish would speak of the pressure of a voltaic battery (only he +hadn’t one), but we require to be educated up to his mark.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To the Librarian of the Royal Society.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Glenlair, Dalbeattie, 23d June 1879.</i></p> + +<p><span class="allsmcap">Dear Sir</span>—Your information about FF.R.S. has been so useful to +me that I now ask about Dr. G. Knight, F.R.S., librarian to the British +Museum.</p> + +<p>(1.) Is his name Gowan, Gowen, Gowin, or Godwin, for I find all four +spellings current?</p> + +<p>(2.) Who is the author of the paper in <i>Phil. Trans.</i> for 1776 +(near the end of the vol.) describing his great magazines of magnets?</p> + +<p>(3.) Are the magazines [sketch shown] mounted like great guns still in +the possession of the R.S.?</p> + +<p>(4.) Is the portrait of Gowin Knight, by Benjamin Wilson, F.R.S., among +the pictures of the R.S.?</p> + +<p>I have got from the Meteorological Office some Cavendish MSS. on +Magnetism which prompt these enquiries and also this—</p> + +<p>When the R.S. was at Crane Court had it a garden adjoining? Also, where +was Crane Court?</p> + +<p>Henry Cavendish and his father Lord Charles worked together at +observations of the variation compass and dipping<span class="pagenum" id="Page_404">[Pg 404]</span> needle in the R.S. +room and garden. Are the variation compass and dipping needle still in +the R.S. collection?</p> + +<p>Cavendish wrote out directions for using the dipping needle for Captain +Pickersgill, Captain Bayley, Dalrymple.</p> + +<p>Dalrymple, I find from Poggendorff, was hydrographer to the H.E.I.C. +If Cavendish apportioned his instructions according to the capacity of +the recipients, then their capacities would be in descending order, +Dalrymple, Pickersgill, Bayley. Were any of these F.R.S.?</p> + +<p>Also, was John Walsh, F.R.S., also M.P.?</p> + +<p>Do not answer any of these questions which would involve trouble, but +I have not here any means of answering them except by the aid of those +who are among the records of the past. None of the questions are of +vital importance, because I can leave out any statements I have made +which are doubtful.—Yours very truly,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="allsmcap">J. Clerk Maxwell.</span></p> +</div> + +<p>Professor Maxwell was frequently invited to join the Victoria +Institute, and in March 1875 he received a letter from the secretary +conveying the special invitation of the President and Council to +join the Society, “among whose members are his Grace the Archbishop +of Canterbury, and other prelates and leading ministers, several +professors of Oxford and Cambridge and other universities, and many +literary and scientific men.” The following is all that has been found +of a rough draft of his reply:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p><span class="allsmcap">Sir</span>—I do not think it my duty to become a candidate for +admission into the Victoria Institute. Among the objects of the Society +are some of which I think very highly. I think men of science as well +as other men need to learn from Christ, and I think Christians whose +minds are scientific are bound to study science that their view of the +glory of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_405">[Pg 405]</span> God may be as extensive as their being is capable of. But I +think that the results which each man arrives at in his attempts to +harmonise his science with his Christianity ought not to be regarded as +having any significance except to the man himself, and to him only for +a time, and should not receive the stamp of a society. For it is of the +nature of science, especially of those branches of science which are +spreading into unknown regions to be continually——[here the MS. ends].</p> +</div> + + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_217" href="#FNanchor_217" class="label">[217]</a> +On 23d February, Professor Stokes (who had been urgent +in pressing Maxwell to stand) wrote to him:—“I am glad you have +decided to come forward.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_218" href="#FNanchor_218" class="label">[218]</a> +Throughout the tenure of his Cambridge Chair Maxwell +annually delivered a course of lectures on Heat and the Constitution of +Bodies during the October Term; on Electricity in the Lent Term; and on +Electro-Magnetism in the Easter Term. The character of these lectures +very much resembled that of the early chapters in the <i>Elementary +Treatise on Electricity</i>, which he wrote before taking the Cavendish +papers in hand, and which was published in a fragmentary form by the +Delegates of the Clarendon Press in October 1881. During the first four +or five years that Maxwell lectured in Cambridge, candidates for the +Ordinary or Poll Degree were compelled to attend professors’ lectures, +and not unfrequently they would appear at the Cavendish Laboratory. +Maxwell’s lectures were the delight of those who could follow him in +his brilliant expositions and rapid changes of thought.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_219" href="#FNanchor_219" class="label">[219]</a> +Professor Westcott’s utterance on the same occasion, +though less immediately relevant, ought not to be omitted:—“It was +impossible to think of him whom they had so lately lost, to whom first +the charge of the Cavendish Laboratory had been committed, Prof. +Clerk Maxwell, and to recollect his genius and spirit, his subtle and +profound thought, his tender and humble reverence, without being sure +that that close connection between Physics and Theology which was +consecrated by the past was still a living reality among them. That was +an omen for the future. He felt, as probably all present felt, that he +owed a deep debt of gratitude to him, both for his researches, and for +the pregnant words in which he gathered up their lessons.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_220" href="#FNanchor_220" class="label">[220]</a> +See <a href="#PART_II">Part II</a>. In the official handbook to the collection, +the articles entitled “General considerations respecting Scientific +Apparatus” and “Molecular Physics,” were written by Professor Maxwell. +When her Majesty the Queen visited the collection Professor Maxwell, at +the invitation of the Lords of the Committee of Council on Education, +attended as the representative of Molecular Physics.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_221" href="#FNanchor_221" class="label">[221]</a> +Maxwell had profited not a little by his own studies in +this direction. But the Gallowegian tones are hard to modify, and even +in his verse such rhymes as “hasn’t” = “pleasant” recall to those who +knew him his peculiar mode of speech.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_222" href="#FNanchor_222" class="label">[222]</a> +How readily his thoughts took a serious turn, even in +the earlier undergraduate days, may be seen in a letter (not given +above) of 26th March 1852:—</p> + +<div class="sidenote"><i>Æt.</i> 20.</div> + +<p>“A. was sent for by telegraph to his sister: he found her past +recovery, and she is since dead. The family is large, and till now was +entire, so that the grief is great and new.</p> + +<p>“The attributes of man, as one of a family, seem to be more highly +developed in large families. The pronoun ‘we’ acquires a peculiar +significance. The family man has an idea of a <i>living</i> home, to +which he can in imagination retreat, and which gives him a steadiness +and force not his own. He is one member of a naturally constituted +society; he has protected his juniors and been protected by his +seniors; and now he has the consciousness that he is but one of the +arrows in the quiver of the Mighty, and that it is the interest of +others as well as his own that he should succeed.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_223" href="#FNanchor_223" class="label">[223]</a> +There was found amongst his papers a scrap on which he +had written, in pencil, the whole of Shelley’s “Ode to the West Wind,” +in all probability from memory, and as a distraction from anxiety or +from severer study. His note-books, one of which he always carried +with him, are full of the most miscellaneous jottings, plans of works, +solutions of problems, extracts in prose and verse, etc.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_224" href="#FNanchor_224" class="label">[224]</a> +For an instance of tumorous mystification, see the +letter to Mr. Garnett of 4th January 1877.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_225" href="#FNanchor_225" class="label">[225]</a> +He kept up the old habit of regulating the clocks at +Glenlair by the sun, which, when on the meridian, threw the shadow of a +stick upon a notch cut in the stone outside the door.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_226" href="#FNanchor_226" class="label">[226]</a> +An account of the last years of Maxwell’s life would not +be complete without a reference to his acquaintance with Professor H. +A. Rowland, formerly of Troy, and now of the Johns Hopkins University, +Baltimore. Professor Rowland visited Maxwell more than once, and on +these occasions much time was spent in comparing notes on electrical +questions. Some instruments which Professor Rowland designed were not +only identical with Maxwell’s in the relative dimensions of the several +parts, but their absolute dimensions also were very nearly the same. +After Maxwell’s death Professor Rowland pointed out some sources of +error in the experimental determination of the Ohm as carried out at +King’s College, and in the recent redetermination made by Lord Rayleigh +in the Cavendish Laboratory these sources of error have been removed. +Maxwell’s opinion of Professor Rowland was very high, and he frequently +alludes to him in his correspondence, and more than once “Rowland +of Troy, that doughty knight,” appears in his verses, where, as the +American investigator in a certain branch of magnetic science studied +here by Professor Oliver Lodge and Mr. Oliver Heaviside, he is in one +place referred to as “One Rowland for two Olivers.” I well remember +the interest with which Maxwell looked forward to Mr. Rowland’s first +visit, and the meeting of “Greek and Trojan” on that occasion at +Glenlair.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_227" href="#FNanchor_227" class="label">[227]</a> +An unfinished fragment of a new work on Electricity, in +which he treads more closely than ever in the steps of Faraday, has +been edited since his death by Mr. Garnett and published in 1881.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_228" href="#FNanchor_228" class="label">[228]</a> +Royal Institution.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_229" href="#FNanchor_229" class="label">[229]</a> +The name of an Assyrian harp of the shape \(\nabla\).</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_230" href="#FNanchor_230" class="label">[230]</a> +See the <i>Cambridge Journal of Philology</i>, vol. +<span class="allsmcap">V.</span>, No. 10, pp. 206, foll.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_231" href="#FNanchor_231" class="label">[231]</a> +Alluding to the passage of Plato’s <i>Timœus</i>, p. 40, +which had given rise to the previous discussion.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_232" href="#FNanchor_232" class="label">[232]</a> +Tennyson’s <i>In Memoriam</i>.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_233" href="#FNanchor_233" class="label">[233]</a> +See <a href="#Page_370">p. 370.</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_234" href="#FNanchor_234" class="label">[234]</a> +Introduces \(\mathrm{M} \dfrac{d^{2} x}{d +t^{2}}=\mathrm{X}\) etc. See Maclaurin’s <i>Fluxions</i>.</p> + +</div> +</div> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_406">[Pg 406]</span></p> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII.<br> +<span class="allsmcap">ILLNESS AND DEATH—1879—<i>ÆT.</i> 47, 48.</span></h2> +</div> + +<p class="nind"> +AFTER his recovery from the attack of erysipelas at Glenlair +in 1865, Maxwell's health appears to have been fairly good until the +spring of 1877. He then began to be troubled with dyspeptic symptoms, +especially with a painful choking sensation after taking meat. He +consulted no one for about two years. But one day in 1877, on coming +into the Laboratory after his luncheon, he dissolved a crystal of +carbonate of soda in a small beaker of water, and drank it off. A +little while after this he said he had found how to manage so as to +avoid pain. The trouble proved obstinate, however, and at last, on the +21st of April 1879, he mentioned it when writing to Dr. Paget about +Mrs. Maxwell.</p> + +<p>By this time his friends at Cambridge had begun to observe a change +in his appearance, and some failure of the old superabundant energy. +They missed the elasticity of step, and the well-known sparkle in his +eye. During the Easter Term of 1879 he attended the Laboratory daily, +but only stayed a very short time. At the end of the term he remarked +that he had been unable to do much more than to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_407">[Pg 407]</span> give his lectures. And +before leaving Cambridge for the vacation, he was more than once very +seriously unwell.</p> + +<p>In June he returned, as usual, to Glenlair. His letters continued to be +marked by humorous cheerfulness, and, as was always the case, contained +information about everything and everybody except himself. He was still +unwearied in his exertions for those to whom his services could be +of use. But some casual remarks gave cause for apprehension that he +was not gaining strength, and after he had been in Scotland for a few +weeks he wrote that “he felt like a child, as for some time he had been +allowed no food but milk.” By and by the reports were more encouraging, +and in September, according to appointment, Mr. and Mrs. Garnett were +received at Glenlair. On Maxwell’s coming out of the house to welcome +them, Mr. Garnett saw a great change in him, and was for the first time +seriously alarmed.</p> + +<p>In the evening, however, the master of the house conducted family +worship as usual for the assembled household. And the days passed much +in the same kindly fashion as of old, linking the present to the past +in “natural piety.” There were the drawings of the oval curves of 1846; +the family scrap-book, with Mrs. Blackburn’s water-colour sketches from +the earliest time; the Glenlair autograph book (see above, p. 16); the +bagpipes which saved the life of Captain Clerk in the Hooghly; and a +host of other treasures which Maxwell took delight in showing. He led +his guests down to the river, and accompanied them a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_408">[Pg 408]</span> little way along +its wooded banks, pointing out where the stepping-stones used to be, +where he bathed when a boy, and where the exploit of tub-navigation had +been performed. This was the longest walk he had taken for some time. +He was unable to drive with them in the afternoon, because he could not +bear the shaking of the carriage.</p> + +<p>On the 2d of October 1879, in the midst of great weakness and of great +pain, he was told by the late Dr. Sanders of Edinburgh, who had been +summoned to Glenlair, that he had not a month to live. From that moment +he had only one anxiety, the same which had for so long been his chief +care—to provide for <i>her</i> comfort, whom he now saw that he must +leave behind.</p> + +<p>He returned to Cambridge; but he was so weak as to be hardly able to +walk from the train to a carriage. Under the diligent care of Dr. +Paget his most painful symptoms were considerably relieved, and his +friends began to entertain fond hopes of his recovery. But his strength +gradually failed, and at length it was evident to all that the disease +could not be stayed.</p> + +<p>During the last few weeks his sufferings were very great, but he +seldom mentioned them; and, apart from his anxiety for others, his +mind was absolutely calm. The one thought which weighed upon him, +and to which he constantly referred, was for the future welfare and +comfort of Mrs. Maxwell. During the whole period of their married life +(twenty-one years) his ever-present watchfulness and sympathy had +supported her even in the smallest domestic<span class="pagenum" id="Page_409">[Pg 409]</span> concerns; his knowledge, +his constructiveness, his dexterity of hand, had been ever ready to +minister to her slightest need,—and now, unable to nurse him as of +old, she seemed more than ever dependent on his care. To the last, he +regularly gave the orders that were necessary for her comfort, and +endeavoured to see that they were carried out.</p> + +<p>When too weak to dwell on those scientific inquiries which had been the +work of his life, his mind continued active about many of his favourite +studies. He remarked one day that he had been wondering why the lines +in Shakespeare’s <i>Merchant of Venice</i>, about the harmony that is +in mortal souls (repeating the whole passage) should have been put in +the mouth of such a frivolous person as Lorenzo. At another time, when +continuous conversation had become impossible, and he had been lying +for some time with closed eyes, he looked up and repeated the verse, +“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,” etc., and then +added—“Do you know that that is a hexameter? πα̂σα δόσις άγαθὴ καὶ +πα̂ν δώρημα τέλειον. I wonder who composedit?” He frequently quoted +Richard Baxter’s hymn—</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Lord, it belongs not to my care,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Whether I die or live;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To love and serve Thee is my share,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And that Thy grace must give,” etc.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>On the Saturday preceding his death he received the Sacrament of the +Lord’s Supper from Dr. Guillemard, and it was while Dr. G. was putting +on his<span class="pagenum" id="Page_410">[Pg 410]</span> surplice that Maxwell repeated to him George Herbert’s lines on +the priest’s vestments, entitled <i>Aaron</i>.<a id="FNanchor_235" href="#Footnote_235" class="fnanchor">[235]</a> Maxwell’s mind and +memory remained perfectly clear to the very last.</p> + +<p>The fortitude with which he bore his sufferings, and the calm +self-possession with which he met his end, impressed those most who +watched him most<span class="pagenum" id="Page_411">[Pg 411]</span> narrowly, and had the best reason to know the +acuteness of his sufferings.</p> + +<p>The end may best be told by those who were nearest to him at the time. +I have been favoured with the following communications:—(1) From Dr. +Paget; (2) from the Rev. Dr. Guillemard; and (3) from his cousin, Mr. +Colin Mackenzie, who acted the part of a brother at the last, as he had +done many a time before.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc">(1.) Dr. Paget's Statement.</p> + +<p>In April 1879 he began to be troubled with some difficulty in +swallowing—the first significant symptom of the disease which was to +prove fatal. The summer he spent at Glenlair. At the end of July he +consulted Prof. Sanders and Prof. Spence of Edinburgh, and while at +Glenlair was attended by Dr. Lorraine of Castle-Douglas. But he grew +worse, and at the end of September Prof. Sanders was summoned to him +from Edinburgh. He was then suffering from attacks of violent pain, had +become dropsical, and his strength was rapidly fading. At Glenlair he +was seven miles from Dr. Lorraine. It was therefore decided to remove +him to Edinburgh or Cambridge. He chose Cambridge, and arrived there on +October 8, accompanied by Mrs. Maxwell, and attended during the journey +by Dr. Richard Lorraine.</p> + +<p>In Cambridge his more severe sufferings were gradually in great measure +relieved, but the disease continued its progress. It was the disease of +which his mother had died at the same age.</p> + +<p>As he had been in health, so was he in sickness and in face of death. +The calmness of his mind was never once disturbed. His sufferings were +acute for some days after his return to Cambridge, and, even after +their mitigation, were still of a kind to try severely any ordinary +patience and fortitude. But they were never spoken of by him in a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_412">[Pg 412]</span> +complaining tone. In the midst of them his thoughts and consideration +were rather for others than for himself.</p> + +<p>Neither did the approach of death disturb his habitual composure. +Before leaving Glenlair he had learnt from Prof. Sanders that he had +not more than about a month to live. A few days before his death he +asked me (Dr. Paget) how much longer he could last. The inquiry was +made with the most perfect calmness. He wished to live until the +expected arrival from Edinburgh of his friend and relative Mr. Colin +Mackenzie. His only anxiety seemed to be about his wife, whose health +had for a few years been delicate, and had recently become worse. He +had been to her for some time the most tender and assiduous of nurses. +An hour only before his death, when, through extreme bodily weakness, +his voice was reduced to a whisper so feeble that it could be heard +only when the ear was held close to his mouth, the words whispered to +Dr. Paget related not to himself but to Mrs. Maxwell.</p> + +<p>His intellect also remained clear and apparently unimpaired to the +last. While his bodily strength was ebbing away to death, his mind +never once wandered or wavered, but remained clear to the very end. No +man ever met death more consciously or more calmly.<a id="FNanchor_236" href="#Footnote_236" class="fnanchor">[236]</a></p> + +<p>On November 5 he gently passed away.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_413">[Pg 413]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Dr. Paget’s report of Maxwell’s composure throughout his illness is +very strikingly confirmed by his letter to that physician, dated +October 3, which is too confidential to be inserted here, but consists +of a simple unadorned description of the facts of the case, and a +request for aid which he knew would be forthcoming. A stranger, in +reading that letter, would never divine, and indeed might find it hard +to believe, that on <i>the previous day</i> (Oct. 2) the writer had +been told by medical authority that he had only a month to live. Yet +such is the fact. The words “for I am really very helpless,” however +touching as a description of his condition, are merely the statement +of a reason why some one should be got “officially to help” Maxwell +himself, but really and chiefly to do for Mrs. Maxwell what he had +done so long as he had any strength in him. Students of history +may perhaps recall Nicias’s letter to the Athenians:—“You should +also send a general to succeed me, for I have a disease, and cannot +remain;”<a id="FNanchor_237" href="#Footnote_237" class="fnanchor">[237]</a> but the words of the unfortunate general, “I claim your +indulgence,”<a id="FNanchor_238" href="#Footnote_238" class="fnanchor">[238]</a> though dignified enough, are more than Maxwell would +have written.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_414">[Pg 414]</span></p> + +<p>(2.) The following letter, addressed to me by the Rev. Dr. Guillemard, +of the Little Trinity Church, Cambridge, may be left to speak for +itself:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="right"><i>Cambridge, 19th May 1881.</i></p> + +<p><span class="allsmcap">My dear Sir</span>—I shall disappoint you very much in my +reminiscences of Maxwell. I never was an <span class="allsmcap">intimate friend</span> +of his, though we were always on the very best terms, and met not +unfrequently, and he was most constant and assiduous in his attendance +at church, and interested in all church matters.</p> + +<p>But I knew very little about his <i>inner self</i> before I was +summoned to his dying bed; and he had been brought very low +physically, before his return to Cambridge, and was unequal to much +<i>continuous</i> thought or conversation. He welcomed me warmly +whenever I visited him, joined fervently in all acts of prayer, +listened with a most intelligent interest to all I read, either out of +the Bible (which he knew well-nigh by heart) or out of any of our great +devotional writers in prose or poetry; was especially fond of any new +hymns, and frequently capped such by reciting from his wonderful memory +some parallel passages of his favourite old authors, specially George +Herbert.</p> + +<p>His faith in the grand cardinal verities was firm, simple, and full; +and he avowed it humbly but unhesitatingly, with the deepest gratitude +for the revelation of the truth in Jesus. I do not think he had any +doubts or difficulties to cloud his clear mind or shake his peace.</p> + +<p>He was calmly and serenely resigned to the will of God, and bowed in +meek acquiescence before what he believed to be the Word of God.</p> + +<p>I never saw a sign of impatience or fretfulness under all his long +suffering, or heard an approach to a murmur. His one and only care +was for his wife. It was a grand sight to see him day by day girding +himself calmly and resolutely for the last struggle, and he passed +through it undismayed. I wish I had preserved any of his last words: +they have passed away from my shallow memory.—Yours very truly,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="allsmcap">W. H. Guillemard.</span></p> +</div> + +<p>I am also permitted to insert the following more circumstantial +account, which was written by Dr.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_415">[Pg 415]</span> Guillemard to the Rev. Isaac Bowman, +Vicar of South Creake, Fakenham, Norfolk, on the 9th of December 1879, +within five weeks after Maxwell's death:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>He suffered exquisite pain, hardly able to lie still for a minute +together, sleepless, and with no appetite for the food which he so +required.</p> + +<p>He understood his position from the first; knew what it all meant, and +calmly girded himself for the awful struggle. He welcomed me at once +as visiting him, not only as a friend, but as the Parish Priest come +to assist him and to minister to him, and spoke of our relations with +a grave, simple cheerfulness. You know the lightheartedness of the +man in ordinary times; and really it abode on him throughout; he was +never downcast or overburdened, and yet he was the humblest and most +diffident of men, with the deepest sense of his own unworthiness, of +his many short-comings, of his neglected opportunities. “But he loved +much, and love had cast out fear.” I used to go to him nearly every +day of the five or six weeks he was here, to read and pray with him. +He preferred the prayers of the Church, and asked for them, and by the +wonderful power of his memory knew them all by heart; but he gladly +joined in other devotions, and took special delight in sacred poetry, +of which I generally read him two or three short pieces.</p> + +<p>He knew all our best writers in that line thoroughly: Milton, Keble, +Newman, Wesley, George Herbert—the latter his chief favourite; and +he repeated to me the morning after an unusually bad night, the five +stanzas of “Aaron” without a mistake. His knowledge of the Bible +was remarkable, and he constantly asked for his most deeply-prized +passages. Four days before he was removed from us he received the Holy +Communion at my hands, with holy, reverent, fervid devotion, and said +what strength it gave him.</p> + +<p>I saw him only once again; he was too weak and restless and exhausted +for much intercourse; but as I rose from my knees he said:—“My dear +friend, you have been<span class="pagenum" id="Page_416">[Pg 416]</span> a true under shepherd to me: read me, before you +go, the beautiful prayer out of the Burial Service, 'Suffer me not at +my last hour’”—and his grasp of my hand, as we parted, told me all he +felt.</p> + +<p>I had known but little of his inner self before his illness; he was +singularly reticent; and though we occasionally discussed a text +critically, we rarely got upon doctrine, or anything that touched upon +the spiritual life. He was a constant regular attendant at church, +and seldom, if ever, failed to join in our monthly late celebration +of Holy Communion, and he was a generous contributor to all our +parish charitable institutions. But his illness drew out the whole +heart and soul and spirit of the man: his firm and undoubting faith +in the Incarnation and all its results; in the full sufficing of the +Atonement; in the work of the Holy Spirit. He had gauged and fathomed +all the schemes and systems of philosophy, and had found them utterly +empty and unsatisfying—“unworkable” was his own word about them— and +he turned with simple faith to the Gospel of the Saviour.</p> +</div> + +<p>(3.) Mr. Colin Mackenzie, who is by this time well known to the reader, +was present at the last. He says:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>A few minutes before his death, Professor Clerk Maxwell was being held +up in bed, struggling for breath, when he said slowly and distinctly, +“God help me! God help my wife!” he then turned to me (Mr. Mackenzie) +and said, “Colin, you are strong, lift me up;” He next said, “Lay me +down lower, for I am very low myself, and it suits me to be low.” After +this he breathed deeply and slowly, and, with a long look at his wife, +passed away.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_417">[Pg 417]</span></p> + +<p>(4.) Another friend who saw him in his last illness, the Rev. Professor +Hort, has summed up his recollections of Maxwell, especially of the +graver side of his character, in the following letter:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">From Prof. F. J. A. Hort to Prof. L. Campbell.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Feb. 4, 1882.</i></p> + +<p>It is with extreme regret that I find myself powerless to comply with +your request that I should contribute to your Memoir of Professor +Maxwell a sketch of his position in reference to theology and religion. +A competent and faithful account of Maxwell’s inner thoughts during +manhood would for several reasons have been of the highest interest. +But his habitual reticence as to all that moved him deeply, and my own +bad memory, have together left me without the materials needed for a +task in itself most attractive. Though the impression of rare greatness +which he left upon me in the first days of our acquaintance became +stronger and stronger to the end, I have little to offer but a few +vague and scattered reminiscences. Such as they are, I am thankful to +be allowed to send them.</p> + +<p>My earlier recollections of Maxwell are chiefly associated with a small +society at Cambridge to which we both belonged, which used to meet +on Saturday evenings for the discussion of literary and speculative +questions. The aversion to rhetoric which he found traditional among +its members was much to his taste, and he always took an animated +and interested part in the conversations. Unfortunately his love of +speaking in parables, combined with a certain obscurity of intonation, +rendered it often difficult to seize his meaning; but bright and +penetrating little sayings, usually whimsical in form, and sometimes +accompanied by strange gestures, recurred almost unfailingly at no +distant intervals. Whether the tone of his mind was much affected by +his participation in our discussions it is difficult to say. During +the time that I knew him I can recall no perceptible signs of change +other than quiet growth, and suspect that he attained too early and too +stable a maturity to receive easily a new direction from any kind of +intercourse with his University contemporaries. But it is likely enough +that his mind was at least invigorated and consolidated by an influence +which others have found reason to count among the strongest and also on +the whole most salutary that they have known.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_418">[Pg 418]</span> The same may probably +be said of the influence of Mr. Maurice's writings, which certainly +occupied Maxwell at this time. To what extent he was affected by them +I do not know; but the tone in which he used to speak of Mr. Maurice +leads me to think that they must have at least given him considerable +aid in the adjustment and clearing up of his own beliefs on the highest +subjects.</p> + +<p>My intercourse with Maxwell dropped when we both left Cambridge. When I +returned in 1872, after an absence of fifteen years, he had lately been +installed at the new Cavendish Laboratory, and I had the happiness of +looking forward to a renewal of friendship with him. I found him, as +was natural, a graver man than of old; but as warm of heart and fresh +in mind as ever. Owing to accidental circumstances on both sides, we +met seldomer than I had hoped, though certainly there was no diminution +of cordiality on the part of either. Strangely enough, it was again to +the meetings of a small society, in purpose not unlike the former, that +I owe most of my impressions of Maxwell in these later years. Though +he was often unable to attend its meetings, and could rarely stay for +more than an hour, he seemed to find much satisfaction in thus joining +in the discussion of speculative questions with a few friends, chiefly +middle-aged men, representing among them great diversity of studies, +and no less diversity of opinion. The old peculiarities of his manner +of speaking remained virtually unchanged. It was still no easy matter +to read the course of his thoughts through the humorous veil which they +wove for themselves; and still the obscurity would now and then be lit +up by some radiant explosion.</p> + +<p>Perhaps the most noteworthy of Maxwell’s characteristics was his +absolute independence of mind, an independence unsullied by conceit +or consciousness. Preserved by his simplicity and humility from any +fondness for barren paradox, he endeavoured always to see things with +his own eyes, without regard to the points of view assumed on one +side or another in ordinary controversy: in a word, he was more free +from “notionalism” than any one whom I have known.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_419">[Pg 419]</span> The testimony of +his unshaken faith to Christian truth was, I venture to think, of +exceptional value on account of his freedom from the mental dualism +often found in distinguished men who are absorbed chiefly in physical +inquiries. It would have been alien to his whole nature to seclude any +province of his beliefs from the free exercise of whatever faculties he +possessed; and in his eyes every subject had its affinities with the +rest of the universal truth. His strong sense of the vastness of the +world not now accessible to human powers, and of the partial nature of +all human modes of apprehension, seemed to enlarge for him the domain +of reasonable belief. Thus in later years it was a favourite thought +of his that the relation of parts to wholes pervades the invisible no +less than the visible world, and that beneath the individuality which +accompanies our personal life there lies hidden a deeper community +of being as well as of feeling and action. But no one could be less +of a dreamer, or less capable of putting either fancies or wishes in +the place of sober reality. In mind, as in speech, his veracity was +thorough and resolute: he carried into every thought a perfect fidelity +to the divine proverb which hung beside yet more sacred verses on the +wall of his private room, “The lip of truth shall be established for +ever.”</p> + +<p>During Maxwell’s last illness I had the privilege of enjoying two +conversations with him; and not long afterwards I put on paper a +short and desultory record of some of his words. These notes contain +nothing that might not with propriety be brought under other eyes, and +therefore I venture to quote them here. Most of what passed on these +two occasions presented nothing worthy of remark, unless it be the +cheerful naturalness with which Maxwell spoke on all the varied topics +that happened to come up before us. His thoughts had evidently been +mainly taking a retrospective direction; and every interest of life +seemed to be hallowed and brightened by the probable nearness of the +Divine summons to a new form of existence.</p> + +<p>He told me briefly the story of his illness; how he had been ailing +all the year, but had gone northward after<span class="pagenum" id="Page_420">[Pg 420]</span> Easter Term without +apprehending anything worse than transient ill-health. He had taken +with him Professor Clifford’s <i>Lectures and Essays</i> which he had +been asked to review. He had read them with close attention for the +purpose, and had then, at some time in the summer, prepared to write +his criticism. It was a difficult and delicate task, he said, for +“there were many things in the book that wanted trouncing, and yet the +trouncing had to be done with extreme care and gentleness, Clifford was +such a nice fellow.” As soon as he tried to begin, his brain refused +its office, and he found himself incapable of composition; and then he +knew that his illness had become serious.</p> + +<p>Something, I forget what, led the conversation to the perilousness +of strong religious excitement in early youth, on account of the +spiritual exhaustion and permanent religious insensibility that are +apt to follow the dying-out of the original fervour, and that derive a +plausible justification from the premature and fallacious experience. +He spoke with thankfulness of his own escape from a similar danger. +“The ferment,” he said, “about the Free Church movement had one very +bad effect. Quite young people were carried away by it; and when the +natural reaction came, they ceased to think about religious matters +at all, and became unable to receive fresh impressions. My father was +so much afraid of this, that he placed me where I should be under the +influence of Dean Ramsay, knowing him to be a good and sensible man.</p> + +<p>“My father was an advocate. This added much to his usefulness in the +country. He was always fond of inventing plans for country houses; +his note-books shew that he did this as early as when he was twelve +years old. He wanted to build his house on a scale suited to what he +thought he would require as sheriff, and had so built a small part +of it when he died. We afterwards completed it, as far as possible +according to his idea, but on a much smaller scale. He had wished me to +be an advocate; but I never attended law classes, as by that time it +had already become apparent that my tastes lay in another direction. +Moreover, he looked<span class="pagenum" id="Page_421">[Pg 421]</span> up greatly to James Forbes, and desired that I +should be like him. My father died before my marriage, and before I +had been actually elected Professor at Aberdeen. He had been greatly +interested in the sending in of offers of application. He much wished +me to have a Scottish Professorship, that I might have the long +vacation free for living at home.</p> + +<p>“My interest is always in things rather than in persons. I cannot help +thinking about the immediate circumstances which have brought a thing +to pass, rather than about any will setting them in motion. What is +done by what is called myself is, I feel, done by something greater +than myself in me. My interest in things has always made me care much +more for theology than for anthropology; states of the will only puzzle +me. I cannot ascribe so much to a depraved will as some people do, +though I do to a certain extent believe in it. Much wrong-doing seems +to be no more than not doing the right thing; and that finite beings +should fail in that does not seem to need the supposition of a depraved +will.” On my saying that, though the immediate cause of the miseries +of the world is oftener folly than wickedness, yet men’s folly can +frequently be traced back to past misdoing on their part, he warmly +assented, and then added in a different strain: “They were foolish +because they did not ask for wisdom,—not, of course, absolute wisdom, +but the wisdom needed for the moment.</p> + +<p>“I have been thinking how very gently I have been always dealt with. I +have never had a violent shove in all my life.</p> + +<p>“The only desire which I can have is like David to serve my own +generation by the will of God, and then fall asleep.”</p> +</div> + +<p>The unexampled impression which his death produced at Cambridge was +due to other causes besides his scientific eminence. Those who lived +so near to him, though they saw little of him, could not fail to have +some feeling of the man. Some rumours of his<span class="pagenum" id="Page_422">[Pg 422]</span> wonderful peacefulness in +suffering had gone far enough to touch many hearts. And it was a deep +and widely-spread emotion which found a voice that Sunday in St. Mary’s +Church, through the mouth of one who had known him when both were +scholars of Trinity—the Rev. Dr. Butler, the distinguished headmaster +of Harrow School:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>It is a solemn thing—even the least thoughtful is touched by it—when +a great intellect passes away into the silence, and we see it no +more. Such a loss, such a void, is present, I feel certain, to many +here to-day. It is not often, even in this great home of thought and +knowledge, that so bright a light is extinguished as that which is +now mourned by many illustrious mourners, here chiefly, but also far +beyond this place. I shall be believed when I say in all simplicity +that I wish it had fallen to some more competent tongue to put into +words those feelings of reverent affection which are, I am persuaded, +uppermost in many hearts on this Sunday. My poor words shall be few, +but believe me they come from the heart. You know, brethren, with what +an eager pride we follow the fortunes of those whom we have loved and +reverenced in our undergraduate days. We may see them but seldom, few +letters may pass between us, but their names are never common names. +They never become to us only what other men are. When I came up to +Trinity twenty-eight years ago, James Clerk Maxwell was just beginning +his second year. His position among us—I speak in the presence of many +who remember that time—was unique. He was the one acknowledged man of +genius among the undergraduates. We understood even then that, though +barely of age, he was in his own line of inquiry not a beginner, but +a master. His name was already a familiar name to men of science. If +he lived, it was certain that he was one of that small but sacred band +to whom it would be given to enlarge the bounds of human knowledge. +It was a position which might have turned the head of a smaller<span class="pagenum" id="Page_423">[Pg 423]</span> +man; but the friend of whom we were all so proud, and who seemed, as +it were, to link us thus early with the great outside world of the +pioneers of knowledge, had one of those rich and lavish natures which +no prosperity can impoverish, and which make faith in goodness easy +for others. I have often thought that those who never knew the grand +old Adam Sedgwick and the then young and ever youthful Clerk Maxwell, +had yet to learn the largeness and fulness of the moulds in which +some choice natures are framed. Of the scientific greatness of our +friend we were most of us unable to judge; but any one could see and +admire the boy-like glee, the joyous invention, the wide reading, the +eager thirst for truth, the subtle thought, the perfect temper, the +unfailing reverence, the singular absence of any taint of the breath of +worldliness in any of its thousand forms.</p> + +<p>Brethren, you may know such men now among your college friends, though +there can be but few in any year, or indeed in any century, that +possess the rare genius of the man whom we deplore. If it be so, then, +if you will accept the counsel of a stranger, thank God for His gift. +Believe me when I tell you that a few such blessings will come to you +in later life. There are blessings that come once in a lifetime. One of +these is the reverence with which we look up to greatness and goodness +in a college friend—above us, beyond us, far out of our mental or +moral grasp, but still one of us, near to us, our own. You know in +part, at least, how in this case the promise of youth was more than +fulfilled, and how the man who, but a fortnight ago, was the ornament +of the University, and—shall I be wrong in saying it?—almost the +discoverer of a new world of knowledge, was even more loved than he +was admired, retaining after twenty years of fame that mirth, that +simplicity, that childlike delight in all that is fresh and wonderful, +which we rejoice to think of as some of the surest accompaniment of +true scientific genius.</p> + +<p>You know, also, that he was a devout as well as thoughtful Christian. I +do not note this in the triumphant spirit of a controversialist. I will +not for a moment assume<span class="pagenum" id="Page_424">[Pg 424]</span> that there is any natural opposition between +scientific genius and simple Christian faith. I will not compare him +with others who have had the genius without the faith. Christianity, +though she thankfully welcomes and deeply prizes them, does not need +now, any more than when St. Paul first preached the Cross at Corinth, +the speculations of the subtle or the wisdom of the wise. If I wished +to show men, especially young men, the living force of the Gospel, I +would take them not so much to a learned and devout Christian man, +to whom all stores of knowledge were familiar, but to some, country +village, where for fifty years there had been devout traditions and +devout practice. There they would see the gospel lived out; truths, +which other men spoke of, seen and known; a spirit not of this world +visibly, hourly present; citizenship in heaven daily assumed, and daily +realised. Such characters I believe to be the most convincing preachers +to those who ask whether Revelation is a fable, and God. an unknowable. +Yes, in most cases,—not, I admit in all,—simple faith, even +peradventure more than devout genius, is mighty for removing doubts +and implanting fresh conviction. But having said this, we may well +give thanks to God that our friend was what he was, a firm Christian +believer, and that his powerful mind, after ranging at will through the +illimitable spaces of Creation, and almost handling what he called “the +foundation stones of the material universe,” found its true rest and +happiness in the love and the mercy of Him whom the humblest Christian +calls his Father. Of such a man it may be truly said that he had his +citizenship in heaven, and that he looked for, as a Saviour, the Lord +Jesus Christ, through whom the unnumbered worlds were made, and in the +likeness of whose image our new and spiritual body will be fashioned.</p> +</div> + +<p>There was a preliminary funeral ceremony in Trinity College Chapel, +where the first part of the Burial Service was read, in the presence +of all the leading members of the University. The body was<span class="pagenum" id="Page_425">[Pg 425]</span> then taken +home to Glenlair, and buried in Parton Churchyard, the funeral being +attended by numbers of his countrymen from far and near.</p> + + +<p class="space-above2">In these reminiscences I have purposely abstained as much as possible +from comment. But in concluding this portion of the present work, I may +be permitted to record a very few general observations or impressions.</p> + +<p>The leading note of Maxwell's character is a grand simplicity. But in +attempting to analyse it we find a complex of qualities which exist +separately in smaller men. Extraordinary gentleness is combined with +keen penetration, wonderful activity with a no less wonderful repose, +personal humility and modesty with intellectual scorn. His deep +reserve in common intercourse was commensurate with the fulness of his +occasional outpourings to those he loved. His tenderness for all living +things was deep and instinctive; from earliest childhood he could not +hurt a fly. Not less instinctive was the sense of equality amongst all +human beings, which underlay the plainness of his address. But, on the +other hand, his respect for the actual order of the world and for the +wisdom of the past, was at least as steadfast as his faith in progress. +While fearless in speculation, he was strongly conservative in practice.</p> + +<p>In his intellectual faculties there was also a balance of powers which +are often opposed. His imagination was in the highest sense concrete, +grasping the actual reality, and not only the relations<span class="pagenum" id="Page_426">[Pg 426]</span> of things. No +one was ever more impatient of mere abstractions.<a id="FNanchor_239" href="#Footnote_239" class="fnanchor">[239]</a> Yet few have had +so firm a hold upon ideas. Once more, while he was continually striving +to reduce to greater definiteness men's conceptions of leading physical +laws, he seemed habitually to live in a sort of mystical communion with +the infinite.</p> + +<p>His aunt, Mrs. Wedderbum, who had the care of him during so much of +his early life, said on the occasion of his marriage, “James has lived +hitherto at the gate of heaven.”</p> + +<p>Mr. Colin Mackenzie has repeated to me two sayings of his during those +last days, which may be repeated here—“Old chap, I have read up many +queer religions: there is nothing like the old thing after all;” +and—“I have looked into most philosophical systems, and I have seen +that none will work without a God.”</p> + +<p>Maxwell's humour, which with many passed for mere eccentricity, and to +some was the characteristic by which he was chiefly known, at least in +earlier life, may be passed over lightly here. With strangers it was +sometimes the veil of a sensitiveness which but for this would have +made him the victim of his immediate surroundings. In confidential +intercourse it was a perpetual fund of delight, the vehicle of his +exuberant fancy, as it glanced in all directions from the immediate +topic of discourse.</p> + +<p>It was his way of acknowledging “the grotesque view ”<a id="FNanchor_240" href="#Footnote_240" class="fnanchor">[240]</a> of +everything. Like other humourists whom<span class="pagenum" id="Page_427">[Pg 427]</span> I have known, he was never +tired of a joke which had once tickled him; only, if retained in +employment, it must always be tricked out with some new livery, and +have some fresh turn given to it. As late as the summer of 1879, +in writing to Professor Baynes about an article on Chemistry for +the <i>Encyclopœdia Britannica</i>, he repeated in some new way the +well-worn jest about “an Analyser or a Charlatan.” Even on his deathbed +at Cambridge, in familiar converse with his cousin and friend, Mr. +Colin Mackenzie, he still used the old quaint familiar speech:—“No, +not that phial! the little red-headed chap!”</p> + +<p>Nor is it necessary to dwell on the rare freshness of feeling which +he carried into middle life. The reader of his correspondence at any +period must feel involuntarily that he had “the dew of his youth.”</p> + +<p>In thinking of him in college days, I used often to associate him in +my own mind with Socrates. There is one point in the resemblance which +I had not then realised, the “Socratic strength” of Antisthenes—his +extraordinary power of moral and physical endurance.—Once at +Cambridge, when his wife was lying ill in her room, and a terrier, +who had already shown “a wild trick of his ancestors,” was watching +beside the bed, Maxwell happened to go in for the purpose of moving +her. The dog sprang at him and fastened on his nose. In order not to +disturb Mrs. Maxwell, he went out quietly, holding his arm beneath the +creature, which was still hanging to his face.</p> + +<p>What had struck me, I suppose, in making the above comparison, was +the eager spirit of inquiry<span class="pagenum" id="Page_428">[Pg 428]</span> beneath the ironical shell. I might have +added the union of speculation with mysticism, and of conservatism +with progressive thought. But in one essential point, the dialectical +cross-questioning method, the analogy fails. For Maxwell had not spent +his youth in the Athenian agora, but in the solitudes of Galloway, +where he had interrogated Nature more than Man.</p> + +<p>In his conversation he might rather be compared with the earlier Greek +thinkers, “who,” says Plato, (Soph. 243 B) “went on their several ways, +without caring whether they took us with them, or left us behind.” The +necessity of utterance was often stronger with him than the endeavour +to make himself understood, and he would pour out his ideas in simple +affectionateness to those who could not follow them. His thoughts were +often tentative, but his expression of them was always dogmatic, even +in the negative formula “No one knows what is meant by” so and so.</p> + +<p>His indirect, allusive way of speaking was not, however, wilfully +assumed, but was the result of idiosyncrasy and early habit; and it +disappeared utterly in the presence of any great occasion—a great +joy, a great sorrow, or a great duty. Then his speech resolved itself +into statements of fact, brief and unemotional, but absolutely simple +and direct. And, latterly at all events, such were generally the +characteristics of his style in writing. I have been told by Mr. +Huddlestone, a late Fellow of King’s College, Cambridge, that when +consulted about a lightning<span class="pagenum" id="Page_429">[Pg 429]</span> conductor for King's College Chapel (a +building which he greatly loved) Maxwell called and made a verbal +explanation which was unintelligible, but in going away he fortunately +left a written statement, and this was perfectly clear.</p> + +<p>The Galloway boy was in many ways the father of the Cambridge man; and +even the “ploys” of his childhood contained a germ of his life-work. +Indeed, it may be said that with him, despite the popular adage, “Work +when you work,” etc., play was always passing into work and work into +play. In twirling his magic discs, his mind was already busied about +the cause of optical phenomena. He plied the devil-on-two-sticks with +the same eager industry, and with the same simple enjoyment, with +which he afterwards spun his dynamical top. And amidst his profoundest +investigations, whether about the Rings of Saturn or the Lines of +Force, or the molecular structure of material things, the playful +spirit of his boyhood was ever ready to break forth. Meanwhile, alike +beneath the grave and sparkling mood, a spirit of deep piety pervaded +all he did, whether in the most private relations of life, or in +his position as an appointed teacher and investigator, or in his +philosophic contemplation of the universe. There is no attribute from +which the thought of him is more inseparable.</p> + +<p>He had keen sympathy with ideal aspirations, together with an +occasional sense of their fruitlessness. “It’s no use thinking of the +chap ye might have been.” When, in their early married life, Mrs. +Maxwell was oppressed with a sense of failure in her<span class="pagenum" id="Page_430">[Pg 430]</span> first attempts at +Cottage-visiting, he made her sit down while he read to her Milton’s +sonnet ending with the line, “They also serve, who only stand and wait.”</p> + +<p>He appears in early days to have been conscious of some superficial +weaknesses, of a certain excitability of temperament, leading to +“preconscious states” and preventing him from at once setting himself +right in new surroundings; also of the equal danger of shrinking into +himself, and “mystifying” those about him. This difficulty, and many +others “within and without,” he overcame. But it would be too much to +say of him that “his affections never swayed more than his reason,” +or that he obtained as firm a foothold in practical life as he had by +birthright in the region of scientific thought. This great mass of mind +was so delicately hung as to be guided sometimes by a silken thread. +Few men, if any, would venture to argue or remonstrate with Maxwell +when he had decided on a course of action in the council-chamber +of his own breast. But he could not consciously hurt any creature, +nor permit the possibility of causing pain to those he loved. Nor +was his power over others always adequate to the keenness of his +perceptions. For while his penetration often reached the secrets of +the heart, his. generosity sometimes overlooked the most obvious +characteristics—especially in the shape of mean or vulgar motives.</p> + +<p>His liberality, in every sense of the word, was absolute. People have +been disposed to criticise the plainness of his entertainments, without +knowing<span class="pagenum" id="Page_431">[Pg 431]</span> that while this was a matter of taste, the difference between +the plain and the luxurious table was uniformly dispensed in charity. +He has also been supposed by some who think that science should disown +religion, to have been intolerant as well as orthodox. The contrary +was true. And in particular, the mutual admiration and regard for +one another of two such men as Maxwell and Clifford, notwithstanding +their profound divergence of opinion on subjects of human interest, +deserves to be quoted as an honourable exception to the narrow +exclusiveness which has been too prevalent alike in the Christian and +the anti-Christian world.<a id="FNanchor_241" href="#Footnote_241" class="fnanchor">[241]</a></p> + +<p>He never sought for fame, but with sacred devotion continued in mature +life the labours which had been his spontaneous delight in boyhood. +Yet, considering the high region in which he worked, he received a +large measure of recognition even in his lifetime. The Rumford Medal, +conferred in 1860, was the first of a long list of honours, which up to +his last year continued to accumulate from all parts of the civilised +world.<a id="FNanchor_242" href="#Footnote_242" class="fnanchor">[242]</a> And some of those who had an eye<span class="pagenum" id="Page_432">[Pg 432]</span> for genius, though their +intellectual interests lay in different spheres from his, could not +forbear their testimony. Out of many such expressions it is enough to +have selected one. Mr. Frederick Pollock in his work on Spinoza, having +occasion to refer to Maxwell’s views on matter and space, adds the +following note (p. 115):—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Clerk Maxwell was living when these lines were written: I cannot let +them pass through the press without adding a word of tribute to a man +of profound and original genius, too early lost to England and to +Science.</p> +</div> + +<p>Great as was the range and depth of Maxwell’s powers, that which is +still more remarkable is the unity of his nature and of his life. This +unity came not from circumstance, for there were breaks in his outward +career, but from the native strength of the spirit that was in him. In +the eyes of those who knew him best, the whole man gained in beauty +year by year. As son, friend, lover, husband; in science, in society, +in religion; whether buried in retirement or immersed in business—he +is absolutely single-hearted. This is true of his mental as well as of +his emotional being, for indeed they were inseparably blended. And the +fixity of his devotion both to persons and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_433">[Pg 433]</span> ideas was compatible with +all but universal sympathies and the most fearless openness of thought. +There are no “water-tight compartments,”<a id="FNanchor_243" href="#Footnote_243" class="fnanchor">[243]</a> there is no “tabooed +ground;”<a id="FNanchor_244" href="#Footnote_244" class="fnanchor">[244]</a> in spite of much natural reserve, he never really +lost his predilection for “a thorough draft.”<a id="FNanchor_245" href="#Footnote_245" class="fnanchor">[245]</a> That marvellous +interpenetration of scientific industry, philosophic insight, poetic +feeling and imagination, and overflowing humour, was closely related to +the profound <i>sincerity</i> which, after all is said, is the truest +sign alike of his genius and of his inmost nature, and is most apt to +make his life instructive beyond the limits of the scientific world. +He would not wish to be set up as an authority on subjects (such as +historical criticism) which, however interesting to him, he had not +had leisure to study exhaustively. But our age has much to learn from +his example. And in his life, regarded as a whole, there is a depth of +goodness which can be but faintly indicated in his biography.</p> + + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_235" href="#FNanchor_235" class="label">[235]</a> +<span class="allsmcap">AARON.</span></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Holiness on the head,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Light and perfections on the breast,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Harmonious bells below, raising the dead</div> + <div class="verse indent2">To lead them unto life and rest:</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Thus are true Aarons drest.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Profaneness in my head,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Defects and darkness in my breast,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A noise of passions ringing me for dead</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Unto a place where is no rest:</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Poor priest, thus am I drest.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Only another head</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I have, another heart and breast,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Another music, making live, not dead,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Without whom I could have no rest:</div> + <div class="verse indent2">In Him I am well drest.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Christ is my only head,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">My alone only heart and breast,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">My only music, striking me e’en dead;</div> + <div class="verse indent2">That to the old man I may rest,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And be in him new drest.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So holy in my head,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Perfect and light in my dear breast,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">My doctrine tuned by Christ (who is not dead,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">But lives in me while I do rest),</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Come, people; Aaron’s drest.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_236" href="#FNanchor_236" class="label">[236]</a> +Dr. J. W. Lorraine of Castle-Douglas, in a letter +addressed to Dr. Paget, and dated 5th October 1879, remarks as follows +concerning his patient:—“I must say he is one of the best men I have +ever met, and a greater merit than his scientific attainments is his +being, so far as human judgment can discern, a most perfect example of +a Christian gentleman.” This remark, Dr. Paget observes, “is a very +unusual one in a letter from one physician to another.” Dr. Paget +also says in writing to Mr. Garnett: “There is a deep interest in the +fact of <i>how</i> such a man as Maxwell met the trials of sickness, +and the approach of death. They are severe tests of amiability and +unselfishness, and of the genuineness of religious convictions. It is +something to say of a man that his unselfishness and composure remained +undisturbed, and it is interesting physiologically and psychologically, +that in the very extremity of bodily weakness, when the nourishment +of the brain must have become so reduced, the mind remained perfectly +clear” Dr. Lorraine’s remark on Maxwell’s personal character expresses +the feelings of all, nurses included, that were about Maxwell in his +last illness.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_237" href="#FNanchor_237" class="label">[237]</a> +Thuc. 7, 15.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_238" href="#FNanchor_238" class="label">[238]</a> +Ibid.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_239" href="#FNanchor_239" class="label">[239]</a> +He was particularly indignant at the confusion by some +would-be philosophers of facts with laws.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_240" href="#FNanchor_240" class="label">[240]</a> +<a href="#Page_262">P. 262.</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_241" href="#FNanchor_241" class="label">[241]</a> +About the year 1860 I remember discussing with him J. +Macleod Campbell’s book on the Atonement, which had lately appeared. +He made some criticisms, which I have forgotten, but I remember the +emphatic tone in which he said, “We want light.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_242" href="#FNanchor_242" class="label">[242]</a> +In 1870 Maxwell received the honorary degree of LL.D. +in the University of Edinburgh; on 11th November 1874 he was elected +Foreign Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences +of Boston; on 15th October 1875, Member of the American Philosophical +Society of Philadelphia; on 4th December 1875, Corresponding Member +of the Royal Society of Sciences of Göttingen; on 21st June 1876 he +received the honorary degree of D.C.L. at Oxford; on 5th December +1876 he was elected Honorary Member of the New York Academy of +Science; on 27th April 1877, Member of the Royal Academy of Science of +Amsterdam; on 18th August 1877, Foreign Corresponding Member in the +Mathematico-Natural-Science Class of the Imperial Academy of Sciences +of Vienna; and in the spring of 1878 he received the Volta Medal and +degree of Doctor of Physical Science <i>honoris causâ</i> in the +University of Pavia.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_243" href="#FNanchor_243" class="label">[243]</a> +<a href="#Page_205">P. 205.</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_244" href="#FNanchor_244" class="label">[244]</a> +<a href="#Page_179">P. 179.</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_245" href="#FNanchor_245" class="label">[245]</a> +See the Occasional Poem on St. David’s Day.</p> + +</div> +</div> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_434">[Pg 434]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV.<br> +<span class="allsmcap">LAST ESSAYS AT CAMBRIDGE.</span></h2> +</div> + +<p class="nind"> +AFTER Maxwell's return to Cambridge in 1871, several of +those who had been “Apostles” together in 1853-7, revived the habit +of meeting together for the discussion of speculative questions. This +club of elder men (άνδρών πρεσβυτέρων έταιρία), which included such +men as Dr. Lightfoot, now Bishop of Durham, and Professors Hort and +Westcott, was christened Erănus (see p. 366), and three of Maxwell's +contributions, dated by himself, have been preserved. It seems +advisable to print these entire,—although not even chips from his +workshop, but rather sparks from the whetstone of his mind,—since what +he thought worthy of detaining the attention of such listeners in those +ripe years cannot fail to be of interest to many readers.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc space-above2">I.</p> + +<p class="hanging2"> +<i>Does the progress of Physical Science tend to give any advantage to +the opinion of Necessity (or Determinism) over that of the Contingency +of Events and the Freedom of the Will?</i></p> + +<div class="sidenote"><i>Æt.</i> 41.</div> + +<p class="right"><i>11th February 1873.</i></p> + +<p>The general character and tendency of human thought is a topic the +interest of which is not confined to professional philosophers. +Though every one of us must, each for himself,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_435">[Pg 435]</span> accept some sort of a +philosophy, good or had, and though the whole virtue of this philosophy +depends on it being our own, yet none of us thinks it out entirely for +himself. It is essential to our comfort that we should know whether +we are going with the general stream of human thought or against it, +and if it should turn out that the general stream flows in a direction +different from the current of our private thought, though we may +endeavour to explain it as the result of a widespread aberration of +intellect, we would be more satisfied if we could obtain some evidence +that it is not ourselves who are going astray.</p> + +<p>In such an enquiry we need some fiducial point or standard of +reference, by which we may ascertain the direction in which we are +drifting. The books written by men of former ages who thought about the +same questions would be of great use, if it were not that we are apt to +derive a wrong impression from them if we approach them by a course of +reading unknown to those for whom they were written.</p> + +<p>There are certain questions, however, which form the <i>pièces de +resistance</i> of philosophy, on which men of all ages have exhausted +their arguments, and which are perfectly certain to furnish matter of +debate to generations to come, and which may therefore serve to show +how we are drifting. At a certain epoch of our adolescence those of us +who are good for anything begin to get anxious about these questions, +and unless the cares of this world utterly choke our metaphysical +anxieties, we become developed into advocates of necessity or of +free-will. What it is which determines for us which side we shall +take must for the purpose of this essay be regarded as contingent. +According to Mr. F. Galton, it is derived from structureless elements +in our parents, which were probably never developed in their earthly +existence, and which may have been handed down to them, still in the +latent state, through untold generations. Much might be said in favour +of such a congenital bias towards a particular scheme of philosophy; at +the same time we must acknowledge that much of a man's mental history +depends upon events occurring after his birth in time, and that he is +on the whole more<span class="pagenum" id="Page_436">[Pg 436]</span> likely to espouse doctrines which, harmonise with +the particular set of ideas to which he is induced, by the process of +education, to confine his attention. What will be the probable effect +if these ideas happen mainly to be those of modern physical science?</p> + +<p>The intimate connexion between physical and metaphysical science is +indicated even by their names. What are the chief requisites of a +physical laboratory? Facilities for measuring space, time, and mass. +What is the occupation of a metaphysician? Speculating on the modes of +difference of co-existent things, on invariable sequences, and on the +existence of matter.</p> + +<p>He is nothing but a physicist disarmed of all his weapons,—a +disembodied spirit trying to measure distances in terms of his own +cubit, to form a chronology in which intervals of time are measured by +the number of thoughts which they include, and to evolve a standard +pound out of his own self-consciousness. Taking metaphysicians singly, +we find again that as is their physics, so is their metaphysics. +Descartes, with his perfect insight into geometrical truth, and his +wonderful ingenuity in the imagination of mechanical contrivances, +was far behind the other great men of his time with respect to the +conception of matter as a receptacle of momentum and energy. His +doctrine of the collision of bodies is ludicrously absurd. He admits, +indeed, that the facts are against him, but explains them as the result +either of the want of perfect hardness in the bodies, or of the action +of the surrounding air. His inability to form that notion which we now +call force is exemplified in his explanation of the hardness of bodies +as the result of the quiescence of their parts.</p> + +<p>“Neque profecto ullum glutinum possumus excogitare, quod particulas +durorum corporum firmius inter se conjungat, quàm ipsarum quies.” +<i>Princip.</i>, <i>Pars</i> II. LV.</p> + +<p>Descartes, in fact, was a firm believer that matter has but one +essential property, namely extension, and his influence in preserving +this pernicious heresy in existence extends even to very recent times. +Spinoza’s idea of matter,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_437">[Pg 437]</span> as he receives it from the authorities, is +exactly that of Descartes; and if he has added to it another essential +function, namely thought, the new ingredient does not interfere with +the old, and certainly does not bring the matter of Descartes into +closer resemblance with that of Newton.</p> + +<p>The influence of the physical ideas of Newton on philosophical thought +deserves a careful study. It may be traced in a very direct way through +Maclaurin and the Stewarts to the Scotch School, the members of which +had all listened to the popular expositions of the Newtonian Philosophy +in their respective colleges. In England, Boyle and Locke reflect +Newtonian ideas with tolerable distinctness, though both have ideas of +their own. Berkeley, on the other hand, though he is a master of the +language of his time, is quite impervious to its ideas. Samuel Clarke +is perhaps one of the best examples of the influence of Newton; while +Roger Cotes, in spite of his clever exposition of Newton’s doctrines, +must be condemned as one of the earliest heretics bred in the bosom of +Newtonianism.</p> + +<p>It is absolutely manifest from these and other instances that any +development of physical science is likely to produce some modification +of the methods and ideas of philosophers, provided that the physical +ideas are expounded in such a way that the philosophers can understand +them.</p> + +<p>The principal developments of physical ideas in modern times have been—</p> + +<p>1st. The idea of matter as the receptacle of momentum and energy. This +we may attribute to Galileo and some of his contemporaries. This idea +is fully expressed by Newton, under the form of Laws of Motion.</p> + +<p>2d. The discussion of the relation between the fact of gravitation and +the maxim that matter cannot act where it is not.</p> + +<p>3d. The discoveries in Physical Optics, at the beginning of this +century. These have produced much less effect outside the scientific +world than might be expected. There are two reasons for this. In the +first place it is difficult, especially in these days of the separation +of technical from popular<span class="pagenum" id="Page_438">[Pg 438]</span> knowledge, to expound physical optics to +persons not professedly mathematicians. The second reason is, that it +is extremely easy to show such persons the phenomena, which are very +beautiful in themselves, and this is often accepted as instruction in +physical optics.</p> + +<p>4th. The development of the doctrine of the Conservation of Energy. +This has produced a far greater effect on the thinking world outside +that of technical thermodynamics.</p> + +<p>As the doctrine of the conservation of matter gave a definiteness to +statements regarding the immateriality of the soul, so the doctrine of +the conservation of energy, when applied to living beings, leads to the +conclusion that the soul of an animal is not, like the mainspring of a +watch, the motive power of the body, but that its function is rather +that of a steersman of a vessel,—not to produce, but to regulate and +direct the animal powers.</p> + +<p>5th. The discoveries in Electricity and Magnetism labour under the same +disadvantages as those in Light. It is difficult to present the ideas +in an adequate manner to laymen, and it is easy to show them wonderful +experiments.</p> + +<p>6th. On the other hand, recent developments of Molecular Science seem +likely to have a powerful effect on the world of thought. The doctrine +that visible bodies apparently at rest are made up of parts, each of +which is moving with the velocity of a cannon ball, and yet never +departing to a visible extent from its mean place, is sufficiently +startling to attract the attention of an unprofessional man.</p> + +<p>But I think the most important effect of molecular science on our way +of thinking will be that it forces on our attention the distinction +between two kinds of knowledge, which we may call for convenience the +Dynamical and Statistical.</p> + +<p>The statistical method of investigating social questions has Laplace +for its most scientific and Buckle for its most popular expounder. +Persons are grouped according to some characteristic, and the number +of persons forming the group is set down under that characteristic. +This is the raw material from which the statist endeavours to deduce +general<span class="pagenum" id="Page_439">[Pg 439]</span> theorems in sociology. Other students of human nature proceed +on a different plan. They observe individual men, ascertain their +history, analyse their motives, and compare their expectation of +what they will do with their actual conduct. This may be called the +dynamical method of study as applied to man. However imperfect the +dynamical study of man may be in practice, it evidently is the only +perfect method in principle, and its shortcomings arise from the +limitation of our powers rather than from a faulty method of procedure. +If we betake ourselves to the statistical method, we do so confessing +that we are unable to follow the details of each individual case, and +expecting that the effects of widespread causes, though very different +in each individual, will produce an average result on the whole nation, +from a study of which we may estimate the character and propensities of +an imaginary being called the Mean Man.</p> + +<p>How, if the molecular theory of the constitution of bodies is true, +all our knowledge of matter is of the statistical kind. A constituent +molecule of a body has properties very different from those of the +body to which it belongs. Besides its immutability and other recondite +properties, it has a velocity which is different from that which we +attribute to the body as a whole.</p> + +<p>The smallest portion of a body which we can discern consists of a +vast number of such molecules, and all that we can learn about this +group of molecules is statistical information. We can determine the +motion of the centre of gravity of the group, but not that of any one +of its members for the time being, and these members themselves are +continually passing from one group to another in a manner confessedly +beyond our power of tracing them.</p> + +<p>Hence those uniformities which we observe in our experiments with +quantities of matter containing millions of millions of molecules +are uniformities of the same kind as those explained by Laplace and +wondered at by Buckle, arising from the slumping together of multitudes +of cases, each of which is by no means uniform with the others.</p> + +<p>The discussion of statistical matter is within the province<span class="pagenum" id="Page_440">[Pg 440]</span> of human +reason, and valid consequences may be deduced from it by legitimate +methods; but there are certain peculiarities in the very form of the +results which indicate that they belong to a different department of +knowledge from the domain of exact science. They are not symmetrical +functions of the time. It makes all the difference in the world whether +we suppose the inquiry to be historical or prophetical—whether our +object is to deduce the past state or the future state of things from +the known present state. In astronomy, the two problems differ only in +the sign of \(t\), the time; in the theory of the diffusion of matter, +heat, or motion, the prophetical problem is always capable of solution; +but the historical one, except in singular cases, is insoluble. There +may be other cases in which the past, but not the future, may be +deducible from the present. Perhaps the process by which we remember +past events, by submitting our memory to analysis, may be a case of +this kind.</p> + +<p>Much light may be thrown on some of these questions by the +consideration of stability and instability. \(\angle\) When the state +of things is such that an infinitely small variation of the present +state will alter only by an infinitely small quantity the state at +some future time, the condition of the system, whether at rest or in +motion, is said to be stable; but when an infinitely small variation in +the present state may bring about a finite difference in the state of +the system in a finite time, the condition of the system is said to be +unstable.</p> + +<p>It is manifest that the existence of unstable conditions renders +impossible the prediction of future events, if our knowledge of the +present state is only approximate, and not accurate.</p> + +<p>It has been well pointed out by Professor Balfour Stewart that physical +stability is the characteristic of those systems from the contemplation +of which determinists draw their arguments, and physical stability that +of those living bodies, and moral instability that of those developable +souls, which furnish to consciousness the conviction of free will.</p> + +<p>Having thus pointed out some of the relations of physical<span class="pagenum" id="Page_441">[Pg 441]</span> science to +the question, we are the better prepared to inquire what is meant by +determination and what by free will.</p> + +<p>No one, I suppose, would assign to free will a more than infinitesimal +range. No leopard can change his spots, nor can any one by merely +wishing it, or, as some say, <i>willing</i> it, introduce discontinuity +into his course of existence. Our free will at the best is like that of +Lucretius’s atoms,—which at quite uncertain times and places deviate +in an uncertain manner from their course. In the course of this our +mortal life we more or less frequently find ourselves on a physical +or moral watershed, where an imperceptible deviation is sufficient to +determine into which of two valleys we shall descend. The doctrine +of free will asserts that in some such cases the Ego alone is the +determining cause. The doctrine of Determinism asserts that in every +case, without exception, the result is determined by the previous +conditions of the subject, whether bodily or mental, and that Ego +is mistaken in supposing himself in any way the cause of the actual +result, as both what he is pleased to call decisions and the resultant +action are corresponding events due to the same fixed laws. Now, when +we speak of causes and effects, we always imply some person who knows +the causes and deduces the effects. Who is this person? Is he a man, or +is he the Deity?</p> + +<p>If he is man,—that is to say, a person who can make observations with +a certain finite degree of accuracy,—we have seen that it is only +in certain cases that he can predict results with even approximate +correctness.</p> + +<p>If he is the Deity, I object to any argument founded on a supposed +acquaintance with the conditions of Divine foreknowledge.</p> + + +<p class="space-above2"> +The subject of the essay is the relation to determinism, not of +theology, metaphysics, or mathematics, but of physical science,—the +science which depends for its material on the observation and +measurement of visible things, but which aims at the development of +doctrines whose consistency with each other shall be apparent to our +reason.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_442">[Pg 442]</span></p> + +<p>It is a metaphysical doctrine that from the same antecedents follow the +same consequents. No one can gainsay this. But it is not of much use in +a world like this, in which the same antecedents never again concur, +and nothing ever happens twice. Indeed, for aught we know, one of the +antecedents might be the precise date and place of the event, in which +case experience would go for nothing. The metaphysical axiom would be +of use only to a being possessed of the knowledge of contingent events, +<i>scientia simplicis intelligentiœ</i>,—a degree of knowledge to +which mere omniscience of all facts, <i>scientia visionis</i>, is but +ignorance.</p> + +<p>The physical axiom which has a somewhat similar aspect is “That from +like antecedents follow like consequents.” But here we have passed +from sameness to likeness, from absolute accuracy to a more or less +rough approximation. There are certain classes of phenomena, as I have +said, in which a small error in the data only introduces a small error +in the result. Such are, among others, the larger phenomena of the +Solar System, and those in which the more elementary laws in Dynamics +contribute the greater part of the result. The course of events in +these cases is stable.</p> + +<p>There are other classes of phenomena which are more complicated, and +in which cases of instability may occur, the number of such cases +increasing, in an exceedingly rapid manner, as the number of variables +increases. Thus, to take a case from a branch of science which comes +next to astronomy itself as a manifestation of order: In the refraction +of light, the direction of the refracted ray depends on that of the +incident ray, so that in general, if the one direction be slightly +altered, the other also will be slightly altered. In doubly refracting +media there are two refracting rays, but it is true of each of them +that like causes produce like effects. But if the direction of the ray +within a biaxial crystal is nearly but not exactly coincident with +that of the ray-axis of the crystal, a small change in direction will +produce a great change in the direction of the emergent ray. Of course, +this arises from a singularity in the properties of the ray-axis, and +there are only two ray-axes among the infinite number of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_443">[Pg 443]</span> possible +directions of lines in the crystal; but it is to be expected that in +phenomena of higher complexity there will be a far greater number of +singularities, near which the axiom about like causes producing like +effects ceases to be true. Thus the conditions under which gun-cotton +explodes are far from being well known; but the aim of chemists is +not so much to predict the time at which gun-cotton will go off of +itself, as to find a kind of gun-cotton which, when placed in certain +circumstances, has never yet exploded, and this even when slight +irregularities both in the manufacture and in the storage are taken +account of by trying numerous and long continued experiments.</p> + +<p>In all such cases there is one common circumstance,—the system has a +quantity of potential energy, which is capable of being transformed +into motion, but which cannot begin to be so transformed till the +system has reached a certain configuration, to attain which requires +an expenditure of work, which in certain cases may be infinitesimally +small, and in general bears no definite proportion to the energy +developed in consequence thereof. For example, the rock loosed by frost +and balanced on a singular point of the mountain-side, the little spark +which kindles the great forest, the little word which sets the world a +fighting, the little scruple which prevents a man from doing his will, +the little spore which blights all the potatoes, the little gemmule +which makes us philosophers or idiots. Every existence above a certain +rank has its singular points: the higher the rank, the more of them. At +these points, influences whose physical magnitude is too small to be +taken account of by a finite being, may produce results of the greatest +importance. All great results produced by human endeavour depend on +taking advantage of these singular states when they occur.</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">There is a tide in the affairs of men</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="nind"> +The man of tact says “the right word at the right time,” and, “a word +spoken in due season how good is it!” The man of no tact is like +vinegar upon nitre when<span class="pagenum" id="Page_444">[Pg 444]</span> he sings his songs to a heavy heart. The +ill-timed admonition hardens the heart, and the good resolution, taken +when it is sure to be broken, becomes macadamised into pavement for the +abyss.</p> + +<p>It appears then that in our own nature there are more singular +points,—where prediction, except from absolutely perfect data, and +guided by the omniscience of contingency, becomes impossible,—than +there are in any lower organisation. But singular points are by +their very nature isolated, and form no appreciable fraction of the +continuous course of our existence. Hence predictions of human conduct +may be made in many cases. First, with respect to those who have no +character at all, especially when considered in crowds, after the +statistical method. Second, with respect to individuals of confirmed +character, with respect to actions of the kind for which their +character is confirmed.</p> + +<p>If, therefore, those cultivators of physical science from whom the +intelligent public deduce their conception of the physicist, and +whose style is recognised as marking with a scientific stamp the +doctrines they promulgate, are led in pursuit of the arcana of science +to the study of the singularities and instabilities, rather than the +continuities and stabilities of things, the promotion of natural +knowledge may tend to remove that prejudice in favour of determinism +which seems to arise from assuming that the physical science of the +future is a mere magnified image of that of the past.</p> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2">II.</p> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">On Modified Aspects of Pain.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>31st October 1876.</i></p> + +<div class="sidenote"><i>Æt.</i> 45.</div> + +<p>We often make sensation in general the subject of discussion, but it +does not appear that we think much about particular sensations. If we +did, we should have had more names for them. Most of the words which +seem at first sight to be names of sensations are really used as names +of objects which we suppose to be associated with the sensation, and to +be indicated by it. All such words as hot and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_445">[Pg 445]</span> cold, flat and sharp, +green, bright, bitter, frouzy, and so on, though they may sometimes +excite in a very sympathetic mind a faint image of some actual +sensation, call up much more vividly the idea of some external object +or phenomenon. Language, in fact, has become far more an instrument +for conveying information and for recording facts than for awakening +sympathy; and even thought, in articulately speaking men, is occupied +rather in methodising our perceptions than in chewing the cud of our +sensations.</p> + +<p>Of the few words which we have left to distinguish states of feeling, +most of the better sort, such as pleasure, joy, happiness, are +remarkably vague, so that the only available part of the vocabulary of +sensations consists of the names of pains.</p> + +<p>Such words as toothache, headache, heartache, certainly fulfil the +condition of suggesting, at least to non-medical persons, a state of +feeling rather than an objective phenomenon.</p> + +<p>Now, whatever we may think, each for ourselves, at the time when we +feel a pain or an ache, about consciousness or subjectivity, we are +compelled, when we have to speak about it, or even to think about it, +to view it from the outside, and to adopt the objective method of +treatment.</p> + + +<p class="space-above2"> +A pain, then, in a sentient being other than ourselves is a condition +which that being ordinarily endeavours to put a stop to, and the +recurrence of which it tries to prevent; just as a pleasurable +sensation is one which it endeavours to prolong, and afterwards to +reproduce.</p> + +<p>The psychologist has therefore to study pleasures and pains in their +effects on a sentient being, just as the naturalist studies forces in +their effects on the motion of a material system. The motion of the +material system would go on in a determinate manner though no forces +were in action. The actions of a living being, when not in a state of +conscious effort, and often, indeed, even when it supposes itself to be +exercising what it would call its will, go on in a manner determined by +habits established by long custom,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_446">[Pg 446]</span> and transmitted from generation to +generation, though varying slightly from individual to individual.</p> + +<p>According to the simplest form of the Evolution theory, those +individuals, tribes, or species, which have habits unfavourable to +their success in the battle of life, die out, and help to improve the +average quality of the remainder. This good old rule, however, this +simple plan, though it might suffice for beings of great fecundity, +would involve a great waste of life among higher and less prolific +forms. Hence if any of these should come to have tastes and feelings, +and if these should happen to be such as to repel them from pernicious +courses and attract them into salutary ones, this would give them an +advantage in the struggle for existence. Of course, there would be +an equal chance that the tastes and feelings, when first developed, +would be in favour of courses leading to destruction; but the +individuals possessed by these tastes and feelings would be all the +quicker exterminated for the good—that is to say, the more vigorous +continuation—of the species.</p> + +<p>The susceptibility to pleasure and pain must therefore be regarded +as permitting a certain mitigation of the first covenant of the +evolutionists, “This do and live;” the original severity of which was +all the greater since the word “this” could be interpreted only by +observing what actions were not followed by death.</p> + +<p>By pursuing what we feel to be pleasant, and avoiding what we feel to +be painful, we are following a course which was probably followed by +many of our ancestors, and of which we know at least this much—that it +did not bring them to such speedy destruction as to prevent them from +leaving us as their descendants; and this is more than we can say for +any absolutely new rule of life struck out by ourselves.</p> + +<p>But it must be confessed that the monitions of pleasure and pain are +not held in such high esteem by all men, as the view which we have +just taken would seem to warrant. For though here and there we may +find an isolated teacher who has inculcated the cultivation of all +forms of pleasurable sensation, and the elimination of whatever is +disagreeable,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_447">[Pg 447]</span> yet there has never been a state of society in which it +has not been reckoned more honourable</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">To scorn delights and live laborious days,</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="nind">than to run after pleasure and to shrink from pain.</p> + +<p>And this brings me to the main point for our consideration. Why is it +that in all times and countries the endurance of pain has been looked +upon with great respect, and has been considered necessary, salutary, +honourable, or meritorious? There is no difficulty, of course, about +those cases in which a person undertakes some enterprise, good in +itself, and in pursuance of this enterprise meets with various forms +of suffering. These are only instances of the general maxim to despise +evils of a lower order when they stand in the way of some good of a +higher order.</p> + +<p>The ability to endure suffering while engaged in a good work being +recognised as a species of excellence, it is only natural that this +kind of ability should become the subject of special cultivation. The +aspirant to this form of virtue, therefore, voluntarily submits himself +to suffering, not for the sake of any visible benefit to himself and +others to be obtained by enduring that particular pain, but for the +sake of discipline.</p> + +<p>The aim of discipline is that he himself, and still more that others, +may have confidence that he is able to endure suffering in a good +cause, because he has already endured suffering merely to justify this +confidence.</p> + +<p>Practices of this kind have in some countries been developed to an +extravagant degree, and may have given rise to various abnormal +sentiments and maxims; but in the principle of educational discipline +there is nothing but the soundest wisdom, for the only way in which an +individual can acquire confidence that he can perform a given act when +he wishes to do so is by previous practice; and when it is necessary +for the public good that there should be a body of men, of each of +whom we can be sure that he will act in a particular manner when the +occasion for it arrives, it is absolutely necessary that they should +be drilled to an exercise as like as<span class="pagenum" id="Page_448">[Pg 448]</span> possible to the action which is +expected of them. But in all this the inconvenience or suffering which +has to be endured is by no means regarded as good in itself. It is +treated as a necessary concomitant of the act to be performed, just as +muscular effort, which may sometimes arise to the intensity of a pain, +is a necessary concomitant of an athletic exercise in which we may find +pleasure.</p> + +<p>Indeed the pleasurable or painful character of an elementary sensation +or thought cannot be determined without taking into account all +its surroundings. A sensation or a thought when separated from its +surroundings may be disagreeable or painful; but when it occurs as a +part of an act of perception, we may not recognize it as painful.</p> + +<p>There may even be a pleasurable complex emotion into which the painful +elementary sensation enters as an essential ingredient, so that if +on any occasion the painful sensation is deficient, we feel that the +pleasurable emotion is thereby marred and rendered incomplete.</p> + + +<p class="space-above2"> +There is another class of cases, however, in which the pain itself is +the essential element. I mean penal suffering. The aim of punishment, +when not vindictive, is to prevent the repetition of certain acts by +associating with them penal consequences.</p> + +<p>The painful consequences of an act may be associated with it by the +way of natural consequence, or through the medium of some external +punishing authority, or by the determination of the actor to punish +himself.</p> + +<p>When painful effects follow an act by way of natural consequence, they +are not generally called punishment, because we do not attribute to +nature any intention of punishing the particular act. But there can be +no better instances of the conditions of efficacious punishment than +those in which an act is so immediately and so certainly followed by a +painful sensation, that the sensation becomes inseparably associated +with the act, as in the case in which we touch red-hot iron. In such +cases the act is hardly ever repeated.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_449">[Pg 449]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>When the connection between the act and the sensation is not so +immediate, but has to be traced through the action of a voluntary +punisher, as when an act of a boy or a dog is followed by an unpleasant +skin-sensation inflicted by the master, the efficacy of the punishment +still depends in a great degree on its promptness and certainty, for +these are the conditions under which a permanent association can be +effected between the act and the sensation.</p> + + +<p class="space-above2"> +Let us now consider the feelings with which punishment may be regarded +by the recipient.</p> + +<p>There may be beings in whom the feeling is simple—pure repugnance. +There is a beast called the Tasmanian Devil, which is said to fight +against any odds, however overpowering, as long as any of him can stick +together. There is no hope of taming or subduing such a beast by force, +and it is probable that he will soon become extinct.</p> + +<p>But in the case of less indomitable beings, punishment may soon assume +a less hateful aspect.</p> + +<p>For even if it is not efficacious in changing the habits, as soon as it +is recognised as a certain consequence of transgression, the execution +of the punishment may be welcomed as a relief from the expectation of +it, and the culprit may have a satisfaction in getting it over, as an +honest man has. when he pays his debts.</p> + +<p>If, however, he is really cured of the habit, he may look on the +punishment as an operation by which he has not only paid in full for +his past transgression, but has been free from the danger of falling +into future transgressions.</p> + +<p>Lastly, if his moral perceptions have been so far improved that he +recognises that the action for which he was punished was really bad, he +will sympathise more with the punisher than with his former self, and +will admit not only the justice of his punishment as being according to +law, but; the justice of the law according to which he was punished.</p> + + +<p class="space-above2"> +We come next to those cases in which there is no external punisher, but +in which grief or sorrow is awakened within ourselves on account of +what we have done.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_450">[Pg 450]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Here, again, the effect may be very different according to the mode in +which the sensation of grief is applied, and the result is rendered +complicated on account of the identity between the punisher and the +punished.</p> + +<p>The legitimate application of the emotion of grief is of course to the +wrong act, so as to associate the act and all that belongs to it with +this painful emotion, and so diminish the tendency to repeat the act.</p> + +<p>But the association may not be strong enough, or the emotion of grief +may altogether miss its mark, and may concentrate attention on itself, +and so become transformed into self-pity,—a very complex emotion, +in which the sweet is so mingled with the bitter, that its ultimate +effect on our conduct becomes very uncertain; the most probable +result, however, being that on future occasions what should have been +contrition passes still more easily into self-pity, and the whole +performance assumes the character of a graceful play of feelings which +we enjoy rather than suffer.</p> + +<p>But though such perversions of feeling may occur, there is no doubt +that men do make successful use of self-inflicted discipline as a means +of influencing their own conduct. The lower degrees of such discipline +are put in practice whenever we have to change our habits in the most +minute particular. Without it we could not improve our pronunciation or +our handwriting.</p> + +<p>The great difficulty, however, in providing for the punishment being +applied in the right quarter, when the punisher is identical with the +punished person, has led to the adoption of various imperfect solutions +of the problem of penance, in some of which the discipline is inflicted +by the arms on some other part of the body, and in others hunger is +brought into play by abstaining from food. But in no sacrament is +the intention of the administrator of such vital importance as in +self-penance. Spenser tells us how the Red-Cross Knight underwent +discipline under the directions of Patience.</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">But yet the cause and root of all his ill,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Inward corruption and infected sin,</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_451">[Pg 451]</span> + <div class="verse indent0">Not purged nor healed, behind remained still,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And fest’ring sore, did ranckle yet within,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Close creeping ’twixt the marrow and the skin;</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Which to extirpe, he laid him privily</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Down in a darksome lowly place far in,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whereas he meant his corrosives to apply,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And with streight diet tame his stubborn malady.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">In ashes and sackcloth he did array</div> + <div class="verse indent2">His daintie corse, proud humours to abate</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And dieted with fasting every day</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The swelling of his wounds to mitigate;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And made him pray both early and eke late.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And ever as superfluous flesh did rot,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Amendment ready still at hand did wayt,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To pluck it out with pincers fiery whott</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That soon in him was left no one corrupted iott.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p>Here we see the advantage of allegory. In real life the poor man, +instead of having Patience and Amendment as his good friends standing +by his side, would have to conjure them up inside of him, and to apply +the pincers with his own hand. But setting allegory aside, we can +find here no exaltation of pain in itself. The pain is a necessary +concomitant of the extirpation of evil habits from a conscious being. +Amendment is the aim and end of the discipline, and the sole reason +that he has to heat his pincers fiery whott is that the evil which he +has to extirpe has crept close betwixt the marrow and the skin, and +requires the actual cautery to prevent its creeping further.</p> + +<p>Again, in the Collect for the first Sunday in Lent, we pray for “grace +to use such abstinence,” that, our flesh being subdued to the spirit, +we may ever obey “the godly motions” of Christ. Abstinence is to be +used only as a help towards the subjugation of our lower nature, and +the opening up of our higher nature to divine influence.</p> + +<p>I have said nothing of the aspect of penal suffering as a satisfaction +either of justice from the point of view of a ruler, or of vengeance +from the point of view of an aggrieved person.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_452">[Pg 452]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Nor have I attempted to discuss the process by which the suffering, +real or apparent, of one may be a direct source of pleasure to another +who has cultivated the spirit of cruelty. For I cannot think that pure +cruelty, as distinct from combativeness, anger and love of power, is +anything but a morbid growth of feeling, subject, of course, to the +general laws of the growth of feeling, whatever they may be, but no +more to be regarded as a subject for our discussion here than those +forms of perverted feeling which induce dogs to gnaw off their own +toes, or devotees to hold their arms above their heads till they can no +longer bring them down again.</p> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2">III.</p> + +<p class="nindc">(PSYCHOPHYSIK.)</p> + +<p class="right"><i>5th February 1878.</i></p> + +<p>Whence came we? whither are we going? and what should we do now? +are three questions of some celebrity. We have come from somewhere +between this and Orion; we are going at—kilomètres per second towards +Hercules; and we must therefore observe stars in a direction at right +angles to our path;—are the answers suggested twenty-five years ago. +It seems to me that a change has come over the questions, so that they +now read, What used I to believe about myself? what is it likely I +shall have to believe about myself? and what should I believe about +myself now?</p> + +<p>I used to believe myself to be the Conscious Ego. I am told I shall +have soon to believe myself to be a congeries of plastidule souls, +and that I must at once study psychophysik in order to obtain a true +knowledge of myself.</p> + +<p>I propose, therefore, to talk of the Conscious Ego, of Plastidule +souls, and of Psychophysik.</p> + +<p>(1.) What is your name? is a still more celebrated question. The +suggested answer, N. or M., recalls to the mathematician ideas and +operations of the most heterogeneous kind. Let us consider some of +them. The instructors of my youth would have expected me to answer—My +name is the Conscious Ego, one and indivisible, the Subject, in +relation to whom all other beings, material, human, or divine, are<span class="pagenum" id="Page_453">[Pg 453]</span> +mere Objects. Whether the being of such Objects can be maintained +or upheld apart from my continuous perception of them is the great +question of Metaphysics.</p> + +<p>Though nothing can rise to the dignity even of an Object, except in +so far as it is perceived by me, I regard certain Objects as nearer +in rank to me, the Subject, than others, because it is through them +that other Objects are perceived. Indeed, I often catch myself, when +thinking about my body or my mind, supposing that I am thinking about +myself.</p> + +<p>There are other objects within the sphere of our perceptions which +resemble our bodies, though they are not ours. The actions of these +objects are so far like our own that we not only attribute to these +objects the power of thinking, but also the consciousness of knowing, +feeling, desiring and willing. In short, we suppose that each of these +objects, when he asserts himself to be the Conscious Ego, means what we +do when we make a similar statement.</p> + +<p>The late Professor Ferrier, in his “Metaphysic,” makes great use of +this Alter Ego, and for his own purposes he treats him as a true Ego, +whereas in Metaphysic he can never be more than an Object. This, +however, is only a confusion of persons, not an actual division of the +substance of the Ego. Our business to-night lies in the abysmal depths +of Personality, and relates to the Unity of the Ego.</p> + +<p>A great deal of what has been written on this subject relates to the +continuity of the Ego in space and time, or in what corresponds in +metaphysic to the space and time of physic. And first of Space. Has the +Ego anything corresponding to Extension? Has he parts? and, if so, are +these parts separable in fact or even in idea?</p> + +<p>It has been maintained that he has no parts; that his state of +consciousness at any instant is an inseparable whole, comparable, in +respect of extension, to a mathematical point. According to this view, +when I think I see an extensive prospect all at once before me, I am +in reality either actually rolling my eye in an unconscious frenzy, +or without any bodily motion I,—that is, the perceptive Ego,—am +attending<span class="pagenum" id="Page_454">[Pg 454]</span> first to one minimum visible, and then to another, so that +what is presented to me is like the idea which a blind man forms of +the shape of an object by stroking it with the end of his stick. The +evidence relates only to the position of points in the line traced +by the end of his stick, but he fills in the rest of the surface in +accordance with his notions of continuity and probability.</p> + +<p>There is no department of psychophysik which has been so successfully +studied as that which relates to vision. When we keep not only our +eyes, but our attention, fixed on one small object, the field of +conscious vision seems to contract, till only that object remains +visible, and even it seems about to disappear. It generally happens, +however, that the feeling of uneasiness which grows upon us causes at +last a slight displacement of the eye, when suddenly a large extent of +the field starts into visibility, and the edges of objects, especially +those normal to the line of displacement, become obtrusively prominent. +This experiment seems at first sight to indicate that the central spot +of the retina has some exclusive privilege in the economy of vision. +What it really shows is that changes in the mode of excitation are +essential to perfect vision, and that vision cannot be maintained under +an absolute sameness of excitation. On the other hand, by means of the +instantaneous light of a single electric spark, we may read a whole +sentence of print. Here we know that though the illumination lasts only +for a few millionths of a second, the image on the retina lasts for +a time amply sufficient for an expert reader to go over it letter by +letter, and even to detect misprints. This experiment suggests certain +speculations about memory, a faculty which is often supposed to be +essential to the continuity of the Ego in time.</p> + + +<p class="space-above2"> +When men wish to have things remembered, they set up monuments, +and write inscriptions and books,—they draw pictures and take +photographs,—in order that these material things may help them, in +time to come, to call up the thought of that which they were intended +to commemorate.</p> + +<p>In our own bodies we have records of past events. Old<span class="pagenum" id="Page_455">[Pg 455]</span> wounds may +remind us of impressions made years ago, and ocular spectra remind us +of impressions made seconds ago. Even in quiet meditation we sometimes +find the ideas of visible objects accompanied with sensations hardly +less vivid than those produced by real objects, and the memory of +spoken words passes in a continuous manner, as the condition of our +nerves becomes more exalted, first into a silent straining of the +organs of speech, and then into an audible voice.</p> + +<p>Beginners in music may practise on a dumb piano, and there is a silent +process by which we may improve our pronunciation of foreign words.</p> + +<p>We can thus trace a continuous series of the instruments of memory, +beginning at the tables of stone and going on to the tables of the +heart; and we are tempted to ask whether all memorials are not of the +same kind—a physical impression on a material system.</p> + +<p>The last American invention of the past year is Edison’s Talking +Phonograph. This instrument has an ear of its own, into which you may +say your lesson, and a mouth of its own, which at any future time is +ready to repeat that lesson.</p> + +<p>The memory of this machine consists of tinfoil thin enough to be +impressionable by the metal style which is set in motion by the voice, +and yet thick enough to be retentive of these impressions, and at a +proper time to communicate a corresponding motion to the style of the +talking part of the machine.</p> + +<p>Such is the heart of this instrument, by which it gets its speeches. +Are our own hearts essentially different? We know what damage can be +done to our memory by physical disturbances. We find ourselves quite +unable to recall what we had often perused and reperused on the pages +of memory. The page is lost out of our consciousness. Time goes on, +and some day we find that the page with all that it contained has been +restored to its place. Where was that page when it was out of our +consciousness? Not surely in the Ego, unless there be an unconscious +Ego. It must be out of the Ego, and therefore an Object. If this be so, +it is<span class="pagenum" id="Page_456">[Pg 456]</span> of no great consequence to the dignity of the Ego, whether this +particular object is purely spiritual or has a material substratum, +just as history is history, whether or not it has a material substratum +of paper and ink.</p> + +<p>Memory is sometimes spoken of as if it were essential to individuality. +When I wish to convince myself that I am the same person as a certain +baby, I may do so by remembering as my own certain acts done by +that baby. It may happen, however, that I cannot ascertain whether +my present memory of these acts is due entirely to the direct +impression made by these acts on me, or whether it is not mainly due +to the frequent repetition of the story of these acts, as told to me +afterwards by older persons.</p> + +<p>But even if I were to find my memory to be all wrong, and that I am not +that baby but a changeling, this would not touch my conviction that I +who now am, am one.</p> + +<p>The phenomenon of double consciousness, though not common, seems to be +well established. A person has a double series of alternate states. +In one the memory, education, accomplishments, and temper, are quite +different from what they are in the other.</p> + +<p>Instances have even been adduced of a man believing himself to be two +or even three different individuals at the same time. But when we come +to examine any particular case, we find that the man has nothing more +than an erroneous opinion that he is entitled to the position and +rights of the King, or of some other person, as well as his own, so +that even in his own imagination he is no more than a person who holds +several different offices at the same time.</p> + +<p>(2.) The theory of Plastidule souls has been hinted at by several +persons of whom Dr. Tyndall has spoken loudest. A much clearer +utterance is that of Professor von Nägeli, of Munich, in an address +delivered at the Munich meeting of the German Association in 1877.</p> + +<p>Du Bois Reymond, in an address to the same body at Leipzig in 1872, had +asserted—</p> + +<p>“That in the first trace of pleasure which was felt by one of the +simplest beings in the beginning of animal life<span class="pagenum" id="Page_457">[Pg 457]</span> upon our earth, an +insuperable limit was marked; while upwards from this to the most +elevated mental activity, and downwards from the vital force of the +organic to the simple physical force, he nowhere finds another limit.”</p> + +<p>To this Professor Nägeli replies—</p> + +<p>“Experience shows that from the clearest consciousness of the thinker +downwards, through the more imperfect consciousness of the child, to +the unconsciousness of the embryo, and to the insensibility of the +human ovum,—or through the more imperfect consciousness of undeveloped +human races and of higher animals to the unconsciousness of lower +animals and of sensitive plants, and to the insensibility of all other +plants,—there exists a continuous gradation without definable limit, +and that the same gradation continues from the life of the animal ovum +and the vegetable cell downwards, through organised elementary and more +or less lifeless forms (parts of the cell), to crystals and chemical +molecules.”</p> + +<p>Professor von Nägeli accepts the fact of sensation, appetency, and +thought in the higher forms of life; but instead of trying to resolve +it into a mechanical process, he levels up the discontinuity of the +chain of being by attributing sensation not only to all organisms, but +also to all cells, molecules, and atoms. This is what he says—</p> + +<p>“Now, if the molecules possess anything which is ever so distantly +related to sensation, and we cannot doubt it, since each one feels the +presence, the certain condition, the peculiar forces of the other, +and, accordingly, has the inclination to move, and under circumstances +really begins to move—becomes alive as it were; moreover, since +such molecules are the elements which cause pleasure and pain; if, +therefore, the molecules feel something that is related to sensation, +then this must be pleasure, if they can respond to attraction and +repulsion, <i>i.e.</i> follow their inclination or disinclination; +it must be displeasure if they are forced to execute some opposite +movement, and it must be neither pleasure nor displeasure if they +remain at rest.”</p> + +<p>Professor von Nägeli is what Professor Huxley would call a mere +biologist, or he would have known that the molecules,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_458">[Pg 458]</span> like the +planets, move along like blessed gods. They cannot be disturbed from +the path of their choice by the action of any forces, for they have +a constant and perpetual will to render to every force precisely the +amount of deflexion which is due to it. They must therefore enjoy a +perpetuity of the highest and most unmixed pleasure, even when, as +Professor Nägeli says, they are the cause of pain to us.</p> + + +<p class="space-above2"> +To attribute life, sensation, and thought to objects in which these +attributes are not established by sufficient evidence is nothing more +than the good old figure of Personification.</p> + +<p>If certain bodies, like the sun and stars, move in a regular manner +which we can predict, we may, if it pleases us, suppose that their +nature is like that of the just man whom nothing can turn from the path +of rectitude. If the motion of other bodies is less simple, so that we +cannot account for it, we may suppose their nature to be tainted with +that capriciousness which we observe in our fellow-men, and of which we +are occasionally conscious in ourselves.</p> + +<p>But the study of nature has always tended to show that what we formerly +attributed to the caprice of bodies is only an instance of a regularity +which is unbroken, but which cannot be traced by us till we acquire the +requisite skill.</p> + + +<p class="space-above2"> +But granting that the mental powers of atoms may be, for anything we +know, of the very highest order, what step have we made towards linking +our own mental powers with those of lower orders of being?</p> + + +<p class="space-above2"> +(3.) Let us suppose that a thinking man is built up of a number of +thinking atoms. Have the thoughts of the man any relation to the +thoughts of atoms or of one or more of them? Those who try to account +by means of atoms for mental processes do so not by the thoughts of the +atoms, but by their motions.</p> + +<p>Hobbes, in the frontispiece of his <i>Leviathan</i>, shows us a monster +like the wicker images of our British antecessors stuffed with men, and +the whole method of his book is<span class="pagenum" id="Page_459">[Pg 459]</span> founded on an analogy between the body +politic and the individual man.</p> + +<p>Herbert Spencer has pushed the analogy both upwards and downwards +as far as it will go, and further than it can go on all fours. He +shows us how a society is an organism, and how an organism is a +society,—how the lower forms of societies and organisms consist of a +multitude of homogeneous parts, the functions of which are imperfectly +differentiated, so that each can at a pinch undertake the office +of any other; whereas the parts of higher forms of organisms and +societies are exceedingly heterogeneous, and discharge more perfectly +differentiated functions. Hence to the lower forms a breaking up may +be a multiplication of the species, whereas to the higher forms it is +death.</p> + +<p>In a society, as in an organism, both the working and the thinking +will be better done if undertaken by different members, provided +that the thinking members can guide the working members, while the +working members support the thinking members,—the workers retaining +just enough intelligence to enable them to receive the guidance, and +the thinkers retaining just enough working power to enable them to +appropriate the pabulum presented to them by the workers.</p> + +<p>Hence in the more highly developed systems the guiding powers may +be concentrated into a smaller portion of the whole system, and may +exercise a more undisputed power of guiding the rest, till in the +highest organism we arrive at what is called Personal Government, and +the organism may bear without abuse the grand old name of Individual. +This result is brought about by all the members except one bartering +their right of guiding themselves for the privilege of being guided, +and so delegating to the one ruling member the functions of government. +When the human society has lapsed into the condition of personal +government, the consciousness of the head of the state may be expressed +by him in the phrase, “L’état c'est moi;” but though the other +members of the society may delegate to the head all their political +powers, they cannot delegate their<span class="pagenum" id="Page_460">[Pg 460]</span> sensations or any other fact of +consciousness, for these are the incommunicable attributes of that Ego +to whom they belong.</p> + + +<p class="space-above2"> +I have now to confess that up to the present moment I have remained +in ignorance of how I came to be, or, in the Spencerian language, how +consciousness must arise. I was dimly aware that somewhere in the +vast System of Philosophy this question had been settled, because the +Evolutionists are all so calm about it; but in a hasty search for it +I never suspected in how quiet and unostentatious a manner the origin +of myself would be accounted for. I am indebted to Mr. Kirkman for +pointing it out in his <i>Philosophy without Assumptions</i>. Here +it is with Mr. Kirkman’s comment. <i>Principles of Psychology</i>, +§ 179, p. 403:—“These separate impressions are received by the +senses—by different parts of the body. If they go no further than +the places at which they are received, they are useless. Or if only +some of them are brought into relation with one another, they are +useless. That an effectual adjustment may be made, they must all be +brought into relation with one another. But this implies some centre +of communication common to them all, through which they severally +pass; and, as they cannot pass through it simultaneously, they must +pass through it in succession. So that as the external phenomena +responded to become greater in number and more complicated in kind, +the variety and rapidity of the changes to which this common centre of +communication is subject must increase—there must result an unbroken +series of these changes—there must arise a consciousness.”</p> + +<p>On this Kirkman remarks: “He knew he could do it, and he did it!”—What +was the evolution of light to this? The next Longinus will put that in +before γενέσθω φω̂ς καὶ έγένετο φώς.</p> + + +<p class="space-above2"> +The opinions about my origin are as various as those about my nature. +Canon Liddon tells me that I, was created out of nothing in the year +1831, though I cannot<span class="pagenum" id="Page_461">[Pg 461]</span> make out from what he says on what day of +that year the event took place, or why my parents and not some one +else found me under a gooseberry bush; or, indeed, why I should have +any part or lot in family matters, from Adam’s first sin down to my +father’s last name.</p> + +<p>Mr. Francis Galton tells me that I am developed from structureless +germs contributed not only by my two parents but by their remotest +ancestors centuries ago. My existence, therefore, does not begin +abruptly, but tails off as an exponential function of \(t\) does for +negative values of that variable. My local existence, however, though +at present confined within the periphractic region of my skin, was in +former times discontinuous as regards space, being carried about by +two, four, or more, distinct human beings.</p> + +<p>Dr. Julius Müller tells me that by an analysis of my conscience I shall +come to a very different result, namely, that I existed (if, indeed, +the fact can be expressed by a past tense and not a pure aorist), in an +extra-temporal state, and that in that state I freely determined myself +to choose evil rather than good.</p> + +<p>He does not say I can remember this transaction. The conviction I am to +acquire of it is not to be an experimental or empirical consciousness, +but a speculative or philosophical knowledge.</p> + +<p>Since, according to Müller’s theory, this extra-temporal decision is +perfectly free, and since it would be difficult to predicate freedom of +a choice which is invariably on one side, he is obliged to assert that +in the extra-temporal state some of our species must have chosen the +better part. But he has also to maintain that all of us who are born +into this world by ordinary generation have already chosen the worse +part.</p> + +<p>Hence, though he does not say so, he makes the extra-temporal fall a +condition of our being born into this world. Whether those of us who +make the better choice are born into some other world, or whether, +so long as they remain unfallen, they continue in the extra-temporal +state—a state certainly not higher but rather more undeveloped than +that of time—Müller does not say.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_462">[Pg 462]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Dr. John Henry Newman has shown us how the doctrine of post-baptismal +sin became developed into the discovery of Purgatory with all its +geographical details. It would seem as if the doctrine of original sin, +in the hands of speculative theologians, might open up to our view a +far more transcendental region, compared with which the stairs and +terraces and fires of purgatory are as familiar as those of our own +hearths and homes.</p> + +<p>As to my present state, Du Bois Reymond tells me that not only my +bodily but a large part of my mental functions are performed by the +motion of atoms under fixed laws, and his result is that the finite +mind, as it has developed itself through the animal world up to man, +is a double one,—on the one side the acting, inventing, unconscious, +material mind, which puts the muscles into motion and determines the +world’s history: this is nothing else but the mechanics of atoms, and +is subject to the causal law; and on the other side the inactive, +contemplative, remembering, fancying, conscious, immaterial mind, which +feels pleasure and pain, love and hate: this one lies outside of the +mechanics of matter and cares nothing for cause and effect.</p> + +<p>Dr. Drysdale tells me that not only my thinking powers but my feelings +are functions of the material organism, and that I myself am such +a function. He admits that I am not material—no function can be +material, for matter is a substance, and a function is not a being +at all. Dr. Drysdale, as a Christian materialist, follows his master +Fletcher, who says—</p> + +<p>“As often as it shall be said that mind or the faculty of thinking is a +property of living matter,—that it is born with the body, is developed +with the body, decays with the body, and dies with the body,—it is to +be understood of the mind only, not the soul. The soul is something not +material indeed, but substantial—a divine gift to the highest alone +of God’s creatures, responsible for all the actions of mind, but as +totally distinct from it as one thing can be from another, or rather as +something is from nothing.”</p> + +<p>Dr. Drysdale, however, in order to save the dynamical<span class="pagenum" id="Page_463">[Pg 463]</span> theory of life +and mind, says that this soul or spirit must either, if now existing, +be a passive spectator of the action of the living being connected with +it, or else that he has no existence during this present life, but is +to be constituted by a divine act after the death of the living being.</p> + +<p>In either case, I cannot identify this soul with myself, for I know +that I exist now, and that I act, and that what I do may be right or +wrong, and that whether right or wrong, it is my act, which I cannot +repudiate.</p> + + +<p class="space-above2"> +In this search for information about myself from eminent thinkers of +different types, I seem to have learnt one lesson, that all science +and philosophy and every form of human speech is about objects capable +of being perceived by the speaker and the hearer; and that when our +thought pretends to deal with the Subject it is really only dealing +with an Object under a false name. The only proposition about the +Subject, namely, “I am,” cannot be used in the same sense by any two of +us, and, therefore, it can never become science at all.</p> +</div> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2 space-below2">END OF PART I.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_465">[Pg 465]</span></p> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="PART_II">PART II.<br> +<br> +<span class="allsmcap">CONTRIBUTIONS TO SCIENCE.</span></h2> +</div> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>“He was one of those who took more delight in the contemplation of +truth than in the praise of having discovered it.”</p> + +<p class="right"> +<span class="allsmcap">Playfair’s</span> <i>Memoirs of Dr. Hutton</i>.</p> +</div> + +<p class="nind"> +AT the close of the memoir published in the <i>Proceedings +of the Royal Society</i>, Mr. W. D. Niven, referring to Maxwell’s +scientific work, says:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>It is seldom that the faculties of invention and exposition, the +attachment to physical science, and capability of developing it +mathematically, have been found existing in one mind to the same +degree. It would, however, require powers somewhat akin to Maxwell’s +own, to describe the more delicate features of the works resulting from +this combination, every one of which is stamped with the subtle but +unmistakable impress of genius.</p> +</div> + +<p>It will probably be many years before an approximate estimate can +be formed of the value of Maxwell’s work. In the following pages no +attempt has been made to give more than a brief account of a few of +his principal contributions to science. The chief subjects referred to +have, for convenience, been arranged in the following order:—</p> + +<p>1. Experiments on Colour Vision and other contributions to Optics.</p> + +<p>2. Investigations respecting Elastic Solids.</p> + +<p>3. Pure Geometry.</p> + +<p>4. Mechanics.</p> + +<p>5. Saturn’s Rings.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_466">[Pg 466]</span></p> + +<p>6. Faraday’s Lines of Force, and Maxwell’s Theory of the +Electro-magnetic Field, including the Electro-magnetic Theory of Light +and other investigations in Electricity.</p> + +<p>7. Molecular Physics.</p> + + +<p class="space-above2"> +1. The subject of colour-vision attracted Clerk Maxwell’s attention +at an early period. In dealing with phenomena of this class, we +must remember that it is necessary to distinguish between the +sensation itself and its physical cause, or between the subjective +and objective aspects of the same phenomenon. Thus a pure musical +<i>tone</i> consists of a regular succession of similar vibrations, +and two tones may differ in the extent of these vibrations, and in the +number which take place in a second. Corresponding to these physical +differences, are experienced differences in the <i>intensity</i> or +<i>loudness</i>, and the <i>pitch</i> of the note. Light, like sound, +consists objectively of certain periodic disturbances or vibrations of +a medium, but differs from sound in the character of the motion, the +nature of the medium which transmits it, and the number of vibrations +which take place in a second. The simplest kind of light consists, like +a pure tone in sound, of a regular succession of similar vibrations, +the extent of which determines the intensity of the light, while their +rapidity corresponds to the <i>colour</i> sensation produced. The +constitution of ordinary white light is much more complicated. Newton +allowed a beam of sunlight to pass through a prism, and then to fall +upon a screen, when, instead of a white patch of light, he obtained a +spectrum, or continuous band of colour, varying from crimson through +scarlet, orange, yellow, green, blue, to violet. Rays corresponding +to this infinite variety of colour must, therefore, exist together in +white solar light, and these rays differ physically from one another in +the rapidity of the vibrations of which they consist; the deep crimson +corresponding to less than 400,000,000,000,000 vibrations per second, +and the extreme violet to more than 700,000,000,000,000, the length of +a wave in air being, in the first case, about \(\dfrac{1}{39,000}\) of +an inch, and, in the second case, about \(\dfrac{1}{68,000}\) of an +inch.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_467">[Pg 467]</span></p> + +<p>But white light is not necessarily of so complex a nature as sunlight; +thus it may consist of a mixture of red, green, and blue lights simply, +or of yellow and blue, or greenish-yellow and violet, or of other +mixtures of two or more kinds of light, each in itself homogeneous. +When this is the case, the constitution of the light is revealed when +it is allowed to pass through a prism, for it is then separated into +its simple constituents which, on emerging from the prism, pursue +different paths. Similarly, various kinds of homogeneous light may +be <i>matched</i> by means of a mixture of lights of other colours +appropriately chosen. Thus orange light of a particular hue may be +the homogeneous light of the spectrum, or it may be a mixture of red +and yellow or of red and green lights, which is <i>chromatically</i> +identical with the homogeneous orange, but <i>optically</i> different, +inasmuch as the mixture can be resolved into its constituents by means +of a prism, while the homogeneous orange light may be passed through +any number of prisms and yet retain its perfect homogeneity.</p> + +<p>These results were accounted for by Thomas Young (1801), on the +supposition that there are three separate sensations which are excited +to different degrees—the proportion in which each is excited depending +on the nature of the light. He was of opinion that these three +sensations were red, green, and violet, and that all other hues were +compound <i>colours</i>, though they might correspond to a simple kind +of <i>light</i>. “The <i>quality</i> of any colour depends, according +to this theory, on the <i>ratio</i> of the intensities of the three +sensations which it excites, and its <i>brightness</i> depends on the +<i>sum</i> of these three intensities.”</p> + +<p>Young’s colour diagram was a triangle, at the angular points of +which he placed the three colours corresponding, according to his +theory, with the primary sensations; along the sides of the triangle +were placed the colours formed by mixing these two and two together, +while within the triangle were to be found the colours resulting from +mixtures of all three in different proportions. The position of each +colour was determined by finding the centre of gravity, of two or<span class="pagenum" id="Page_468">[Pg 468]</span> +three heavy particles placed at the angular points of the triangle, +the weight of each particle being proportional to the quantity of the +corresponding light employed in the mixture.</p> + +<p>Although the light of the spectrum which corresponds to any particular +spectral colour is simple in its constitution, consisting of a definite +number of waves per second, and ordinary white light is a combination +of an infinite number of such rays, varying in rapidity of vibration +from the extreme red to the extreme violet, yet the <i>mechanism of +vision</i> appears to be of a threefold character, so organised that +light of each particular wave-length affects in different proportions +the three colour senses, the hue depending on the relative amounts +to which they are severally excited, as explained by Young. An +analogy may help to make this distinction, clearer; thus, it has been +customary to speak of the heating power, the illuminating power, and +the photographic power, of any particular kind of light; and in the +solar spectrum formed by a <i>glass</i> prism the greatest heating +power is possessed by the ultra red rays, the greatest illuminating +power (judged by normal eyes) by the greenish yellow rays, and the +greatest photographic power (in relation to silver salts) by the +ultra-violet rays; but we do not thereby imply that there are three +separate classes of rays in solar light, consisting respectively of +heating rays, illuminating rays, and chemical rays: we simply mean that +any particular homogeneous ray possesses each of these three powers to +a certain extent. Similarly any ray of the spectrum may be capable of +stimulating each of three independent colour sensations, but it does +not follow that it consists physically of three different kinds of +light.</p> + +<p>In the <i>Philosophical Magazine</i> for 1852 there is an account of +an experiment by Helmholtz, which consisted in mixing the colours of +the spectrum by forming two spectra from slits at right angles to each +other. It is obvious that if the breadth of each spectrum be equal to +its length, every pair of colours in the whole spectrum will in this +way be superposed. In Helmholtz’s experiment it appeared that a mixture +of yellow and indigo produced white.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_469">[Pg 469]</span></p> + +<p>Maxwell’s first published experiments on the mixture of coloured +lights, executed while he was a B.A. at Cambridge, had reference to +the mixtures of coloured lights obtained from coloured papers. One of +the best accounts of these experiments will be found in the paper read +before the Royal Society of Edinburgh by Clerk Maxwell on 19th March +1855.</p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_507" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_507.jpg" width="300" height="301" alt="A circular +diagram resembling a protractor or compass dial, with numbered +gradations (0-90) around its outer rim, divided into shaded sections +with different hatching patterns (dotted, lined, cross-hatched) and one +blank quadrant-like wedge."> +<figcaption class="caption"> +<p>Fig. 1.</p></figcaption> +</figure> + +<p class="nind"> +The instrument first employed was a top, constructed by Maxwell +himself; but he afterwards had tops made by Mr. Bryson of Edinburgh. +The coloured papers were cut into circular discs, with a small hole +in the centre to admit the spindle of the top, and were slit along a +radius from the circumference to the central hole. By this means two +or more discs could be placed together, and by turning one relatively +to the others, more or less of any particular<span class="pagenum" id="Page_470">[Pg 470]</span> disc could be made +visible from above. The top consisted of a disc of metal, covered +with white paper and mounted on a suitable spindle, the circumference +of which was divided into 100 equal parts. Two sizes of discs were +employed; the larger discs having been adjusted as required, were +placed on the graduated plate, and the smaller discs above them. The +plate then presented an appearance similar to that sketched in the +adjoining figure. The employment of the apparatus depends on the fact, +observed by Hartley the psychologist, that visual impressions remain +for some time on the retina even after the source of light has been +removed. Thus, suppose that the larger discs are respectively red, +green, and blue, and suppose that we look at the middle of the red +sector and then spin the top. If the spinning is sufficiently rapid the +impression produced by the red light will not have diminished sensibly +before the green paper takes the place of the red, and the green light +produces its effect on the same portion of the retina, and this again +is followed by blue before either the red or the green sensations have +sensibly diminished, and then the whole process is repeated many times +in a second. The impressions due to the three coloured lights are +therefore blended on the retina, and it can be shown experimentally +that the tint observed is the same as when the three kinds of light in +the same relative proportions are allowed to fall simultaneously upon +the eye. The colour top, therefore, enables us to mix together, in any +definite proportions, which can be changed at will, the lights from +differently coloured papers, and to observe the effect produced by the +mixing.</p> + +<p>Suppose that the colours of the larger discs are red, green, and blue, +and that these are arranged so that the coloured lights may be mixed +in the proportions necessary to form white light. Then the colour +of the ring exhibited by the larger discs when the top revolves can +differ from that of white paper only in respect of illumination. If, +therefore, we can diminish the apparent brightness of the central +circle at will, we may produce a complete match. This may be effected +by combining a black disc, which<span class="pagenum" id="Page_471">[Pg 471]</span> emits very little light indeed, +with the white disc, so that the amount of light received from the +central circle is approximately proportional to the angle of the white +sector. On spinning the top, the central circle appears of a neutral +gray, which is the same as a dull white, and the darkness of the gray +increases with the amount of the black sector introduced. If, now, +the outer circle appears yellow compared with the central gray when +the top is spinning, it is found that, by increasing the amount of +blue and diminishing the red and green, the circles may be matched in +hue. Similarly, if it appears too green we must diminish the green and +increase the red and blue, while if it appears purple we must increase +the amount of green. After a little experience it is easy to recognise +the character of the change required.</p> + +<p>Now, suppose that we have three and only three colour sensations, and +that, for the sake of argument, these correspond respectively to red, +green, and blue. Then if two colours contain the same amount of red, +the same amount of green, and the same amount of blue, they must be +in every respect identical. There are, therefore, three conditions to +satisfy in order that two colours may match. But in the case of the +top, two other conditions must be also fulfilled, for the portions of +the smaller discs employed must exactly fill up the circle, and the +same must be true of the larger discs. Hence there are in all five +conditions to be fulfilled in order to make a colour match, and in +general five discs will have to be employed and matched, two against +three or three against two. If there had been four primary colour +sensations, we should have required in general to employ six discs to +ensure a match, and so on for any other number. Maxwell showed that +with a normal eye a match could always be obtained with five discs, +but that with a colour-blind person a match could always be obtained +with four discs, thus demonstrating that the normal eye possesses +three independent colour sensations, while the eye of the colour-blind +possesses only two. This conclusion will appear more evident from the +experiments with the colour box, which will be described presently.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_472">[Pg 472]</span></p> + +<p>The result of each experiment was first expressed by an equation in +which the colours in the outer circle, with their respective quantities +as coefficients, appeared on the left of the equation, and those in +the inner circle on the right side. Thus, employing \(\mathrm{V}\) for +vermilion, \(\mathrm{U}\) for ultramarine, and \(\mathrm{EG}\) for +emerald green, \(\mathrm{SW}\) for snow-white, and \(\mathrm{Bk}\) for +black, the equation +\[ +\cdot 37 \mathrm{V}+\cdot 27 \mathrm{U}+\cdot 36 \mathrm{EG}=\cdot 28 \mathrm{SW}+\cdot 72 \mathrm{Bk} +\] +means that a sector of vermilion occupying 37 divisions of the outer +circle, combined with a sector of ultramarine occupying 27 divisions, +and a sector of emerald green occupying 36 divisions, produced, on +spinning, a colour which matched that obtained by a sector of white +paper occupying 28 divisons, and a sector of black occupying 72 +divisions. The sum of the coefficients on each side of the equation is +of course 1.</p> + +<p>The mode of conducting an experiment is best described in Maxwell’s own +words:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>As an example of the method of experimenting, let us endeavour to form +a neutral gray by a combination of vermilion, ultramarine, and emerald +green. The most perfect results are obtained by two persons acting in +concert, when the operator arranges the colours and spins the top, +leaving the eye of the observer free from the distracting effect of the +bright colours of the papers when at rest.</p> + +<p>After placing discs of these three colours on the circular plate of +the top, and smaller discs of white and black above them, the operator +must spin the top and demand the opinion of the observer respecting the +relation of the outer ring to the inner circle. He will be told that +the outer circle is too red, too blue, or too green, as the case may +be, and that the inner one is too light or too dark as compared with +the outer. The arrangements must then be changed so as to render the +outer and inner circles more nearly alike. Sometimes the observer will +see the inner circle tinted with the complementary colour of the outer, +one. In this case the observer must interpret the observation with +respect to the outer circle, as the inner circle contains only black +and white.</p> + +<p>By a little experience the operator will learn how to put his +questions, and how to interpret their answers.</p> +</div> + + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_473">[Pg 473]</span></p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_512" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/i_512.jpg" width="500" height="438" alt="A triangular +color diagram filled with a hexagonal honeycomb pattern, displaying a +gradient spectrum of colors from red and orange at the bottom-left, +through yellow and green in the middle, to blue and dark navy at the +top, with purple tones on the left side."> +<figcaption class="caption"> +<p>Plate 1.<br> +DIAGRAM SHEWING THE RELATIONS OF LIGHT.</p> +</figcaption> +</figure> + + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nind"> +The observer should not look at the coloured papers, nor be told the proportions +of the colours during the experiments. When these adjustments have +been properly made, the resultant tints of the outer and inner circles +ought to be perfectly indistinguishable when the top has a sufficient +velocity of rotation. The number of divisions occupied by the different +colours must then be read off on the edge of the plate, and registered +in the form of an equation. Thus in the preceding experiment we have +vermilion, ultramarine, and emerald green outside, and black and white +inside. The numbers, as given by an experiment on the 6th March 1855, +in daylight without sun, are— +\[ +37 \mathrm{V}+\cdot 27 \mathrm{U}+\cdot 36 \mathrm{EG}=\cdot 28 \mathrm{SW}+\cdot 72 \mathrm{Bk}. +\]</p> +</div> + +<p>In a similar way matches were obtained in which the resulting tint was +a decided colour and not a neutral gray. Thus on the 5th of March 1855 +a match was obtained as follows— +\[ +\cdot 39 \mathrm{PC}+\cdot 21 \mathrm{U}+\cdot 40 \mathrm{Bk}=\cdot 59 \mathrm{V}+\cdot 41 \mathrm{EG}, +\] +where \(\mathrm{PC}\) represents pale chrome. The resulting tint in +this case is an impure yellow.</p> + +<p>Mixtures which appear to make perfect matches by one kind of light are +far from matching one another when viewed by a different light. Thus, +\(\mathrm{C}\) representing carmine, the following match was obtained +by daylight, viz.— +\[ +\cdot 44 \mathrm{C}+\cdot 22 \mathrm{U}+\cdot 34 \mathrm{EG}=\cdot 17 \mathrm{SW}+\cdot 83 \mathrm{Bk} +\] +while by gaslight the match was +\[ +\cdot 47 \mathrm{C}+\cdot 08 \mathrm{U}+\cdot 45 \mathrm{EG}=\cdot 25 \mathrm{SW}+\cdot 75 \mathrm{Bk} +\] +which shows that the yellowing effect of the gaslight tells more on the +white than on the combination of colours.”</p> + +<p>Maxwell, following Young, represented the results of his experiments +graphically by means of a triangle, at the angular points of which he +placed the three colours which he believed to most nearly correspond +with the primary sensations. (See Plate I.) The colours he selected +for these positions were vermilion, ultramarine, and emerald green, of +such strength that, when mixed in equal proportions, they produced a +neutral gray which therefore appeared at the centre of the triangle. +In the paper published in the <i>Edinburgh Transactions</i> the reason +alleged for selecting green in preference to yellow is the fact that +it was found possible<span class="pagenum" id="Page_474">[Pg 474]</span> to produce a distinct yellow from a mixture of +emerald green and vermilion, but impossible to produce a green from +a mixture of blue and yellow. Any colour which can be produced by a +mixture of all the three primary tints will lie within the triangle; +but a colour which must be mixed with one of the primary tints in order +to match a mixture of the other two will lie without the triangle. Thus +the pale chrome referred to above must be mixed with blue in order to +match a mixture of red and green, and it must therefore be placed in +such a position that the centre of gravity of the yellow and blue taken +in proper proportions may be on the line joining the red and green, and +may divide this line in the inverse ratio of the amounts of red and +green respectively required. A copy of Maxwell’s diagram, showing the +chromatic relations of coloured papers, is given in the accompanying +plate (Plate II.) The original is in the Cavendish Laboratory.</p> + +<p>As above mentioned, Maxwell found that in the case of colour-blind +persons only four discs (including black) were required instead of +five to ensure a match. The following is an example of a colour-blind +equation:— +\[ +\cdot 19 \mathrm{G}+\cdot 05 \mathrm{B}+\cdot 76 \mathrm{Bk}=1 \cdot 00 \mathrm{R}, +\] +where \(\mathrm{G}\), \(\mathrm{B}\), and \(\mathrm{R}\) represent +green, blue, and red respectively. To a normal eye the outer circle +represented by the left-hand side of the equation appears of a dark +blue green, but to the colour blind this matches the full red of the +smaller circle.</p> + +<p>By comparing different colour matches, it is possible to determine +the position on the colour diagram of the tint corresponding to the +missing sensation in the colour-blind. Thus, if two colours appear to a +colour-blind person to match, they can only differ in their effect upon +a normal eye by the degree in which they excite the sensation which is +missing in the colour-blind, and they must therefore lie upon a line +passing through the position of this missing sensation. By determining +two such lines, the position of the pure sensation is located.</p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_515" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/i_515.jpg" width="500" height="636" alt="A triangular +color diagram with labeled colored circles at the vertices and along +the sides—including Ultramarine, Vermilion, Emerald Green, and various +blues, yellows, and reds—connected by lines radiating toward a Neutral +Line of Colour Blindness marked by a dashed diagonal."> +<figcaption class="caption"> +<p>Plate II. DIAGRAM ILLUSTRATING THE CHROMATIC RELATIONS +OF COLOURED PAPERS.</p> +</figcaption> +</figure> + +<p class="nind"> +A line drawn through this point and the position of white is, to a +colour-blind person, a <span class="pagenum" id="Page_475">[Pg 475]</span>neutral line for its whole length (see Plate +II.) The position corresponding to the pure sensation which is missing +in the colour-blind is near the red, but outside the triangle, and +hence corresponds to a purer red than any in the solar spectrum (see p. +480).</p> + +<p>The colour-blind generally class all tints as yellows or blues. +According to Maxwell’s theory, their sensations correspond to green and +blue; but the reason why they regard yellow as brighter than green lies +in the fact that although to the normal eye the sensation of yellow +is a combination of the sensations of red and green, yet yellows are +so much brighter than greens that light from them generally excites +the green sensation more powerfully than that from green objects +themselves, and hence yellows are more conspicuous than greens to the +colour-blind, but only in virtue of the green they contain.</p> + +<p>To enable colour-blind persons to distinguish between red and green, +Maxwell had a pair of spectacles constructed, one eye-glass of which +was red and the other green, so that the object appeared differently +to the two eyes. These spectacles cause objects to appear to possess +a metallic lustre on account of the different ways in which they are +presented to the eyes. To the colour-blind a red object would appear +<i>brighter</i> when seen through the red glass, while a green object +would appear <i>brighter</i> through the green glass.</p> + +<p>There are colour-blind persons whose vision is very different from that +described by Maxwell in his early papers, but to these we shall again +refer presently (p. 482).</p> + +<p>It would occupy too much space to describe the different methods +adopted by Maxwell for the purpose of mixing light of different +colours, but his colour box demands a special notice, both on account +of the perfection with which it is adapted to the object in view and +the extreme beauty of its arrangement. The first two boxes constructed +were of inconveniently large dimensions. The form we shall describe is +that finally adopted, and the shell, as well as the principal optical +apparatus of the box, are still at the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_476">[Pg 476]</span> Cavendish Laboratory. The +description is taken from Maxwell's paper in the <i>Phil. Trans.</i> +for 1860.</p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_518a" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_518a.jpg" width="300" height="96" alt="A simple +line diagram showing a long rectangular box or chamber with labeled +points C, B, Z, Y, and E on the left side, and converging diagonal +lines meeting at points P, S, and M on the right side."> +<figcaption class="caption"> +<p>Fig. 2.</p></figcaption> +</figure> + +<p>Fig. 2 represents the instrument. At \(\mathrm{A}\) \(\mathrm{B}\) +is placed the apparatus represented in Fig. 3, in which +\(\mathrm{A}^{\prime} \mathrm{B}^{\prime}\) represents a rectangular +frame of brass, having a rectangular aperture of \(6 \times 1\) inches.</p> + +<p class="nind">On this frame are placed six brass sliders, \(\mathrm{X Y Z}\). Each of +these carries a knife-edge of brass in the plane of the surface of the +frame.</p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_518b" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_518b.jpg" width="300" height="94" alt="A simple +rectangular diagram with hatched borders on all sides and four small +tabs or fasteners along the top and bottom edges, containing a series +of triangular or fan-shaped patterns within the enclosed area."> +<figcaption class="caption"> +<p>Fig. 3.</p></figcaption> +</figure> + +<p>At \(\mathrm{E}\) (Fig. 2) is a fine vertical slit. At \(e\), +\(\mathrm{M}^{\prime}\) and \(\mathrm{M}\) are three plane mirrors, +each inclined at \(45^\circ\) to the sides of the box. \(\mathrm{P} +\mathrm{P}^\prime\) are two prisms (angles \(45^\circ\)), and +\(\mathrm{S}\) is a concave silvered glass of radius, 34 inches.</p> + +<p>If light enter the box at \(\mathrm{E}\), it will be reflected at +\(e\), and a portion of the pencil, after passing through the prisms, +will be reflected from \(\mathrm{S}\), and after again traversing the +prisms will form a spectrum at \(\mathrm{A B}\).</p> + +<p>The six movable knife edges above referred to form three slits, +\(\mathrm{X Y Z}\), which may be so adjusted as to coincide<span class="pagenum" id="Page_477">[Pg 477]</span> with +any three portions of the pure spectrum formed by light from +\(\mathrm{E}\). The intervals between the sliders are closed with +hinged shutters, which allow the sliders to move without letting light +pass between them.</p> + +<p>The inner edge of the brass frame is graduated to twentieths of an +inch, so that the position of any slit can be read off. The breadth of +the slit is ascertained by means of a wedge-shaped piece of metal, 6 +inches long, and tapering to a point from a breadth of half an inch. +This is gently inserted into each slit, and the breadth is determined +by the distance to which it enters, the divisions on the wedge +corresponding to the 200th of an inch difference in breadth, so that +the unit of breadth is ·005 inch. The gauge is balanced on one finger, +and inserted into the slit till the pressure just causes it to slide +on the finger. This (on the same principle as in Whitworth’s Millionth +Measurer) ensures uniformity in the pressure in different measurements.</p> + +<p>Now suppose light to enter at \(\mathrm{E}\), and to be refracted by +the two prisms \(\mathrm{P}\) and \(\mathrm{P}^\prime\), and after +reflection at \(\mathrm{S}\), to again pass through the prisms. A pure +spectrum, showing Fraunhofer’s lines, is formed at \(\mathrm{A B}\), +but only that part is allowed to pass which falls on the three slits +\(\mathrm{X Y Z}\). The rest is stopped by the shutters. Suppose that +the portion falling on \(\mathrm{X}\) belongs to the red part of the +spectrum: then, of the white light entering at \(\mathrm{E}\), only the +red will come through the slit \(\mathrm{X}\). If we were to admit red +light at \(\mathrm{X}\), it would be refracted to \(\mathrm{E}\) by the +principle in optics that the course of any ray may be reversed. If, +instead of red light we were to admit white light at \(\mathrm{X}\), +still only red light would come to \(\mathrm{E}\), for all other light +would be refracted more or less than the red, and would not reach the +slit at \(\mathrm{E}\). Applying the eye at the slit \(\mathrm{E}\), +we should see the prism \(\mathrm{P}\) uniformly illuminated with red +light of the kind corresponding to the part of the spectrum which +falls on the slit \(\mathrm{X}\) when white light is admitted at +\(\mathrm{E}\).</p> + +<p>Let the slit \(\mathrm{Y}\) correspond to another portion of the +spectrum, say the green: then, if white light be admitted at<span class="pagenum" id="Page_478">[Pg 478]</span> +\(\mathrm{Y}\), the prism, as seen by an eye at \(\mathrm{E}\), will be +uniformly illuminated with green light; and if white light be admitted +at \(\mathrm{X}\) and \(\mathrm{Y}\) simultaneously, the colour seen +at \(\mathrm{E}\) will be a compound of red and green, the proportions +depending on the breadth of the slits and the intensity of the light +which enters them. The third slit \(\mathrm{Z}\) enables us to add a +third colour, and thus to combine any three kinds of light in any given +proportions, so that an eye at \(\mathrm{E}\) shall see the face of the +prism at \(\mathrm{P}\) uniformly illuminated with the colour resulting +from the combination of the three. The position of these three rays in +the spectrum is found by admitting the light at \(\mathrm{E}\), and +comparing the position of the slits with the position of the principal +fixed lines.</p> + +<p>At the same time, another portion of the light from the source +(generally a sheet of white paper) enters the instrument at +\(\mathrm{BC}\), is reflected at the mirror \(\mathrm{M}\), passes +through the lens \(\mathrm{L}\), is reflected at the mirror +\(\mathrm{M}^{\prime}\), passes close to the edge of the prism +\(\mathrm{P}\), and is reflected along with the coloured light at +\(e\), to the eye-slit at \(\mathrm{E}\).</p> + +<p>In this way the compound colour is compared with a constant white light +in optical juxtaposition with it. The mirror \(\mathrm{M}\) is made +of silvered glass, that at \(\mathrm{M}^{\prime}\) is made of glass +roughened and blackened at the back, to reduce the intensity of the +constant light to a convenient value for the experiments. By adjusting +the slits properly the two portions of the field may be made equal +both in colour and brightness, so that the edge of the prism becomes +almost invisible. When light enters at \(\mathrm{E}\), the instrument +gives a spectrum in which Fraunhofer’s lines are very distinct, and the +length of the spectrum between Fraunhofer’s lines \(\mathrm{A}\) and +\(\mathrm{H}\) is 3·6 inches. The outside measure of the box is 3 feet +6 inches, by 11 inches, by 4 inches, and it can be carried about, and +set up in any position, without readjustment.</p> + +<p>In making an observation the centres of the slits \(\mathrm{X Y}\) +\(\mathrm{Z}\) are placed opposite the divisions of the scale +corresponding to the colours to be mixed, the breadth of each slit +being varied till the resultant light cannot be distinguished from the +white light reflected from \(\mathrm{M}\) and \(\mathrm{M}^{\prime}\). +If the mixture<span class="pagenum" id="Page_479">[Pg 479]</span> differs from the standard white light only by being +too bright or too dull, all the slits \(\mathrm{X Y Z}\) must be +opened or closed in the same proportion. The result of any observation +is expressed by an equation in which each particular colour employed +is represented by the corresponding division of the scale placed in +brackets, while the breadth of the slit is written as the coefficient +of this colour. Thus, the equation +\[ +18 \cdot 5(24)+27(44)+37(68)=\mathrm{W} +\] +means that the breadth of the slit \(\mathrm{X}\) was 18·5, as measured +by the wedge, while its centre was at the division (24) of the scale; +that the breadths of \(\mathrm{Y}\) and \(\mathrm{Z}\) were 27 and 37, +and their positions (44) and (68); and that the illumination produced +by these slits was exactly equal, in the estimation of the observer, to +the constant white \(\mathrm{W}\).</p> + +<p>In the first instance, recorded in the paper above referred to, the +observations were made by Professor Maxwell himself (J), and by Mrs. +Maxwell (K). Professor Maxwell’s complexion was dark and his hair +black; Mrs. Maxwell was extremely fair. The observations of each +exhibited very small errors from the mean, far less than would have +been expected, but there was always a difference apparent between the +two observers, and this always in the same direction. A difference of +this character was found by Maxwell to be general between dark and fair +persons, especially when the light fell on the centre of the retina +(the <i>fovea centralis</i> or <i>macula lutea</i>). To this point +reference will again be made.</p> + +<p>By considering the errors in the several, observations between the +standard colours, Maxwell showed that greater accuracy is attainable +in the case of red light than in that of green or blue, and that +variations in <i>colour</i> are more easily detected than variations in +<i>brightness</i>.</p> + +<p>One result of the observations is especially worthy of notice. It +follows from a comparison of the equations obtained in the several +parts of the spectrum that any tint in the spectrum lying between the +divisions (24) and (46) of the scale could be exactly imitated by +mixing in proper<span class="pagenum" id="Page_480">[Pg 480]</span> proportions the red of (24) and the green of (46), +while every tint lying between (48) and (64) could be produced by a +proper mixture of the green of (48) and the blue of (64). Hence if a +colour diagram be constructed as explained on page 473, the whole of +the spectrum between the red of (24) and the green of (46) will lie in +a straight line, forming one side of the triangle, while that lying +between (48) and (64) forms another side (the included angle being +not quite closed). It was also found that the violet beyond (68) lay +very nearly on the line joining (68) and (24), so that the spectrum +exhibited in this diagram “forms two sides of a triangle, with doubtful +fragments of the third side.” Thus “all the colours of the spectrum may +be compounded of those which lie at the angles of this triangle.” A +diminished copy of one of Maxwell's lecture diagrams, painted with his +own hand and deduced (it is believed) from experiments with the colour +top, is given in Plate I.<a id="FNanchor_246" href="#Footnote_246" class="fnanchor">[246]</a></p> + +<p>By studying Plate I., it will be seen that a mixture of yellow and +blue lights produces varying shades of dirty yellow and pink, as the +relative amount of blue is increased, and by properly selecting the +yellow and blue a neutral gray (or white) may be obtained.</p> + +<p>The pink tint produced by mixing blue and yellow lights had been +previously noticed by Helmholtz and others. The well-known fact that an +admixture of blue and yellow pigments produces generally a green was +explained by Helmholtz on other grounds. Suppose, for instance, that we +are provided with properly chosen blue and yellow glasses: let sunlight +shine through the blue glass and fall upon a screen, and allow a second +beam of sunlight, after reflection at a mirror, to pass through the +yellow glass and fall on the same portion of the screen as the blue +light. If the two colours<span class="pagenum" id="Page_481">[Pg 481]</span> are properly selected, the illuminated +portion of the screen will appear white or pink. Now place the pieces +of glass together, so that the same light passes through both, and the +light transmitted will be green. This is explained if we examine with +the prism the light transmitted by each glass. That which has passed +through the blue glass will show, in addition to blue light, a certain +amount of violet and green, while that which has passed through the +yellow glass will comprehend, in addition to yellow light, a certain +quantity of orange (perhaps red) and green. Now the only light capable +of passing through both glasses is green, and this, therefore, is the +colour observed on looking through the two together. Similarly, when +blue and yellow pigments are ground together, the light penetrates +a little way into the substance of the pigment, is reflected, and +emerges, some of its constituents being absorbed by one pigment and +some by the other, and the only light which both pigments transmit is +green, which is consequently the colour of the emergent light, and +therefore the hue of the mixture.</p> + +<p>The set of colour equations given above, and the diagram of colours +there described, were obtained from the observations of Mrs. Maxwell +(K). The diagram obtained from Professor Maxwell’s (J’s) own +observations was slightly different, as before mentioned.<a id="FNanchor_247" href="#Footnote_247" class="fnanchor">[247]</a> The +chief differences were that (J) saw more green in the orange and yellow +portions of the spectrum than (K), so that in the diagram obtained from +his observations these colours appeared nearer the green than in the +other, while the colours between green and blue appeared more blue to +(J) than to (K), and were therefore placed higher up in his diagram. +Thus, when the instrument was adjusted to suit (K), one of the selected +colours being (32), (36), or (40), then (J) saw the mixture too green; +but if (48), (52), (56), or (60) were the selected colour when adjusted +for (K), it appeared too blue to (J), “showing that there was a real +difference in the eyes of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_482">[Pg 482]</span> these two individuals, producing constant +and measurable differences in the apparent colour of objects.”</p> + +<p>With those colour-blind persons whom Maxwell first examined only two +slits were required to produce a colour chromatically identical with +white; while the spectrum, a little on the red side of the line F, +appeared to be identical with white. “From this point to the more +refrangible end the spectrum appears to them ‘blue.' The colours on the +less refrangible side appear all of the same quality, but of different +degrees of brightness; and when any of them are made sufficiently +bright they are called ‘yellow.'” Thus a colour-blind or dichromic +person, in speaking of red, green, orange, and brown, refers to +different degrees of brightness or purity of a single colour, and not +to different colours. This colour he calls yellow.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Of the three standard colours the red appears to them “yellow,” but +so feeble that there is not enough in the whole red division of the +spectrum to form an equivalent to make up the standard white. The +green at \(\mathrm{E}\) appears a good “yellow,” and the blue at +\(\dfrac{2}{3}\) from \(\mathrm{F}\) towards \(\mathrm{G}\) appears a +good “blue.”</p> +</div> + +<p>It was for these researches that Maxwell received the Rumford Medal of +the Royal Society in 1860.</p> + +<p>The only cases of colour-blindness which Maxwell met with in the +course of his earlier experiments were those of persons blind to red +rays. This, however, is not the only kind of colour-blindness known. +Some appear to be deficient in the blue (or violet) sensation. To +these persons bright yellow appears white, and the neutral line is +a line drawn through the yellow and the point corresponding to the +pure blue (or violet) sensation. In a valuable paper published in +the <i>Proceedings of the Royal Society</i>, vol. <span class="allsmcap">XXXI</span>. p. +302, M. Frithiof Holmgren, Professor of Physiology in the University +of Upsala, gave an account of a case of red blindness, and a case of +violet-blindness in each of which only one eye was really colour-blind, +the vision of the other being nearly normal. This peculiarity enabled +the observer to compare the experience of colours gained through one +eye<span class="pagenum" id="Page_483">[Pg 483]</span> with that gained by the other, and thus to state in the language +of those possessing normal vision, how colours really appear to the +colour-blind. His results agree in their general character with +Maxwell’s, but Holmgren (with many others) makes the third sensation +correspond to violet instead of blue, while, according to him, the +violet-blind class colours as red and yellow instead of red and green.</p> + +<p>Though the largest and most important, Maxwell’s theory of compound +colours was by no means his only, or even his earliest, contribution to +Optics. While a bachelor-scholar at Trinity, at the request of Messrs. +Macmillan he wrote a considerable portion of a text-book on geometrical +optics. The work was never finished, but the MS. is still extant. The +mode of treating the subject, as stated by Professor Maxwell in one of +his letters to his father,<a id="FNanchor_248" href="#Footnote_248" class="fnanchor">[248]</a> is decidedly novel, and calculated to +bring down a storm of abuse upon the author. He starts by postulating +the possibility of obtaining perfect images, and then investigates the +laws of reflection and refraction necessary for this.</p> + +<p>Perhaps the most remarkable of Maxwell’s contributions to Optics was +his identification of the velocity of light with the ratio of two +quantities, each of which is capable of being measured electrically; +but this subject will be again referred to in describing his electrical +researches. A paper on a general theory of optical instruments was +published by Maxwell in the <i>Quarterly Journal of Mathematics</i> +in 1858, and another on the same subject in the <i>Proceedings of the +Cambridge Philosophical Society</i>, 1866. A paper on the best mode of +projecting a spectrum on a screen appeared in the <i>Proceedings of the +Royal Society of Edinburgh</i> in 1869. We may also refer to the papers +on “The Focal Lines of a refracted Pencil,” in the <i>Proceedings of +the Mathematical Society of London</i> for 1871-3; on a “Bow seen on +the surface of ice,” in the <i>Proceedings of the Royal Society of +Edinburgh</i> for 1872; on “The Spectra of Polarised<span class="pagenum" id="Page_484">[Pg 484]</span> Light,” the +subject which had interested him so much in 1847 (see Part I., p. +84), in the <i>Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh</i> for +1872; and on “Double Refraction in a Viscous Fluid in Motion,” in the +<i>Proceedings of the Royal Society</i> for 1873, and the <i>Ann. de +Phys. and Chimie</i>, 1874.</p> + +<p>Among the many optical contrivances designed by Professor Maxwell, +we ought not to omit to mention the real-image stereoscope. This +instrument, in which ordinary stereoscopic slides are employed, +consists essentially of two convex lenses of short focal length, say 4 +inches, placed side by side in a wooden frame at a distance from the +pictures, equal to twice their focal length, while the distance between +the centres of the lenses is half the distance between the centres of +the pictures. The result of this arrangement is that real images of +the two pictures of the same size as the pictures themselves, formed +one by one lens, and the other by the other, are superposed on the +axis of the instrument at a distance in front of the lenses equal to +twice their focal length, that is, as far in front of the lenses as +the pictures are behind them. The double, or stereographic image so +formed is viewed through a large lens at a suitable distance in front +of it, the observer standing at a distance of three or four feet. Many +persons<a id="FNanchor_249" href="#Footnote_249" class="fnanchor">[249]</a> who cannot appreciate the ordinary box stereoscopes obtain +very satisfactory effects with this instrument.</p> + +<p>Professor Maxwell prepared a large number of stereoscope slides of +geometrical figures. Among them may be mentioned the surface of centres +of an ellipsoid, lines of curvature on an ellipsoid, and on elliptic +and hyperbolic paraboloids, the parabolic cyclide, the horned cyclide, +and the spindle cyclide, a twisted cubic with three asymptotes, a +Gordian knot, etc. The wood blocks from which these slides were printed +are now in the Cavendish Laboratory.</p> + +<p>Another extremely pretty optical toy of his construction, at present in +the possession of Mrs. Maxwell, is a Zoëtrope,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_485">[Pg 485]</span> or “Wheel of Life.” In +the ordinary instrument, on looking through the slits in the revolving +cylinder the figures are seen moving on the opposite side of the +cylinder. Maxwell inserted concave lenses in place of the slits, the +lenses being of such focal length that the virtual image of the object +at the opposite extremity of the diameter of the cylinder was formed on +the axis of the cylinder, and consequently appeared stationary as the +cylinder revolved.<a id="FNanchor_250" href="#Footnote_250" class="fnanchor">[250]</a></p> + +<p>In ordinary light the vibrations take place in all directions at +right angles to that in which the light is being transmitted. A beam +of ordinary light is therefore symmetrical on all sides. But it is +possible in various ways to confine all the vibrations to one plane. +Thus, if a ray be reflected from the surface of polished glass at a +particular angle, all the vibrations take place in one plane, and it is +generally believed that this plane is parallel to the surface of the +glass, and therefore perpendicular to the plane of incidence. Since all +the vibrations are now taking place in one plane, the beam of light has +acquired, as it were, sides or <i>poles</i>, and is said to be plane +<i>polarised</i>. There are other contrivances by which the movements +may be made all to take place in regular succession in a circle about +the direction of the ray as axis, and the light is then said to be +circularly polarised. This may be effected by passing a beam of plane +polarised light through a sheet of mica (or some other crystals) of a +particular thickness.</p> + +<p>The velocity with which waves are transmitted through a substance +depends not only on the density but on the elasticity of the substance +<i>in the direction in which the vibrations take place</i>. How, many +crystals have different elasticities in different directions, and a +similar condition may be induced by mechanical means in other bodies. +In such substances the velocity of light depends on the direction in +which the vibrations take place; and, generally, if a beam of ordinary +light fall upon such a crystal it will be separated into two, one +of which will consist of vibrations in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_486">[Pg 486]</span> the direction in which the +elasticity is greatest (of all the directions which it can select), and +the other in that in which the elasticity is least. These rays, being +transmitted with different velocities, will be differently refracted, +and part company in the crystal; and since in each ray the vibrations +are in one direction only, each ray will be plane polarised, the +vibrations taking place in the two rays in planes perpendicular to one +another.</p> + +<p>A Nicol’s prism consists of a long prism of Iceland spar cut into two +along a diagonal plane, the segments being cemented together again +by Canada balsam. The effect of the balsam is to reflect one of the +polarised rays out at the side of the prism while it allows the other +to pass through. Consequently, if common light fall on a Nicol’s prism, +only half of it will pass through, and this will be plane-polarised in +a particular plane. If another prism be placed in the path of the ray +and be situated similarly to the first, the light will pass through +it, but if it be turned around its axis through a right angle, the +light falling on it corresponds to that which is reflected out of the +prism by the balsam, and no light passes through the second prism. +Under these circumstances the Nicols are said to be crossed. Such +an arrangement of two Nicol’s prisms or any equivalent arrangement +which may be made with glass reflectors or crystals of tourmaline, +constitutes a polariscope; the first Nicol is called the polariser, the +second the analyser.</p> + +<p>Fresnel first pointed out that by mechanical stress it is possible +to impart to glass a property analogous to that of doubly refracting +crystals, making its elasticity (for light) different in different +directions. Sir David Brewster showed that a piece of glass heated +and then suddenly cooled, <i>i.e.</i> unannealed, possesses similar +properties. If it be placed between the polariser and analyser of a +polariscope and examined by white light, a gorgeous display of colour +is observed. The reason is that the plane-polarised light from the +polariser on entering the glass is generally split into two rays +vibrating in planes at right angles to one another, and these pass +through the glass with different velocities.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_487">[Pg 487]</span></p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_530a" style="width: 400px;"> +<img src="images/i_530a.jpg" width="400" height="373" alt="A colorful +pentagonal diagram featuring a dark, star-shaped silhouette at the +center surrounded by a white background, framed by a decorative +pentagon-shaped border with repeating circular medallions and striped +patterns in red, orange, blue, and green."> +<figcaption class="caption"> +<p>CHROMATIC EFFECTS OF A PENTAGON OF UNANNEALED GLASS IN +POLARIZED LIGHT.</p></figcaption> +</figure> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_530b" style="width: 400px;"> +<img src="images/i_530b.jpg" width="400" height="377" alt="A colorful +triangular diagram featuring three oval-shaped yellow rings arranged +symmetrically with a gray Y-shaped or tripod form connecting their +centers, fra…A colorful triangular diagram featuring three oval-shaped +yellow rings arranged symmetrically with a gray Y-shaped or tripod form +connecting their centers, framed by a decorative triangular border with +concentric stripes in yellow, blue, and red."> +<figcaption class="caption"> +<p>ISOCHROMATIC LINES IN A TRIANGLE OF UNANNEALED GLASS.</p> +</figcaption> +</figure> + +<p class="nind"> +When they reach the analyser only that component of each set +of vibrations can pass through which takes place in the plane +corresponding to transmission through the analyser. Then it may happen +that the two rays of light of one particular colour are so vibrating +that the waves interfere and destroy one another, so that this colour +is completely absent in the transmitted light while other colours are +partially destroyed. The result is that the combination of colours +which passes through produces a particular tint, and this will be +different according to the obliquity of the ray, the thickness of the +glass, and the amount of strain it has experienced, for on the latter +depends the difference of velocity of the two rays, and consequently +the particular colour destroyed in the case of glass of a given +thickness.</p> + +<p>Maxwell’s first serious experiments on light appear to have had their +origin in his visit to Mr. Wm. Nicol in April 1847. After this visit +he constructed a polariscope of cardboard, employing blackened glass +mirrors as polariser and analyser. This was supplied with lenses for +use when a conical beam of polarised light was required. The lenses +were mounted in cardboard frames. A very similar instrument constructed +by him shortly afterwards, but of wood instead of cardboard, together +with the lenses mounted as before on cards, is still preserved in +the Cavendish Laboratory. Maxwell, after returning from Mr. Nicol’s, +prepared some samples of unannealed glass by heating pieces of thick +plate glass to redness and allowing them to cool rapidly. By means of a +<i>camera lucida</i> adapted to the cardboard polariscope he observed +and faithfully copied in water-colours some of the chromatic effects +exhibited by these plates of glass, showing the manner in which the +glass was strained by the rapid cooling. Some of these figures are +shown in Plate III., and will be again referred to.<a id="FNanchor_251" href="#Footnote_251" class="fnanchor">[251]</a> As mentioned +in the previous part<span class="pagenum" id="Page_488">[Pg 488]</span> of this work, of these water-colour drawings he +sent some to Nicol, who presented him in return with a pair of Nicol +prisms of his own construction, which are now, with the original +colour-top, polariscope, specimens of unannealed glass, etc., in the +Cavendish Laboratory. His experiments on the passage of light through +solids exposed to strain suggested to Maxwell the employment of +polarised light as an analyser of the strains in the different portions +of an elastic solid when exposed to mechanical stress, and led to the +production of the paper on “Elastic Solids” read before the Royal +Society of Edinburgh in February 1850; but before giving an account of +this paper we must mention another investigation connected with the +physiology of vision.</p> + +<p>There are some persons who, when they look at a point in the sky +distant \(90^{\circ}\) from the sun, at once observe two conspicuous +yellow brushes with their axis in a plane passing through the sun, +while the space between exhibits the complementary violet colour. This +phenomenon was first noticed by Haidinger in 1844, and is known as +Haidinger’s Brushes. The appearance is only transitory, and disappears +in a very short time if the eye he kept directed to the same point in +the heavens. The same appearance is produced whenever “plane-polarised” +light enters the eye; as, for example, when light is reflected from a +polished surface of glass at a particular angle. But there are some +persons, on the other hand, who are apparently incapable of seeing +Haidinger’s Brushes, or only see them with difficulty. Generally it is +persons of a dark complexion who see Haidinger’s Brushes more readily +than others, and in such persons the <i>yellow spot</i> appears to be +peculiarly insensitive to blue light. A paper on this subject was read +before the mathematical and physical section of the British Association +by Professor Maxwell in 1866 (<i>Report</i>, Part II.) He found that +on looking through<span class="pagenum" id="Page_489">[Pg 489]</span> a solution of chrome alum, the centre of the field +of view appears distinctly pink and much paler than the rest of the +solution on account of this peculiarity of the foramen centrale. The +effect decreases if the observer continue to look. Maxwell’s attention +was first called to this peculiarity of his own eye by noticing a black +hand in the blue portion of the spectrum whenever he directed his eye +straight to that portion. The hand never appeared in any other part +of the spectrum, but followed the eye up and down the spectrum in the +blue, vanishing as soon as the optic axis passed out of the blue into +other colours.</p> + +<p>The following account of Maxwell’s explanation of Haidinger’s Brushes, +and the personal reminiscences which accompany it, have been kindly +contributed by Professor William Swan:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>My earliest noteworthy recollection of Clerk Maxwell dates from 1850, +when the British Association was in Edinburgh, and its “Section A” +used to meet in the natural philosophy class-room of the University. +That year communications were made by Sir David Brewster and Professor +Stokes on the remarkable phenomenon of vision discovered by Haidinger +in 1844, and since known as “Haidinger’s Brushes.” One day when a paper +had been read, which, if I remember rightly, was Brewster’s, a young +man rose to speak. This was Clerk Maxwell. His utterance then, most +likely, would be somewhat spasmodic in character, as it continued to be +in later times, his words coming in sudden gushes with notable pauses +between; and I can well remember the half-puzzled, half-anxious, and +perhaps somewhat incredulous air, with which the president and officers +of the section, along with the more conspicuous members who had chosen +“the chief seats” facing the general audience, at first gazed on the +raw-looking young man who, in broken accents, was addressing them. +For a time I was disposed to set down his apparent embarrassment to +bashfulness; and such, I daresay, was the general impression. Bashful, +very likely, in some degree he was. But, at all events, he manfully +stuck to his text; nor did he sit down before he had gained the +respectful attention of his hearers, and had succeeded, as it seemed, +in saying all he meant to say.</p> + +<p>My only tolerably distinct further recollection is that he handed in +a small piece of apparatus which he had made by cementing together on +glass sectors of sheet gutta-percha, these<span class="pagenum" id="Page_490">[Pg 490]</span> being so cut out of the +sheet and put together that its fibrous structure, due to rolling in +the process of manufacture, should radiate, at least approximately, +from a central point. This arrangement, as I understood at the time, +in polarised light, reproduced, or rather simulated, Haidinger’s +phenomenon. But after an interval of thirty years I must speak with +caution. Brewster (British Association <i>Report</i>, 1850), ascribed +Haidinger’s phenomenon to “polarising structure existing in the cornea +and crystalline lens, as well as in the tissues which lie in front +of the sensitive layer of the retina;” while Stokes <i>proved</i> +that, when the variously coloured rays of the prismatic spectrum +were admitted separately into the eye, in the blue rays alone could +Haidinger’s Brushes be seen. A few years later, in his paper “On the +Unequal Sensibility of the Foramen Centrale to Light of Different +Colours” (Brit. Assoc. <i>Report</i>, 1856), Clerk Maxwell says that, +on looking through a prism at a long vertical slit he saw an elongated +dark spot running up and down the spectrum, but refusing to pass out +of the blue into the other colours. This appearance, he concludes, is +due to the “Foramen centrale” of Soemmering; and he adds that when a +Nicol’s prism is employed the brushes of Haidinger are well seen <i>in +connection with the spot</i>. The appearance of a dark spot on a blue +ground <i>only</i>, Maxwell then, or at least afterwards, believed to +be due to the yellow pigment of the macula lutea, of which the fovea +centralis, as its name imports, is the middle portion, and, as is well +known, the place of most distinct vision, having a special selective +absorption for the blue rays. His notable discovery that Haidinger’s +Brushes were only to be seen in connection with the shadow of the +yellow spot thus pointed conclusively to the spot itself as the seat of +the phenomenon; or, as he himself puts it, makes evident the fact that +the brushes are the spot analysed by polarised light. Having thus, to +his own satisfaction, localised the polarising structure concerned in +the production of Haidinger’s phenomenon, he seems to have rested, for +I am not aware that he ever wrote again on the subject. No such writing +at least appears in the Royal Society catalogue of scientific memoirs. +Possibly he hoped that some day he might himself examine the actual +structure of the yellow spot; or he may have waited for the result of +such examination by other hands than his own. Helmholtz, who cites +Maxwell’s paper of 1856, attributes the phenomenon of the brushes to +a radiating fibrous structure, which, it seems, has actually now been +ascertained to exist in the fovea centralis, which he assumes to be +feebly polarising, and to possess a special selective absorbing power +for the blue rays. (Helmholtz,</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_491">[Pg 491]</span></p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_536" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/i_536.jpg" width="500" height="531" alt="A circular +diagram divided into four quadrants by black diagonal lines, each +containing small cross-shaped arrow markers, surrounding a central core +of concent…A circular diagram divided into four quadrants by black +diagonal lines, each containing small cross-shaped arrow markers, +surrounding a central core of concentric colored rings (red, orange, +green, blue) around a white hollow center."> +<figcaption class="caption"> +<p>Plate IV. DIAGRAM SHEWING THE COLOURS EXHIBITED BY A +PLATE OF GELATINE WHEN EXPOSED TO A TORSIONAL SHEAR.</p> +</figcaption> +</figure> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nind"> +<i>Optique Physiologique</i>, 1867, pp. 548-554.) All Maxwell’s +conclusions regarding Haidinger’s Brushes, seem thus to be definitely +verified.</p> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">William Swan,</span><br> +Ardchapel, Helensburgh, <i>2d April</i> 1882.</p> +</div> + +<p class="space-above2"> +2. In the paper read before the Royal Society of Edinburgh on +Feb. 18, 1850, Maxwell describes the mathematical results of the +application of Stokes’s theory of elasticity to a number of cases of +the deformation of elastic solids, which results, when possible, he +tested experimentally by subjecting the strained solid to analysis by +polarised light. The first, and perhaps the most interesting, example +given in this paper, refers “to the case of a hollow cylinder, of which +the outer surface is fixed, while the inner surface is made to turn +through a small angle.” The conclusions derived we give in Maxwell's +own words:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Therefore, if the solid be viewed by polarised light (transmitted +parallel to the axis), the difference of retardation of the oppositely +polarised rays at any point in the solid will be inversely proportional +to the square of the distance from the axis of the cylinder, and the +planes of polarisation of these rays will be inclined \(45^{\circ}\) to +the radius at that point.</p> + +<p>The general appearance is, therefore, a system of coloured rings, +arranged oppositely to the rings in uniaxial crystals, the tints +ascending in the scale as they approach the centre, and the distance +between the rings decreasing towards the centre. The whole system +is crossed by two dark bands inclined \(45^{\circ}\) to the plane +of primitive polarisation, when the plane of the analysing plate is +perpendicular to that of the first polarising plate (see Plate IV.)</p> + +<p>A jelly of isinglass poured, when hot, between two concentric +cylinders, forms, when cold, a convenient solid for this experiment; +and the diameters of the rings may be varied at pleasure by changing +the force of torsion applied to the interior cylinder.</p> + +<p>By continuing the force of torsion while the jelly is allowed to dry, a +hard plate of isinglass is obtained, which still acts in the same way +on polarised light, even when the force of torsion is removed.</p> + +<p>It seems that this action cannot be accounted for by supposing the +interior parts kept in a state of constraint by the exterior parts, +as in unannealed and heated glass; for the optical<span class="pagenum" id="Page_492">[Pg 492]</span> properties of the +plate of isinglass are such as would indicate a strain pressing in +every part of the plate in the direction of the original strain, so +that the strain on one part of the plate cannot be maintained by an +opposite strain on another part.</p> + +<p>Two other uncrystallised substances have the power of retaining the +polarising structure developed by compression. The first is a mixture +of wax and resin, pressed into a thin plate between two plates of +glass, as described by Sir David Brewster in the <i>Philosophical +Transactions</i> for 1815 and 1850.</p> + +<p>When a compressed plate of this substance is examined with polarised +light, it is observed to have no action on light at a perpendicular +incidence; but when inclined it shows the segments of coloured rings. +This property does not belong to the plate as a whole, but is possessed +by every part of it. It is, therefore, similar to a plate cut from a +uniaxial crystal perpendicular to the axis.</p> + +<p>I find that its action on light is like that of a <i>positive</i> +crystal, while that of a plate of isinglass, similarly treated, would +be <i>negative</i>.</p> + +<p>The other substance which possesses similar properties is gutta-percha. +This substance in its ordinary state, when cold, is not transparent +even in thin films; but if a thin film be drawn out gradually, it +may be extended to more than double its length. It then possesses a +powerful double refraction, which it retains so strongly that it has +been used for polarising light. As one of its refractive indices is +nearly the same as that of Canada balsam, while the other is very +different, the common surface of the gutta-percha and Canada balsam +will transmit one set of rays much more readily than the other, so +that a film of extended gutta-percha placed between two layers of +Canada balsam, acts like a plate of nitre treated in the same way. That +these films are in a state of constraint may be proved by heating them +slightly when they recover their original dimensions.</p> +</div> + +<p>Some pieces of gutta-percha mounted in this way by Professor Maxwell +are still preserved in the Cavendish Laboratory; as are also the +original plates of isinglass above referred to. The interior cylinder +employed for twisting these plates was a cork, and in one of the plates +two corks were placed with their circumferences about \(\dfrac{3}{8}\) +in. apart, and were twisted equally in the same direction. The result +of this operation is described as case XIII. in the paper in question, +and is determined geometrically by the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_493">[Pg 493]</span> superposition of the two +conditions of strain due to the two twists independently.</p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_539" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_539.jpg" width="300" height="236" alt="A symmetrical +geometric diagram showing concentric oval/elliptical rings with two +smaller nested oval clusters at the center, intersected by horizontal +and vertical axis lines marked with small tick marks."> +<figcaption class="caption"> +<p>Fig. 4.</p></figcaption> +</figure> + +<p class="nind"> +The isochromatic curves thus obtained are represented in Fig. 4, which +is taken from that in the <i>Edinburgh Transactions</i>. The points +\(\mathrm{B}_{1}\), \(\mathrm{B}_{2}\), correspond to no retardation. +These curves completely agree with those obtained when the plate of +isinglass is examined with circularly polarised light. The advantage +of employing circularly polarised light lies in the fact that whatever +may be the direction of the lines of stress in the isinglass the two +component rays into which the light may be supposed separated on +entering the medium are of equal intensity, and the colour therefore +depends only on the state of strain and not on the position of the +plane of primitive polarisation.</p> + +<p>The last example of stress in an elastic solid is that of a triangle +of unannealed glass, in which “the lines of equal intensity of the +action on light are seen without interruption by using circularly +polarised light.” They are represented in Plate III. In Figs. 5 and 6 +\(\mathrm{A}\), \(\mathrm{BBB}\), \(\mathrm{DDD}\), are the neutral +points, or points of no action on light, and \(\mathrm{CCC}\), +\(\mathrm{EEE}\), are<span class="pagenum" id="Page_494">[Pg 494]</span> the points where the action is greatest; and +the intensity of the action at any other point is determined by its +position with respect to the isochromatic curves.</p> + +<p>“The direction of the principal axes of pressure at any point is found +by transmitting plane polarised light, and analysing it in the plane +perpendicular to that of polarisation. The light is then restored in +every part of the triangle, except in those points at which one of the +principal axes is parallel to the plane of polarisation. A dark band +formed of all these points is seen, which shifts its position as the +triangle is turned round in its own plane.</p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_540" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_540.jpg" width="300" height="283" alt="A symmetrical +geometric diagram showing a triangle with vertices labeled D at each +corner, containing curved loop-like shapes connecting points labeled B +and E near the center and at the midpoints of each side."> +<figcaption class="caption"> +<p>Fig. 5.</p></figcaption> +</figure> + +<p class="nind"> +Fig. 5 represents these curves for every fifteenth degree of +inclination. They correspond to the lines of equal variation of the +needle in a magnetic chart.</p> + +<p>“From these curves others may be formed which shall indicate, by +their own direction, the direction of the principal axes at any +point. These curves of direction of compression and dilatation are +represented in Fig. 6; the curves whose direction corresponds to that +of <i>compression</i>, are concave toward the centre of the triangle, +and intersect at right angles the curves of dilatation.”</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_495">[Pg 495]</span></p> + +<p>The figures on Plate III. are copies of water-colour sketches made by +Professor Maxwell in the very early periods of these investigations, +and show the isochromatic lines in unannealed glass in the case of a +pentagon and a triangle.</p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_541" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_541.jpg" width="300" height="250" alt="A symmetrical +geometric diagram showing a triangle with vertices labeled D at each +corner, filled with an intricate network of curved field-lines forming +three distinct nodes labeled B and E near the corners and center."> +<figcaption class="caption"> +<p>Fig. 6.</p></figcaption> +</figure> + +<p>The remainder of the paper on elastic solids is taken up with a +discussion of a number of examples of great importance to the engineer, +such as the flexure of beams, the torsion of cylinders, and the like. +To these engineering problems Maxwell again returned many years later, +and his paper “On Reciprocal Figures, Frames, and Diagrams of Force,” +read before the Royal Society of Edinburgh, 7th February 1870, received +the award of the Keith Medal. The Theory of Oërsted’s Piezometer, given +in the paper of 1850, is, however, of great scientific value. In it +Maxwell points out that the behaviour of a vessel exposed to equal +pressures within and without depends only on its cubic compressibility, +while the relation between the cubic compressibility and the rigidity +in solids, so far from being constant,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_496">[Pg 496]</span> as Poisson supposed, may be +almost any whatever, cork having great rigidity in comparison with its +power to resist compression, while caoutchouc, on the other hand, has +extremely little.</p> + + +<p class="space-above2"> +3. While a bachelor-scholar of Trinity College, on March 13, 1854, +Clerk Maxwell read a paper before the Cambridge Philosophical Society +“On the Transformation of Surfaces by Bending.” This paper, which +embodies a great deal of thought, and indicates that its author +possessed an extensive acquaintance with the geometrical works of +Gauss, Monge, Liouville, and others, is of more interest to the pure +mathematician than to the general reader, but in connection with it we +may mention a surface which was prepared for Professor Maxwell many +years afterwards, and coated by his own hands, as described below, +and now preserved in the Cavendish Laboratory. If a heavy uniform +string be suspended from two points, and allowed to hang freely, it +assumes the form of a curve called a catenary. If a board be cut out +in this shape, and the string be stretched around its edge, then cut +at the lowest point and one-half of the string unwrapped so as always +to be kept stretched, and therefore the free portion of the string a +tangent to the board at the point where it leaves it, the extremity +of the string will describe a curve called a tractory, because it is +the curve traced by a particle lying on a rough horizontal plane, +when the end of a string attached to it describes a straight line on +the plane, the particle starting from a point outside the straight +line. As we go farther along the curve traced by the particle, we of +course continually approach the straight line described by the end of +the string, but never reach it. This straight line is the “asymptote” +of the tractory, and is also the “directrix” of the catenary above +referred to. If the tractory be made to revolve about its asymptote +it will trace out a surface which has the peculiarity that the +<i>intrinsic curvature</i> is the same at every point of the surface +and is negative, the two principal radii of curvature being opposite +in direction and inversely proportional the one to the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_497">[Pg 497]</span> other. If a +flexible surface be constructed so as to fit a portion of the surface +of the solid, thus forming a coat, it will be found to fit equally well +at every part of the surface, and it may be inverted or turned through +any angle whatever, and it will continue to fit every portion of the +solid equally well. By weaving together curved strips of parchment +paper and pasting them, Professor Maxwell constructed a coat which +fitted every portion of the solid, however it might be placed upon it.</p> + +<p>Maxwell’s fondness for geometry has already been alluded to more than +once, and not unfrequently he would take up geometrical questions of a +very generalised character. A simple and very good illustration of some +of his investigations in this department is to be found in a paper “On +Hills and Dales,” published in the <i>Philosophical Magazine</i> for +December 1870. In this paper, having described the general character of +contour-lines, or the lines in which the surface of the earth is cut +by level surfaces. Maxwell proceeds to show<a id="FNanchor_252" href="#Footnote_252" class="fnanchor">[252]</a> that the number of +summits, or regions of elevation reduced to points, exceeds by one the +number of passes, a pass being the point where two regions of elevation +unite. Similarly, the number of Bottoms, or regions of depression, +exceeds by one the number of Bars, a Bar being the boundary between two +regions of depression. Lines of slope are defined as lines everywhere +perpendicular to the contour lines. By following lines of slope we +generally reach a Summit or a Bottom, but we may reach a Pass or Bar. +“Districts whose lines of slope run to the same bottom are called +Basins or Dales. Those whose lines of slope come from the same summit +may be called, for want of a better name, Hills.” “Dales are divided +from each other by Watersheds, and Hills by Watercourses.” “Lines of +Watershed are the only lines of slope which do not reach a bottom, and +lines of Watercourse are the only lines of slope which do not reach +a summit.” These extracts indicate<span class="pagenum" id="Page_498">[Pg 498]</span> Maxwell’s anxiety that definite +meanings should be assigned to all scientific terms, and that they +should be used only in the senses so defined. A further illustration of +this trait in his character is found in his paper “On the Mathematical +Classification of Physical Quantities,” published in <i>The Proceedings +of the London Mathematical Society</i>, vol. <span class="allsmcap">III</span>. No. 34. We +give one other example, taken from <i>Matter and Motion</i>, a little +work published by the S. P. C. K., and a model of scientific accuracy +and philosophic thought. “When the simultaneous values of a quantity +for different bodies or places are equal, the quantity is said to be +<i>uniformly</i> distributed in space.” “When the successive values of +a quantity for successive instants of time are equal, the quantity is +said to be <i>constant</i>.” Such examples might be multiplied almost +indefinitely from Maxwell’s published writings. The more elementary +the work the greater need did he see for exactness in definitions and +accuracy in the use of words; and perhaps no one has done more than +Maxwell in giving accuracy to the expression of scientific thought. +His influence in this respect has especially been felt by all who have +attended the Physical School in Cambridge. On one occasion he remarked, +in his half-humorous way, that spheres are <i>inclusive</i> figures but +circles are <i>exclusive</i>:—people are always <i>trying</i> to get +<i>into</i> other circles, but to do so they must get <i>out of</i> +their own spheres.</p> + + +<p class="space-above2"> +4. The keystone as well as the foundation of physical science is +dynamics—a subject to which Maxwell was greatly attracted in early +days, and to which, even in its most elementary principles, he +constantly reverted in after life. We have already referred to his +Dynamical Theory of the Electromagnetic field; the sections of his +<i>Treatise on Electricity and Magnetism</i>, which are devoted to +dynamical principles and the general equations of motion, form a most +valuable compendium of dynamics; while for those who require less +strong meat, his treatment of the subject in the <i>Theory of Heat</i> +leaves little to be desired; and last, but not least, under the +comprehensive title of <i>Matter and Motion</i>, we have a treatise on +dynamics written for<span class="pagenum" id="Page_499">[Pg 499]</span> children in the higher grade schools, so simple +that the most casual reader will think that he understands it, while +it is the admiration of professed mathematicians, and by no means +easy reading for those who expect, or have gained, high places in the +mathematical tripos: but as the book is well within the reach of every +reader, it is unnecessary here to attempt any detailed account of it.</p> + +<p>But Maxwell’s investigations in dynamics were not confined to paper. +Of the problems suggested to him by the devil on two sticks we have +no account. During his residence in Cambridge he endeavoured to +investigate the process by which a cat is enabled invariably to alight +on her feet. The mode of conducting the experiments and the impression +they left on the mind of the College will appear from the following +extract from a letter written to Mrs. Maxwell, from Trinity, on January +3d, 1870, when Professor Maxwell was examining for the Mathematical +Tripos:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>There is a tradition in Trinity that when I was here I discovered a +method of throwing a cat so as not to light on its feet, and that I +used to throw cats out of windows. I had to explain that the proper +object of research was to find how quick the cat would turn round, and +that the proper method was to let the cat drop on a table or bed from +about two inches, and that even then the cat lights on her feet.</p> +</div> + +<p>The “Dynamical Top,” which wag invented by Maxwell to illustrate +dynamical propositions, technically so-called, was, in its final form, +constructed of brass by Mr. Ramage of Aberdeen. It was this top which +Maxwell brought with him to Cambridge when he came up for his M.A. +degree in the summer of 1857, and exhibited to a tea-party in his room +in the evening. His friends left it spinning, and next morning Maxwell, +noticing one of them coming across the court, leapt out of bed, started +the top, and retired between the sheets. It is needless to say that the +spinning power of the top commanded as great respect as its power of +illustrating Poinsot’s <i>Theorie Nouvelle de la Rotation des Corps</i>.</p> + +<p>In the work just referred to, Poinsot shows that a body<span class="pagenum" id="Page_500">[Pg 500]</span> supported at +its centre of gravity and rotating freely about it will move in the +same manner as an ellipsoid whose centre is fixed, but which rolls in +such a way as always to rest against a fixed plane (the invariable +plane), which is, of course, a tangent plane at the point of contact. +The line from the centre to the point of contact is the axis about +which the body is at the instant rotating, and this line will, unless +the plane touch the ellipsoid at the extremity of one of the principal +axes, move both in space and in the body. The curve which the extremity +of the axis of rotation describes on the invariable plane is called +a herpolhode, while that which it describes on the surface of the +ellipsoid is called a polhode. If at any instant the axis of rotation +be very near either to the greatest or least axis of the ellipsoid, +it will always remain very near that axis, and the polhode will be a +small closed curve and the rotation will be stable; but if the axis of +rotation be near to the <i>mean</i> axis of the ellipsoid, the polhode +will be a very large curve, the axis of rotation will in time deviate +very widely from its original position in the body, and the motion will +be unstable.</p> + +<p>Maxwell’s top consisted of a brass bell, a long screw passing through +the top of the bell and terminating in a steel point “finished without +emery and afterwards hardened,” serving as the axle. The point rested +in an agate cup on the top of a pillar. A heavy nut could be screwed +up and down on the axle for coarse adjustments, and the axle could be +screwed through the top of the bell, to bring the point to coincide +with the centre of gravity of the mass. The moments of inertia could +be altered by means of the nut above referred to, and by nine screws +with massive milled heads, six of which screwed horizontally into the +rim of the bell, while three were arranged symmetrically around the +top of the rim, and admitted of a vertical motion. By means of these +screws the axle could be made the axis of greatest, least, or mean +moment of inertia, or not a principal axis at all. The axle terminated +in a point, by which a coloured disc could be fixed upon it. “The best +arrangement, for general observations, is to have the disc of card +divided into<span class="pagenum" id="Page_501">[Pg 501]</span> four quadrants, coloured with vermilion, chrome yellow, +emerald green, and ultramarine. These are bright colours, and if the +vermilion is good they combine into a grayish tint when the revolution +is about the axle, and burst into brilliant colours when the axis is +disturbed. It is useful to have some concentric circles, drawn with +ink, over the colours, and about twelve radii drawn in strong pencil +lines. It is easy to distinguish the ink from the pencil lines, as +they cross the invariable axis, by their want of lustre. In this way +the path of the invariable axis may be identified with great accuracy, +and compared with theory.” If the top revolve about its axle, the +whole disc will appear gray, but when the axle moves, the quadrants in +which the “invariable axis” lies will be indicated by a circle of the +corresponding colour appearing in full purity. Whenever the invariable +line crosses an ink or pencil line, a dark ink dot or lustrous pencil +dot will appear at the centre of the circle, and when it passes into +another quadrant the circle will contract, then change its colour, and +expand again. The use of the nine screws is thus indicated by Professor +Maxwell:—“There must be three adjustments to regulate the position +of the centre of gravity, three for the magnitude of the moments of +inertia, and three for the directions of the principal axes—nine +independent adjustments, which may be distributed as we please among +the screws of the instrument.” A full account of the top and the mode +of using it, together with a note on the rotation of the earth, will +be found in the <i>Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh</i>, +vol. <span class="allsmcap">XXI.</span>, from which the above quotations have been taken.</p> + + +<p class="space-above2"> +5. In 1610 Galileo turning his telescope to Saturn, observed a +projection on each side of the planet, which led him to conclude that +“Saturn consists of three stars in contact with one another.” In 1659 +Huygens discovered the true nature of these appendages, which, by +their continually varying forms, had puzzled previous astronomers, +and concluded that Saturn is girded with a thin flat ring inclined to +the ecliptic; its external diameter being about \(2 \dfrac{1}{4}\) +times that of the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_502">[Pg 502]</span> planet itself. In 1665 William Bell observed a dark +line running round the northern surface of the ring. In 1675 Cassini +noticed the same on the other surface, and concluded that the ring +consists of two concentric rings, of which the inner is the brighter. +Hadley observed the shadow of the planet thrown upon the surface of the +ring, and the shadow of the ring on the planet, and showed that Saturn +rotates in the same plane with the rings. In 1714 Moradi observed a +want of symmetry in the ring on opposite sides of the planet, and found +that when it had disappeared on the eastern side it was still visible +on the western, but he did not discover the cause of the phenomena. The +observations of Sir William Herschel, published in 1790, corroborated +the opinion of Cassini respecting the division. By observing certain +spots on the surface of the planet, Herschel found that it rotated on +its axis in 10 hours 29 minutes 16·8 seconds in the same direction as +the rotation of the earth. In 1789, as the earth passed through the +plane of Saturn’s ring, Herschel noticed some bright spots on the edge +of the ring which were carried almost to the end of the diameter, and +appeared to rotate about Saturn in about 10 hours \(32 \dfrac{1}{4}\) +minutes.</p> + +<p>The observations of the present century show that the outer of the two +bright rings is permanently divided into two concentric rings by a very +narrow gap, and when their plane is inclined to the line of sight at a +considerable angle, so that the rings are widely open, a series of dark +elliptic curves near the extremities of the major axis of the elliptic +projection indicates that each ring is still further broken up into a +number of thin concentric rings, the gaps between them being apparently +filled by the edges of the inner rings except near the extremity of the +major axis of the projections.</p> + +<p>In 1850 a dark ring encircling Saturn within the other two rings was +discovered independently by three astronomers in England and America. +The distance between the outer edge of the dark ring and the inner edge +of the adjoining bright ring appeared to vary between narrow limits, +the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_503">[Pg 503]</span> rings sometimes appearing to be in contact. This innermost ring +is transparent, so that the edge of the planet can be seen through it, +and as it is seen in all positions without distortion it seems that the +ring cannot consist of a transparent gas or liquid. The rings appear to +be much thicker near the planet than at their outer edges. A comparison +of measurements of the diameters of the rings at different times seems +to indicate a rapid change in their breadths, the circumference of the +outer ring extending outwards, while the inner bright ring appears +to be approaching the planet, so that the whole breadth of the ring +system is increasing. At least this is the conclusion to which Struve +arrived from a comparison of his measurements with those of Huygens +and Herschel.<a id="FNanchor_253" href="#Footnote_253" class="fnanchor">[253]</a> According to Hind the exterior diameter of the +outer ring is about 170,000 miles, its interior diameter 150,000; +the exterior diameter of the inner bright ring is 147,000 miles, its +interior diameter 114,000 miles; and the equatorial diameter of the +planet 75,500 miles; but, as above stated, the breadth of the rings +appears to be increasing. Sir John Herschel was of opinion that the +thickness of the rings did not exceed 100 miles, and Bessel calculated +that their mass, as determined by the disturbance they produced in one +of Saturn’s satellites, did not exceed \(\dfrac{1}{118}\)th the mass of +the planet.</p> + +<p>If Saturn’s rings were solid and at rest, but of course subject to +the attraction of the planet, the stress upon them would be such that +we can conceive of no material capable of sustaining it. Maxwell +remarked that iron would not only be plastic but semi-fluid under +such stresses. By allowing the rings to rotate, the attraction of the +planet might expend itself in producing the necessary acceleration +towards the centre, or, as is generally stated, might be balanced by +the centrifugal force, and the stress might be thus relieved to a +great extent; but if the rings rotated with the velocity proper to the +interior of the inner ring, the rest<span class="pagenum" id="Page_504">[Pg 504]</span> would tend to fly off into space, +while if they rotated with the velocity proper to the exterior of the +outer ring, the inner portions would tend to fall towards the planet; +and even if they rotated with the velocity proper to any intermediate +portion of the system, the parts beyond would tend to fly outwards, and +the parts within would tend to fall towards the planet, unless this +tendency were compensated by the attraction of the ring itself. But +there is another objection to the hypothesis of the rings being uniform +solids, viz. the instability of the motion. If the motion of the ring +were slightly disturbed, as is always the case, it would not return to +its original orbit, but its deviation would increase until it came in +contact with the planet itself.</p> + +<p>Laplace was the first to investigate the conditions of stability of +Saturn’s ring system. He concluded that if the rings are solid, they +must consist of a great number of very small concentric rings, each +rotating independently with its proper velocity about the planet. The +velocity calculated by Laplace for the circumference of the outer ring +agreed with that determined, as above mentioned, by Herschel. Laplace +avoided the difficulty of the instability of the rings above alluded +to by supposing that they were not homogeneous, but that their centres +of gravity were at some distance from their geometrical centres. +Laplace also showed that, for the attraction of the ring to neutralise +its tendency to split up, it is necessary that its density should be +\(\dfrac{10}{13}\) that of the planet. In 1851 Professor Pierce showed +that the number of rings in the system must be very much greater than +Laplace had supposed. This was the position of the question when it was +taken up by Maxwell.</p> + +<p>On March 23d, 1855, the Examiners announced the subject for the Adams +Prize in the following terms:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>The University having accepted a fund raised by several members of St. +John’s College, for the purpose of founding a prize to be called the +Adams Prize, for the best essay on some subject of pure mathematics, +astronomy, or other branch of natural philosophy, the prize to be given +once in two years, and to be <i>open to the competition of all persons +who have at any time been admitted to a degree in this University</i>:—</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_505">[Pg 505]</span></p> + +<p>The Examiners give notice, that the following is the subject for the +prize to be adjudged in 1857:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><i>The Motions of Saturn's Rings.</i></p> + +<p>\(\because\) The Problem may be treated on the supposition that the +system of Rings is exactly, or very approximately, concentric with +Saturn, and symmetrically disposed about the plane of his equator, and +different hypotheses may be made respecting the physical constitution +of the Rings. It may be supposed (1) that they are rigid; (2) that +they are fluid, or in part aeriform; (3) that they consist of masses +of matter not mutually coherent. The question will be considered to +be answered by ascertaining, on these hypotheses severally, whether +the conditions of mechanical stability are satisfied by the mutual +attractions and motions of the Planet and the Rings.</p> + +<p>It is desirable that an attempt should also be made to determine on +which of the above hypotheses the appearances both of the bright rings +and the recently discovered dark ring may be most satisfactorily +explained; and to indicate any causes to which a change of form, +such as is supposed from a comparison of modern with the earlier +observations to have taken place, may be attributed.</p> +</div> + +<p>In his essay, to which the prize was adjudged, and which occupies +sixty-eight pages of quarto, Maxwell considered in the first place +the hypothesis of Laplace, and showed that to secure stability the +irregularity of the ring must be enormously great. Speaking of +Laplace’s conclusion that the rings must be irregular, Maxwell says:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>We may draw the conclusion more formally as follows:— If the rings +were solid and uniform, their motion would be unstable, and they would +be destroyed; but they are not destroyed, and their motion is stable, +therefore they are either not uniform or not solid.</p> + +<p>I have not discovered, either in the works of Laplace or in those of +more recent mathematicians, any investigation of the motion of a ring +either not uniform or not solid. So that, in the present state of +mechanical science, we do not know whether an irregular solid ring, of +a fluid or disconnected ring, can revolve permanently about a central +body; and the Saturnian system still remains an unregarded witness in +heaven to some necessary but as yet unknown development of the laws of +the universe.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_506">[Pg 506]</span></p> + +<p>The following extract shows how Maxwell mentally realised every problem +which he considered:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>When we have actually seen that great arch swung over the equator of +the planet without any visible connection, we cannot bring our minds +to rest. We cannot simply admit that such is the case, and describe +it as one of the observed facts in nature, not admitting or requiring +explanation. We must either explain its motion on the principles of +mechanics, or admit that, in the Saturnian realms, there can be motion +regulated by laws which we are unable to explain.</p> +</div> + +<p>The investigation of the stability of the motion of a solid ring, +otherwise uniform but loaded with a heavy particle upon its +circumference, led to the conclusion that the mass of the particle must +be about four and a half times that of the rest of the ring—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>But this load, besides being inconsistent with the observed appearance +of the rings, must be far too artificially adjusted to agree with the +natural arrangements observed elsewhere, for a very small error in +excess or defect would render the ring again unstable.</p> + +<p>We are therefore constrained to abandon the theory of the solid ring, +and to consider the case of a ring the parts of which are not rigidly +connected, as in the case of a ring of independent satellites, or a +fluid ring.</p> + +<p>There is now no danger of the whole ring, or any part of it, being +precipitated on the body of the planet. Every particle of the ring is +now to be regarded as an independent satellite of Saturn, disturbed by +the attraction of a ring of satellites at the same mean distance from +the planet, each of which, however, is subject to slight displacements. +The mutual action of the parts of the ring will be so small compared +with the attraction of the planet that no part of the ring can ever +cease to move round Saturn as a satellite.</p> + +<p>But the question now before us is altogether different from that +relating to the solid ring. We have now to take account of variations +in the form and arrangement of the parts of the ring, as well as its +motion as a whole, and we have as yet no security that these motions +may not accumulate till the ring entirely loses its original form, and +collapses into one or more satellites circulating round Saturn. In +fact such a result is one of the leading<span class="pagenum" id="Page_507">[Pg 507]</span> doctrines of the “nebular +theory” of the formation of planetary systems; and we are familiar with +the actual breaking up of fluid rings under the action of “capillary +force,” in the beautiful experiments of M. Plateau.</p> + +<p>In this essay I have shown that such a destructive tendency actually +exists, but that by the revolution of the ring it is converted into the +condition of dynamical stability.</p> +</div> + +<p>The investigation of the motion of a ring composed of a continuous +liquid, led to the result that the waves set up in the ring would cause +it to break up into a number of drops which might revolve as satellites +about Saturn; but if the condition of stability was not fulfilled, +they would coalesce, forming a smaller number of larger drops, until +the condition of stability was secured; and the same would be the case +if the ring were supposed to consist of a number of concentric narrow +rings. The liquid ring, therefore, did not afford a more satisfactory +result than the solid one, though it appeared that the internal +friction would produce no sensible effect, and Maxwell had recourse to +“the dusky-ring, which is something like the state of the air supposing +the siege of Sebastopol conducted from a forest of guns 100 miles one +way and 30,000 miles the other, and the shot never to stop but go +spinning away round a circle radius 170,000 miles.”<a id="FNanchor_254" href="#Footnote_254" class="fnanchor">[254]</a> This, however, +is not the order in which the investigations appear in the paper before +us.</p> + +<p>Having dismissed the assumption of the solid rings, Maxwell +investigated the effect of disturbance on a ring of small transverse +section, the parts of which are not rigidly connected. The disturbances +he treated as made up of “harmonic” elements, according to Fourier’s +method; and, first treating the ring as a number of equal satellites +revolving round the planet, he found that such a ring “can always be +rendered stable by increasing the mass of the central body and the +angular velocity of the ring.” If the ring consist of 100 satellites, +the mass of the planet must exceed<span class="pagenum" id="Page_508">[Pg 508]</span> 4352 times that of the ring in +order to secure stability for all displacements. “If this condition +be not fulfilled,... then, although the motion depending upon long +undulations may remain stable, the short undulations will increase +in amplitude till some of the neighbouring satellites are brought +into collision.” The satellites of such a ring, when the condition +of stability is fulfilled, admit of four vibrations in different +periods in ellipses about their mean positions, and these vibrations +will be transmitted as waves with different velocities round the +ring, so that the form of the ring at any instant resembles “that of +a string of beads forming a re-entering curve, nearly circular, but +with a small variation of distance from the centre,” forming a number +of “regular curves of transverse displacement at regular intervals +round the circle. Besides these, there are waves of condensation and +rarefaction, the effect of longitudinal displacement.” Any external +disturbance, such as a satellite or wave in another ring, will produce +a <i>forced</i> wave in the ring, and if the angular velocity of the +external disturbing cause around the ring coincide, or nearly coincide, +with the velocity of one of the free waves of the ring, the amplitude +of the forced wave will increase indefinitely until the ring is +destroyed; but if this condition is not fulfilled, the forced wave will +accompany the disturbing cause around the ring as the tide follows the +moon.</p> + +<p>The effect of one ring upon another is to produce in it a series of +<i>forced</i> waves travelling with the same angular velocity as the +<i>free</i> waves in the disturbing ring. Hence in a system of two +rings “there will be eight waves in each ring, and the corresponding +waves in the two rings will act and react on each other, so that, +strictly speaking, every one of the waves will be in some measure a +forced wave, although the system of eight waves will be the free motion +of the two rings taken together.”</p> + +<p>The dynamical stability of a ring of satellites is explained by the +consideration that when one of the satellites, in consequence of its +oscillations, moves with more than its mean velocity, and thus gets in +front of its proper position,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_509">[Pg 509]</span> it will be carried farther away from the +planet, and thus not only will its linear velocity be diminished, but, +in virtue of its increased distance, its angular velocity will be still +farther diminished and, lagging behind, it will fall back into its +proper position and, oscillating through it with a velocity less than +its mean, will approach the planet and the reverse action will take +place.</p> + +<p>After considering the manner in which the ring will break up if +the condition of stability is not fulfilled, Maxwell takes up the +question of “the dusky ring,” consisting of innumerable small +particles resembling “a shower of rain, hail, or cinders.” For the +stability of such a ring its <i>average</i> density must not exceed +\(\dfrac{1}{300}\) of that of the planet, and the density of Saturn +being only ·7505, it follows that the average density of the ring +cannot greatly exceed that of air at ordinary pressure. Laplace showed +that for a ring to rotate as a whole with uniform velocity about +Saturn, the density of the planet cannot exceed 1·3 times that of the +ring. Hence the particles must move independently, or in a series of +concentric rings.</p> + +<p>In the case of concentric rings of satellites, their mutual +disturbances will destroy one another if the velocity of any one of the +four free waves of one coincide, or nearly coincide, with that of any +free wave in another; and it is impossible that there should be any +great number of rings without this condition frequently recurring.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>In the case of a large number of concentric rings, the stability of +each pair must be investigated separately, and if in the case of any +two, whether concentric rings or not, there are a pair of conspiring +waves, those two rings will be agitated more and more till waves of +that kind are rendered impossible by the breaking up of those rings +into some different arrangement. The presence of the other rings cannot +prevent the mutual destruction of any pair which bear such relations to +each other.</p> + +<p>It appears, therefore, that in a system of many concentric rings there +will be continually new cases of mutual interference between different +pairs of rings. The forces which excite these disturbances being very +small, they will be slow of growth, and it is possible that by the +irregularities of each of the rings<span class="pagenum" id="Page_510">[Pg 510]</span> the waves may be so broken and +confused as to be incapable of mounting up to the height at which they +would begin to destroy the arrangement of the ring. In this way it may +be conceived to be possible that the gradual disarrangement of the +system may be retarded or indefinitely postponed.</p> + +<p>But supposing that these waves mount up so as to produce collisions +among the particles, then we may deduce the result upon the system +from general dynamical principles. There will be a tendency among the +exterior rings to move farther from the planet, and among the interior +rings to approach the planet, and this either by the extreme interior +and exterior rings diverging from each other, or by intermediate parts +of the system moving away from the mean ring.</p> + +<p>The final result, therefore, of the mechanical theory is, that the only +system of rings which can exist is one composed of an indefinite number +of unconnected particles revolving round the planet with different +velocities, according to their respective distances. These particles +may be arranged in a series of narrow rings, or they may move through +each other irregularly. In the first case the destruction of the system +will be very slow, in the second case it will be more rapid, but there +may be a tendency towards an arrangement in narrow rings which may +retard the process.</p> +</div> + +<p>The transparency of the inner ring, which allows the planet to be seen +through it <i>without distortion</i>, and the observed changes in the +configuration of the rings themselves, all favour this conclusion.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>If the changes already suspected should be confirmed by repeated +observations with the same instruments, it will be worth while to +investigate more carefully whether Saturn’s rings are permanent or +transitionary elements of the solar system, and whether in that part of +the heavens we see celestial immutability or terrestrial corruption and +generation, and the old order giving place to new before our own eyes.</p> +</div> + +<p>The apparatus constructed by Maxwell to illustrate the motions of the +satellites in the rings has been already referred to.<a id="FNanchor_255" href="#Footnote_255" class="fnanchor">[255]</a> It is an +arrangement in which ivory balls are made to go through the motions +belonging to the first or fourth of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_511">[Pg 511]</span> the four series of waves above +mentioned, except that the balls describe circles instead of ellipses +about their mean positions. We give the description as printed in the +essay; the apparatus itself is in the Cavendish Laboratory.</p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_557" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_557.jpg" width="300" height="242" alt="A two-part +technical diagram: on the left, a mechanical apparatus with vertical +rods, pivoting arms, and labeled points (K, H, C, R, P, A, Q) +suggesting a linkage or governor mechanism, and on the right, a large +spoked wheel mounted on a stand with a perforated rim and small pegs +around its circumference."> +<figcaption class="caption"> +<p>Fig. 7. and Fig. 8.</p></figcaption> +</figure> + +<p>The instrument stands on a pillar A (Figs. 7 and 8), in the upper part +of which turns the cranked axle CC. On the parallel parts of this +axle are placed two wheels, RR and TT, each of which has thirty-six +holes, at equal distance, in a circle near its circumference. The +two circles are connected by thirty-six small cranks of the form KK, +the extremities of which turn in the corresponding holes of the two +wheels. The axle of the crank K which passes through the hole in the +wheel S is bored so as to hold the end of the bent wire which carries +the satellite S. This wire may be turned in the hole so as to place +the bent part carrying the satellite at any angle with the crank. A +pin P, which passes through the top of the pillar, serves to prevent +the cranked axle from turning; and a pin Q, passing through the pillar +horizontally, may be made to fix the wheel R<span class="pagenum" id="Page_512">[Pg 512]</span> by inserting it in a hole +in one of the spokes of that wheel. There is also a handle H, which is +in one piece with the wheel T, and serves to turn the axle.</p> + +<p>Now suppose the pin P taken out, so as to allow the cranked axle to +turn, and the pin Q inserted in its hole so as to prevent the wheel R +from revolving; then if the crank C be turned by means of the handle H, +the wheel T will have its centre carried round in a vertical circle, +but will remain parallel to itself during the whole motion, so that +every point in its plane will describe an equal circle, and all the +cranks K will be made to revolve exactly as the large crank C does. +Each satellite will therefore revolve in a small circular orbit in the +same time with the handle H, but the position of each satellite in that +orbit may be arranged as we please, according as we turn the wire which +supports it in the end of the crank.</p> + +<p>In Fig. 8, which gives a front view of the instrument, the satellites +are so placed that each is turned \(60^{\circ}\) farther round in its +socket than the one behind it. As there are thirty-six satellites, this +process will bring us back to our starting-point after six revolutions +of the direction of the arm of the satellite; and therefore, as we +have gone round the ring once in the same direction, the arm of the +satellite will have overtaken the radius of the ring five times.</p> + +<figure class="figleft width500" id="i_558" style="width: 200px;"> +<img src="images/i_558.jpg" width="200" height="197" alt="A simple +geometric diagram showing two concentric circles, with the outer +circle's perimeter lined with small evenly spaced peg-like marks or +notches."> +<figcaption class="caption"> +<p>Fig. 9.</p></figcaption> +</figure> + +<p>Hence there will be five places where the satellites are beyond their +mean distance from the centre of the ring, and five where they are +within it, so that we have here a series of five undulations round the +circumference of the ring. In this case the satellites are crowded +together when nearest to the centre....</p> + +<p>Now suppose the cranked axle C to be turned, and all the small cranks +K to turn with it, as before explained, every satellite will then be +carried round on its arm and in the same direction; but, since the +direction of the arms of different satellites is different, their +phases of revolution will preserve the same difference, and the +system of satellites will still be arranged in five undulations, only +the undulations will be propagated round<span class="pagenum" id="Page_513">[Pg 513]</span> the ring in the direction +opposite to that of the revolution of the satellites.</p> + +<hr class="r5"> + +<p>If the satellites are arranged as in Fig. 8, where each is more +advanced in phase as we go round the ring, the wave will travel in the +direction opposite to that of rotation, but if they are arranged as in +Fig. 9, where each satellite is less advanced in phase as we go round +the ring, the wave will travel in the direction of rotation.</p> + +<hr class="r5"> + +<p>We may now show these motions of the satellites among each other, +combined with the motion of rotation of the whole ring. For this +purpose we put in the pin P, so as to prevent the crank axle from +turning, and take out the pin Q, so as to allow the wheel R to turn. If +we then turn the wheel T, all the small cranks will remain parallel to +the first crank, and the wheel R will revolve at the same rate as T. +The arm of each satellite will continue parallel to itself during the +motion, so that the satellite will describe a circle whose centre is at +a distance from the centre of R, equal to the arm of the satellite, and +measured in the same direction. In our theory of real satellites each +moves in an ellipse, having the central body in its focus, but this +motion in an eccentric circle is sufficiently near for illustration. +The motion of the waves relative to the ring is the same as before. The +waves of the first kind (Fig. 8) travel faster than the ring itself, +and overtake the satellites, those of the fourth kind (Fig. 9) travel +slower and are overtaken by them.</p> + + +<p>This paper was characterised by the late Astronomer Royal as “one of +the most remarkable applications of Mathematics to Physics that I have +ever seen.”</p> + + +<p class="space-above2"> +6. But notwithstanding the investigations above referred to, and many +other original papers on almost every branch of Physical Science, it is +for his researches in Electricity and in Molecular Science that Maxwell +stands pre-eminent among the men of science of the present century. +After taking his degree in 1854, Maxwell read through Faraday’s +Experimental researches, a course which he always recommended his +students to follow. In Faraday he found a mind essentially of his own +type. Thoroughly conversant himself with the Theory of Attractions as +developed in Mathematical Treatises,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_514">[Pg 514]</span> and with the laws of electrical +action as illustrated by Sir William Thomson in his paper “on the +Uniform motion of heat in homogeneous solid bodies, and its connection +with the Mathematical Theory of Electricity,” a paper published in +the <i>Cambridge Mathematical Journal</i>, February 1842, and “on a +Mechanical representation of Electric, Magnetic, and Galvanic Forces,” +published in the <i>Cambridge and Dublin Mathematical Journal</i>, +January 1847, Maxwell saw the connection between Faraday’s point of +view and the method of research adopted by the Mathematicians. He used +to say that he had not a good nose to smell heresy, but whatever was +good and true Maxwell would detect beneath the mass of misconception, +or even falsehood, which had gathered round it, and which caused +its rejection by nearly every one else without inquiry. Faraday’s +conception of a medium he adopted as a guide throughout his electrical +researches.</p> + +<p>Until the sixteenth century all that was known respecting electricity +was the one fact that amber when rubbed possesses the power of +attracting light bodies. This property was shown (<i>Physiologia +Nova</i>, 1600) to be possessed by a variety of substances by Dr. +Gilbert of Colchester, who was Physician to Queen Elizabeth, and who +may be regarded as the founder of the Science of Electricity. From +this time rapid strides were made in the experimental portion of the +science, and the law according to which the attraction or repulsion +between two small bodies charged with electricity varies with the +charges, and the distance between them, was determined by Coulomb with +his torsion balance, an instrument whose value to the experimental +investigator can hardly be over-estimated. But it is to Cavendish +(1771-1781) that we are mainly indebted for the foundation of the +Mathematical Theory of Electricity, and for the highest experimental +evidence of the law of electrical action. As the preparation for +the press of <i>The Electrical Researches of the Honourable Henry +Cavendish</i> was the last of Maxwell’s contributions to science, +the work being published only a few weeks before his death, we shall +again have to refer to Cavendish’s investigations, and need only state +that his experiments proved<span class="pagenum" id="Page_515">[Pg 515]</span> conclusively, and in the best possible +manner as far as the instruments at his disposal would allow, that +the attraction or repulsion between two small charged bodies varies +directly as the product of their charges, and inversely as the square +of the distance between them, so that the law of electrical action is +the same as Newton’s law of gravitation, except that the stress between +similarly charged bodies is repulsive, and that between dissimilarly +charged bodies attractive. After Cavendish’s time comparatively +little was added to the theory of statical electricity, if we except +the elaborate mathematical investigations of particular problems by +Poisson, and the papers of George Green, which until recently were read +by few, and appreciated by only two or three, until Faraday took up the +subject. Most of Cavendish’s work remained unpublished and unknown, +and some of his results were independently obtained by Faraday. It is +difficult to conceive what would have been the effect on Faraday’s +mind of perusing Cavendish’s “thoughts on electricity,” as well as his +own accounts of his experiments. Perhaps it is best for the world that +Faraday was left to work and think on independent lines; certainly it +has been a boon to Mathematicians and Physicists alike that Maxwell has +appeared to expound and develop, if not to perfect, the work of both.</p> + +<p>The mathematical theory of attractions had, prior to the time of +Faraday, attained a very high degree of development in the hands +of Laplace, Lagrange, Poisson, and others, and could be applied to +the solution of many very interesting problems in electricity. But +Faraday was not satisfied with the hypothesis of <i>direct action at a +distance</i> between charges of electricity, and held that there must +be some mechanism by which electric and electromagnetic actions can be +communicated from point to point. Not all the arguments by which he +supported this view are conclusive, for the force upon an electrified +body and the induced electrification of any conductor will be the same +whether we adopt the hypothesis of direct action at a distance or of +the transmission of electrical action in lines, straight or curved, +through an<span class="pagenum" id="Page_516">[Pg 516]</span> intervening medium. But any view, whether the arguments in +its favour are conclusive or not, is of value if it lead us to inquire +more closely into the mechanism by which a phenomenon is brought about; +and thus Faraday’s conception of lines of force, transmitted through +a medium, and exerting tension and pressure wherever they are to be +found, are of more value as an instrument of mental research than +Weber’s Theory of Electro-magnetism, however perfect the latter may be +from a mathematical point of view.</p> + +<p>The following quotation, from the preface to the <i>Electricity and +Magnetism</i>, gives Maxwell’s views of Faraday in his own words:—<a id="FNanchor_256" href="#Footnote_256" class="fnanchor">[256]</a></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>Before I began the study of electricity I resolved to read no +mathematics on the subject till I had first read through Faraday’s +<i>Experimental Researches on Electricity</i>. I was aware that there +was supposed to be a difference between Faraday’s way of conceiving +phenomena and that of the mathematicians, so that neither he nor they +were satisfied with each other’s language. I had also the conviction +that this discrepancy did not arise from either party being wrong. I +was first convinced of this by Sir William Thomson, to whose advice and +assistance, as well as to his published papers, I owe most of what I +have learned on the subject.</p> + +<p>As I proceeded with the study of Faraday, I perceived that his method +of conceiving the phenomena was also a mathematical one, though not +exhibited in the conventional form of mathematical symbols. I also +found that these methods were capable of being expressed in the +ordinary mathematical forms, and these compared with those of the +professed mathematicians.</p> + +<p>For instance, Faraday, in his mind’s eye, saw lines of force traversing +all space where the mathematicians saw centres of force attracting at +a distance; Faraday saw a medium where they saw nothing but distance; +Faraday sought the seat of the phenomena in real actions going on in +the medium, they were satisfied that they had found it in a power of +action at a distance impressed on the electric fluids.</p> +</div> + +<p>Suppose a small positively electrified body to start from a point close +to a positively electrified surface, and suppose<span class="pagenum" id="Page_517">[Pg 517]</span> it to move always +in the direction in which it is urged by the force acting on it, it +will, of course, be repelled by the surface, and will move away along +some path straight or curved, and will continue to move indefinitely, +the force diminishing as it proceeds, unless it meet with a negatively +electrified surface, which will attract it, and coming into contact +with this surface its career will terminate. The path traced out +by such a small electrified body constitutes Faraday’s <i>line of +force</i>, which is therefore a line whose direction at any point is +that of the resultant force at that point. Such lines of force always +proceed from positively electrified surfaces, and terminate upon +negatively electrified surfaces; or, failing this, they must proceed +to infinity. Lines of force proceeding from a positively electrified +body placed in a room, unless there be other negatively charged bodies +in the neighbourhood, will in general terminate upon the walls, floor, +and ceiling of the room, or upon objects in the room in electrical +communication with these. Faraday thus conceived the whole of the space +in which electrical force acts to be traversed by lines of force which +indicate at every point the direction of the resultant force at that +point. But Faraday went further than this: he conceived the notion +of causing the lines of force to represent also the <i>intensity</i> +of the force at every point, so that when the force is great the +lines might be close together, and far apart when the force is small; +and since the force in the neighbourhood of a small charged body is +proportional to the charge, he endeavoured to accomplish this object by +drawing from every positively electrified surface a number of lines of +force proportional to its charge, and causing a similar number of lines +of force to terminate in every negatively electrified surface. In a +paper entitled “On Faraday’s Lines of Force,” read before the Cambridge +Philosophical Society on December 10th, 1855, and February 11th, 1856, +Maxwell showed that if a system of lines could be drawn according to +Faraday’s method, then, in virtue of the law of electrical action being +that of the inverse square of the distance, the number of lines of +force passing through a unit area of any surface, drawn perpendicular<span class="pagenum" id="Page_518">[Pg 518]</span> +to the direction of the force, is proportional to the magnitude of +the force in the neighbourhood, and that the number of lines passing +through the unit area of any other surface is proportional to the +component of the force at right angles to that surface. Maxwell +therefore imagined the positively electrified surfaces from which the +lines started to be divided into areas, each containing one unit of +electricity, and lines of force to be drawn through every point in +each bounding line. These lines therefore divide the whole of space +into “unit tubes,” whose boundaries are lines of force, and Maxwell +showed that, in virtue of “the law of inverse squares,” the force at +any point in any direction is inversely proportional to the area of the +section of the unit tube of force made by a plane perpendicular to that +direction. Maxwell further showed that on the negatively electrified +surface upon which these tubes terminate, each tube will enclose one +unit of negative electricity, and consequently, if a metallic surface +be introduced so as to cut the lines of force, the surface being placed +at right angles to the tube, a unit of negative electricity will be +induced on each portion of the surface contained within the trace of +a tube of force; and hence, in any isotropic medium, these unit tubes +of force are also <i>unit tubes of induction</i>. If, therefore, a +system of tubes of force be drawn in connection with any electrified +system, and in accordance with this plan, the whole of the space in +which the force acts will be divided into tubes each originating from +a unit of positive electricity and terminating upon a unit of negative +electricity, while the direction of the force at any point will be +indicated by that of the tube, and the magnitude of the force will +be inversely proportional to the area of the cross section of the +tube. How, if the law of force had been any other than that of the +inverse square, and tubes had been drawn starting from an electrified +surface as above, and such that the area of any section of a tube is +inversely proportional to the force across the section, these tubes +would either leave spaces between them as they recede from the surface, +or would intersect one another; so that it is only for the law of +inverse squares that the system of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_519">[Pg 519]</span> tubes above described is possible. +Faraday pointed out that there is not only a tension exerted along each +line of force, but that the several lines exert a repulsion upon one +another, and Maxwell showed that a tension along the lines of force, +accompanied by an equal pressure in every direction at right angles to +these lines, is consistent with the equilibrium of the medium. Taking +an illustration from the flow of water in a river. Maxwell pointed out +that the stream lines or paths along which particles of water flow, are +analogous to lines of electric force, the velocity of the water being +analogous to the intensity of the force. If the river be supposed to +be divided into tubes, the boundaries of which are lines of flow, and +if these tubes be so drawn that unit volume of water passes across +a particular section of each tube in a second, then, if the flow be +steady, unit volume of water will flow across every section of each +tube in a second, since no water enters or leaves the tube except +at its ends. Such tubes may be called unit tubes of flow, and if no +tributaries enter the river there will be the same number of unit +tubes crossing each section of the river. Where the bed widens the +section of each tube increases, being always inversely proportional to +the velocity of the water, and hence the number of unit tubes of flow +which cut any unit of area in a cross section of the river will be +proportional to the velocity of the water in the neighbourhood. Such a +system of tubes, therefore, will represent both the direction of motion +and velocity of the water at every point, and will exactly correspond, +mutatis mutandis, with a system of unit tubes of electric force.</p> + +<p>The following letter was addressed to Maxwell by Faraday on receiving a +copy of the paper on “Lines of Force:”—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="right"> +<i>Albemarle Street, W., 25th March 1851.</i></p> + +<p><span class="allsmcap">My dear Sir</span>—I received your paper, and thank you very much +for it. I do not say I venture to thank you for what you have said +about “Lines of Force,” because I know you have done it for the +interests of philosophical truth; but you must suppose it is work +grateful to me, and gives me much encouragement to think on. I was +at first almost frightened when I saw such mathematical force made +to bear upon the subject, and then<span class="pagenum" id="Page_520">[Pg 520]</span> wondered to see that the subject +stood it so well. I send by this post another paper to you; I wonder +what you will say to it. I hope however, that bold as the thoughts may +be, you may perhaps find reason to bear with them. I hope this summer +to make some experiments on the time of magnetic action, or rather on +the time required for the assumption of the electrotonic state, round +a wire carrying a current, that may help the subject on. The time +must probably be short as the time of light; but the greatness of the +result, if affirmative, makes me not despair. Perhaps I had better have +said nothing about it, for I am often long in realising my intentions, +and a failing memory is against me.—Ever yours most truly,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="allsmcap">M. Faraday.</span></p> + +<p>Prof. C. Maxwell.</p> +</div> + +<p>The paper, read before the Cambridge Philosophical Society, and +published in vol. <span class="allsmcap">X.</span> of their <i>Proceedings</i>, is +confessedly only a translation of Faraday’s ideas into mathematical +language, with illustrations and extensions, and it makes no attempt +at explaining the nature of the action in the dielectric, or the +mechanism by which the observed effects are brought about. About +five years later, in a series of three papers communicated to the +<i>Philosophical Magazine</i> in 1861 and 1862, Professor Maxwell gave +a simple sketch of a system of mechanism, capable of producing not only +the electrostatic effects above alluded to, but also of accounting for +magnetic attraction, the action of electric currents upon one another, +and upon magnets, and electromagnetic induction; but before giving an +account of these papers it will be necessary briefly to mention the +principal phenomena, an explanation of which was required.</p> + +<p>The ordinary phenomena of magnetism, including the attraction between +dissimilar and the repulsion between similar poles, as well as the +still more familiar phenomena of the attraction of soft iron by a +magnetic pole, are too well known to require more than a passing +mention. Coulomb showed that the law of inverse squares obtained +equally for magnetic repulsions as for electrical, so that the stress +between two magnetic poles is proportional to the product of the +strengths of the poles and inversely proportional to the square of the +distance between them, provided the steel of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_521">[Pg 521]</span> which the magnets are +composed is sufficiently hard to prevent the actions of the magnets on +each other altering the strengths of their poles.</p> + +<p>If a sheet of paper he supported horizontally above the poles of a +magnet, and iron filings be sprinkled over the paper, each filing +becomes magnetised by induction in the direction of the resultant +magnetic force at the point where it is situated, and if the paper +be gently tapped so as to overcome friction, the mutual attraction +of the unlike poles in the filings causes them to adhere together in +threads or filaments, the North pole of one filing attaching itself +to the South pole of a neighbouring filing, and so on, the points of +attachment all lying along a line of force. In this way the filings +form a graphic representation of the lines of magnetic force, and +it was this experiment which first suggested to Faraday the idea of +the physical existence of such lines; and as he found it difficult +to conceive of curved lines of force being due to “direct action at +a distance” (Exp. Res. 1166), he considered that there must be some +medium which is the vehicle both of magnetic and electric forces, +and that such forces are propagated from particle to particle of the +medium. Faraday also supposed that the same medium might serve as +the vehicle for the transmission of light. The investigation of the +properties of the medium necessary to account for observed electric +and magnetic actions, the explanation of these actions, and the +determination of the velocity of light from purely electro-magnetic +considerations on the hypothesis of the existence of a such a medium +constitute Maxwell’s greatest contribution to electrical science.</p> + +<p>The action of an electric current upon a magnet was first observed by +Œrsted. It is said that he made many attempts in his laboratory to +discover an action between a magnet and a wire conveying a current, but +in all his attempts he carefully placed the wire at right angles to the +magnetic needle, and could detect no effect whatever. On attempting +to repeat the experiment in the presence of his class he placed the +wire parallel to the needle, and the latter immediately swung round +and ultimately came to rest nearly at right<span class="pagenum" id="Page_522">[Pg 522]</span> angles to the wire. +Whenever the North pole (<i>i.e.</i> the <i>North seeking</i> pole) +of a magnet is brought near to a wire conveying a current, the pole +tends to go round the wire in a certain direction, while the South (or +South seeking) pole of the magnet tends to go round the wire in the +opposite direction, and hence if the magnet be free to turn about its +centre, the magnet will come to rest at right angles to the wire. Many +<i>memoriœ technicœ</i> have been given for determining the manner in +which a magnet will behave in the neighbourhood of a current. Maxwell’s +rule was as follows:—Suppose a right-handed screw to be advancing in +the direction of the current, and of necessity rotating as it advances, +as if it were piercing a solid. The North pole of a magnet will always +tend to move round the wire conveying the current in the direction in +which such a screw rotates, while the South pole will tend to move in +the opposite direction.</p> + +<p>We may thus suppose every wire conveying a current to be surrounded +by lines of magnetic force which form closed curves around the wire, +and the direction of the force is that in which a right-handed screw +would rotate if advancing with the current. In the case of a straight +wire of infinite length, these curves are of course circles. Since +action and reaction are equal and opposite, it follows that whatever +be the mechanical force exerted by a current upon a pole of a magnet, +the latter will always exert an equal and opposite force upon the wire +or other conductor conveying the current. Many experiments have been +devised to show this. Maxwell used to illustrate it in a very simple +way. Having attached a piece of insulated copper wire to a small round +plate of copper, he placed the plate at the bottom of a small beaker. +A disc of sheet zinc was then cut of such size as to fit loosely in +the beaker, a small “tail” of zinc being left attached to it; this was +bent up and united to the copper wire above the top of the beaker, +while the plate of zinc was suspended in a horizontal position an inch +or two above the copper plate. The beaker was filled up with dilute +sulphuric acid and placed on one pole of an electromagnet, some sawdust +or powdered resin being placed in the liquid<span class="pagenum" id="Page_523">[Pg 523]</span> to show its movements. +On exciting the magnet the liquid rotated in one direction, and on +reversing the polarity of the magnet the direction of rotation was +reversed. If the plates be suspended by a string, so that they can +readily turn round in the beaker about a vertical axis, the action of +the magnet on the current in the vertical wire will cause the plates to +turn always in the direction opposite to that of the liquid.</p> + +<p>The laws of the mechanical action of conductors conveying currents upon +magnets and upon each other were investigated by Ampère in a series +of experiments which were at once conclusive and exhaustive. These +experiments were alluded to in the highest terms by Professor Maxwell. +Any account of them would be out of place here, and we only refer to +them as furnishing the experimental evidence for the statements which +follow.</p> + +<p>We have already described the manner in which magnetic lines of +force may be supposed to surround a wire conveying a current. Now +let such a wire be bent into a closed curve or ring-which need not +necessarily be circular. The lines of force, which themselves form +closed curves around the wire, will all pass in the same direction +through the ring formed by the wire conveying the current, as if they +were strung upon the wire, and hence the North pole of a magnet will +tend to pass through the ring in the direction of the lines of force; +and a moment’s reflection will show that this direction is that in +which a right-handed screw would advance if rotating in the direction +of the current in the wire. Hence, if the North pole of a magnet be +brought near to such a small closed circuit, on the one side it will +be attracted and tend to pass through the circuit; on the other side +it will be repelled. The South pole of a magnet will be acted upon +in precisely the opposite manner. Hence if a small magnetic needle +be suspended within a coil of wire conveying a current, it will tend +to set itself at right angles to the plane of the coil. Such an +arrangement constitutes a galvanometer.</p> + +<p>Now suppose that we have a small disc of steel of the same size and +shape as the ring formed by the wire, and that this disc is magnetised +so that one side is a north pole<span class="pagenum" id="Page_524">[Pg 524]</span> and the other a south pole. Such a +disc will act upon external magnets in the same manner as the current +if it he magnetised, so that a right-handed screw rotating with the +current would enter at the south face and emerge at the north face. +Such a magnetised disc is called a <i>magnetic shell</i>, and it +will of course he acted upon by a magnet with forces exactly equal +and opposite to those with which the magnet is acted upon by it. The +magnetic lines of force proceeding from a circuit conveying an electric +current are therefore the same as would proceed from the magnetic shell +above described, the strength of the magnetisation being properly +adjusted; in other words, the magnetic field around such a circuit is +the same as that surrounding the magnetic shell, and hence it follows +that two circuits, each conveying electric currents, will act upon one +another in the same way as two magnetic shells whose circumferences +coincide with the wires, and which are magnetised as above described.</p> + +<p>Now if the shells be parallel and magnetised in the same direction, +they will have their opposite faces presented towards each other, +and will attract one another. If they are magnetised in the opposite +directions they will repel one another. Similarly, two parallel +circuits will attract one another if the currents be passing in the +same direction in both, and will repel one another if they be going in +opposite directions. Also two parallel wires, which may be considered +as parts of such circuits, will attract one another when the currents +in them are going in the same direction, and repel one another if they +are going in the opposite directions. Maxwell’s rule for determining +the manner in which a circuit conveying a current will behave in the +presence of other currents or of magnets is a very simple expression +of Faraday’s results. Defining the <i>positive</i> direction through a +circuit as that in which a right-handed screw would advance if rotating +with the current, he enunciated the rule thus:—</p> + +<p><i>If a wire conveying a current be free to move in a magnetic field +it will tend to set itself so that the greatest possible<span class="pagenum" id="Page_525">[Pg 525]</span> number of +lines of magnetic force may pass through the circuit in the positive +direction.</i></p> + +<p>Since the magnetic field may be produced either by magnets or by +electric currents themselves, as above described, this rule combined +with the principle that action and reaction are equal and opposite will +serve to determine the character of the action either upon circuits +conveying currents or upon magnets in every possible case which may +arise, and, in fact, embodies the magnificent results of Ampère’s +investigations in this subject.</p> + +<p>Previously to the experiments of Faraday the <i>induction</i> of +electric currents was unknown. The principal phenomenon depending upon +this action, which had been observed, and of which no satisfactory +explanation had been offered, was that of Arago’s rotating disc. In +this experiment a disc of copper was made to rotate rapidly in its own +horizontal plane above a compass needle, when the needle was observed +to follow the disc and rotate on its vertical pin. This experiment +was subsequently repeated by Sir John Herschel and Mr. Babbage, who +employed discs of various substances, and found that it was only when +the discs were good conductors of electricity that Arago’s result was +obtained. Faraday, in the first series of his Experimental Researches, +describes an experiment in which a copper disc was made to rotate +between the poles of an electro-magnet, while one electrode of a +galvanometer was connected with the axis of the disc, and the other +with a wire which was held in contact with the edge of the disc, which +edge was amalgamated to secure a good connection. On spinning the +disc a current was immediately obtained, the direction of which was +reversed with that of the rotation. This experiment may be regarded as +the starting-point of the dynamo machines of Wilde, Gramme, Siemens, +and others, which seem destined to play so important a part in the +civilised life of the future.</p> + +<p>Faraday also showed that when two circuits are placed near to +one another, if a current be started in one circuit there is an +instantaneous current produced in the <i>opposite<span class="pagenum" id="Page_526">[Pg 526]</span> direction</i> in +the neighbouring circuit, while on stopping the “primary” current a +transient current in the same direction as the primary occurs in the +other or “secondary” circuit. This experiment was the origin of the now +well-known induction coil. Again, when the current was flowing steadily +in the primary circuit, if the secondary circuit were brought nearer +to it, a current was <i>induced</i> in the secondary in the direction +opposite to that in the primary, and continued during the approach of +the circuits. On removing the secondary circuit a transient current was +set up in the same direction as that in the primary.</p> + +<p>We cannot here spare space to trace the development of the laws of +induced currents. The character of the action may in all cases be +inferred from the very concise statement of Lenz, generally quoted as +Lenz’s law, and which may be thus expressed:—</p> + +<p>If a conductor move in a magnetic field, an electromotive force will be +induced in the conductor which will tend to produce a current in such +direction that the mechanical force upon the conductor tends to oppose +its motion.</p> + +<p>This law, taken in conjunction with the statements made above +respecting the mechanical action in a magnetic field upon a conductor +conveying a current, serves to determine the character of the induced +current whenever a conductor moves in the neighbourhood of magnets +or electric currents. Moreover, the starting of a current in a +neighbouring circuit must have the same effect upon the wire as if the +conductor were suddenly brought from an infinite distance into the +position which it actually occupies. Hence Lenz’s law will apply to +every case of induced currents.</p> + +<p>Maxwell’s statement expresses the laws of induced currents +quantitatively as well as qualitatively. It is as follows:—</p> + +<p><i>Whenever the number of lines of magnetic force passing through a +closed circuit is changed there is an electro-motive force round the +circuit represented by the rate of diminution of the number of lines of +force which pass through the circuit in the positive direction.</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_527">[Pg 527]</span></p> + +<p>If, then, the number of magnetic lines of force passing through a +circuit is diminished, there will be an electro-motive force round the +circuit in the direction in which a right-handed screw would rotate +if advancing along the lines of force; a line of force being always +supposed to be drawn in the direction in which a north magnetic pole +tends to move along it. If the number of lines of force passing through +the circuit is increased, the electro-motive force will be in the +opposite direction. This law can be deduced from that which expresses +the mechanical action upon a circuit conveying a current when placed +in a magnetic field together with the principle of the conservation of +energy. That it may be numerically true all the quantities involved +must be expressed in terms of the electromagnetic system of units.</p> + +<p>The telephone is a beautiful example of the application of this law. +Every movement of the iron disc in front of the pole of the magnet +alters the number of magnetic lines of force passing through the +coils of wire surrounding the pole; and hence induces a current in +one direction or the other in the coil, which current, increasing or +diminishing the strength of the magnetism in the receiving telephone, +causes a corresponding motion in the iron disc of the receiver, which +therefore emits sounds similar to those incident upon the receiving +instrument.</p> + +<p>From what has been stated it will appear that the motion of a +conductor will produce a current therein only when the conductor +is moving in a <i>magnetic field</i>, that is, a portion of space +through which magnetic lines of force pass. Faraday supposed that +a conductor under these circumstances was thrown into a peculiar +condition, which he termed “the electrotonic state,” and that a current +was induced whenever this state varied. Maxwell showed that this +electrotonic state, on the variations of which the induced current +in a circuit depends, corresponds to the number of magnetic lines of +force which pass through the circuit. Because every change in this +quantity involved the action of electromotive force, its relations +to electromotive force being the same as those of momentum to force +in dynamics, he called the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_528">[Pg 528]</span> quantity itself <i>electromagnetic +momentum</i>. Maxwell’s conception of the physical nature of this +quantity will be described presently.</p> + +<p>The determination of the laws of self-induction in electric currents is +another of Faraday’s many contributions to electrical science. After +one of the Friday evening lectures at the Royal Institution, a certain +Mr. Jenkin informed Faraday that when he broke the connection of the +circuit in his electromagnet by separating two pieces of wire which +he held in his hands, he felt a smart shock. Faraday said that this +was the only suggestion, out of a very great number, made to him by +ordinary members of a popular audience which ever led to any result. On +investigating the matter, Faraday found that when a current is flowing +in a coil of wire if the battery be removed there is a tendency for the +current to continue after the removal of the battery, and that this +tendency is increased by increasing the number of turns of wire in the +coil, and still more so by inserting soft iron in the centre of the +coil. This tendency does not depend so much on the length of the wire +as upon the relative positions of its parts, and if the wire be first +doubled and then wound into a coil the tendency disappears. If a few +Grove’s cells send a current through a short straight piece of wire and +the circuit be broken a very feeble spark will be seen on breaking, but +if a large electromagnet be introduced into the circuit a very much +brighter spark will appear on breaking contact, though the current sent +by the battery is feebler. Thus, when a current flows in such a coil +its behaviour reminds us of that of water flowing in a pipe which, when +an obstruction is suddenly introduced so as to stop the flow, exerts +an enormous pressure for a short time upon the pipe and obstruction, +in virtue of the momentum which the water has acquired; but that the +action is not due to any momentum actually possessed by the moving +electricity is shown by the fact that it depends on the configuration +of the wire. This property of a coil is called self-induction. If the +poles of an electro-magnet be joined by a wire of great resistance as +well as by the battery, when the battery is removed a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_529">[Pg 529]</span> considerable +current will flow through the wire. This current Faraday called +the <i>extra</i>-current. It is more generally referred to as the +self-induction current.</p> + +<p>A similar action takes place when connection is made between a battery +and a coil. The current does not at once acquire its full value, but +for a short time goes on steadily increasing; the self-induction +of the coil causing it to behave as if the current in it possessed +considerable mass, which has in the first instance to be put into +motion. All these actions are immediate consequences of the law of +induced currents stated on p. 526.</p> + +<p>There is a well-known experiment of Faraday in which a specimen of +his heavy glass, or borate of lead, was placed between the poles of a +powerful electro-magnet and a beam of plane polarised light was passed +through the glass in the direction of the magnetic force. Faraday +found that when the light passed from the north to the south pole of +the magnet the plane of polarisation was turned through an angle in +the same direction as a right-handed screw would rotate if piercing +a solid and advancing with the light. When the light passed in the +opposite direction, the rotation of the plane of polarisation was in +the same direction with respect to the magnet, and therefore reversed +with respect to the path of the light. In this respect the heavy glass +under the influence of the magnet behaved differently from a solution +of sugar which always turns the plane of polarisation of the light in +the same direction with reference to its direction of transmission. +This was the first experiment which showed any relation between light +and magnetism, and indicated that the medium which serves as the +vehicle of light—the luminiferous ether—must at least be affected by +the presence of magnetic force, though the fact that the presence of +ponderable matter is necessary to the production of this rotation, and +that the direction of the rotation depends on the nature of the matter, +renders it doubtful how far magnetic force affects the ether directly.</p> + +<p>All transparent solids and liquids exhibit the same action on light in +different degrees. If a tube of water with plate<span class="pagenum" id="Page_530">[Pg 530]</span> glass ends be placed +within a coil of wire through which an electric current is passing, +and plane polarised light be transmitted through the tube, the plane +of polarisation will be turned through an angle in the direction in +which the current circulates, and this angle will be proportional to +the current. Verdet showed that in the case of a transparent (para-) +magnetic substance the rotation is in the opposite direction to that of +the current.</p> + +<p>The curious effect of a magnet upon the luminous discharge in a vacuum +tube and the recent experiments of Dr. Kerr, may indicate other +relations between light and electricity and magnetism.</p> + +<p>Having thus very briefly referred to the principal phenomena of +magnetism and electromagnetism, we may proceed to give a short +explanation of the medium or mechanism by which Maxwell accounted for +these phenomena and their mutual interdependence.</p> + +<p>From the well-known laws of the propagation of light, Maxwell assumed +“as a datum derived from a branch of science independent of that with +which we have to deal, the existence of a pervading medium, of small +but real density, capable of being set in motion, and of transmitting +motion from, one part to another with great, but not infinite, +velocity.” Inasmuch as this medium can transmit undulations with finite +velocity, it follows that it possesses a property analogous to mass, so +that its motion implies kinetic energy; in addition to elasticity, in +virtue of which its deformation implies potential energy.</p> + +<p>It is well known that if a body rotate about a fixed centre there will +be a tension along any radius drawn in the plane of rotation. The form +which the earth would assume under the action of gravity only, if there +were no rotation, would be that of a sphere. The diurnal rotation tends +to cause the polar axis to contract and the equatorial diameter to +increase; and this action would go on indefinitely were it not that at +a certain early stage it is balanced by the attraction of gravitation, +and thus the earth assumes a nearly spherical form, in which the polar +axis is shorter than the equatorial diameter.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_531">[Pg 531]</span></p> + +<p>Referring again to the case of the earth, it is demonstrable from +the fundamental laws and principles of dynamics that if matter were +conveyed from the equatorial regions to the poles, and there deposited +so as to lengthen the polar axis at the expense of the equatorial +diameter, the rate of rotation of the earth would be increased and +the length of the day would be diminished; while if the earth became +more oblate its velocity of rotation would diminish. In fact, if any +body be in rotation, and be unacted upon by external forces, or if the +forces acting upon it be such as not to affect its rotation, and if the +system be altered in shape by internal stresses or otherwise, so that +its <i>moment of inertia</i> about the axis of rotation is increased, +the angular velocity will be diminished and, in the case of a sphere +becoming an oblate spheroid, the velocity at the circumference will +also be diminished, while if the moment of inertia be diminished, the +reverse effect takes place.</p> + +<p>How Maxwell supposed that any medium which can serve as the vehicle +of magnetic force consists of a vast number of very small bodies +or <i>cells</i> capable of rotation, and which we may consider to +be spherical or nearly so when in their normal condition, until we +have reason to believe them to be of some other form. When magnetic +force is transmitted by the medium, these bodies are supposed to be +set in rotation about the lines of magnetic force as axis, and with +a velocity depending on the intensity of the force. For the sake of +fixing our ideas he supposed the rotation to be in the direction in +which a right-handed screw would turn if it advanced in the direction +of the force. We thus have the magnetic field filled with “<i>molecular +vortices</i>” all rotating in the same direction about the lines of +magnetic force as axes. As we have seen, these vortices will tend to +contract in the direction of their axes of rotation, and to expand at +right angles to this direction, so that if initially they are elastic +spheres, they will tend to become oblate spheroids like the earth. +This tendency will involve a <i>tension</i> in the medium along the +lines of force, these being the lines along which contraction tends +to take place, and this will be accompanied by an equal pressure in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_532">[Pg 532]</span> +every direction perpendicular to the lines of force, on account of the +tendency of the vortices to expand equatorially.</p> + +<p>Now suppose that we have a north magnetic pole and a south magnetic +pole placed near to one another. Lines of force will proceed from the +North pole, generally in curved lines, to the South pole. The space in +the neighbourhood of the poles will be filled with molecular vortices, +which will be most energetic along the line joining the poles, and +the velocities of the vortices will diminish as we pass into weaker +portions of the field. The tension along the lines of force, tending to +draw the North and South poles together, affords sufficient explanation +of the apparent attraction between the poles; the kinetic energy +of the molecular vortices accounts for the potential energy of the +separated poles, which we thus suppose to be really kinetic energy, +though possessed by the <i>medium</i> between the apparently attracting +bodies and not by the bodies themselves. (Perhaps all examples of +so-called potential energy we shall some day find to be really kinetic +energy possessed by a medium with the properties of which we have been +hitherto unacquainted.) When the poles approach one another, the field +which is occupied by the vortices is diminished in extent, and though +the velocity of the vortices is increased, the whole energy of the +field is diminished, and the difference is expended in work done upon +the approaching magnets. If the poles are of equal strength, and can +come absolutely to coincide, the field is destroyed, all the vortices +come to rest, and the energy possessed by them is all expended in work +done on the magnets.</p> + +<p>If two like poles, north poles for example, be placed near to one +another, the lines of force proceeding from the one, instead of going +to the other, will be turned aside, and if the poles be of equal +strength, a plane bisecting, at right angles, the line joining the +poles, will separate the lines of force due to the one from those due +to the other, so that no line will cut the plane (Fig. 10). The lines +of force thus passing nearly parallel to one another, the pressure +exerted by the molecular vortices in every direction at right angles to +the lines of force will cause an apparent repulsion between the poles.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_533">[Pg 533]</span></p> + +<p>To account for the transmission of rotation <i>in the same +direction</i> from one molecular vortex to the next. Maxwell supposed +that there exists between them a number of extremely minute spherical +bodies which roll, without sliding, in contact with the surfaces of the +vortices.</p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_579" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_579.jpg" width="300" height="244" alt="A symmetrical +diagram within a rectangular frame showing two dark central points, +each surrounded by radiating curved lines fanning outward in a +field-line pat…A symmetrical diagram within a rectangular frame showing +two dark central points, each surrounded by radiating curved lines +fanning outward in a field-line pattern, divided by dashed horizontal +and vertical axes."> +<figcaption class="caption"> +<p>Fig. 10.</p></figcaption> +</figure> + +<p class="nind"> +These bodies serve the same purpose as “idle wheels” in machinery, +which, coming between a driver and follower, transmit the motion +of the former to the latter unchanged in direction. These minute +spherical particles Maxwell supposed to constitute electricity. +They roll upon the cells or vortices as if the surfaces in contact +were <i>perfectly</i> rough, or provided with teeth gearing into +one another, and thus, whatever forces may be applied, sliding is +impossible. What we ordinarily consider as molecules of matter are +supposed to be very large compared with the molecular vortices, and +therefore <i>à fortiori</i> with the particles of electricity. In an +insulator, or dielectric, it is supposed that the electric particles<span class="pagenum" id="Page_534">[Pg 534]</span> +are unable to pass from molecule to molecule of the body, but in a +conductor they can do so, the passage, however, being opposed by +friction, so that heat is generated and energy dissipated in the +transfer.</p> + +<p>Now suppose that we have a current of electricity flowing through a +conducting wire. Let us confine our attention at first to the central +line of particles. These, as they flow, will cause all the cells they +touch to rotate about axes perpendicular to the line of flow, so that +the stream of particles will be surrounded by rings of vortices. Each +ring of vortices will behave like an indiarubber umbrella ring when +we pass it over the finger or the stick of an umbrella. Instead of +sliding into its place it proceeds by a rolling motion, continually +turning itself inside out, as it were, each circular section of the +ring or tore rotating about its own centre. Now this motion of the +vortices would tend to cause the layer of electric particles outside +them to move in the opposite direction to the central stream, and this +tendency, to which we shall again refer when we speak of induction, +can only be overcome by causing the next ring of cells to rotate in +the same direction as the inner ring, when the particles may simply +roll round between the coaxial rings of vortices without moving +backwards or forwards. But if the layer of particles be compelled to +move forwards like the inner stream the layer of vortices surrounding +it must rotate more rapidly that the layer within it, and so on, each +successive shell of vortices rotating more rapidly until we reach +the extreme layer contained within the conducting wire. The shell of +vortices which bounds the conductor must by the same mechanism set up +molecular vortices in the dielectric, the motion being communicated in +ever-widening circles to an unlimited distance. It does not follow that +this communication of motion is instantaneous. The cells may consist +of elastic material which does not assume its final state of motion as +soon as the tangential action of the electric particles is exerted upon +it, but begins at first to undergo a deformation, the time taken to set +up a given rotation in each depending on its density and elasticity.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_535">[Pg 535]</span> +Hence electro-magnetic induction, which is the name given to the action +we are now discussing, will be propagated through space with a finite +velocity, but of this we must say more hereafter.</p> + +<p>From what has been said it appears that when a steady (<i>i.e.</i> +constant) current is flowing in a wire, molecular vortices will be +set up in the surrounding dielectric, the axis of rotation of each +vortex being perpendicular to the plane passing through the wire and +the vortex. The axes about which the vortices turn will therefore +form circles surrounding the wire, while the vortices themselves will +constitute vortex rings, spinning with very great velocity in the same +manner as the indiarubber ring above referred to, or the rings of smoke +which are sometimes seen to emerge from a tobacco pipe. But the lines +about which the molecular vortices rotate are magnetic lines of force, +there being a tension in the medium along these lines, and a pressure +everywhere at right angles to them.</p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_581" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_581.jpg" width="300" height="174" alt="A simple +diagram showing parallel horizontal arrows labeled S on the left and N +on the right, with a small shaded circle labeled A positioned along the +central line."> +<figcaption class="caption"> +<p>Fig. 11.</p></figcaption> +</figure> + +<p class="nind"> +Hence a straight line carrying an electric current will be surrounded +with magnetic lines of force, forming circles with their centres on +the axis of the wire, and since the direction of the magnetic force is +that in which a right-handed screw would advance if rotating with the +vortices, it follows that the direction of the magnetic force around +the wire will be that in which a right-handed screw would rotate if +advancing with the current. The medium will be subject to tension in +circles around the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_536">[Pg 536]</span> wire, and to pressure in planes passing through the +wire, reminding us of the cylinders of an Armstrong gun.</p> + +<p>If the wire he bent the same will be true in kind, but the lines will +no longer be accurately circles. All the magnetic lines of force pass +through a closed circuit in the direction in which a right-handed +screw would advance if rotating in the direction of the current. Fig. +11, taken from the paper in the <i>Philosophical Magazine</i>, shows +the relations between the current, the lines of magnetic force, and +the direction of motion of the vortices, the arrows \(\mathrm{E} +\mathrm{E}^{\prime}\) representing the current, \(\mathrm{S N}\) +indicating the direction of the magnetic force, while the arrows +\(\mathrm{V} \mathrm{V}^{\prime}\) show the direction of rotation of +the vortices.</p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_582" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_582.jpg" width="300" height="153" alt="A technical +diagram showing a large circular loop labeled E and E' connected to a +rectangular battery or cell apparatus labeled Z and C on the right, +with a cluster of interlocking ring-shaped magnets labeled S, N, and V +on the left side."> +<figcaption class="caption"> +<p>Fig. 12.</p></figcaption> +</figure> + +<p>Now suppose a wire conveying a current to be placed in a magnetic field +at right angles to the lines of force. Let \(\mathrm{S N}\) (Fig. +12) represent the lines of force, \(\mathrm{A}\) the section of the +conductor, and let the current be travelling from the reader through +the paper. In the space immediately above the wire, the molecular +vortices due to the magnetic force originally in the field will be +rotating in the direction in which the current in \(\mathrm{A}\) +urges, them, while in the space below the conductor the reverse will +be the case. Hence the velocity of the vortices above the wire will be +increased by the current, while that of the vortices below the wire is +diminished. The pressure of the medium at right angles to the lines of +force will therefore be greater above the wire than below it, and the +wire will be urged downwards at right angles to the lines of force and +to its own direction.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_537">[Pg 537]</span></p> + +<p>Again, suppose two parallel wires to be near together and to convey +currents in opposite directions. The strength of a current determines +the difference between the velocities of the molecular vortices on +opposite sides of it, the electric particles being related to the +vortices in the same way as a differential wheel in mechanism; but the +vortices on one side of a moving stream of electric particles may be +brought to rest if the velocity of those on the other side be doubled, +the current remaining the same though the electric particles themselves +will now have to spin round, but this makes no difference. Hence, when +parallel wires convey currents in opposite directions, the vortices +between them being made to spin in the same direction by both currents, +will rotate faster than those on the opposite sides of the wires, and +pressing as they do with force proportional to the squares of their +circumferential velocities, the wires will be pushed apart <i>as if</i> +they repelled one another.</p> + +<p>When two parallel wires convey currents in the same direction, they +tend to make the cells in the space between them spin in opposite +directions, and the velocities of the molecular vortices there +will consequently be less than on the other side of the wires. The +pressure of the medium between the wires will therefore be less than +in the space beyond, and the wires will be pushed together as if they +attracted one another.</p> + +<p>How, suppose that a current of electricity commences to flow in a wire. +Molecular vortices will be set up in the immediate neighbourhood of +the wire, and these vortices acting on the electric particles on the +other side of them, remote from the wire, will endeavour to set them +in motion in the direction opposite to the current in the wire. But if +the medium be a dielectric, the particles cannot be displaced through +a sensible distance. They will therefore be made to rotate and start +another and larger layer of vortices surrounding the wire, and so the +motion will be propagated as above explained. But suppose that at a +certain distance there is placed another wire parallel to the first, +and forming part of a closed circuit in which no current is flowing. +The<span class="pagenum" id="Page_538">[Pg 538]</span> particles of electricity in this wire will be acted on in the same +way as those in the dielectric, but meeting with very little resistance +to their motion along the wire, they find it easier to move through +the wire than at once to transmit the vortex motion to the elastic +bodies on the other side of them. But when a driver and follower are +connected by a differential wheel, if the follower he retarded only +by its own inertia, however small a resistance the differential wheel +may experience to its motion of translation it will at length cause +the follower to turn at the same rate as the driver, and will itself +cease to move. Hence the resistance of the conductor at length brings +the electric particles to rest, and causes them to communicate the +vortex motion to cells beyond them. Thus when a current is started in a +wire transitory currents in the opposite direction will be induced in +neighbouring conductors, while electric stress will be produced in the +dielectric, the elastic cells whose motion constitutes the molecular +vortices being at first deformed by the tangential stress of the +electric particles, but both the induced currents and the stress will +have entirely ceased as soon as all the molecular vortices are in full +swing.</p> + +<p>Before a current can be maintained in a primary wire, the molecular +vortices in the surrounding field must be properly started, and this +requires the expenditure of work in consequence of the mass of the +bodies which constitute the vortices. It is therefore impossible +for a finite electro-motive force to start a finite current in an +indefinitely short time, in the same way as it is impossible for a +finite force to produce instantaneously a finite velocity in a material +body, and, just as in dynamics we sometimes speak of the reaction of +a body against acceleration as though it were a force opposing the +force applied, so we sometimes speak of the corresponding action in +the case of the current as though it were a force opposing the battery +or other electro-motor, and speak of it as the electro-motive force of +self-induction. As, however, this depends not on the current in the +wire simply, but on the molecular vortices in the surrounding medium, +it is clear that the self-induction of a wire will<span class="pagenum" id="Page_539">[Pg 539]</span> depend on the +energy of these vortices, and this must depend on the relations of the +several portions of the wire to one another and to the medium, as well +as on the density of the medium. The density of the medium Maxwell +identified with its <i>magnetic permeability</i>. This is greater in +(para-)magnetic substances than in air or vacuum; greatest of all +in iron. In fact, it is so great in the case of iron, that Maxwell +supposed the particles of the iron itself to take part in the vortex +motion. Hence the energy of the field, and therefore the self-induction +of the wire, is greater the greater the magnetic permeability of +the surrounding medium, and the presence of an iron-core in a coil +immensely increases its self-induction and the energy corresponding to +a given current flowing in the coil.</p> + +<p>If, after a current has been established in a wire, the circuit be +broken or the electro-motive force removed, the molecular vortices +refuse to come to rest till they have expended their energy. The only +outlet for this energy is a current in the wire, since there is no +opportunity of doing work in a non-conducting medium, where there can +be no slipping between the elements of the mechanism. The vortices, +therefore, keep the electricity moving in the wire after the battery +has been removed, until they have expended all their energy in doing +work against the resistance of the wire.</p> + +<p>But if there be another conductor in the field parallel or slightly +inclined to the first, there is another partial outlet for the energy +of the system, and a “secondary” current will be set up in the second +wire in the same direction as the current in the primary, while that +in the primary will be less than it would have been if no secondary +circuit had existed. In this way the hypothesis of molecular vortices +affords an explanation both of the mutual induction of two circuits and +the self-induction of one.</p> + +<p>Suppose a wire to be placed in a magnetic field at right angles to the +lines of force, and then to be moved so as to cut the lines at right +angles, we should expect that in front of the moving wire the lines of +force or threads of vortices would be squeezed together transversely, +but extended in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_540">[Pg 540]</span> the direction of their length, somewhat in the same +way as elastic strings would be affected by the wire before they broke +and allowed it to pass through. Behind the wire the lateral pressure +will be relieved, the vortices will contract in the direction of +their axes and expand equatorially. But we have seen that the effect +of stretching a rotating elastic body in the direction of its axis +of rotation, and compressing it at right angles to this direction, +increases the velocity of rotation so that the actual velocity of +every point on the surface is increased; while the contraction of the +body along the axis of rotation diminishes the velocity. Hence as long +as the wire is moving across the lines of force the velocity of the +vortices in front of the wire will be greater than that of the vortices +behind, and the electric particles in the wire, coming, as they do, +between two sets of vortices, which are rotating with different +velocities, will flow in a stream along the wire. The direction of +the current in the wire will be that which would cause the vortices +in front to rotate more rapidly than those behind, and therefore to +exert a greater pressure on the wire; in other words, there will be a +current induced in such direction as to oppose the motion of the wire. +We arrive at a similar result if we suppose the lines of force to be +cut obliquely instead of orthogonally. Thus Lenz’s law is a consequence +of the hypothesis of molecular vortices. If we suppose the magnetic +force to act from south to north horizontally, the wire to be vertical +and to move from west to east, we have magnetic force acting from south +to north, mechanical force acting from east to west, and opposing +the motion of the wire, and electro-motive force acting in the wire +vertically <i>upwards</i>.</p> + +<p>Suppose that all over a certain area the electricity, is pushed +forwards through a very small distance along the normal, so that it +does not pass from molecule to molecule of the substance, but in each +molecule undergoes a displacement from back to front. The electric +particles pressing tangentially on the walls of the elastic cells are +unable to set them rotating, because each cell is acted upon equally +all round in the direction in which the electricity tends to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_541">[Pg 541]</span> move, +and the substance of the cell therefore undergoes a shearing strain +which is resisted by its elasticity, and the state of strain of the +cells is propagated through the dielectric by means of the displacement +of the electric particles which behave like perfectly incompressible +bodies. When the force producing the original displacement is removed +the cells resume their original form in virtue of their elasticity, the +electric particles return to their normal positions, and the energy of +the strained elastic cells expends itself in the work done during the +electric discharge. Thus the same medium which serves as the vehicle of +magnetic force and produces all the phenomena of electromagnetism also +serves for the transmission of the force between charges of statical +electricity and as a reservoir of the energy due to electro-static +charges. If the dielectric be divided into cells by unit tubes of +force and equipotential surfaces drawn for every unit difference of +potential, each cell will contain the same amount of energy.<a id="FNanchor_257" href="#Footnote_257" class="fnanchor">[257]</a> +The following quotations from the paper in the <i>Philosophical +Magazine</i> explain the application of the hypothesis of molecular +vortices to statical electricity in Maxwell’s own words:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>According to our theory the particles which form the partitions +between the cells constitute the matter of electricity. The motion of +these particles constitutes an electric current; the tangential force +with which the particles are pressed by the matter of the cells is +electromotive force, and the pressure of the particles on each other +corresponds to the tension or potential of the electricity.</p> + +<hr class="r5"> + +<p>A conducting body may be compared to a porous membrane which opposes +more or less resistance to the passage of a fluid; while a dielectric +is like an elastic membrane, which may be impervious to the fluid, but +transmits the pressure on the one side to [the fluid] on the other.</p> + +<hr class="r5"> + +<p>In a dielectric under induction, we may conceive that the electricity +in each molecule is so displaced that one side is<span class="pagenum" id="Page_542">[Pg 542]</span> rendered positively +and the other negatively electrical, but that the electricity remains +entirely connected with the molecule, and does not pass from one +molecule to another.</p> + +<p>The effect of this action on the whole dielectric is to produce a +general displacement of the electricity in a certain direction. This +displacement does not amount to a current, because when it has attained +a certain value it remains constant, but it is the commencement of a +current, and its variations constitute currents in the positive or +negative direction, according as the displacement is increasing or +diminishing.... When we find electromotive force producing displacement +in a dielectric, and when we find the dielectric recovering from its +state of electric displacement with an equal electromotive force, +we cannot help regarding the phenomena as those of an elastic body, +yielding to a pressure and recovering its form when the pressure is +removed.</p> +</div> + +<p>Suppose we have a body positively electrified. This means that a +displacement of the electricity in the medium takes place in all +directions around the body and away from its surface. The cells +are thus exposed to a shearing strain, diminishing as the distance +increases, because the surface over which the displacement takes +place being increased the linear displacement of the electricity is +proportionately diminished, the particles of electricity behaving like +a perfectly incompressible fluid. The medium being isotropic the lines +of electric displacement coincide with those of electric stress, which +stress is everywhere proportional to the displacement. The distortion +which the cells experience by the pressure of the electric particles +induces an elastic pressure in all directions, at right angles to the +direction of displacement, so that there is a pressure in the medium at +right angles to the lines of force.</p> + +<p>Now suppose that we have two positively charged bodies in the field, +which we may suppose to possess equal charges. Each produces a +displacement of the medium outwards from itself, but the electric +particles behaving like an incompressible fluid, it is clear that +there can be no lines of displacement from the one to the other, but +that between the bodies the lines of displacement will be curved so as +to avoid one another in the same way as the stream lines<span class="pagenum" id="Page_543">[Pg 543]</span> emanating +from two pipes, each of which is supplying water to a tank, would he +curved round, and would avoid one another. The lines of displacement, +and consequently the lines of force which coincide with them, will +therefore he bent in exactly the same manner as the magnetic lines of +force represented in Fig. 10, p. 533, and the pressure in the medium +at right angles to these lines will cause an apparent repulsion of the +bodies.</p> + +<p>For the same displacement, that is, for the same charges of the little +bodies, the repulsion will be proportional to the elasticity of the +medium. It is also proportional to the product of the charges, or, +since they are equal, to the square of one of them. Suppose then that +the medium is exchanged for one of greater elasticity. If we wish to +keep the repulsion between the bodies the same, the displacements and +therefore the charges must be diminished, the product of these charges, +that is, the square of either charge, being made inversely proportional +to the elasticity of the medium. The magnitude of each charge must +therefore vary inversely as the square root of the elasticity of +the medium when the dielectric is changed. Hence, if we define the +electrostatic unit of electricity as “that quantity of positive +electricity which, acting on an equal quantity at unit distance repels +it with unit force,” it follows that the unit will vary with the +character of the dielectric, being inversely proportional to the square +root of its elasticity.</p> + +<p>But the attraction or repulsion between two given charges of +electricity varies inversely as the specific inductive capacity of +the dielectric, so that the electrostatic unit of electricity varies +directly as the square root of the specific inductive capacity, and +thus the specific inductive capacity is a quantity which varies +inversely as the elasticity of the medium.</p> + +<p>Suppose we have two parallel wires conveying equal electric currents +in the same direction. Other things remaining unchanged, the velocity +of the molecular vortices at any point is proportional to the strength +of the currents. The attraction between the wires we know to be +proportional<span class="pagenum" id="Page_544">[Pg 544]</span> to the product of the strength of the currents, that is +to the square of one of them. The pressure excited by the vortices is, +<i>cœteris paribus</i>, proportional to their density and the square of +their velocity. Suppose we keep the attraction between the wires the +same, but change the density of the medium. Then the velocity of the +vortices at any point must vary inversely as the square root of the +density of the medium. But the velocity of the vortices is proportional +to the strength of the currents. Hence the strength of each current +must vary inversely as the square root of the density of the medium. +If then the electromagnetic unit of current be defined as that current +which, flowing in a certain wire, attracts an equal current in another +given wire with unit force, the unit of current, and therefore the +unit of electricity, which is the amount flowing per second across any +section of a wire conveying a unit current, will vary inversely as the +square root of the density of the medium.</p> + +<p>The ratio of the electromagnetic to the electrostatic unit of +electricity will therefore be proportional to the ratio of the square +root of the elasticity to the square root of the density of the medium. +But this is known to be the velocity with which a transverse vibration +is propagated through the medium. Hence the ratio of these units is a +concrete velocity, and is proportional to the velocity of propagation +of an electromagnetic disturbance, or of the vortex motions above +described, through the dielectric. If the units are chosen according +to the ordinary system their ratio is not only proportional to but +identical with this velocity.</p> + +<p>In a paper published in the <i>Phil. Trans.</i> for 1868, Professor +Maxwell gave an account of an experiment for determining the ratio of +the electrostatic and electromagnetic units of electricity where air +is the dielectric. The principle of the method lay in balancing the +attraction between two electrified discs by the repulsion between two +coils of wire in which currents were flowing in opposite directions. +One of the discs and one coil was placed at one end of the beam of +a torsion balance, the other disc and coil being fixed, but a third +coil, conveying the same current as the other two,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_545">[Pg 545]</span> was placed at +the other end of the beam in order to eliminate the magnetic action +of the earth and the suspended coil. The apparatus is now in the +Cavendish Laboratory. The result of the experiment gave for the ratio +of the units a velocity of 288,000,000 metres, or 179,000 statute +miles per second. The result obtained by another method by MM. Weber +and Kohlrausch is 310,740,000 metres per second. The battery employed +for the electrostatic charges was M. Gassiot’s battery of 2600 cells, +charged with corrosive sublimate. The accuracy of this result depends +on that of the B. A. unit of resistance, the velocity being in fact +represented by 28·8 Ohms.</p> + +<p>Now, according to the undulatory theory, light consists of transverse +vibrations of an elastic substance pervading space and all bodies, +and the velocity of light as determined by Foucault is 298,000,000 +metres per second, or very near the mean of the values obtained by +Maxwell, and by Weber and Kohlrausch, for the velocity of propagation +of electro-magnetic disturbances. If this is found to be always the +case, clearly the same medium will serve to account for the phenomena +of electrostatics and electromagnetism, and for the propagation of +light which must consequently be of the nature of an electromagnetic +disturbance.</p> + +<p>If an electromagnetic disturbance take place in a perfect insulator +we have seen that it must be transmitted to an unlimited distance, +for as no slipping can take place between the electric particles and +the cells, and as the particles themselves cannot be displaced except +by inducing a corresponding elastic stress in the medium, there is +no outlet for the energy of the disturbance, which must therefore be +communicated from cell to cell without limit. But if the medium be a +conductor, that is, if the electric particles can undergo a permanent +displacement passing from molecule to molecule against a frictional +resistance and without any tendency to return, the energy of the +electromagnetic disturbance will be gradually dissipated; for the +electric particles, instead of communicating the whole of the motion +of one layer of cells to the next, will themselves be set in motion,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_546">[Pg 546]</span> +and part of the energy will be dissipated as heat instead of being +imparted to the external layer of cells. The disturbance will therefore +continually diminish as it is propagated, until it very soon becomes +insensible. The behaviour is the same as that of a driver and follower +connected by a differential wheel, whose epicyclic motion is retarded +by forces of the nature of friction. Hence electromagnetic disturbances +cannot be propagated in conductors of electricity, and we therefore +infer that all true conductors are <i>opaque</i> to light.</p> + +<p>The transparency of electrolytes, such as saline solutions and the +like, offers no difficulty in the face of this conclusion, as the +transference of electricity in them is by a process entirely different +from true conduction and more allied to the convection of heat, but +Maxwell pointed out that the transparency of gold leaf is much greater +than the theory would indicate. Thus the resistance of a particular +piece of gold leaf was such that it ought to transmit only \(10^{-50}\) +of the light incident upon it, which would be totally imperceptible, +while the amount of green light actually transmitted by it was easily +perceived. This result Professor Maxwell could reconcile with the +theory only by supposing “that there is less loss of energy when the +electromotive forces are reversed with the rapidity of the vibrations +of light than when they act for sensible times, as in our experiments.”</p> + +<p>We have seen that the velocity of transmission of an electromagnetic +disturbance in any medium is expressed by the quotient of the square +root of the elasticity divided by the square root of the density of +the dielectric. We have learned that the elasticity is inversely +proportional to the specific inductive capacity of the medium while the +density corresponds with the magnetic permeability. Hence we infer that +the velocity of transmission of an electromagnetic disturbance varies +inversely as the square root of the specific inductive capacity, and +also inversely as the square root of the magnetic permeability of the +dielectric, and this must be true for the velocity of light if light be +an electromagnetic disturbance. Now the magnetic permeability of most +transparent media, such as glass, quartz, sulphur, hydrocarbons,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_547">[Pg 547]</span> and +the like, does not differ sensibly from that of a vacuum, and hence in +these substances the velocity of light must be inversely proportional +to the square root of their specific inductive capacity; or, since +the index of refraction of a medium is the ratio of the velocity of +light in a vacuum to its velocity in that medium, it follows that the +refractive index must be directly proportional to the square root of +the specific inductive capacity. As all our measurements of specific +inductive capacity refer tb the action of electro-motive forces which +continue for a much longer time than the duration of a luminous +vibration, we should expect the last mentioned relation to agree most +nearly with experiment the longer the wave length of the light, or, as +it is sometimes stated, the specific inductive capacity of a dielectric +should be equal to the square of its refractive index for “<i>light of +infinite wave length</i>.”</p> + +<p>The results of the measurements of the specific inductive capacity of +certain liquids by Silow, and of gases, sulphur, paraffin, and resin, +agree with this theory as well as can be expected. Boltzmann also finds +that the specific inductive capacities of crystalline sulphur along its +three crystallographic axes are different, these differences coinciding +with the differences of the squares of the refractive indices for light +transmitted along these three directions.</p> + +<p>Dr. Hopkinson (<i>Phil. Trans.</i> Part II. 1881) has recently measured +the specific inductive capacities of turpentine, benzol, petroleum, +ozokerit lubricating oil, castor oil, sperm oil, olive oil, and neats’ +foot oil. The hydrocarbons give results which are quite in accordance +with Maxwell's theory, but the fatty oils, which are compounds of +glycerine with fatty acids, have inductive capacities far too great. +The same appears to be the case with all the varieties of glass tested +by Hopkinson, the specific inductive capacities of which vary from +6·61 in the case of very light flint to 9·896 for “double extra-dense” +flint. In the case of solid paraffin, Hopkinson’s result agrees very +nearly with that of Boltzmann and with Maxwell’s theory. In the case +of glass, as in that of the fatty oils, the high specific inductive +capacity is<span class="pagenum" id="Page_548">[Pg 548]</span> associated with a complex chemical constitution, glass +consisting essentially of metallic silicates, including silicates of +the alkaline and alkaline-earthy metals.</p> + +<p>The measurement of the specific inductive capacity of glass is attended +with great difficulty on account of the phenomenon generally known as +residual charge or electric absorption, that is the <i>apparent</i> +soaking of the electricity into the substance of the glass. This is a +subject in which Maxwell took very great interest, and in his work on +electricity and magnetism he has given a mechanical illustration of +the action on the supposition that it is due to a want of homogeneity +in the glass, some parts of which, he supposed to conduct electricity +better than others, though badly at the best. A form of experiment, +very beautiful in its design, was devised by Maxwell for measuring +specific inductive capacities, and was carried out by Mr. J. E. H. +Gordon, who was able to reverse the electric stress in the glass 12,000 +times per second; but this is of course no approximation to the rapid +alternations of the “waves” of light. With the apparatus employed, +however, the reduction of the observations involves great mathematical +difficulties, and the results must therefore be received with caution +whether we regard them as supporting the theory or as opposed thereto.</p> + +<p>In applying the hypothesis of molecular vortices to the action of a +magnetic field oh polarised light, Maxwell “found that the only effect +which the rotation of the vortices will have on the light will be to +make the plane of polarisation rotate in the <i>same</i> direction as +the vortices, through an angle proportional—</p> + +<p>(A) to the thickness of the substance.</p> + +<p>(B) to the resolved part of the magnetic force parallel to the ray.</p> + +<p>(C) to the index of refraction of the ray.</p> + +<p>(D) inversely to the square of the wave length in air.</p> + +<p>(E) to the <i>mean radius</i> of the vortices.</p> + +<p>(F) to the capacity for magnetic induction.”</p> + +<p>The relation (E) between the amount of rotation and the size of the +vortices, shows that different substances may differ in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_549">[Pg 549]</span> rotating power +independently of any observable difference in other respects. We know +nothing of the absolute size of the vortices; and on our hypothesis +the optical phenomena are probably the only data for determining their +relative size in different substances.</p> + +<p>Now, independently of the action of a magnetic field on polarised +light, all the phenomena of diamagnetism can be accounted for on the +hypothesis that the magnetic permeability of diamagnetic substances is +less than that of a vacuum, so that they behave like a paramagnetic +substance immersed in a medium more magnetic than itself. But Maxwell +has pointed out that “since M. Verdet has discovered that magnetic +substances have an effect on light opposite to that of diamagnetic +substances, it follows that the molecular rotation must be opposite in +the two classes of substances.”</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>We can no longer, therefore, consider diamagnetic bodies as those whose +coefficient of magnetic induction is less than that of space empty of +gross matter. We must admit the diamagnetic state to be the opposite of +the paramagnetic; and that the vortices, or at least the influential +majority of them, in diamagnetic substances, revolve in the direction +in which positive electricity revolves in the magnetising bobbin, while +in paramagnetic substances they revolve in the opposite direction.</p> +</div> + +<p>Perhaps we cannot conclude this account of the hypothesis of molecular +vortices better than by quoting Maxwell’s own words:—<a id="FNanchor_258" href="#Footnote_258" class="fnanchor">[258]</a></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>I think we have good evidence for the opinion that some phenomenon +of rotation is going on in the magnetic field; that this rotation is +performed by a great number of very small portions of matter, each +rotating on its own axis, this axis being parallel to the direction of +the magnetic force, and that the rotations of these different vortices +are made to depend on one another by means of some kind of mechanism +connecting them.</p> + +<p>The attempt which I [have] made to imagine a working model of this +mechanism must be taken for no more than it really is, a demonstration +that mechanism may be imagined capable of producing a connection +mechanically equivalent to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_550">[Pg 550]</span> the actual connection of the parts of +the electro-magnetic field. The problem of determining the mechanism +required to establish a given species of connection between the +motions of the parts of a system always admits of an infinite number +of solutions. Of these some may be more clumsy or more complex than +others, but all must satisfy the conditions of mechanism in general.</p> + +<p>The following results of the theory, however, are of higher value:—</p> + +<p>(1) Magnetic force is the effect of the centrifugal force of the +vortices.</p> + +<p>(2) Electromagnetic induction of currents is the effect of the forces +called into play when the velocity of the vortices is changing.</p> + +<p>(3) Electromotive force arises from the stress on the connecting +mechanism.</p> + +<p>(4) Electric displacement arises from the elastic yielding of the +connecting mechanism.</p> +</div> + +<figure class="figright width500" id="i_597" style="width: 103px;"> +<img src="images/i_597.jpg" width="103" height="305" alt="A technical +diagram showing a tall vertical apparatus with a long rod or wire +extending from top (M) to bottom (M'), passing through a central +cross-shaped piece labeled A, C, and B, flanked by two large +disk-shaped wheels labeled P and P' on either side."> +<figcaption class="caption"> +<p>Fig. 13.</p></figcaption> +</figure> + +<p>In a paper entitled “A Dynamical Theory of the Electro-magnetic Field,” +read before the Royal Society on December 8, 1864, Maxwell deduced all +the above results by purely mechanical reasoning, only assuming the +existence of a medium capable of receiving and storing up potential +and kinetic energy, and therefore capable of doing work in “recovering +from displacement in virtue of its elasticity,” while the parts of the +medium are connected by “a complicated mechanism capable of a vast +variety of motion, but at the same time so connected that the motion +of one part depends, according to definite relations, on the motion +of other parts, these motions being communicated by forces arising +from the relative displacements of the connected parts, in virtue of +their elasticity.” For the existence of such a medium we have evidence +independent of electrical actions. With regard to the mechanism no +attempt is made in the paper to give to it any definite constitution. +This paper has been regarded as Maxwell’s greatest contribution to +electrical science, but most of the results obtained in it have been +already mentioned.</p> + +<p>The following is a good specimen of Maxwell’s humorous irony, +of which there are many samples in his scientific works. He is +discussing certain developments by Bernhard Riemann Lorenzo, of Weber +and Neumann’s theory of Electro-magnetism,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_551">[Pg 551]</span> which is based on the +assumption that the action between two quantities of electricity is +direct action at a distance, and depends not only on the distance +between the charges but upon their relative motion.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>From the assumption of both these papers we may draw the +conclusions—first, that action and reaction are not always equal and +opposite; and second, that apparatus may be constructed to generate any +amount of work from its own resources.</p> + +<hr class="r5"> + +<p>I think that these remarkable deductions from the latest developments +of Weber and Neumann’s theory can only be avoided by recognising the +action of a medium in electrical phenomena.</p> +</div> + +<p>While at the Cavendish Laboratory Maxwell constructed a mechanical +model which illustrates in a very beautiful manner the principal +phenomena of induced currents. As a piece of mechanism it is simply +a differential train, such as is often employed as a dynamometer for +measuring the power absorbed by a machine. The apparatus is sketched in +Fig. 13. The grooved wheel P is keyed to the same shaft as the bevel +wheel A, which therefore turns with it, and the rotation of this piece +represents the primary<span class="pagenum" id="Page_552">[Pg 552]</span> current. A second bevel wheel D turns loosely +on the arm C D, which is one of four arms (of which only two are shown +in the figure) forming a cross, which can turn freely on the central +shaft at C. Sliding weights \(\mathrm{M} \mathrm{M}^{\prime}\), etc., +can be fixed in any desired position on these arms so as to alter the +moment of inertia of the cross, which is the differential piece in the +mechanism. A third bevel wheel B is keyed to the same hollow shaft +with the wheel S, which is similar to P, and the rotation of the piece +B S represents the current in the secondary circuit. As the shaft B S +is hollow, and rides loosely on the shaft A C, the wheels A and B can +turn quite, independently of one another, except in so far as they are +connected by the wheel D. \(\mathrm{P}^{\prime}\) is an index attached +to the interior shaft and turning with P. A loop of string is hung over +each of the wheels P and S, and carries a small weight. These strings +act as friction brakes to the wheels, and the friction represents +the resistance of the primary and secondary circuits respectively. +The moment of inertia of the loaded cross, or differential piece, +represents the moments of inertia of the cells which constitute the +molecular vortices in the dielectric. Its kinetic energy when rotating +represents the energy of the vortices, and its angular momentum is +proportional to the electro-magnetic momentum of the system. The +moments of inertia of the other portions of the mechanism are very +small compared with that of the loaded cross. The motion of the cross +and the wheel D is impeded by as little friction as possible.</p> + +<p>Suppose that the wheel P is made to revolve, representing a current in +the primary wire; the heavy cross will not at first move, but the wheel +D will revolve and communicate the motion to B, which, with S, will +rotate in the direction opposite to that of P, representing a current +in the secondary circuit opposite in direction to that in the primary. +But the motion of S is resisted by the friction brake, and a finite +force must therefore be exerted by D on B to drive it. The reaction of +B, together with the force exerted by A, will constantly tend to make +the cross revolve in the same direction as P, and the velocity of the +cross<span class="pagenum" id="Page_553">[Pg 553]</span> being constantly accelerated, it will presently revolve with a +velocity half that of P, and then D will roll round B, which, with S, +will remain at rest. The piece B S will then continue at rest as long +as the rotation of P remains constant corresponding to the cessation of +the current in the secondary circuit, while that in the primary remains +unchanged, but if P be accelerated, S will revolve in the direction +opposite to the motion of P. Now suppose P to be suddenly stopped. The +kinetic energy of the cross will cause it to continue to revolve until +it has done a corresponding amount of work against resistances, and A +being at rest, D will roll upon it and compel B, with S, to revolve +in the same direction as the cross, that is, in the same direction +in which P formerly revolved, and whatever be the resistance to the +motion of S, it will be overcome, and S will revolve till the work done +against resistance is equal to the kinetic energy originally possessed +by the cross. This corresponds to a current induced in the secondary +coil on stopping the current in the primary, which current is in the +same direction as the primary current, and continues until the energy +of rotation of the molecular vortices has been used up in work done +against electrical resistance.</p> + +<p>If one operator lay hold of the wheel S, and endeavour to keep it +at rest while another applies a steady force to P, the motion of P +will be accelerated much less rapidly than if the same force had +been applied to it, and S had been free, because P can only move by +setting in motion the cross with its great moment of inertia. If the +operator who is turning P now suddenly stops it, a great shock will be +experienced by the machinery, and the wheel S will slip from the grip +of the other operator however firmly he may hold it. The force applied +to S may correspond to an air-break in the secondary coil, and this +is sufficient to prevent a spark when the battery current is started +in the primary, but by suddenly stopping the primary current, as in +Ruhmkorff’s coil, a disruptive discharge or spark passes through the +air between the terminations of the secondary wire. (If the operator +who endeavours to keep the wheel<span class="pagenum" id="Page_554">[Pg 554]</span> S at rest is inexperienced the effect +upon him is very striking).</p> + +<p>If a pin be placed in the face of the wheel S, and one end of a spring +press against the pin, while the other end is fixed to the frame of +the apparatus, we have a representation of a secondary coil in which +the circuit is broken, and a Leyden jar inserted with its coatings in +connection with the ends of the wire. When the motion of P is changed, +S will begin to move, and will deflect the spring, corresponding to a +current in the secondary coil charging the Leyden jar. If the spring +admit of very great deflection, so that a great amount of work must +be done upon it before it slips from the pin, the primary current may +have attained its full strength before the slip takes place. This +corresponds to the capacity of the Leyden jar being too great to allow +of its being charged to a sufficient potential to produce a spark. In +this case no spark takes place, but when the force between the wheels +D and B diminishes on account of the diminution of the acceleration of +P, the spring relieves its strain by forcing the wheel S backwards, and +the Leyden jar under corresponding circumstances quietly discharges +itself through the secondary coil, reversing the operation by which it +was charged. But if the pin slips from the spring, the wheel S will +revolve, and the spring will fly back corresponding to a disruptive +discharge through the air, and if the acceleration of P continue long +enough several such disruptive discharges may take place.</p> + +<p>We must, of course, be careful not to endeavour to learn from such a +model lessons which it was not designed to teach, and we must remember +that the behaviour of the mechanism does not represent the electrical +action in <i>all</i> respects.</p> + +<p>For many years Maxwell rendered valuable service to the British +Association, especially in connection with electrical science. Some +account of the meetings which he attended will be found in the letters +printed in another part of this work, and though during the last few +years of his life other engagements prevented his attendance at the +annual gatherings, he always showed signs of keen enjoyment<span class="pagenum" id="Page_555">[Pg 555]</span> when +discussing the “British Asses.” In 1862 he was appointed a member of +“The Committee on Standards of Electrical Resistance.” In the report +issued in 1863, the Appendix, “On the Elementary Relations between +Electrical Measurements,” bears the name of Professor Maxwell in +conjunction with that of Professor Fleeming Jenkin, while the general +description of the method employed in the determination of the Ohm +or B. A. unit of resistance, together with the mathematical theory +and details of the experiments, are from Maxwell’s pen. In 1863-4 +Maxwell was again at work on the same subject in the laboratory of +King’s College, and most of the “spins”<a id="FNanchor_259" href="#Footnote_259" class="fnanchor">[259]</a> were conducted under +his own supervision. In 1869 the results of Maxwell’s experiments +on the relation of the electromagnetic to the electrostatic unit of +electricity, described above, were embodied in the Report to the +British Association at the meeting at Dundee, and this forms the last +of the Reports of the Committee.</p> + +<p>In 1874 Professor Maxwell was elected a member of the committee +appointed by the British Association for the purpose of investigating +Ohm’s law. Most of the work executed by this committee was carried +out by Professor Chrystal in the Cavendish Laboratory, under the +supervision and at the suggestion of Professor Maxwell. An account +of the investigations will be found in the report presented to the +Association at the Glasgow meeting in 1876.</p> + +<p>Before concluding our notice of Maxwell’s contributions to electrical +science we must mention the preparation for the press of <i>The +Electrical Researches of the Honourable Henry Cavendish</i>, published +in 1879, only a few weeks before the death of its editor. The amount of +labour which Professor Maxwell bestowed on this work during the last +five years of his life can only be known to those who were constantly +in his company. Nearly all the MS. he transcribed with his own hand, +the greater part being copied after midnight, while he watched over +Mrs. Maxwell during the long illness to which allusion has elsewhere +been made. Every obscure<span class="pagenum" id="Page_556">[Pg 556]</span> passage or allusion was the subject of a long +and searching investigation; and many were the letters written to the +Librarian of the Royal Society and to scientific and literary friends +in different parts of the country, to gain information respecting the +meaning of obsolete words and symbols, or the history of individuals. +But besides this, and a comparison of Cavendish’s results with those +obtained by subsequent investigators, Maxwell repeated many of +Cavendish’s experiments almost in their original form, only employing +modern instruments for the purposes of measurement. The introduction +and the appendices to the work evidence much labour, patient +investigation, and very extensive acquaintance with the literature +bearing on the subject. Maxwell was by no means one of the class of +“thinkers” who only read their own writings; his acquaintance not only +with scientific literature, but with nearly every other class of books +was astonishing; and if any question of physics was brought before him, +he could generally give an account of nearly all that had been done +in the subject. In this respect he resembled the late Professor W. H. +Miller, whom Cambridge men used to consult about <i>everything</i>.</p> + +<p>It would be impossible here to give any adequate account of Maxwell’s +work in connection with the Cavendish papers, but we may mention one +experiment both on account of its intrinsic importance and of the +interest which Maxwell took in it. Cavendish describes an experiment +(see p. 104 of <i>The Electrical Researches</i>) in which a sphere of +12·1 inches in diameter was enclosed between two copper hemispheres +13·3 inches in diameter, and the copper hemispheres, which were +supported in frames hinged together, and opened or closed by silk +cords, were brought together so as to enclose the sphere, contact +being made at the same time between it and the hemispheres. The outer +sphere was then charged, and the connection between it and the inner +sphere removed. On separating the hemispheres, the inner sphere was +found to be discharged, or at least the charge, if any, left upon it +was too small to affect Cavendish’s pith ball electrometer. Knowing +what fraction of the original charge could not fail to be detected<span class="pagenum" id="Page_557">[Pg 557]</span> by +the electrometer, Cavendish deduced from the results of the experiment +that the law of variation of electrical action with the distance +must lie between the inverse \(\left(2-\dfrac{1}{50}\right)\)th and +\(\left(2+\dfrac{1}{50}\right)\)th power of the distance, and inferred +that it is the inverse square.</p> + +<p>Maxwell placed a copper sphere about 10 inches in diameter within a +hollow copper sphere, made of two hemispheres, about 12 inches in +diameter, supporting it upon a ring of ebonite, so that the spheres +might be concentric. The outer sphere was carefully insulated, and a +hole cut in its surface, which could be accurately filled by a little +trap door. To this trap door was attached a wire which rested on the +inner sphere when the door was shut down. The door was carried on a +metal arm which turned about a hinge attached to the outer sphere, and +could be raised or lowered by a silk thread which passed over a pulley +and hung in front of the operator. When the trap door was raised a wire +connection could be allowed to fall by relaxing a second silk cord, so +as to make contact with the inner sphere through the hole in the outer. +The trap door was first closed and the outer sphere charged by means of +a Leyden jar which was immediately removed (the electric machine being +placed in a distant apartment). The trap door was then raised, the +outer sphere discharged by connecting it to earth, and the inner sphere +then put in communication with a quadrant electrometer by means of the +wire above mentioned. Not a trace of electricity could be detected on +the sphere. To test the accuracy of the method, a small brass sphere +was insulated, and supported at a distance of about 60 centimetres +from the outer sphere, and the experiment was repeated. When the +copper sphere was charged the brass sphere was connected to earth, +and thus a small negative charge was induced upon it by the positive +electricity on the copper sphere, and the ratio of this charge to that +on the copper could be easily calculated. The brass sphere was then +insulated, the outer copper sphere discharged as before, and the inner +sphere examined with the same result as previously. The brass ball was +then discharged, the outer sphere being<span class="pagenum" id="Page_558">[Pg 558]</span> insulated, when it was found +that there was sufficient positive electricity on the outer sphere +to deflect the electrometer through more than 300 times the largest +deflection which could escape notice. Now when the brass hall was +insulated, the negative charge upon it was about \(\dfrac{1}{64}\)th of +the charge originally on the copper sphere, and this induced a positive +charge on the sphere when in connection with the earth, which was about +\(\dfrac{1}{486}\) of its original charge. Hence \(\dfrac{1}{486}\) of +the original charge is more than 300 times the largest charge which +could escape observation. From these figures it follows that, in the +expression of the law of electrical action, the true index of the +inverse power of the distance must be either 2 or differ from it by +less than \(\dfrac{1}{21600}\). These experiments were carried out +in the Cavendish Laboratory by Mr. MacAlister of St. John’s College. +In note 19 appended to the Cavendish papers, Maxwell describes the +experiment, and gives its complete mathematical theory.</p> + +<p>The idea that electricity flowing in conductors behaves like an +incompressible fluid is at least as old as Cavendish; but before he +had the opportunity of reading Cavendish’s papers, Maxwell taught +that all electric discharges involve a displacement of electricity +in a closed circuit, the electricity behaving both in conductors and +in dielectrics like a perfectly incompressible fluid. Thus, when a +Leyden jar is discharged, a certain quantity of electricity flows from +the inner coating through the knob of the jar, and hence to the outer +coating, but an equal quantity also passes across any surface which +we may imagine drawn within the glass, so as to include the inner +coating and exclude the outer. The glass, therefore, may be regarded as +completing a circuit across every section of which the same quantity +of electricity flows. Again, if positive electricity be communicated +to a conductor by means of a wire which serves as an <i>electrode</i>, +an equal quantity passes out from the surface of the conductor and +is squeezed into the surrounding dielectric, causing a similar +transfer of electricity across every surface drawn in the dielectric +so as to surround the conductor, the extent of the displacement of +course diminishing as we recede from the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_559">[Pg 559]</span> conductor on account of +the increased area of the surface, but the displacement continuing +until some external conductor is reached through which the circuit is +completed. Thus, when we say that the charge of a body is increased, +we mean that positive electricity is communicated to it through an +electrode, but we know that an equal amount passes out of the body +through its external surface and is squeezed into the dielectric, and +it is this dielectric which is the only portion of the system really +affected by the charge, and in which the whole <i>energy</i> of the +charged body resides. This view has very recently been put forth under +the title of <i>The Conservation of Electricity</i>. According to +Maxwell’s view of the constitution of dielectrics, the squeezing of a +quantity of electricity into a dielectric does not imply a condensation +of the electricity, but a <i>strain</i> in the dielectric on account +of the displacement of the electricity, which cannot move without +distorting the “cells” of which the dielectric is supposed to be made +up.</p> + + +<p class="space-above2"> +7. Ever since men began to think about Nature, philosophers have +differed in their views respecting the primary constitution of bodies. +When, with all the freshness of a first impulse, though unprovided +with the barest means of verification, the human mind first went forth +in search of physical truth, two paths at once appeared, leading to +opposite poles, and both were trodden by pilgrims full of hope. Some +found their satisfaction in contemplating the continuous fulness of the +universe. They could imagine no gap in Nature, whose endless variety +they were contented to refer to a principle of infinite divisibility +and to the inter-play of contiguous elements whose changes were +ordered by the mind that was interfused with all. To others, of a more +analytical turn, it appeared impossible to account for the most obvious +phenomena, except by the hypothesis of atoms moving in a void.</p> + +<p>The penetrating intellect of Democritus had early given consistency +to an atomic theory, which became the foundation of the system of +Epicurus. Yet, widely as this philosophy prevailed at certain periods, +the doctrine of a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_560">[Pg 560]</span> plenum was on the whole the more prevalent in the +ancient world.</p> + +<p>The controversy has been handed on to modern science, or rather it has +inevitably reappeared; some, with Descartes and Spinoza, resolving +matter into continuous extension; while others, as Bacon would say, +cut deeper into Nature, and would divide her if possible into her +ultimate constituent parts. Experimental investigations, especially +those through which chemistry became an exact science, have greatly +favoured atomistic views, yet the tendency to maintain the continuity +and plasticity of matter is still apparent, and the bold hypothesis of +the vortex atom, due to Sir William Thomson, affords us perhaps the +nearest approach to a reconciliation between these two contradictory +theories. According to this hypothesis the whole of space is filled +with a uniform and perfect fluid, and material atoms are vortices of +one form or another which have been created within this fluid.</p> + +<p>In order to reach the starting-point of Maxwell’s investigations in +molecular physics we must go back to Daniel Bernoulli who, in his +hydrodynamics, published in 1738, explained the pressure of the air +on the hypothesis that air consists of a number of particles moving +about in all directions and impinging on any surface exposed to its +action. Le Sage of Geneva in 1818 explained the pressure of a gas in +strict accordance with the modern Dynamical Theory. The theory of Le +Sage was based upon his doctrine of “ultra-mundane corpuscles,” a +doctrine borrowed from the older atomists, and employed by Le Sage to +explain gravitation. For a concise account of this and of the older +atomic theories the reader is referred to Maxwell’s article “Atom” +in the ninth edition of the <i>Encyclopœdia Britannica</i>. In 1847 +John Herapath published his <i>Mathematical Physics</i>, in which he +supposed gases to consist of perfectly hard molecules impinging against +one another, and against any surface exposed to their action; and he +points out the relation of the motion to the temperature and pressure +of a gas and explains gaseous diffusion.</p> + +<p>But we are indebted for all the modern developments<span class="pagenum" id="Page_561">[Pg 561]</span> of the molecular +theory of gases, as well as for its establishment on a sound dynamical +basis, mainly to the researches of three men—Professor R. Clausius, +Dr. Ludwig Boltzmann of Vienna, and James Clerk Maxwell. Maxwell’s +principal contributions to the literature of this subject are his +papers on “Illustrations of the Dynamical Theory of Gases,” presented +to the British Association at the meeting in Aberdeen in 1859; “On +the Viscosity or Internal Friction of Air and other Gases,” which +constituted the Bakerian lecture read before the Royal Society on +February 8th, 1866, and published in the <i>Phil. Trans.</i> for that +year; “On the Dynamical Theory of Gases,” a paper read before the +Royal Society on May 31st, 1866, and also published in the <i>Phil. +Trans.</i>; the lecture “On Molecules” delivered before the British +Association at Bradford in 1873, and which has been referred to in Part +I.; a paper “On the Dynamical Evidence of the Molecular Constitution +of Bodies” which was read before the Chemical Society in the Spring of +1875, and published in the June number of its Journal; and the article +“Atom,” in the ninth edition of the <i>Encyclopœdia Britannica</i>.</p> + +<p>According to the molecular theory all bodies are made up of molecules +which are more or less free to move relatively to one another. In +solids, each molecule can only move through a small distance from +its normal position, so that all its movements are essentially of +the nature of vibrations. In liquids the molecules are free to move +through any distances within the substance of the liquid, but their +motion is constantly impeded by neighbouring molecules, from whose +interference they are never altogether free, each molecule in its +movements resembling an individual endeavouring to work his way through +a dense crowd. In a gas each molecule is perfectly free—except on the +occasions, comparatively rare, unless the gas be very dense—when it +comes into collision with other molecules of gas, or of some other body +in contact with the gas. According to this theory, a gas consists of +molecules moving in all directions in straight lines, except when they +strike one another or some foreign body, when<span class="pagenum" id="Page_562">[Pg 562]</span> their motion is changed +in accordance with the laws of impact of perfectly elastic bodies.</p> + +<p>It is probable that the investigations connected with Saturn’s rings, +which led Maxwell to contemplate the condition of the air in the midst +of “a flight of brickbats,” first led him to take up the subject of the +kinetic theory of gases. At any rate, these investigations led him to +the adoption of what he aptly termed “the statistical method,” which in +his hands became so fruitful in its applications to molecular science. +This method consists in the separation of all the things considered +into classes, which fulfil certain conditions, and the determination of +the number of individuals which at any instant are to be found in each +class, without reference to the behaviour of any particular individual. +In “the historical method,” on the other hand, the life history of each +individual is traced, and if classes are considered at all it is only +in their relation to the particular individual we are contemplating. +The first method deals with the interests of the community at large and +disregards the fate of the individual, except as affecting the average +condition of the community; the second deals with the interests of +the individual alone. It is obvious that when the individuals are to +be counted by millions the only way in which they can be successfully +treated by a finite mind is by the statistical method, and this was the +method which Maxwell adopted.</p> + +<p>In the earliest papers of Clausius he treated all the molecules of +a particular gas at the same temperature as moving with the same +velocity. Maxwell showed that this could not be the case, and that, +even if all the molecules were started with the same velocities, their +mutual collisions would increase the velocity of some and diminish +that of others, until at length the velocities would be distributed +“according to the law of errors.” This law will be best understood +from Maxwell’s own illustration. He prepared a diagram illustrating +the distribution of bullet marks on a target on the hypothesis that +all the shots are aimed at the centre of “the bull” by the same +marksman, while the probability of an error of any given magnitude +occurring is less the greater<span class="pagenum" id="Page_563">[Pg 563]</span> the error: diminishing very rapidly as +the error increases, according to the ordinary hypothesis respecting +“errors of observation” developed by Laplace. If on such a diagram a +series of concentric circles be drawn, say an inch apart, about the +centre of the target, and the number of shots between each consecutive +pair of circles counted, the number will be found to be greatest for +a particular pair, but there is nothing to prevent some shots from +hitting the target at any distance from the centre. If the length of +the line joining the centre of the target with any bullet mark be taken +to represent the velocity of a molecule, the diagram will represent +the law of distribution of velocities among the molecules of a gas +when they have acted on one another for an indefinite time. They will +congregate about a particular value, but there is nothing to prevent +some individuals possessing a velocity as great or as small as we +please.</p> + +<p>The momentum of a particle depends on the product of its mass and its +velocity; its kinetic energy on the product of its mass and the square +of its velocity. One of the first and most important properties of +gases which Maxwell showed to be a consequence of the kinetic theory +was, that when two groups of molecules are in equilibrium, being +separated only by a diaphragm which can transmit the impacts of the +particles, the average kinetic energy of the molecules must be the same +in each group. Identifying the kinetic energy of the molecules with +the heat of the gas, since we know that for equilibrium the gases must +be at the same temperature, it follows that the specific heat varies +inversely as the mass of a molecule, which is the dynamical expression +of the law of Dulong and Petit, a law which states that the products of +the specific heat and combining weight is the same for each element. +The pressure of a gas is proportional to the kinetic energy of unit +volume of a gas, and, since the average kinetic energy of the molecules +is the same for each gas at the same temperature, it follows that equal +volumes of two gases at the same pressure and temperature contain the +same number of molecules, and hence the density of a gas at standard +temperature and pressure is<span class="pagenum" id="Page_564">[Pg 564]</span> proportional to the mass of a molecule, +i.e. to its combining weight, which is Gay Lussac’s law of equivalent +volumes.</p> + +<p>If two gases be in communication with one another, the particles of +each are found to penetrate the other until the gases become uniformly +mixed, unless some external force act to prevent the uniformity of the +mixture. This phenomenon, known as gaseous diffusion, has been studied +by Graham, Loschmidt, and others, and is a direct consequence of the +dynamical theory. It is plain that the rate of diffusion of one gas +into another will be proportional to the <i>average</i> velocity of +the particles in the case of two gases being separated by a diaphragm +perforated by very fine holes, so that each mixture may be considered +homogeneous up to the diaphragm. Maxwell showed that in this case, +when the pressures on the two sides of the diaphragm are equal, “the +volumes diffused will be as the square roots of the specific gravities +inversely, which is the law of diffusion established by Graham.”</p> + +<p>The slowness of gaseous diffusion was for some time regarded as an +objection to the kinetic theory of gases. Clausius overcame this +difficulty by the introduction of the conception of <i>the mean +free path</i> of a molecule, and by showing how short this path is. +The mean free path is the average distance through which a particle +passes between two successive collisions with other particles. The +first estimate of the mean free path in air at ordinary pressure and +temperature was made by Maxwell from determinations of viscosity or +rate of diffusion of momentum in air. Depending on the length of the +mean free path are (1) the diffusion of matter; (2) the diffusion of +momentum or viscosity; and (3) the diffusion of energy, or the thermal +conductivity of the gas. From determinations of the rate at which these +three kinds of diffusion proceed, independent determinations of the +mean free path in different gases have been made. For hydrogen, at +standard pressure and temperature, it is about \(\dfrac{1}{250000}\) of +an inch. For other gases and air it is somewhat less. The length of the +mean path in air given by Maxwell in 1859 was \(\dfrac{1}{389000}\) of +an inch.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_565">[Pg 565]</span></p> + +<p>Suppose two trains to be moving in opposite directions, side by side +on parallel lines, and suppose that as they pass each other a number +of passengers from each train jump into the other. It is clear that +each passenger will carry with him the <i>momentum</i> he possesses +into the other train which is moving in the opposite direction, and +will consequently diminish the momentum and therefore the velocity +of that train. If a continuous interchange of passengers, backwards +and forwards, between the trains were to take place, the trains would +ultimately be brought to rest relatively to one another. This is an +illustration of the <i>diffusion of momentum</i>, and was originally +given by Balfour Stewart. How, suppose two streams of gas to be passing +each other tangentially. There will be a continuous interchange of +molecules by diffusion between the two streams, and the molecules +carrying with them the momentum they possess, the effect of the +diffusion will be to tend to bring the two streams to relative rest. +Diffusion of momentum consequently introduces a tangential action +between layers of gas which are moving relatively to one another, +and therefore causes a resistance to any “continuous change of form, +depending on the rate at which that change is effected,” that is, it +confers upon the gas the property of viscosity. Thus, the so-called +viscosity of gases received from Maxwell its complete explanation in +accordance with the kinetic theory.</p> + +<p>The viscosity of a gas depending on the rate of diffusion of momentum, +and therefore on the rate of diffusion of matter, is proportional, +like the latter, to the average velocity of the molecules. If the +gas be very rare, each particle will meet with fewer collisions, and +consequently its course will be less interrupted than when the gas +is denser, so that Maxwell found that between two strata of gas at a +given distance apart the rate of diffusion was the same whatever the +density. He thus “arrived at the startling result that the coefficient +of internal friction is independent of the density of any particular +kind of gas.” The experimental verification of this result occupied +a considerable portion of Maxwell’s leisure time in 1865. The<span class="pagenum" id="Page_566">[Pg 566]</span> +description of the experiments and the statement of the result arrived +at form the subject of the Bakerian lecture of 1866. There plates of +glass were suspended by a steel piano wire, and caused to oscillate in +their own planes between four fixed plates, which were placed at equal +distances apart, and so that the moving plates were suspended half way +between each pair of fixed plates (see Part I. p. 341). The distance +between the plates was varied in different experiments, and the whole +system was enclosed in a receiver which could be filled with different +gases and the pressure regulated at will. The oscillations of the +discs were observed by means of a mirror and scale, and the experiment +consisted in determining the rate at which the oscillations died away, +from which the viscosity of the gas was calculated. For experiments +at high temperatures the receiver was surrounded by a steam jacket. +The results arrived at showed that dry air is more viscous than damp +air, and that the viscosity of air is greater than that of hydrogen or +carbonic acid, nearly in the same ratio as was determined by Graham +in his experiments on the transpiration of gases through capillary +tubes. But the most remarkable results were (1), that the viscosity of +any particular gas is independent of the pressure; and (2) that it is +directly proportional to the temperature measured from the absolute +zero of the air thermometer.<a id="FNanchor_260" href="#Footnote_260" class="fnanchor">[260]</a> From the last result, Maxwell deduced +“that the force between two molecules is proportional inversely to the +fifth power of the distance between them.” If the molecules only acted +by impact, it would follow that the viscosity must be proportional to +the square root of the absolute temperature.</p> + +<p>In the paper “On the Dynamical Theory of Gases,” read before the Royal +Society on May 31, 1866, the molecules are dealt with in the most +general manner, no hypothesis being made respecting their constitution. +The paper discusses (1) the phenomena of diffusion, depending on the +average value of the velocities; (2) the phenomena depending on the +average square of the velocities, which determines<span class="pagenum" id="Page_567">[Pg 567]</span> pressure and +viscosity; and (3) the phenomena depending on the average value of +the cubes of the velocities, on which depends the diffusion of energy +or the conduction of heat in the gas. In this paper Maxwell showed +that if a number of gases be enclosed in any space under the action +of any external forces, each gas will arrange itself as if the others +were absent, and this result is independent of the law of action of +the particles on each other. This is the arrangement which Dalton +suggested would probably exist in the atmosphere if the effect of +winds could be annulled. He also showed that in a vertical column +of air in equilibrium under the action of gravity the temperature +must be the same throughout. This was contrary to the then current +opinion that the temperature must diminish as we ascend, but Maxwell +showed independently that it is a consequence of the principle of +the dissipation of energy. Boltzmann was, however, the first to show +how, in dealing with a collection of molecules, to take account of +external forces acting upon them. In discussing the diffusion of energy +Maxwell showed that the thermal conductivity of iron at \(25^{\circ} +\mathrm{C}\), as determined by Principal Forbes, is 3525 times that of +air at \(16 \cdot 6^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\).</p> + +<p>In the paper “On the Dynamical Evidence of the Molecular Constitution +of Bodies,” published in the <i>Journal of the Chemical Society</i>, +June 1875, Maxwell introduces Clausius’s conception of the “virial” +of a system, a quantity of which great use has been made in the +discussion of molecular theories since a name has been given to it by +Clausius. This quantity is the sum of the products of the attractions +between each pair of molecules into the distance between them. Maxwell +commences by explaining Clausius’s equation, which states that the +energy of a quantity of gas is the sum of two quantities, one of which +is the virial, and the other is proportional to the product of the +pressure and the volume. Now Joule showed that when a gas expands +into a vacuum its temperature remains sensibly unaffected, though no +energy is communicated to or taken from it, and since the gas obeys +Boyle’s law the product of its pressure and volume is constant. +Hence the energy being unchanged,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_568">[Pg 568]</span> and the product of pressure and +volume remaining the same, it follows that the <i>virial</i> must he +unaffected by expansion. But the virial must depend on the density if +there he any sensible forces between the molecules when at sensible +distances, unless the force between two molecules varies inversely as +the distance between them, a law which Newton showed to be inadmissible +in the case of molecular forces. We must therefore conclude that the +force between two molecules is sensibly zero, unless the distance +between them be very small compared with the average distance between +molecules, and that the virial is therefore sensibly zero in a gas, +so that the energy and pressure of a gas depend on the motion of the +molecules and not on the forces between them.</p> + +<p>The experiments of Regnault indicated that in most gases as the density +increases the pressure falls below that indicated by Boyle’s law, which +shows that when the particles approach very near together the virial +is positive, or there is attraction between the molecules. When the +pressure is made still greater the gas reaches a condition in which a +small increase of density is accompanied by an enormous increase of +pressure, so that the virial is negative, and the forces between the +particles repulsive. This is the case in the liquid state. Maxwell +infers that as the particles of a gas approach each other the forces +between them become attractive, attain a maximum, then diminish, and +when they are within a certain distance become repulsive, the repulsion +increasing so rapidly “that no attainable force can reduce the distance +of the particles to zero.” The same conclusion as far as the attraction +between the particles at small distances is concerned, was indicated +by the experiments which Joule conducted, in company with Sir William +Thomson, on the expansion of air into a vacuum, when very careful +measurements indicated that a slight cooling effect took place.</p> + +<p>The greatest difficulty which the kinetic theory of gases has to +face is the observed relation between the specific heats of gases at +constant pressure and at constant volume. Boltzmann showed that if each +molecule possess \(n\) “degrees<span class="pagenum" id="Page_569">[Pg 569]</span> of freedom” the ratio of the kinetic +energy of translation to the whole kinetic energy of the system must +be equal to the ratio of 3 to \(n\). Now in a rigid body capable of +rotating in any manner n is equal to 6, and this makes the total energy +equal to twice the energy of translation. This requires that the ratio +of the two specific heats should be 1·33 instead of 1·408, and the +observed ratio therefore disproves the hypothesis of hard bodies. If we +suppose the molecules to be material points, incapable of rotation or +vibration n is equal to 3, and the energy of translation is the whole +of the kinetic energy possessed by the molecules. This would make the +ratio of the specific heats to be 1·66, which is too great for any real +gas except mercury vapour, for which the ratio has been shown by Kundt +and Warbourg to be nearly 1·66.</p> + +<p>The spectroscope shows that the molecules of a gas are capable of +executing vibrations in various periods. They must therefore be +material systems, and cannot have less than six degrees of freedom. The +ratio of the specific heats cannot therefore be greater than 1·33, and +this is too small for most gases. Every additional degree of freedom +possessed by the molecules makes the ratio less, and requires that the +specific heat of the gas should be greater than is observed to be the +case.</p> + +<p>In a paper “On Boltzmann’s Theorem on the Average Distribution of +Energy in a System of Material Points,” read before the Cambridge +Philosophical Society on May 6, 1878, Maxwell showed that whatever +be the forces acting upon or between the molecules, provided they be +subject to the principle of conservation of energy, the average kinetic +energy of any two given portions must be proportional to the number +of degrees of freedom of these portions, and hence the total kinetic +energy corresponding to an increment of temperature of \(1^{\circ} +\mathrm{C}\) is shown to be proportional to the product of the number +of degrees of freedom into the absolute temperature.</p> + +<p>The actual dimensions of molecules were first estimated by Loschmidt in +1865, then by Stoney in 1868, and by Thomson in 1870. At his lecture +“On Molecules,” before the British Association at Bradford, Maxwell +gave the following</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_570">[Pg 570]</span></p> + +<p class="nindc space-above2">TABLE OF MOLECULAR DATA,</p> + +<p class="nindc"> +Divided into three ranks, according to the degree of accuracy with +which the Quantities are known.</p> + +<table class="autotable"> +<tbody><tr> +<td class="tdc"></td> +<td class="tdc">Hydrogen.</td> +<td class="tdc">Oxygen.</td> +<td class="tdc">Carbonic Oxide.</td> +<td class="tdc">Carbonic Acid.</td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl">Mass of Molecule (Hydrogen=1)</td> +<td class="tdr">1</td> +<td class="tdr">16</td> +<td class="tdr">14</td> +<td class="tdr">22</td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl">Rank<br> +I. Velocity (of mean square) metres per second at \(0^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\)}</td> +<td class="tdr_bot">1859</td> +<td class="tdr_bot">465</td> +<td class="tdr_bot">497</td> +<td class="tdr_bot">396</td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl">Mean path, tenth-metres</td> +<td class="tdr">965</td> +<td class="tdr">560</td> +<td class="tdr">482</td> +<td class="tdr">379</td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl">Rank<br> +II. Collisions in a second (millions)</td> +<td class="tdr_bot">17,750</td> +<td class="tdr_bot">7646</td> +<td class="tdr_bot">9489</td> +<td class="tdr_bot">9720</td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl">Rank<br> +III. Diameter, tenth-metres.</td> +<td class="tdr">\(5 \cdot 8\)</td> +<td class="tdr">\(7 \cdot 6\)</td> +<td class="tdr">\(8 \cdot 3\)</td> +<td class="tdr">\(9 \cdot 3\)</td> +</tr><tr> +<td class="tdl">Mass, twenty-fifth-grammes</td> +<td class="tdr">46</td> +<td class="tdr">736</td> +<td class="tdr">644</td> +<td class="tdr">1012</td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="right"><i>30th June 1877.</i></p> + +<p><span class="allsmcap">Dear Garnett</span>—... I have been considering diffusion of +gases, and the method of separating heavy gases from light ones, and +I find it hopeless to do it by gravity, but if a tube 10 cm. long +with two bulbs, and the straight part stuffed with cotton-wool, were +filled with equal volumes of H and \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\), and spun 100 +times round per second for about half an hour, then the ratio of +\(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) to H by volume would be greater in A than in B by +about \(\dfrac{1}{150}\), which is measurable. I have got a new light +about equilibrium of temperature in two different gases. Let forces +having potentials act on the molecules of two gases, but differently +on each. Let the potential of forces acting on the gas \(a\) be zero +in the region A and very large in B, diminishing continuously in the +stratum C. Let the potential for gas \(b\) be zero in B and very great +in A, diminishing continuously in C. Then the region A will contain +the gas A nearly pure, and B the gas B nearly pure, and in the stratum +C there will be encounters between the two kinds of molecules. By +Boltzmann and Watson the average kinetic energy of a single molecule is +the same throughout the whole vessel. Hence the condition of thermal +equilibrium between two gases (not mixed, but kept pure though in +contact) is that the mean kinetic energy is the same in each. And it is +difficult to see where this method breaks down when applied to solids.</p> + +<p>I find the electric conductivity of air supposed of conducting spheres +<span class="pagenum" id="Page_571">[Pg 571]</span>to be \(\dfrac{1}{18} \pi^{2} s^{2} \mathrm{NV}\).</p> + +<p>Where \(s\) = distance of centres at striking.</p> + +<p>\(N\) Number in cubic centimetre.</p> + +<p>\(V\) Mean velocity.</p> + +<p>Now \(\dfrac{\pi}{4} s^{2} \mathrm{N}=17,700\) for air, and +\(\mathrm{V}=48,500\).</p> + +<p>But this is in electrostatic measure. In electromagnetic measure the +resistance is +\[ +\frac{4}{\pi} \frac{v^{2}}{48500000}, +\] +so that \(r=2.10^{13}\) per cubic centimetre, or about \(10^{10}\) +greater than that of copper; but this is far smaller than that of +gutta-percha. Hence the insulating power of air is not consistent with +its molecules being conducting spheres.</p> + +<p>But why should the molecules be conductors?—Yours very truly,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="allsmcap">J. Clerk Maxwell.</span></p> +</div> + +<p>Maxwell’s investigations in the Kinetic Theory of Gases led him to +a conclusion which is of great value in the theory of energy. The +principle of the dissipation of energy, sometimes called the second law +of Thermodynamics, states that it is impossible by means of inanimate +material agency to obtain work at the expense of heat by cooling a body +below the temperature of the coldest body in the neighbourhood. This +principle was first distinctly given by Sir William Thomson. Maxwell +showed that it obtains only in consequence of the coarseness of our +faculties not allowing us to grapple with individual molecules. If we +could seize upon individual molecules, and bring them to rest in the +same way as we can lay hold of a fly-wheel, and compel it to do useful +work until it has been deprived of all its motion of rotation, we +could convert the whole of the heat of a body into work, and bring it +to the absolute zero of temperature. As it is, we are at the mercy of +the molecules, and capable of obtaining from them only so much work as +they are willing to give in the most favourable circumstances in which +we are able to place them. Maxwell imagined a quantity of gas, all +initially at the same pressure and temperature, to be divided into two +portions, A and B, by a partition full of little trap doors which might +be<span class="pagenum" id="Page_572">[Pg 572]</span> opened or closed without the expenditure of energy. Each trap door +he supposed placed in charge of a “<i>demon</i>” that is a creature +whose eyes are sharp enough to see the molecules and estimate their +velocities, and hands agile enough to open and close the trap doors in +time to allow or prevent the passage of any particular molecule which +is approaching the partition. The operation depends on the difference +of the velocities of the particles in the same mass of gas, and the +office of the demon is purely selective, so that any mechanism which +could be devised to sort the molecules in the same way would be equally +effective. Suppose each demon to open his trap door when a molecule is +approaching the partition from A with a velocity above the average, but +to keep it closed when the velocity of the molecule approaching from +A is below the average; while in the case of a molecule approaching +the partition from B the door is opened if the velocity be small, and +closed if it be great. In this way all the slowly moving molecules +will gradually be sorted into the compartment A, while the rapidly +moving particles will be accumulated in B. Thus the temperature of +the gas in B will be raised, and that in A lowered without any loss +of energy or any work being done by an external agent. A heat engine +may now be employed, using B as the source and A as the condenser, and +doing work at the expense of part of the heat of A until equilibrium +of temperature between B and A has been produced, when the services +of the demons may be again utilised, and the process repeated until +the whole of the heat of the gas has been converted into work. This is +contrary to the principle of dissipation of energy, which has thus been +circumvented by intelligence. No corresponding method of overcoming the +principle of conservation of energy can be devised, and this principle +is thus shown to rest on an entirely different kind of footing from +that of the second law of Thermodynamics.</p> + +<p>The following extract from Maxwell’s article “Atom” in the ninth +edition of the <i>Encyclopœdia Britannica</i> is characteristic. +Speaking of the teaching of molecular science respecting the size of +atoms, he says:—</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_573">[Pg 573]</span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p>It forbids the physiologist from imagining that structural details of +infinitely small dimensions can furnish an explanation of the infinite +variety which exists in the properties and functions of the most minute +organisms.</p> + +<p>A microscopic germ is, we know, capable of development into a +highly organised animal. Another germ, equally microscopic, becomes +when developed an animal of a totally different kind. Do all the +differences, infinite in number, which distinguish one animal from +another arise each from some difference in the structure of the +respective germs? Even if we admit this as possible we shall be called +upon by the advocates of Pangenesis to admit still greater marvels. For +the microscopic germ, according to this theory, is no mere individual, +but a representative body, containing members collected from every rank +of the long-drawn ramification of the ancestral tree, the number of +these members being amply sufficient not only to furnish the hereditary +characteristics of every organ of the body, and every habit of the +animal from birth to death, but also to afford a stock of latent +gemmules to be passed on in an inactive state from germ to germ, till +at last the ancestral peculiarity which it represents is revived in +some remote descendant.</p> + +<p>Some of the exponents of this theory of heredity have attempted to +elude the difficulty of placing a whole world of wonders within a body +so small and so devoid of visible structure as a germ, by using the +phrase structureless germs. Now, one material system can differ from +another only in the configuration and motion which it has at a given +instant. To explain differences of function and development of a germ +without assuming differences of structure is therefore to admit that +the properties of a germ are not those of a purely material system.</p> +</div> + +<p>A paper “On Stresses in Rarefied Gases arising from Inequalities of +Temperature,” by Professor Maxwell, was read before the Royal Society +on April 11, 1878, and published in the <i>Phil. Trans.</i> for 1879. +The notes and appendix added to the paper in May and June 1879 embodied +the results of Maxwell’s last investigations in the kinetics of gases. +In this paper Maxwell showed that when inequalities of temperature +exist in a gas the pressure at a point is not generally the same in all +directions, but the maximum and minimum pressures differ by an amount +depending on the rate of change of the increase of temperature per unit +length in the direction in which this rate is greatest.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_574">[Pg 574]</span> The stress +thus arising from variation in rate of change of temperature varies +inversely as the pressure of the gas, and is therefore most conspicuous +in high vacuo. If two small bodies are warmer than the air, the line +joining them will be a line of maximum pressure, and they will repel +each other, while they will attract one another if they are colder than +the air. If, however, a ring be placed so as to have the line joining +the bodies for its axis and be sufficiently heated the repulsion may be +changed into attraction. In the case of a cup, as noticed by Stokes, +the variation of the rate of change of temperature is much greater +on the convex side than on the concave, where it is nearly uniform, +like the electric potential within a hollow vessel, and hence the +normal pressure is greater on the convex surface than on the concave, +which will account for the motion of the cup radiometer if tangential +stresses are neglected. But when the tangential stresses on any +portion of gas are considered, it appears, that they, with the normal +forces, form a system which is in equilibrium, so that inequality of +temperature has no tendency of itself (<i>i.e.</i> without the action +of gravity, etc.), to produce currents in the gas. Maxwell therefore +concludes that the above explanation is insufficient, and that the true +cause of the motion is to be found in the character of the tangential +action between the solid and the gas, allowing the gas to slide over +the surface of the solid, and thus diminishing the tangential stresses +without affecting the normal stresses. In the appendix, dated May 1879, +Maxwell determined the character of the tangential action on certain +hypotheses respecting the nature of the surface of the solid, and the +character of the collisions, and concluded that the gas may slide over +the surface of the solid with a finite velocity, and that inequalities +of temperature at the surface “give rise to a force tending to make the +gas slide along the surface from colder to hotter places.”</p> + +<p>Most of the more elementary theorems respecting the kinetic theory of +gases are given in a very concise form by Maxwell in his <i>Theory +of Heat</i>, the more recent editions of which also give an account +of Professor Willard Gibbs’<span class="pagenum" id="Page_575">[Pg 575]</span> Thermodynamic Surface. This surface, in +which the co-ordinates represent respectively the energy, entropy, and +volume of the substance to which it corresponds, was modelled in clay +by Maxwell’s own hands in the Cavendish Laboratory. From the clay model +a number of plaster casts were taken. These casts Maxwell placed in the +sunshine in particular positions, and drew upon them in water-colours +the boundary-lines between the light and shadow, which correspond +to constant pressure or constant temperature, on the part of the +substance. An account of this surface, and many of the properties which +it represents, will be found in the work referred to.</p> + + +<p class="space-above2"> +We have now presented to the reader a scanty selection from the +results of Maxwell’s scientific work. The mere enumeration of his +original papers would occupy several pages of this book, and those +who are desirous of forming any approach to a true conception of +his contributions to science should consult the memorial edition of +Maxwell’s papers, edited by Mr. W. D. Niven, F.R.S., and about to be +published by the Cambridge University press.</p> + + + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_246" href="#FNanchor_246" class="label">[246]</a> +The following table gives the position on the scale +and wave length in Fraunhofer’s measure of the colours selected as +standards:— +\[ +\begin{array}{lllllc} +& \text{Scale} & \text{Wave length}. \\ +\text{R Scarlet} & 24 & 2328 \\ +\text{G Green} & 46\frac{3}{4} & 1914 \\ +\text{B Blue} & 64\frac{1}{2} & 1717 +\end{array} +\]</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_247" href="#FNanchor_247" class="label">[247]</a> +Part I. <a href="#Page_315">p. 315.</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_248" href="#FNanchor_248" class="label">[248]</a> +See Part I. <a href="#Page_217">p. 217.</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_249" href="#FNanchor_249" class="label">[249]</a> +Including the present Lord Bishop of Durham.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_250" href="#FNanchor_250" class="label">[250]</a> +See Part I. <a href="#Page_37">p. 37.</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_251" href="#FNanchor_251" class="label">[251]</a> +Maxwell had a great faculty for designing, and would +frequently amuse himself by making curious patterns for wool-work. His +designs are remarkable for the harmony of the colouring. Sometimes they +represented natural objects. A kettle-holder which used to hang by the +fireside was a representation of a square of unannealed glass when +placed between two crossed Nicol prism's.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_252" href="#FNanchor_252" class="label">[252]</a> +After Listing. <i>Censur raïmlicher complexe</i>, etc. +Göttingen Nachrichten, 1861. Also Cayley.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_253" href="#FNanchor_253" class="label">[253]</a> +The evidence of this supposed change in the +configuration of the rings is far from conclusive.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_254" href="#FNanchor_254" class="label">[254]</a> +See <a href="#Page_278">p. 278.</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_255" href="#FNanchor_255" class="label">[255]</a> +See <a href="#Page_295">p. 295.</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_256" href="#FNanchor_256" class="label">[256]</a> +See also Maxwell’s article on “Faraday” in <i>Ency. +Brit.</i>, 9th edit.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_257" href="#FNanchor_257" class="label">[257]</a> +See <i>Elementary Treatise on Electricity</i> by +Professor James Clerk Maxwell, published by the Clarendon Press, 1881.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_258" href="#FNanchor_258" class="label">[258]</a> +<i>Electricity and Magnetism</i>, vol. <span class="allsmcap">II.</span> Art. +831 (1st ed.)</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_259" href="#FNanchor_259" class="label">[259]</a> +See Part I. <a href="#Page_316">p. 316.</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_260" href="#FNanchor_260" class="label">[260]</a> +More recent experiments indicate that this statement +should be modified.</p> + +</div> +</div> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2 space-below2">END OF PART II.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_577">[Pg 577]</span></p> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="PART_III">PART III.<br> +<br> +POEMS.</h2> +</div> + +<p class="nindc space-above2">I. JUVENILE VERSES AND TRANSLATIONS.</p> + + +<p class="nindc"> +<span class="allsmcap">Translation of Virgil—Æneid, l 159 to 169.</span></p> + +<p class="nindc"><i>School Exercise</i>, 10th May 1844. <i>Æt.</i> 12.</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">THERE lies within a long recess a bay,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">An isle with gulfing sides restrains the sea,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The waves, divided ere they reach the shore,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Run through the winding bay, and cease to roar;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On this side and on that vast rocks arise,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And two twin crags ascending threat the skies,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Beneath whose shade the water silent lies;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Above, with waving branches, stands a wood,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A grove with awful shade o’erhangs the flood,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And on the further side a cave is shown,—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Within, fresh springs, and seats of living stone—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The nymphs’ abode; no chains or anchors bind</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The worn-out ships, secure from waves and wind.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +(School Rhymes). [Nov.] 1844.[1] <i>Æt.</i> 13.</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">O ACADEMIC muse that hast for long</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Charmed all the world with thy disciples’ song,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_578">[Pg 578]</span></div> + <div class="verse indent0">As myrtle bushes must give place to trees,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Our humbler strains can now no longer please.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Look down for once, inspire me in these lays</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In lofty verse to sing our Lector’s praise.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The mighty wheel of Time to light has rolled</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That golden age by ancient bards foretold.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Minerva now descends upon our land,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And scatters knowledge with unsparing hand;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Long since Ulysses saw the heavenly maid,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In Mentor’s form and Mentor’s dress arrayed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But now to Cambrian lands the goddess flies,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And drops in Williams’ form from out the skies;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And as at dawn the brilliant orb of light,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With his bright beams dispels the gloomy night,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So sunk in ignorance our land he finds,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But with his learning drives it from our minds,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And he, a hero, shall with joyful eyes</div> + <div class="verse indent0">See crowds of heroes all around him rise;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With great Minerva’s wisdom he shall rule</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Those boisterous youths—the rector’s class at school,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And when in the fifth class begins his power,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And he begins to teach us, from that hour</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Dame Poetry begins to show her face,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And witty epigrams the plaster grace;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There growing wild are often to be seen</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The names of boys that Duxes erst have been,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And at the chimney-piece is seen the same</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All thickly scribbled with the boobie’s name.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<hr class="r5"> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Ne’er shall the dreadful tawse be heard again,</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The lash resounding, and the cry of pain;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Carmichael’s self will change (O that he would!)</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From the imperative to wishing mood;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ye years roll on, and haste the expected time</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When flogging boys shall be accounted crime.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">But come, thy real nature let us see,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">No more the rector but the goddess be,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_579">[Pg 579]</span></div> + <div class="verse indent0">Come in thy might and shake the deep profound,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Let the Academy with shouts resound.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">While radiant glory all thy head adorns,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And slippers on thy feet protect thy corns;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">O may I live so long on earth below,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That I may learn the things that thou dost know!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then will I praise thee in heroic verse</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So good that Linus’ will be counted worse;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Thracian Orpheus never will compare</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With me, nor Dods that got the prize last year.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But stay, O stay upon this earth a while,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even now thou seest the world’s approving smile,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And when thou goest to taste celestial joys,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Let thy great nephew<a id="FNanchor_261" href="#Footnote_261" class="fnanchor">[261]</a> teach the mourning hoys,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then mounting to the skies upon the wind,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lead captive ignorance in chains behind.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">TORTO VOLITANS SUB VERBERE TURBO</div> + <div class="verse indent0">QUEM PUERI MAGNO IN GYRO VACUA ATRIA CIRCUM</div> + <div class="verse indent0">INTENTI LUDO EXERCENT.</div> + <div class="verse indent14"><i>Virgil, Æn. VII. 378.</i></div> + <div class="verse indent22"><i>Nov. 1844</i></div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">OF pearies<a id="FNanchor_262" href="#Footnote_262" class="fnanchor">[262]</a> and their origin I sing:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How at the first great Jove the lord of air</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Impelled the planets round the central sun</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Each circling within each, until at last</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The winged Mercury moves in molten fire.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And which of you, ye heavenly deities,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That hear the endless music of the spheres,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Hast given to man the secret of the Top?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Say, was it thou, O Fun, that dost prefer,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Before all temples, liberty and play?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yes, yes, ’twas only thou, thou from the first</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wast present when the Roman children came</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To the smooth pavement, where with heavy lash</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They chased the wooden plaything without end.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_580">[Pg 580]</span></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent2">But not to tell of these is now my task,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nor yet of humming-tops, whose lengthened neck,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With packthread bound, and handle placed above,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Amuses little children. Not of these,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But of the pearie, chief of all his tribe,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Do I now sing. He with a sudden bound</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From out his station in the player’s hand</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Descends like Maia’s son, on one foot poised,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And utters gentle music circling round,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till in the centre of the ring it sleeps.</div> + <div class="verse indent2">When lo, as in the bright blue vault of heaven</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A falcon, towering in his pride of place</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Perceives from far a partridge on the wing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And stoops to seize him, even so comes down</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Another pearie, and as when the sword</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of faithful Abdiel struck the apostate’s crest</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And “sent him reeling back ten paces huge,”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So reeled the former pearie, nor can stand</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The latter’s iron peg, and more come down;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Innumerable hosts of pearies, armed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With dire destructive steel. The players shout;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It is the shout of battle; the loud cry</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of victors rushing to the spoil; the wail</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of ruined boys, their pearie split, and all,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All lost.</div> + <div class="verse indent10">Thus wags this ever-changing world,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And we may morals from the pearie draw.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="nindc space-above2">(NATHALOCUS.)</p> + +<p class="right"><i>Jan. 1845.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="poetry-container">I.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">BLEAK was the pathway and barren the mountain,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">As the traveller passed on his wearisome way;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sealed by the frost was each murmuring fountain,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And the sun shone through mist with a blood-coloured ray.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But neither the road nor the danger together,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Could alter his purpose, nor yet the rough weather;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So on went the wayfarer through the thick heather,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Till he came to the cave where the dread witches stay.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_581">[Pg 581]</span></div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">II.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Hewn from the rock was that cavern so dreary,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And the entrance by bushes was hid from the sight,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But he found his way in, and with travelling weary,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">With joy he beheld in the darkness a light</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And in a recess of that wonderful dwelling,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He heard the strange song of the witch wildly swelling,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In magical numbers unceasingly telling</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The fortunes of kingdoms, the issue of fight.</div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">III.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Up rose the witch as the traveller entered,</div> + <div class="verse indent1">“Welcome,” she said, “and what news from the king;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And why to inquire of me thus has he ventured,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">When he knows that the answer destruction will bring?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sit here and attend.” Then her pale visage turning</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To where the dim lamp in the darkness was burning,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She took up a book of her magical learning,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And prepared in prophetical numbers to sing.</div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">IV.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now she is seated, the curtain is o’er her,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The god is upon her; attend then and hear!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The vapour is rising in volumes before her,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And forms of the future in darkness appear.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Hark, now the god inspiration is bringing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">’Tis not her voice through the cavern is ringing;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">No, for the song her familiar is singing,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And these were the words of the maddening seer.</div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">V.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Slave of the monarch, return to thy master,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Whisper these words in Nathalocus’ ear;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Tell him, from me, that Old Time can fly faster</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Than he is aware, for his death hour is near;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Tell him his fate with the mystery due it,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But let him not know of the hand that shall do it<span class="pagenum" id="Page_582">[Pg 582]</span></div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Tell me, vile witch, or I swear thou shalt rue it!”</div> + <div class="verse indent2">“Thou art the murderer,” answered the seer.</div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">VI.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Am I a dog that I’d do such an action!”</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Answered the chief as in anger he rose,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Would I, ungrateful, be head of a faction.</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And call myself one of Nathalocus’ foes?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“No more,” said the witch, “the enchantment is ended,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I brave not the wrath of the demon offended,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whatever thy fate, ’tis not now to be mended.”</div> + <div class="verse indent2">So the stranger returned through the thick-driving snows.</div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">VII.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">High from his eyrie the eagle was screaming,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Pale sheeted spectres stalked over the heath;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Bright in his mind’s eye a dagger was gleaming,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Waiting the moment to spring from its sheath.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Hoarse croaked the raven that eastward was flying;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Well did he know of the king that was dying;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Down in the river the Kelpie was sighing,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Mourning the king in the water beneath.</div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">VIII.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">His mind was confused with this terrible warning,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Horrible spectres were with him by night;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Still in his sorrow he wished for the morning,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Cursing the day when he first saw the light.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He said in his raving, “The day that she bore me,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Would that my mother in pieces had tore me;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">See there is Nathalocus’ body before me;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Hence, ye vain shadows, depart from my sight!”</div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">IX.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And when from the palace the king sent to meet him,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">To ask what response from the witch he might bear;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When the messenger thought that the strangerwould greet him,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">He answered by nought but a meaningless stare.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_583">[Pg 583]</span></div> + <div class="verse indent0">On his face was a smile, but it was not of gladness,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For all was within inconsolable sadness.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And aye in his eye was the fixt glare of madness,—</div> + <div class="verse indent2">“In the long’s private chamber, I’ll answer him there.”</div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">X.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Tell me, my sovereign, have I been unruly;</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Have I been ever found out of my place;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Have not I followed thee faithfully, truly,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Though danger and death stared me full in the face?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Have I been seen from the enemy flying,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Have I been wanting in danger most trying?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Oh, if I have, judge me worthy of dying,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Let me be covered with shame and disgrace!</div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">XI.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Couldst thou imagine that I should betray thee,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I whom thy bounty with friendship has blessed?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But the witch gave for answer that my hand should slay thee,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">’Tis this that for long has deprived me of rest,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ever since then have my slumbers been broken,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But true are the words that the prophet has spoken,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nathalocus, now receive this as a token,”</div> + <div class="verse indent2">So saying the dagger he plunged in his breast.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">The Death of Sir James, Lord of Douglas.</span></p> + +<p class="nindc"> +<i>Prize Poem</i>, July 1845.<a id="FNanchor_263" href="#Footnote_263" class="fnanchor">[263]</a> <i>Æt.</i> 14.</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Men may weill wyt, thouch nane thaim tell,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How angry for sorow, and how fell,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Is to tyne sic a Lord as he</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To thaim that war off hys mengye.”</div> + <div class="verse indent14">Barbour’s <i>Bruce</i>, B. XX. i. 507.</div> +</div> +</div> +</div> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">WHERE rich Seville’s proud turrets rise</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A foreign ship at anchor lies;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_584">[Pg 584]</span></div> + <div class="verse indent0">The pennons, floating in the air.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Proclaim that one of rank is there—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Douglas, with a gallant band</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of warriors, seeks the Holy Land.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But wherefore now the trumpet’s bray,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The clang of arms and war’s array,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The atabal and martial drum?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Moor—the infidel is come;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And there is Sultan Osmyn—see!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With all his Paynim chivalry;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And they have sworn to glut their steel</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With the best blood of fair Castile.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“And do we here inactive stand?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Douglas cries; “Land! comrades, land!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then for the Christian camp he makes,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When thus Alphonso silence breaks:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“What news from Scotland do you bring;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And where is now your patriot king?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Alas! within this casket lies</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The heart so valiant, good, and wise,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">This to the Holy Land we bear,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For we have sworn to lay it there.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But let us forward to the fight,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And God protect the Christian right!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To whom Alphonso—“Scottish lord,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That now for Spain dost draw that sword,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The terror of thy English foes,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When for her freedom Scotland rose;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With knights like thee and thy brave band</div> + <div class="verse indent0">We’ll drive the Moslem from the land.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Douglas thus his comrades cheers—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Be brave! and as for him that fears,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Let the base coward turn and fly,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For we will gain the day, or die.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How couch the trusty Scottish spear,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And think King Robert’s heart is here,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And boldly charge—already, see</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The dogs of Moslems turn and flee.”</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_585">[Pg 585]</span> + <div class="verse indent0">At the first onset, with the slain</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Those valiant warriors strew the plain;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But, hark! the Allah Hu! the foes</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Rally, and hot the combat grows,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For here the Spaniards yield, and there</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Moors have slain the brave St. Clair.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then, midst the thickest of his foes,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The precious casket Douglas throws—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Pass on before us,” hear him cry,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“For I will follow thee, or die.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He rushes on—but all in vain,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For thicker comes the arrowy rain;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And now, by multitudes opprest,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With many a wound upon his breast.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where ’midst the slain the casket lies,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A noble death the Douglas dies.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +The Vampyre.<a id="FNanchor_264" href="#Footnote_264" class="fnanchor">[264]</a></p> + +<p class="nindc"><i>Compylt into Meeter by James Clerk Maxwell</i> [1845.]</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">THAIR is a knichte rydis through the wood,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And a douchty knichte is hee,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And sure hee is on a message sent,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">He rydis sae hastilie.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Hee passit the aik, and hee passit the birk,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And hee passit monie a tre,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Bot plesant to him was the saugh sae slim,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">For beneath it hee did see</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The boniest ladye that ever he saw,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Scho was sae schyn and fair.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And there scho sat, beneath the saugh,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Kaiming hir gowden hair.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then the knichte—“Oh ladye brichte,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">What chance hes broucht you here,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But say the word, and ye schall gang</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Back to your kindred dear.”<span class="pagenum" id="Page_586">[Pg 586]</span></div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then up and spok the Ladye fair—</div> + <div class="verse indent2">“I have nae friends or kin,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Bot in a littel boat I live,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Amidst the waves’ loud din.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then answered thus the douchty knichte—</div> + <div class="verse indent2">“I’ll follow you through all,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For gin ye bee in a littel boat,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The world to it seemis small.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They gaed through the wood, and through the wood</div> + <div class="verse indent2">To the end of the wood they came:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And when they came to the end of the wood</div> + <div class="verse indent2">They saw the salt sea faem.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then they saw the wee, wee boat,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">That daunced on the top of the wave,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And first got in the ladye fair,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And then the knichte sae brave;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They got into the wee, wee boat,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And rowed wi’ a’ their micht;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When the knichte sae brave, he turnit about,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And lookit at the ladye bricht;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He lookit at her bonie cheik.</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And hee lookit at hir twa bricht eyne,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Bot hir rosie cheik growe ghaistly pale,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And scho seymit as scho deid had been.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The fause fause knichte growe pale wi frichte,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And his hair rose up on end,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For gane-by days cam to his mynde,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And his former luve he kenned.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then spake the ladye,—“Thou, fause knichte,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Hast done to mee much ill,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thou didst forsake me long ago,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Bot I am constant still;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For though I ligg in the woods sae cald,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">At rest I canna bee</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Until I sucke the gude lyfe blude</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Of the man that gart me dee.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Hee saw hir lipps were wet wi’ blude,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And hee saw hir lyfelesse eyne,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_587">[Pg 587]</span></div> + <div class="verse indent0">And loud hee cry’d, “Get frae my syde,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Thou vampyr corps uncleane!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Bot no, hee is in hir magic boat,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And on the wyde wyde sea;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the vampyr suckis his gude lyfe blude,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Sho suckis hym till hee dee.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So now beware, whoe’re you are,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">That walkis in this lone wood;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Beware of that deceitfull spright,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The ghaist that suckis the blude.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">Seventh Ode of the Fourth Book of Horace.</span> 1846.</p> + +<p class="nindc">(<i>In the metre of the original.</i>)</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">ALL the snows have fled, and grass springs up on the meadows,</div> + <div class="verse indent12">And there are leaves on the trees:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Earth has changed her looks, and turbulent rivers decreasing,</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Slowly meander along;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How, with the naked nymphs and her own twin sisters,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Aglaïa</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Gracefully dances in time.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But the Year, and the Hours which hurry along our existence,</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Solemnly warn us to die.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Zephyr removes the frost, and Summer, soon destined to perish,</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Treads in the footsteps of Spring,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">After the joyous reign of Autumn, abounding in apples,</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Shivering Winter returns.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Heavenly waste is repaired by the moon in her quick revolutions,</div> + <div class="verse indent12">But when we go to the grave,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Beside the pious Æneas, and rich old Tullus, and Ancus,</div> + <div class="verse indent12">We are but dust and a shade.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who knows if the gods above have determined whether to-morrow</div> + <div class="verse indent12">We shall be living or dead.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_588">[Pg 588]</span></div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nothing will come to the greedy hands of your spendthrift</div> + <div class="verse indent2">successor</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Which you have given away.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When you are gone to the grave, and Minos, sitting in judgment,</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Utters your terrible doom,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Neither your rank nor your talents will bring you to life, 0</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Torquatus,</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Nor will affection avail;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Even the chaste Hippolytus was not released by Diana</div> + <div class="verse indent12">From the infernal abyss,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nor could Theseus break from his friend the rewards of</div> + <div class="verse indent0">presumption</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Which the stern monarch imposed.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">Hor., Od. III. 9.</span> 1846.</p> + +<p class="nindc">(<i>In the metre of the original.</i>)</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> +<div class="poetry-container"><i>Horace.</i></div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"><span class="allsmcap">While</span> I was your beloved one,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And while no other youth threw his fond arms around</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Your white neck so easily,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Than the King of the world I was far happier.</div> + </div> +<div class="poetry-container"><i>Lydia.</i></div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">While you loved not another one,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">While you did not prefer Chloë to Lydia,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I then thought myself happier</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Than the mother of Rome, great Rhea Silvia.</div> + </div> +<div class="poetry-container"><i>Horace.</i></div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Thracian Chloë now governs me,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She can merrily sing, playing the cithara;</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I’d not scruple to die for her,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">If the Implacable spared Chloë, the auburn haired.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_589">[Pg 589]</span></div> +</div> +<div class="poetry-container"><i>Lydia.</i></div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">I now love and am loved again,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By my Calaïs, son of the old Omytus;</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Twice I’d die for him willingly.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">If the terrible fates spared but my Calaïs.</div> + </div> +<div class="poetry-container"><i>Horace.</i></div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">What if love should return again,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And unite us by ties more indissoluble?</div> + <div class="verse indent2">What if Chloë were cast away,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the long-closèd door open to Lydia?</div> + </div> +<div class="poetry-container"><i>Lydia.</i></div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">My love’s brighter than any star;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">You, too, lighter than cork, tossed on the waves of the</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Hadriatic so terrible;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Still I’d live but with thee, and I could die with thee.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">Horace, Seventh Epode.</span> 1846.</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">WHITHER, whither, reckless Romans,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Are you rushing, sword in hand?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Has not yet the blood of brothers,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Fully stained the sea and land?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Not that raging conflagration</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Should o’er fallen Carthage play;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Not that the unconquered Briton</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Should descend the sacred way.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Rome,” exclaims the joyful Parthian,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">“Ruin for herself prepares;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wolves with wolves are never savage,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Lion lion never tears.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Is this fury? is it madness?</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Speedy answer I demand;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Foolish, blinded, guilty Romans,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Silent, stupefied you stand.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_590">[Pg 590]</span></div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thus ’tis fated, blood of brothers</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Must atone for brothers’ guilt,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Since the blood of injured Remus</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Romulus in anger spilt.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +(<span class="allsmcap">An Onset.</span>) [1848.]</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">HALLO ye, my fellows! arise and advance,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">See the white-crested waves how they stamp and they</div> + <div class="verse indent0">dance!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">High over the reef there in anger and might,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So wildly we dance to the bloody red fight.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Than gather, now gather, come gather ye all,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Each thing that hath legs and arms, come to our call;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Like reeds on the moor when the whirlwinds vie</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Our lances and war-axes darken the sky;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sharp, sharp, as the tooth of the sea-hound and shark,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They’ll tear ye, they’ll split ye, fly lance to the mark,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Home, home to the heart, and thou battle-axe grim,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Split, splintring and shivering through brain-pan and limb;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To-day we ask vengeance, to-day we ask blood,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">We ask it; we’re coming to make our’ words good;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The storm flinches not tho’ the woods choke its path,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">We ask it; we’re coming, beware of our wrath.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At home wives and children a hearth for us lay,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A savoury flesh-feast awaits us to-day;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Behind yonder mountains e’en now the smoke streams,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the blaze of the bush fire crackles and gleams.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Long, long have we hungered and thirsted for you,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At home the dogs bark round the clean table too,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Loud shouting we’ll eat you to-night every one,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Devour you clean to the white sinewy bone.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Rush, rush ye my fellows, rush on them like hail,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Soon, soon shall their roasting your nostrils regale,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The fire is flaring, the oven’s a glow,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Heave to now, hew thro’ now, Holloa, Hollo.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_591">[Pg 591]</span></p> +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +(<span class="allsmcap">Song of the Edinburgh Academician.</span>) [1848.]</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">IF ony here has got an ear,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">He’d better tak’ a haud o’ me,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or I’ll begin, wi’ roarin’ din,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">To cheer our old Academy.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent8">Dear old Academy,</div> + <div class="verse indent8">Queer old Academy,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">A merry lot we were, I wot,</div> + <div class="verse indent8">When at the old Academy.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">There’s some may think me crouse wi’ drink,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And some may think it mad o’ me,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But ither some will gladly come</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And cheer our old Academy.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Some set their hopes on Kings and Popes,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">But, o’ the sons of Adam, he</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was first, without the smallest doubt,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">That built the first Academy.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Let Pedants seek for scraps of Greek,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Their lingo to Macadamize;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Give me the sense, without pretence,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">That comes o’ Scots Academies.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Let scholars all, both grit and small,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Of Learning mourn the sad demise;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That’s as they think, but we will drink</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Good luck to Scots Academies.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">Specimen of Translation from the Ajax of Sophocles.</span> 1852.</p> + +<p class="nindc">(<i>Lines</i> 1192-1222.)</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"><span class="allsmcap">O had</span> he first been swept away,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Through air by wild winds tossed,</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_592">[Pg 592]</span> + <div class="verse indent0">Or sunk from Heaven’s ethereal ray,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">To Pluto’s dreary coast.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who trained the Grecians to the field,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Taught them the sword, the spear to wield,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And steeled the gentle mind!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Hence toil gives birth to toil again,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Hence carnage stains the ensanguined plain,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">For he destroyed mankind.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Nor the brow with chaplets bound,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Breathing balmy odours round,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nor the social glow of soul,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Kindling o’er the generous bowl,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nor the dulcet strain that rings</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Jocund from the sounding strings,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nor endearing love’s delight,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which with rapture fills the night,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Me will he permit to prove,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He, alas! hath murdered love.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But neglected here I lie,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Open to the inclement sky;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And my rough and matted hair</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Drinks the dews of night’s moist air.</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Memorials sad of Troy.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet till now, when pale affright</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Rolled her hideous form through night</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Great in arms, thy shield to oppose,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ajax at his rampire rose,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And my terror was no more.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Now the hero I deplore,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To the gloomy god consigned,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Now, what joy can touch the mind?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">O that on the pine-clad brow,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Darkening o’er the sea below,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where the cliffs of Sunium rise,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Rocky bulwarks to the skies,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I were placed—with sweet address</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sacred Athens would I bless,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And feel a social joy.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_261" href="#FNanchor_261" class="label">[261]</a> +Mr. Theodore Williams, English Master in the Academy.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_262" href="#FNanchor_262" class="label">[262]</a> +See <a href="#Page_51">p. 51.</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_263" href="#FNanchor_263" class="label">[263]</a> +<a href="#Page_69">P. 69.</a></p> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_593">[Pg 593]</span></p> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_264" href="#FNanchor_264" class="label">[264]</a> +<a href="#Page_69">P. 69.</a></p> + +</div> +</div> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="II_OCCASIONAL_PIECES">II. OCCASIONAL PIECES.</h2> +</div> + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">Reflex Musings: +Reflection from Various Surfaces.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>18th April 1853.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">IN the dense entangled street,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Where the web of Trade is weaving,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Forms unknown in crowds I meet</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Much of each and all believing;</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Each his small designs achieving</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Hurries on with restless feet,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">While, through Fancy’s power deceiving,</div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Self</i> in every form I greet.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Oft in yonder rocky dell</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Neath the birches’ shadow seated,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I have watched the darksome well,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Where my stooping form, repeated,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Now advanced and now retreated</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With the spring’s alternate swell,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Till destroyed before completed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As the big drops grew and fell.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">By the hollow mountain-side</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Questions strange I shout for ever,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">While the echoes far and wide</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Seem to mock my vain endeavour;</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Still I shout, for though they never</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Cast my borrowed voice aside,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Words from empty words they sever—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Words of Truth from words of Pride.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Yes, the faces in the crowd,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And the wakened echoes, glancing</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From the mountain, rocky browed,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And the lights in water dancing—</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_594">[Pg 594]</span> + <div class="verse indent2">Each, my wandering sense entrancing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Tells me back my thoughts aloud,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">All the joys of Truth enhancing</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Crushing all that makes me proud.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">A Student’s Evening Hymn.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Cambridge, April 25, 1853.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="poetry-container">I.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">NOW no more the slanting rays</div> + <div class="verse indent2">With the mountain summits dally,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Now no more in crimson blaze</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Evening’s fleecy cloudlets rally,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Soon shall Night from off the valley</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sweep that bright yet earthly haze,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the stars most musically</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Move in endless rounds of praise.</div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">II.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">While the world is growing dim,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And the Sun is slow descending</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Past the far horizon’s rim,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Earth’s low sky to heaven extending,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Let my feeble earth-notes, blending</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With the songs of cherubim,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Through the same expanse ascending,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thus renew my evening hymn.</div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">III.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Thou that fill’st our waiting eyes</div> + <div class="verse indent2">With the food of contemplation,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Setting in thy darkened skies</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Signs of infinite creation,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Grant to nightly meditation</div> + <div class="verse indent0">What the toilsome day denies—</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Teach me in this earthly station</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Heavenly Truth to realise.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_595">[Pg 595]</span></div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">IV.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Give me wisdom so to use</div> + <div class="verse indent2">These brief hours of thoughtful leisure,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That I may no instant lose</div> + <div class="verse indent2">In mere meditative pleasure,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">But with strictest justice measure</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All the ends my life pursues,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Lies to crush and truths to treasure,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wrong to shun and Right to choose.</div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">V.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then, when unexpected Sleep,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">O’er my long-closed eyelids stealing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Opens up that lower deep</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Where Existence has no feeling,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">May sweet Calm, my languor healing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lend me strength at dawn to reap</div> + <div class="verse indent2">All that Shadows, world-concealing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For the bold enquirer keep.</div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">VI.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Through the creatures Thou hast made</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Show the brightness of Thy glory,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Be eternal Truth displayed</div> + <div class="verse indent2">In their substance transitory,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Till green Earth and Ocean hoary,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Massy rock and tender blade</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Tell the same unending story—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“We are Truth in Form arrayed.”</div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">VII.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">When to study I retire,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And from books of ancient sages</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Glean fresh sparks of buried fire</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Lurking in their ample pages—</div> + <div class="verse indent2">While the task my mind engages</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Let old words new truths inspire—</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Truths that to all after-ages</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Prompt the Thoughts that never tire.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_596">[Pg 596]</span></div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">VIII.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet if, led by shadows fair</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I have uttered words of folly,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Let the kind absorbing air</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Stifle every sound unholy.</div> + <div class="verse indent2">So when Saints with Angels lowly</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Join in heaven’s unceasing prayer,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Mine as certainly, though slowly,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">May ascend and mingle there.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="nindc"><i>Two stanzas omitted, the Author knows where, but not +to be inserted till he knows how.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Teach me so Thy works to read</div> + <div class="verse indent2">That my faith,—new strength accruing,—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">May from world to world proceed,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Wisdom’s fruitful search pursuing;</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Till, thy truth my mind imbuing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I proclaim the Eternal Creed,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Oft the glorious theme renewing</div> + <div class="verse indent0">God our Lord is God indeed.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Give me love aright to trace</div> + <div class="verse indent2"><i>Thine</i> to everything created,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Preaching to a ransomed race</div> + <div class="verse indent2">By Thy mercy renovated,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Till with all thy fulness sated</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I behold thee face to face</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And with Ardour unabated</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sing the glories of thy grace.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +(<span class="allsmcap">On St. David’s Day.</span><a id="FNanchor_265" href="#Footnote_265" class="fnanchor">[265]</a> <span class="allsmcap">To Mrs. E. C. Morrieson.</span>)</p> + +<p class="right"><i>1st March 1854.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">’TWAS not chance but deep design,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Tho’ of whom I can’t divine</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Made the courtly Valentine</div> + <div class="verse indent4">(Corpulent saint and bishop)<span class="pagenum" id="Page_597">[Pg 597]</span></div> + <div class="verse indent0">Such a time with Bob to stay:—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Let me now in bardish way</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On your own St. David’s day</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Toss you a simple dish up.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">’Tis a tale we learnt at school,—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Oft we broke domestic rule,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Standing till our brows were cool</div> + <div class="verse indent4">In the forbidden lobby.<a id="FNanchor_266" href="#Footnote_266" class="fnanchor">[266]</a></div> + <div class="verse indent0">There we talked and there we laughed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till the townsfolk thought us daft,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">What of that? a thorough draft</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Was and is still my hobby.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">To my tale: In ancient days,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ere men left the good old ways,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lived a lady whose just praise</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Passes all fancied glory.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Rich was she in field and store,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Richer in the sons she bore,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How could she be honoured more?</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Listen and hear the story.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">On a high and festive day</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When the chariots bright and gay</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To the temple far away</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Passed in majestic order,—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When the hour was nigh at hand,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She who should have led the band</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Found no oxen at command,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Searching through all her border.<a id="FNanchor_267" href="#Footnote_267" class="fnanchor">[267]</a></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then her two sons brave and strong</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Girt their limbs with band and thong,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And before the wondering throng</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Drew their exulting mother.</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_598">[Pg 598]</span> + <div class="verse indent0">Swift and steady, on they came;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At the temple loud acclaim</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Greeted that illustrious dame,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Blest above every other.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then, while triumph filled her breast,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Loud she prayed above the rest,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Give my sons whatever best</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Man may receive from heaven.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To the shrine the brothers stept,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Low they bowed, they sunk, they slept,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Stillness o’er their brave limbs crept:—</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Rest was the guerdon given.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Such the simple story told,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By a sage renowned of old,<a id="FNanchor_268" href="#Footnote_268" class="fnanchor">[268]</a></div> + <div class="verse indent0">To a king<a id="FNanchor_269" href="#Footnote_269" class="fnanchor">[269]</a> whose fabled gold</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Could not procure him learning.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Heathen was the sage indeed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet his tale we gladly read,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thro’ his dark and doubtful creed</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Glimpses of Truth discerning.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">How no more the altar’s blaze</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Glares athwart our worldly haze,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Warning men how evil ways</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Lead to just tribulation.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How no more the temple stands.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Pointing out to godless lands</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That which is not made with hands,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Even the whole Creation.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Ask no more, then, “what is best,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How shall those you love be blest,”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ask at once, eternal Rest,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Peace and assurance giving.</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_599">[Pg 599]</span> + <div class="verse indent0">Rest of Life and not of death,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Rest in Love and Hope and Faith,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till the God who gives their breath</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Calls them to rest from living.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">Recollections of Dreamland.</span></p> + +<p class="right"> +<i>Cambridge, June? 1856.</i><a id="FNanchor_270" href="#Footnote_270" class="fnanchor">[270]</a></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">ROUSE ye! torpid daylight-dreamers, cast yonr carking cares</div> + <div class="verse indent4">away!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As calm air to troubled water, so my night is to your day;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All the dreary day you labour, groping after common sense,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And your eyes ye will not open on the night’s magnificence.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ye would scoff were I to tell you how a guiding radiance</div> + <div class="verse indent4">gleams</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On the outer world of action from my inner world of dreams.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">When, with mind released from study, late I lay me down</div> + <div class="verse indent4">to sleep,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From the midst of facts and figures, into boundless space I</div> + <div class="verse indent4">leap;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For the inner world grows wider as the outer disappears,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the soul, retiring inward, finds itself beyond the spheres.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then, to this unbroken sameness, some fantastic dream</div> + <div class="verse indent4">succeeds,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Vague emotions rise and ripen into thoughts and words and</div> + <div class="verse indent4">deeds.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Old impressions, long forgotten, range themselves in Time</div> + <div class="verse indent4">and Space,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till I recollect the features of some once familiar place.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then from valley into valley in my dreaming course I roam,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till the wanderings of my fancy end, where they began, at</div> + <div class="verse indent4">home.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Calm it lies in morning twilight, while each streamlet far</div> + <div class="verse indent0">and wide</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Still retains its hazy mantle, borrowed from the mountain’s</div> + <div class="verse indent4">side;</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_600">[Pg 600]</span> + <div class="verse indent0">Every knoll is now an island, every wooded bank a shore,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To the lake of quiet vapour that has spread the valley o'er.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sheep are couched on every hillock, waiting till the morning</div> + <div class="verse indent4">dawns,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Hares are on their early rambles, limping o’er the dewy</div> + <div class="verse indent4">lawns.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All within the house is silent, darkened all the chambers</div> + <div class="verse indent4">seem,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As with noiseless step I enter, gliding onwards in my</div> + <div class="verse indent4">dream.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">What! has Time run out his cycle, do the years return</div> + <div class="verse indent4">again?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Are there treasure-caves in Dreamland where departed days</div> + <div class="verse indent4">remain?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I have leapt the bars of distance—left the life that late I</div> + <div class="verse indent4">led—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I remember years and labours as a tale that I have read;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet my heart is hot within me, for I feel the gentle power</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of the spirits that still love me, waiting for this sacred hour.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yes,—I know the forms that meet me are but phantoms of</div> + <div class="verse indent4">the brain,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For they walk in mortal bodies, and they have not ceased</div> + <div class="verse indent4">from pain.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Oh! those signs of human weakness, left behind for ever</div> + <div class="verse indent4">now,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Dearer far to me than glories round a fancied seraph’s brow.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Oh! the old familiar voices! Oh! the patient waiting eyes!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Let me live with them in dreamland, while the world in</div> + <div class="verse indent4">slumber lies!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For by bonds of sacred honour will they guard my soul in</div> + <div class="verse indent4">sleep</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From the spells of aimless fancies, that around my senses</div> + <div class="verse indent4">creep.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They will link the past and present into one continuous life,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">While I feel their hope, their patience, nerve me for the</div> + <div class="verse indent4">daily strife.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_601">[Pg 601]</span></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">For it is not all a fancy that our lives and theirs are one,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And we know that all we see is but an endless work begun.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Part is left in Nature’s keeping, part is entered into rest,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Part remains to grow and ripen, hidden in some living breast.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">What is ours we know not, either when we wake or when</div> + <div class="verse indent4">we sleep,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But we know that Love and Honour, day and night, are ours</div> + <div class="verse indent4">to keep.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">What though Dreams be wandering fancies, by some lawless</div> + <div class="verse indent4">force entwined,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Empty bubbles, floating upwards through the current of the</div> + <div class="verse indent4">mind?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There are powers and thoughts within us, that we know not,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">till they rise</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Through the stream of conscious action from where Self in</div> + <div class="verse indent4">secret lies.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But when Will and Sense are silent, by the thoughts that</div> + <div class="verse indent4">come and go,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">We may trace the rocks and eddies in the hidden depths</div> + <div class="verse indent4">below.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Let me dream my dream till morning; let my mind run slow</div> + <div class="verse indent4">and clear,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Free from all the world’s distraction, feeling that the Dead</div> + <div class="verse indent4">are near,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Let me wake, and see my duty lie before me straight and</div> + <div class="verse indent4">plain.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Let me rise refreshed, and ready to begin my work again.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">To the Air of “Lörelei.”</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Aberdeen, January 1858.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="poetry-container">I.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">ALONE on a hillside of heather,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I lay with dark thoughts in my mind,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the midst of the beautiful weather</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I was deaf, I was dumb, I was blind.</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_602">[Pg 602]</span> + <div class="verse indent0">I knew not the glories around me,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I counted the world as it seems,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till a spirit of melody found me,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And taught me in visions and dreams.</div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">II.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">For the sound of a chorus of voices</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Came gathering up from below,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And I heard how all Nature rejoices,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And moves with a musical flow.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">O strange! we are lost in delusion,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Our ways and doings are wrong,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">We are drowning in<a id="FNanchor_271" href="#Footnote_271" class="fnanchor">[271]</a> wilful confusion,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The notes of that<a id="FNanchor_272" href="#Footnote_272" class="fnanchor">[272]</a> wonderful song.</div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">III.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">But listen, what harmony holy</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Is mingling its notes with our own!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The discord is vanishing slowly,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And melts in that dominant tone.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And they that have heard it can never</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Return to confusion again,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Their voices are music for ever,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And join in the mystical strain.</div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">IV.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">No mortal can<a id="FNanchor_273" href="#Footnote_273" class="fnanchor">[273]</a> utter the beauty</div> + <div class="verse indent2">That dwells<a id="FNanchor_274" href="#Footnote_274" class="fnanchor">[274]</a> in the song that they sing;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They move in the pathway of duty,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">They follow the steps of their King.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I would barter the world and its glory,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">That vision of joy to prolong,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or to hear and remember the story</div> + <div class="verse indent2">That lies in the heart of their song.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_603">[Pg 603]</span></p> + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">“I’ve heard the rushing.”</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Aberdeen, 1858.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">I’VE heard the rushing of mountain torrents, gushing</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Down through the rocks, in a cataract of spray,</div> + <div class="verse indent8">Onward to the ocean;</div> + <div class="verse indent8">Swift seemed their motion,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Till, lost in the desert, they dwindled away.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">I’ve learnt the story of all human glory,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I’ve felt high resolves growing weaker every day,</div> + <div class="verse indent8">Till cares, springing round me,</div> + <div class="verse indent8">With creeping tendrils bound me,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And all I once hoped for was wearing fast away.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">I’ve seen the river rolling on for ever,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Silent and strong, without tumult or display.</div> + <div class="verse indent8">In the desert arid,</div> + <div class="verse indent8">Its waters never tarried,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Till far out at sea we still found them on their way.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now no more weary we faint in deserts dreary,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Toiling alone till the closing of the day;</div> + <div class="verse indent8">All now is righted,</div> + <div class="verse indent8">Our souls flow on united,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Till the years and their sorrows have all died away.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">“Will you come along with me?</span>”</p> + +<p class="right"><i>Aberdeen, 1858.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="poetry-container">I.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">WILL you come along with me.</div> + <div class="verse indent2">In the fresh spring-tide,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">My comforter to be</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Through the world so wide?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Will you come and learn the ways</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A student spends his days,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">On the bonny, bonny braes</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Of our ain burnside?<span class="pagenum" id="Page_604">[Pg 604]</span></div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">II.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">For the lambs will soon be here,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">In the fresh spring-tide;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As lambs come every year</div> + <div class="verse indent2">On our ain burnside.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Poor things, they will not stay,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But we will keep the day</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When first we saw them play</div> + <div class="verse indent2">On our ain burnside.</div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">III.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">We will watch the budding trees</div> + <div class="verse indent2">In the fresh spring-tide,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">While the murmurs of the breeze</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Through the branches glide.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where the mavis builds her nest,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And finds both work and rest,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In the bush she loves the best,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">On our ain burnside.</div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">IV.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And the life we then shall lead</div> + <div class="verse indent2">In the fresh spring-tide,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Will make thee mine indeed,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Though the world be wide.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">No stranger’s blame or praise</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Shall turn us from the ways</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That brought us happy days</div> + <div class="verse indent2">On our ain burnside.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +“<span class="allsmcap">Why, when our sun shines clearest.</span>”</p> + +<p class="right"><i>1858.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">WHY, when our sun shines clearest,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Why, when our hopes seem nearest,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Why, when our life feels dearest,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Rises a secret pain—</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_605">[Pg 605]</span> + <div class="verse indent0">Hope’s perfect mirror broken—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Shadows of things unspoken—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Why will not some sure token</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Calm us to rest again?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Mixed with all earthly blessing</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Lingers the fear distressing—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Conscience within confessing</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Nothing of ours is pure.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Still must such thoughts upbraid us,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Seeking our own to aid us;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">God, not ourselves, hath made us;</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Trusting in Him we’re sure.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Thus, from our sorrows gleaning</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thoughts of the world’s deep meaning,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Let us rejoice while leaning</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Firm on our Father’s arm.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Now are we one for ever,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Joined so that none may sever,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Souls, so united, never</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Faint through mischance or harm.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">To K. M. D.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Aberdeen, 1858.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">IN the buds, before they burst,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Leaves and flowers are moulded;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Closely pressed they lie at first,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Exquisitely folded.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Though no hope of change they felt,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Folded hard together,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Soon their sap begins to melt</div> + <div class="verse indent2">In the warmer weather.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Till, when Life returns with Spring,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Through them softly stealing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All their freshness forth they fling,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Hidden forms revealing.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_606">[Pg 606]</span></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Who can fold those flowers again,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">In the way he found them?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or those spreading leaves restrain,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">In the buds that bound them?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Trust me, Spring is very near,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">All the buds are swelling;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All the glory of the year</div> + <div class="verse indent2">In those buds is dwelling.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">What the opened buds reveal</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Tells us—Life is flowing;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">What the buds, still shut, conceal,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">We shall end in knowing.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Long I lingered in the bud,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Doubting of the season,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Winter’s cold had chilled my blood—</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I was ripe for treason.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Now no more I doubt or wait,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">All my fears are vanished,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Summer’s coming, dear, though late,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Fogs and frosts are banished.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +Tune, <i>Il Segreto per esser felice</i>.</p> + +<p class="right"><i>24th March 1858.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="poetry-container">I.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">THERE are some folks that say,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They have found out a way,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">To be healthy and wealthy and wise—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Let your thoughts be but few,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Do as other folk do,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">And never be caught by surprise.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Let your motto be—Follow the fashion,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">But let other people alone;</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_607">[Pg 607]</span> + <div class="verse indent0">Do not love them, nor hate them, nor care for their fate,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">But keep a look out for your own.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then what though the world may run riot,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Still playing at catch who catch can;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">You may just eat your dinner in quiet,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And live like a sensible man.”</div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">II.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">’Twere a beautiful thing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thus to sit like a king,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">And talk of the world turning round,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">If it were not that we,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Like all things that we see,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Are standing on moveable ground.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">While we boast of our tranquil enjoyments,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The means of enjoyment are flown,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Both our joys and our pains, till there’s nothing remains,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">But the tranquil repose of a stone.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The world may be utterly crazy,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And life may be labour in vain;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But I’d rather be silly than lazy,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And would not quit life for its pain.</div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">III.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">In Nature I read</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Quite a different creed,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">There everything lives in the rest;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Each feels the same force,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As it moves in its course,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">And all by one blessing are blest.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The end that we live for is single,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">But we labour not therefore alone,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For together we feel how by wheel within wheel,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">We are helped by a force not our own.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So we flee not the world and its dangers,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">For He that has made it is wise,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He knows we are pilgrims and strangers.</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And He will enlighten our eyes.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_608">[Pg 608]</span></p> + +<p class="nindc space-above2">(<span class="allsmcap">To his Wife.</span>)</p> + +<p class="right"><i>1858.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"><span class="allsmcap">Oft</span> in the night, from this lone room</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I long to fly o’er land and sea,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To pierce the dark, dividing gloom,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And join myself to thee.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And thou to me wouldst gladly fly,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I know thee well, my own true wife!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">We feel, that when we live not nigh,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">We lose the crown of life.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet soon I hope, at dead of night,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">To meet where all is strange beside,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And mid the train’s resounding flight</div> + <div class="verse indent2">To have thee by my side.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then shall I feel that thou art near,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Joined hand to hand and soul to soul;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Short will that happy night appear,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">As through the dark we roll.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then shall the secret of the will,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">That dares not enter into bliss;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That longs for love, yet lingers still,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Be solved in one long kiss.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">I, drinking deep of thy rich love,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Thou feeling all the strength of mine,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Our souls will rise in faith above</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The cares which make us pine.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Till I give thee, thou giving me,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">As that which either loves the best,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To Him that loved us both, that He</div> + <div class="verse indent2">May take us to His rest.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_609">[Pg 609]</span></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Wandering and weak are all our prayers,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And fleeting half the gifts we crave;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Love only, cleansed from sins and cares,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Shall live beyond the grave.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Strengthen our love, O Lord, that we</div> + <div class="verse indent2">May in Thine own great love believe</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, opening all our soul to Thee,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">May Thy free gift receive.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">All powers of mind, all force of will,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">May lie in dust when we are dead,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But love is ours, and shall be still,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">When earth and seas are fled.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_265" href="#FNanchor_265" class="label">[265]</a> +See <a href="#Page_207">p. 207.</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_266" href="#FNanchor_266" class="label">[266]</a> +<a href="#Page_68">P. 68.</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_267" href="#FNanchor_267" class="label">[267]</a> +Herodotus, i. 31.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_268" href="#FNanchor_268" class="label">[268]</a> +Solon.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_269" href="#FNanchor_269" class="label">[269]</a> +Crœsus.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_270" href="#FNanchor_270" class="label">[270]</a> +See <a href="#Page_249">p. 249.</a></p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_271" href="#FNanchor_271" class="label">[271]</a> +<i>v.r.</i> marring with.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_272" href="#FNanchor_272" class="label">[272]</a> +<i>v.r.</i> the.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_273" href="#FNanchor_273" class="label">[273]</a> +<i>v.r.</i> may.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_274" href="#FNanchor_274" class="label">[274]</a> +<i>v.r.</i> breathes through.</p> + +</div> +</div> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="III_SERIO-COMIC_VERSE">III. SERIO-COMIC VERSE.</h2> +</div> + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +“<span class="allsmcap">Numa Pompilius.</span>”</p> + +<p class="nindc"><i>A Lay of Ancient Rome.</i></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Junior Sophs' Exam.,<br> +Cambridge, December 1851.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">O WELL is thee! King Numa,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Within thy secret cave,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where thy bones are ever moistened</div> + <div class="verse indent2">By sad Egeria’s wave;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">None now have power to pilfer</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The treasure of thy tomb,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And reveal the institutions</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And secret Rites of Rome.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">O blessed be the Senate</div> + <div class="verse indent2">That stowed those books away,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Curst be the attempt of Niebuhr</div> + <div class="verse indent2">To drag them into day;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Light be the pressure, Numa,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Around thy watery bed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">May no perplexing problems</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Infest thy kingly head!<span class="pagenum" id="Page_610">[Pg 610]</span></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">As thus I blessed King Numa</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And struggled hard with sleep,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I felt unwonted chillness</div> + <div class="verse indent2">O’er all my members creep;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Before mine eyes in fragments</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The fireplace seemed to roll,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The chillness left my body</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And slid into my soul.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Deep in Egeria’s grotto</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I saw the darksome well;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I slowly sunk to Numa,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">But <i>why</i> I cannot tell.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“What! Livest thou still, old Sabine,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">With thy mysterious wife?”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Yes, here beneath the surface,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">We lead a torpid life.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But little think the Critics</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Who nullify old Rome,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That in these benumbing waters</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I always lived at home.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Never was I a Sabine,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Or lived like men above;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">No mortal wight was Numa,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Who quelled the fear of Jove.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Before my day the Romans</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Served gods of wood and stone,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But what each man had fashioned</div> + <div class="verse indent2">That worshipped he alone;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With care he saved the silver,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">With pains the mould designed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He loved and feared the offspring</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Of his pocket and his mind.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To him he went for counsel</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And then to Common Sense;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When both of these had failed him</div> + <div class="verse indent2">He took to tossing pence;</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_611">[Pg 611]</span> + <div class="verse indent0">But I forbade all tossing,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Made men enquire of beasts,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Pulled down all private idols</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And set up public priests.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">‘Birds, too,’ said I, 'are holy,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">They show us things to come,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They have more subtle spirits</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Than wooden idols dumb.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">No longer burn your incense</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Before your private shrine,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">My Vestals are most careful</div> + <div class="verse indent2">To feed the flame divine;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Dismiss all fear of idols,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Of demons, and of gods,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">My Augurs will protect you</div> + <div class="verse indent2">With their long crooked rods.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">(With such the careful shepherd</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Drags lambs from ditches deep;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With such he points to heaven</div> + <div class="verse indent2">When they are fast asleep.)</div> + <div class="verse indent0">O, trust me, those same Augurs</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Know more about the stars</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Than you whose only business</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Is everlasting wars.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How can you be religious,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">How can they work for bread?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">You sinners must be shriven,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">My Augurs must be fed.</div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>You know</i> dividing labour</div> + <div class="verse indent2">To nations riches brings,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So let my Augurs shrive you</div> + <div class="verse indent2">While you mind earthly things.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Your case I’ve set before you,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">You see the thing to do,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">If you fork out the needful,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">They do your job for you.'</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With this and other speeches</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I brought the people round,</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_612">[Pg 612]</span> + <div class="verse indent0">Till not a single Roman</div> + <div class="verse indent2">In Jove’s house can be found.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For well he knows each evening</div> + <div class="verse indent2">When hells in steeples toll,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">’Tis a sign that well-paid Augurs</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Are helping on his soul.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">’Twas this that kept ’em quiet</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Through all my fabled reign,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till quarrelsome young Tullus</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Brought battles back again.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thus my cold-blooded doctrines</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The fear of Jove could quell,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wonder not then to find me</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Alive here in a well.”</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">A Vision</span></p> + +<p class="nindc"> +<i>Of a Wrangler, of a University, of Pedantry, and of Philosophy.</i></p> + +<p class="right"><i>10th November 1852.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">DEEP St. Mary’s bell had sounded,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the twelve notes gently rounded</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Endless chimneys that surrounded</div> + <div class="verse indent12">My abode in Trinity.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">(Letter G, Old Court, South Attics),</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I shut up my mathematics,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That confounded hydrostatics—</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Sink it in the deepest sea!</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">In the grate the flickering embers</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Served to show how dull November’s</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Fogs had stamped my torpid members,</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Like a plucked and skinny goose.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And as I prepared for bed, I</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Asked myself with voice unsteady,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">If of all the stuff I read, I</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Ever made the slightest use.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_613">[Pg 613]</span></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Late to bed and early rising,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ever luxury despising,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ever training, never “sizing,”</div> + <div class="verse indent12">I have suffered with the rest.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yellow cheek and forehead ruddy,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Memory confused and muddy,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">These are the effects of study</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Of a subject so unblest.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Look beyond, and see the wrangler,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Now become a College dangler,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Court some spiritual angler,</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Nibbling at his golden bait.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Hear him silence restive Reason,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Her advice is out of season,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">While her lord is plotting treason</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Gainst himself, and Church or State,</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">See him next with place and pension,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the very best intention</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of upholding that Convention</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Under which his fortunes rose.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Every scruple is rejected,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With his cherished schemes connected,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Higher Powers may be neglected—</div> + <div class="verse indent12"><i>His</i> result no further goes.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Much he lauds the education</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which has raised to lofty station,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Men, whose powers of calculation</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Calculation’s self defied.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How the learned fool would wonder</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Were he now to see his blunder,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When he put his reason under</div> + <div class="verse indent12">The control of worldly Pride.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Thus I muttered, very seedy,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Husky was my throat, and reedy;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And no wonder, for indeed I</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Now had caught a dreadful cold.</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_614">[Pg 614]</span> + <div class="verse indent0">Thickest fog had settled slowly</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Bound the candle, burning lowly,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Bound the fire, where melancholy</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Traced retreating hills of gold.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Still those papers lay before me—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Problems made express to bore me,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When a silent change came o’er me,</div> + <div class="verse indent12">In my hard uneasy chair.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Fire and fog, and candle faded,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Spectral forms the room invaded,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Little creatures, that paraded</div> + <div class="verse indent12">On the problems lying there.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Fathers there, of every college,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Led the glorious ranks of knowledge,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Men, whose virtues all acknowledge</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Levied the proctorial fines;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There the modest Moderators,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Set apart as arbitrators</div> + <div class="verse indent0">’Twixt contending calculators,</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Scrutinised the trembling lines.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">All the costly apparatus,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That is meant to elevate us</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To the intellectual status</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Necessary for degrees—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">College tutors—private coaches—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Line the Senate-house approaches.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">If our Alma Mater dote, she’s</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Taken care of well by these.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Much I doubted if the vision</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Were the simple repetition</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of the statements of Commission,</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Strangely jumbled, oddly placed.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When an awful form ascended,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And with cruel words defended</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Those abuses that offended</div> + <div class="verse indent12">My unsanctioned private taste.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_615">[Pg 615]</span></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Angular in form and feature,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Unlike any earthly creature,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She had properties to meet your</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Eye whatever you might view.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Hair of pens and skin of paper;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Breath, not breath but chemic vapour;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Dress,—such dress as College Draper</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Fashions with precision due.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Eyes of glass, with optic axes</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Twisting rays of light as flax is</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Twisted, while the Parallax is</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Made to show the real size.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Primary and secondary</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Focal lines in planes contrary,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sum up all that’s known to vary</div> + <div class="verse indent12">In those dull, unmeaning eyes.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Such the eyes, through which all Nature</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Seems reduced to meaner stature.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">If you had them you would hate your</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Symbolising sense of sight.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Seeing planets in their courses</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thick beset with arrowy “forces,”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">While the common eye no more sees</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Than their mild and quiet light.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Son,” she said (what could be queerer</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Than thus tete-à-tete to hear her</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Talk, in tones approaching nearer</div> + <div class="verse indent12">To a saw’s than aught beside?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For the voice the spectre spoke in</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Might be known by many a token</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To proceed from metal, broken</div> + <div class="verse indent12">When acoustic tricks were tried.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Little pleased to hear the Siren</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Own” me thus with voice of iron,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I had thoughts of just retiring</div> + <div class="verse indent12">From a mother such a fright).<span class="pagenum" id="Page_616">[Pg 616]</span></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“No,” she said, “the time is pressing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So before I give my blessing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I’ll excuse you from confessing</div> + <div class="verse indent12">What you thought of me to-night.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Powers!” she cried, with hoarse devotion,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Give my son the clearest notion</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How to compass sure promotion,</div> + <div class="verse indent12">And take care of Number One.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Let his college course be pleasant,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Let him ever, as at present,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Seem to have read what he hasn’t,</div> + <div class="verse indent12">And to do what can’t be done.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Of the Philosophic Spirit</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Richly may my son inherit;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As for Poetry, inter it</div> + <div class="verse indent12">With the myths of other days.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Cut the thing entirely, lest yon</div> + <div class="verse indent0">College Don should put the question,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Why not stick to what you’re best on?</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Mathematics always pays.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">As the Hag was thus proceeding</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To prescribe my course of reading,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And as I was faintly pleading,</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Hardly knowing what to say,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Suddenly, my head inclining</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I beheld a light form shining;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the withered beldam, whining,</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Saw the same and slunk away.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the vision, growing brighter,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Seemed to make my garret lighter;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As when noisome fogs of night are</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Scattered by the rising sun.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nearer still it grew and nearer,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till my straining eyes caught clearer</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Glimpses of a being dearer,</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Dearer still than Number One.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_617">[Pg 617]</span></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">In that well-remembered Vision</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I was led to the decision</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Still to hold in calm derision</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Pedantry, however draped;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Since that artificial spectre</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Proved a paltry sub-collector,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And had nothing to connect her</div> + <div class="verse indent12">With the being whom she aped.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">I could never finish telling</div> + <div class="verse indent0">You of her that has her dwelling</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where those springs of truth are welling,</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Whence all streams of beauty run.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">She has taught me that creation</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Bears the test of calculation,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But that Man forgets his station</div> + <div class="verse indent12">If he stops when that is done.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Is our algebra the measure</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of that unexhausted treasure</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That affords the purest pleasure,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ever found when it is sought?</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Let us rather, realising</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The conclusions thence arising</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nature more than symbols prizing,</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Learn to worship as we ought.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Worship? Yes, what worship better</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Than when free’d from every fetter</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That the uninforming letter</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Rivets on the tortured mind,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Man, with silent admiration</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sees the glories of Creation,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And, in holy contemplation,</div> + <div class="verse indent12">Leaves the learned crowd behind!</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_618">[Pg 618]</span></p> + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">TO F. W. F.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>6th April 1853.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">FARRAR, when o’er Goodwin’s page</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Late I found thee poring,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From the hydrostatic Sage</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Leaky Memory storing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or when groaning yesterday</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Needlessly distracted</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By some bright erratic ray.</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Through a sphere refracted,—</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then the quick words, oft suppressed,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">In my fauces fluttered;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thoughts not yet in language drest</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Pleasing to be uttered.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">He that neatly gilds the pill</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Hides the drug but vainly,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So, in chance-sown words, I will</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Speak the matter plainly.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Men there are, whose patient minds,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">In one object centred,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Wait, till through their darkened blinds</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Truth has burst and entered.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then, that ray so barely caught</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Joyfully absorbing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They behold the realms of Thought</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Into Science orbing.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Thus they wait, and thus they toil,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Thus they end in knowing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Like good seed in kindly soil</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Taking root and growing.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Men there are whose ambient souls,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">In rapt Intuition,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Seize Creation as it rolls,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Whole, without partition.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_619">[Pg 619]</span></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Not for them the darkened room,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Lens, and perforation;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Enemies are they to gloom,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Foes to Insulation.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Theirs the light of perfect Day,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Theirs the sense of Freedom;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Dungeons, and the tortured ray,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Serve for those that need ’em.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Song to them of right belongs,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Eloquently flowing;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sweeping down time-honoured wrongs,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Surging, burning, glowing.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Songs in which all hearts rejoice,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Songs of ancient story;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Songs that fill a People’s voice</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Marching on to glory.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Thus they live, and thus they love,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Thus they soar in singing;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Like glad larks in heaven above,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Dazzling courses winging—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Here, I prithee, turn thy mind</div> + <div class="verse indent2">To a little fable</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of the fledged and rooted kind,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Bird and vegetable.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Pensive in his lowly nest</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Once a Lark was lying;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Often did he heave his breast</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Querulously sighing.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For he saw with envious eyes,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Pampered vegetation—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Cabbages of goodly size,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Swoll’n with emulation.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Till their self-infolded green</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Tight crammed, wide distended,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Seemed in sphered pomp to mean</div> + <div class="verse indent2">All that it pretended.</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_620">[Pg 620]</span> + <div class="verse indent0">Long he sought to win their place</div> + <div class="verse indent2">In the Gardener’s favour;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Well he caught the silent grace</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Of a plant’s behaviour.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">All was useless, he confest,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Earth for him unsuited;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Terror seized upon him, lest</div> + <div class="verse indent2">He should there be rooted.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Cabbages are cabbages,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Larks are larks,” he muttered;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then, light springing in the breeze,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Through the sky he fluttered.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Farrar, mark my fable well,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Fling away Ambition;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By that sin the angels fell</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Into black perdition.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Cut the Calculus, and stop</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Paths that lead to error;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Think—below the Junior Op.,<a id="FNanchor_275" href="#Footnote_275" class="fnanchor">[275]</a></div> + <div class="verse indent2">Gapes the Gulph’s grim terror.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_621">[Pg 621]</span></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then your Mathematic wings,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Plucked from off your shoulder,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Will express what Horace sings</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Of that rash youth, bolder</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Than his waxen wings allowed,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Or his cautious father.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Fall not <i>thou</i> from out thy cloud</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Algebraic, rather</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Try the Poll, for none but fools,—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Fools, I mean, at College,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Reach the earth between two stools,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Triposes of Knowledge.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Better in poetic rage</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sing, through heaven soaring,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Than disfigure Goodwin’s page</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By incessant poring.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">Reply to the above, by F. W. F.</span></p> + + +<p class="nindc">“<i>Te quoque vatem dicunt pastores.</i>”—Virgil.</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">O MAXWELL, if by reason’s strength</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And studying of Babbage,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">You have transformed yourself at length</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Into a mental cabbage;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And if I’ve proved myself a lark</div> + <div class="verse indent2">At morn and blushing even,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By soaring like a music-spark</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Thro’ sapphire fields of Heaven,</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_622">[Pg 622]</span> + <div class="verse indent0">Our diverse fates are now reversed</div> + <div class="verse indent2">By strange metempsychosis,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Into a cabbage I have burst</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And scorn poetic posies;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But you a lark with twinkling wings</div> + <div class="verse indent2">O’er violet-banks are soaring;</div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Your</i> voice the dewy rose-cloud rings</div> + <div class="verse indent2">While Statics me are boring.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet <i>cabbage</i> as I will—on earth</div> + <div class="verse indent2">My roots I cannot anchor,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For at my mathematic birth</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Was also born a canker!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It soon will gnaw my roots away—</div> + <div class="verse indent2">But when I weigh a choenix</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I’ll freely soar to realms of day</div> + <div class="verse indent2">An emerald cabbage-Phœnix.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then talk not of the Poll to me,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I hate, detest, and scorn it;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I am as earnest as a bee,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">But savage as a hornet.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And if they pluck me I will drown</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Each pedant in a sonnet,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And of their pluckings make a crown</div> + <div class="verse indent2">With golden plumes upon it.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So if my cabbage growth be slow</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I’ll try to be a carrot,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or still remain a lark—but know</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I’ll not be Poll, or Parrot.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then if I fall beneath the mark,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I’ll shout with accent savage,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“It is a lark to be a lark,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">’Tis green to be a cabbage.”</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">Lines</span> <i>written under the conviction that it is not wise to +read Mathematics in November after one’s fire is out.</i></p> + +<p class="right"><i>10th Nov. 1853.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0"><span class="allsmcap">In</span> the sad November time,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When the leaf has left the lime,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the Cam, with sludge and slime,</div> + <div class="verse indent7">Plasters his ugly channel,</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_623">[Pg 623]</span> + <div class="verse indent0">While, with sober step and slow,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Round about the marshes low,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Stiffening students stumping go</div> + <div class="verse indent7">Shivering through their flannel.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then to me in doleful mood</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Rises up a question rude,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Asking what sufficient good</div> + <div class="verse indent7">Comes of this mode of living?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Moping on from day to day,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Grinding up what will not “pay,”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till the jaded brain gives way</div> + <div class="verse indent7">Under its own misgiving.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Why should wretched Man employ</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Years which Nature meant for joy,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Striving vainly to destroy</div> + <div class="verse indent7">Freedom of thought and feeling?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Still the injured powers remain</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Endless stores of hopeless pain,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When at last the vanquished brain</div> + <div class="verse indent7">Languishes past all healing.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Where is then his wealth of mind—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">All the schemes that Hope designed?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Gone, like spring, to leave behind</div> + <div class="verse indent7">Indolent melancholy.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thus he ends his helpless days,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Vex’t with thoughts of former praise—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Tell me, how are Wisdom’s ways</div> + <div class="verse indent7">Better than senseless Folly?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Happier those whom trifles please,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Dreaming out a life of ease,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sinking by unfelt degrees</div> + <div class="verse indent7">Into annihilation.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Or the slave, to labour born,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Heedless of the freeman’s scorn,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Destined to be slowly worn</div> + <div class="verse indent7">Down to the brute creation.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_624">[Pg 624]</span></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Thus a tempting spirit spoke,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As from troubled sleep I woke</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To a morning thick with smoke.</div> + <div class="verse indent7">Sunless and damp and chilly.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then to sleep I turned once more,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Eyes inflamed and windpipe sore,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Dreaming dreams I dreamt before,</div> + <div class="verse indent7">Only not quite so silly.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">In my dream methought I strayed</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where a learned-looking maid</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Stores of flimsy goods displayed,</div> + <div class="verse indent7">Articles not worth wearing.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“These,” she said, with solemn air,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Are the robes that sages wear,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Warranted, when kept with care,</div> + <div class="verse indent7">Never to need repairing.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then unnumbered witlings, caught</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By her wiles, the trappings bought,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And by labour, not by thought,</div> + <div class="verse indent7">Honour and fame were earning.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">While the men of wiser mind</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Passed for blind among the blind;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Pedants left them far behind</div> + <div class="verse indent7">In the career of learning.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Those that fix their eager eyes</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ever on the nearest prize</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Well may venture to despise</div> + <div class="verse indent7">Loftier aspirations.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Pedantry is in demand!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Buy it up at second-hand,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Seek no more to understand</div> + <div class="verse indent7">Profitless speculations.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Thus the gaudy gowns were sold,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Cast off sloughs of pedants old;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Proudly marched the students bold</div> + <div class="verse indent7">Through the domain of error,</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_625">[Pg 625]</span> + <div class="verse indent0">Till their trappings, false though fair,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Mouldered off and left them bare,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Clustering close in blank despair,</div> + <div class="verse indent7">Nakedness, cold, and terror.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then, I said, “These haughty Schools</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Boast that by their formal rules</div> + <div class="verse indent0">They produce more learned fools</div> + <div class="verse indent7">Than could be well expected.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Learned fools they are indeed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Learned in the books they read;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Fools whene’er they come to need</div> + <div class="verse indent7">Wisdom, too long neglected.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Oh! that men indeed were wise,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And would raise their purblind eyes</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To the opening mysteries</div> + <div class="verse indent7">Scattered around them ever.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Truth should spring from sterile ground,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Beauty beam from all around,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Right should then at last be found</div> + <div class="verse indent7">Joining what none may sever.”</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">A Problem in Dynamics.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>19th Feb. 1854.</i></p> + +<figure class="figcenter width500" id="i_671" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/i_671.jpg" width="300" height="208" alt="A geometric +diagram showing a curve rising from point A to point B along axes +labeled Y and X, with tangent lines marked T and T + dT at points along +the curve, and labeled points M, K, and O at the origin and base."> +</figure> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent4">AN inextensible heavy chain</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Lies on a smooth horizontal plane,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">An impulsive force is applied at \(\mathrm{A}\),</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Required the initial motion of \(\mathrm{K}\).</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Let \(ds\) be the <i>infinitesimal</i> link,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of which for the present we’ve only to think;</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_626">[Pg 626]</span> + <div class="verse indent4">Let \(\mathrm{T}\) be the tension, and \(\mathrm{T}+d \mathrm{T}\)</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Let \(\alpha\) be put, by a common convention,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">For the angle at \(\mathrm{M}\) ’twixt \(\mathrm{OX}\) and the tension;</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Let \(\mathrm{V}_{t}\) and \(\mathrm{V}_{n}\) be \(ds\)’s velocities,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Of which \(\mathrm{V}_{t}\) along and \(\mathrm{V}_{n}\) across it is;</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Then \(\dfrac{\mathrm{V}_{n}}{\mathrm{V}_{t}}\) the tangent will equal,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Of the angle of starting worked out in the sequel.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent4">In working the problem the first thing of course is</div> + <div class="verse indent4">To equate the impressed and effectual forces.</div> + <div class="verse indent4">\(\mathrm{K}\) is tugged by two tensions, whose difference \(d \mathrm{T}\)</div> + <div class="verse indent0">(1) Must equal the element’s mass into \(\mathrm{V}_{t}\).</div> + <div class="verse indent4">\(\mathrm{V}_{n}\) must be due to the force perpendicular</div> + <div class="verse indent4">To \(ds\)’s direction, which shows the particular</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Advantage of using \(da\) to serve at your</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Pleasure to estimate \(ds\)’s curvature.</div> + <div class="verse indent4">For \(\mathrm{V}_{n}\) into mass of a unit of chain</div> + <div class="verse indent0">(2) Must equal the curvature into the strain.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent4">Thus managing cause and effect to discriminate,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">The student must fruitlessly try to eliminate,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">And painfully learn, that in order to do it, he</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Must find the Equation of Continuity.</div> + <div class="verse indent4">The reason is this, that the tough little element,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Which the force of impulsion to beat to a jelly meant,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Was endowed with a property incomprehensible,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">And was “given,” in the language of Shop, “inextensible.”</div> + <div class="verse indent4">It therefore with such pertinacity odd defied</div> + <div class="verse indent4">The force which the length of the chain would have</div> + <div class="verse indent8">modified,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">That its stubborn example may possibly yet recall</div> + <div class="verse indent4">These overgrown rhymes to their prosody metrical.</div> + <div class="verse indent4">The condition is got by resolving again,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">According to axes assumed in the plane.</div> + <div class="verse indent4">If then you reduce to the tangent and normal,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">(3) You will find the equation more neat tho’ less formal.</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_627">[Pg 627]</span> + <div class="verse indent0">(4) The condition thus found after these preparations,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">When duly combined with the former equations,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Will give you another, in which differentials</div> + <div class="verse indent0">(5) (When the chain forms a circle), become in essentials</div> + <div class="verse indent4">No harder than those that we easily solve</div> + <div class="verse indent0">(6) In the time a \(\mathrm{T}\) to turn would take to revolve.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent4">Now joyfully leaving \(ds\) to itself, a-</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Tend to the values of \(\mathrm{T}\) and of \(a\).</div> + <div class="verse indent4">The chain undergoes a distorting convulsion,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Produced first at \(\mathrm{A}\) by the force of impulsion.</div> + <div class="verse indent4">n magnitude \(\mathrm{R}\), in direction tangential,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">(7) Equating this \(\mathrm{R}\) to the form exponential,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Obtained for the tension when a is zero,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">It will measure the tug, such a tug as the “hero</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Plume-waving” experienced, tied to the chariot.</div> + <div class="verse indent4">But when dragged by the heels his grim head could not</div> + <div class="verse indent8">carry aught,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">(8) So give \(a\) its due at the end of the chain,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">And the tension ought there to be zero again.</div> + <div class="verse indent4">From these two conditions we get three equations,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Which serve to determine the proper relations</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Between the first impulse and each coefficient</div> + <div class="verse indent4">In the form for the tension, and this is sufficient</div> + <div class="verse indent4">To work out the problem, and then, if you choose,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">You may turn it and twist it the Dons to amuse.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<i>Equations referred to.</i></p> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_628">[Pg 628]</span></p> + +\[ +\begin{aligned} +&(1)\,\, d \mathrm{T}=m \mathrm{V}_{t} ds\\ +&(2)\,\, m \mathrm{V}_{n}=\mathrm{T} \dfrac{da}{ds}\\ +&(3)\,\, \frac{d \mathrm{V}_{t}}{ds}=\mathrm{V}_{n} \dfrac{da}{ds}\\ +&(4)\,\, \dfrac{d^{2} \mathrm{T}}{ds^{2}}-\mathrm{T}\left(\dfrac{da}{ds}\right)^{2}=0\\ +&(5)\,\, \dfrac{d^{2} \mathrm{T}}{da^{2}}-\mathrm{T}=0\\ +&(6)\,\, \mathrm{T}=\mathrm{C}_{1} e^{\alpha}+\mathrm{C}_{2} e^{-\alpha}\\ +&(7)\,\, \mathrm{R}=\mathrm{C}_{1}+\mathrm{C}_{2}\\ +&(8)\,\, \mathrm{O}=\mathrm{C}_{1} e^{\alpha_{1}}+\mathrm{C}_{2} e^{-\alpha_{1}}\\ +&\dfrac{\mathrm{V}_{n}}{\mathrm{V}_{t}}=\tan \beta +=-\dfrac{e^{\left(\alpha_{1}-\alpha\right)}-e^{-\left(\alpha_{1}-\alpha\right)}}{e^{\left(\alpha_{1}-\alpha\right)}+e^{-\left(\alpha_{1}-\alpha\right)}} +\end{aligned} +\] + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">Valedictory Address to the D——n</span>.</p> + +<p class="right"><i>May 1854.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">JOHN Alexander Frere, John,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">When we were first acquent,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">You lectured us as Freshmen</div> + <div class="verse indent2">In the holy term of Lent;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But now you’re gettin’ bald, John,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Your end is drawing near,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And I think we’d better say “Goodbye,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">John Alexander Frere.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">John Alexander Frere, John,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">How swiftly Time has flown!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The weeks that you refused us</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Are now no more your own;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Tho’ Time was in your hand, John,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">You lingered out the year,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That Grace might more abound unto</div> + <div class="verse indent2">John Alexander Frere.<a id="FNanchor_276" href="#Footnote_276" class="fnanchor">[276]</a></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">There’s young Monro of Trinity,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And Hunter bold of Queen’s,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who spurn the chapel system,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And “vex the souls of Deans.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But all their petty squabbles</div> + <div class="verse indent2">More ludicrous appear,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When we muse on thy departed form,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">John Alexander Frere.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_629">[Pg 629]</span></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">There’s many a better man, John,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">That scorns the scoffing crew,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But keeps with fond affection</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The notes he got from yo—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“Why he was out of College,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Till two o’clock or near,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Senior Dean requests to know,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Yours truly, J. A. Frere.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">John Alexander Frere, John,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I wonder what you mean</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By mixing up your name so</div> + <div class="verse indent2">With me, and with “The Dean.”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Another Don may dean us,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">But ne’er again, we fear,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Shall we receive such notes as yours,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">John Alexander Frere.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">The Lecture Room no more, John,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Shall hear thy drowsy tone,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">No more shall men in Chapel</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Bow down before thy throne.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But Shillington with meekness,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The oracle shall hear,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That set St. Mary’s all to sleep—</div> + <div class="verse indent2">John Alexander Frere.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Then once before we part, John,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Let all be clean forgot,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Our scandalous inventions,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">[Thy note-lets, prized or not].</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For under all conventions,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The small man lived sincere,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The kernel of the Senior Dean,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">John Alexander Frere.<a id="FNanchor_277" href="#Footnote_277" class="fnanchor">[277]</a></div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_630">[Pg 630]</span></p> + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">In Memory of Edward Wilson,</span></p> + +<p class="nindc"> +<i>Who repented of what was in his mind to write after section.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="poetry-container"><i>Rigid Body</i> (<i>sings</i>).</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">GIN a body meet a body</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Flyin’ through the air,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Gin a body hit a body,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Will it fly? and where?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ilka impact has its measure,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Ne’er a ane hae I,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet a’ the lads they measure me,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Or, at least, they try.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Gin a body meet a body</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Altogether free,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How they travel afterwards</div> + <div class="verse indent2">We do not always see.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ilka problem has its method</div> + <div class="verse indent2">By analytics high;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For me, I ken na ane o’ them,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">But what the waur am I?</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">Valentine by a Telegraph Clerk \(\unicode{x2642}\) to a Telegraph +Clerk \(\unicode{x2641}\).</span></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“THE tendrils of my soul are twined</div> + <div class="verse indent2">With thine, though many a mile apart,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And thine in close-coiled circuits wind</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Around the needle of my heart.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“Constant as Daniell, strong as Grove,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Ebullient through its depths like Smee,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">My heart pours forth its tide of love,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And all its circuits close in thee.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_631">[Pg 631]</span></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“O tell me, when along the line</div> + <div class="verse indent2">From my full heart the message flows,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">What currents are induced in thine?</div> + <div class="verse indent2">One click from thee will end my woes.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Through many an Ohm the Weber flew,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And clicked this answer back to me,—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“I am thy Farad, staunch<a id="FNanchor_278" href="#Footnote_278" class="fnanchor">[278]</a> and true,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Charged to a Volt with love for thee.”</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">Lectures to Women on Physical Science.</span></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="poetry-container">I.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent8">PLACE.—<i>A small alcove with dark curtains.</i></div> + <div class="verse indent14"><i>The Class consists of one member.</i></div> + <div class="verse indent8">SUBJECT.—<i>Thomson's Mirror Galvanometer.</i></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent8">THE lamp-light falls on blackened walls,</div> + <div class="verse indent10">And streams through narrow perforations,</div> + <div class="verse indent8">The long beam trails o’er pasteboard scales,</div> + <div class="verse indent10">With slow-decaying oscillations.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Flow, current, flow, set the quick light-spot flying,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Flow current, answer light-spot, flashing, quivering, dying,</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent8">O look! how queer! how thin and clear,</div> + <div class="verse indent10">And thinner, clearer, sharper growing</div> + <div class="verse indent8">The gliding fire! with central wire,</div> + <div class="verse indent10">The fine degrees distinctly showing.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Swing, magnet, swing, advancing and receding,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Swing magnet! Answer dearest, What’s your final reading?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent8">O love! you fail to read the scale</div> + <div class="verse indent10">Correct to tenths of a division.</div> + <div class="verse indent8">To mirror heaven those eyes were given,</div> + <div class="verse indent10">And not for methods of precision.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Break contact, break, set the free light-spot flying;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Break contact, rest thee, magnet, swinging, creeping, dying.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_632">[Pg 632]</span></p> + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">Lectures to Women on Physical Science.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>July 1874.</i></p> + +<p class="nindc">II.</p> + +<p class="nindc"> +<i>Professor Chrschtschonovitsch, Ph.D.</i>, “<i>On the G. G. +S.</i><a id="FNanchor_279" href="#Footnote_279" class="fnanchor">[279]</a> <i>system of Units.</i>”</p> + +<p class="nindc"> +<i>Remarks submitted to the Lecturer by a student.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">PRIM Doctor of Philosophy</div> + <div class="verse indent2">From academic Heidelberg!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Your sum of vital energy</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Is not the millionth of an erg.<a id="FNanchor_280" href="#Footnote_280" class="fnanchor">[280]</a></div> + <div class="verse indent0">Your liveliest motion might be reckoned</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At one-tenth metre<a id="FNanchor_281" href="#Footnote_281" class="fnanchor">[281]</a> in a second.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“The air,” you said, in language fine,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Which scientific thought expresses,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“The air—which with a megadyne,<a id="FNanchor_282" href="#Footnote_282" class="fnanchor">[282]</a></div> + <div class="verse indent2">On each square centimetre presses—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The air, and I may add the ocean,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Are nought but molecules in motion.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Atoms, you told me, were discrete,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Than you they could not be discreter,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Who know how many Millions meet</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Within a cubic millimetre.</div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>They</i> clash together as they fly,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But <i>you</i>!—you cannot tell me why.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_633">[Pg 633]</span></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And when in tuning my guitar</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The interval would <i>not</i> come right,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“This string,” you said, “is strained too far,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">’Tis forty dynes,<a id="FNanchor_283" href="#Footnote_283" class="fnanchor">[283]</a> at least too tight!”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And then you told me, as I sang,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">What overtones were in my clang.<a id="FNanchor_284" href="#Footnote_284" class="fnanchor">[284]</a></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">You gabbled on, but every phrase</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Was stiff with scientific shoddy,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The only song you deigned to praise</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Was “Gin a body meet a body,”</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“And even there,” you said, “collision</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Was not described with due precision.”</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">“In the invariable plane,”</div> + <div class="verse indent2">You told me, “lay the impulsive couple.”<a id="FNanchor_285" href="#Footnote_285" class="fnanchor">[285]</a></div> + <div class="verse indent0">You seized my hand—you gave me pain,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">By torsion of a wrist so supple;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">You told me what that wrench would do,—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">“’Twould set me twisting round a screw.”<a id="FNanchor_286" href="#Footnote_286" class="fnanchor">[286]</a></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Were every hair of every tress</div> + <div class="verse indent2">(Which you, no doubt, imagine mine),</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Drawn towards you with its breaking stress—</div> + <div class="verse indent2">A stress, say, of a megadyne,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That tension I would sooner suffer</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Than meet again with such a duffer!</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_634">[Pg 634]</span></p> + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">To the Chief Musician upon Nabla.</span><a id="FNanchor_287" href="#Footnote_287" class="fnanchor">[287]</a></p> + +<p class="nindc"><i>A Tyndallic Ode.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="poetry-container">I.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">I COME from fields of fractured ice,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Whose wounds are cured by squeezing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Melting<a id="FNanchor_288" href="#Footnote_288" class="fnanchor">[288]</a> they cool, but in a trice,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Get<a id="FNanchor_289" href="#Footnote_289" class="fnanchor">[289]</a> warm again by freezing.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Here, in the frosty air, the sprays</div> + <div class="verse indent2">With fern-like hoar-frost bristle,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There, liquid stars their watery rays</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Shoot through the solid crystal.</div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">II.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">I come from empyrean fires—</div> + <div class="verse indent2">From microscopic spaces,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Where molecules with fierce desires.</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Shiver in hot embraces.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The atoms clash, the spectra flash,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Projected on the screen,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The double \(\mathrm{D}\), magnesian \(b\),</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And Thallium’s living green.</div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">III.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">We place our eye where these dark rays</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Unite in this dark focus,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Right on the source of power we gaze,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Without a screen to cloak us.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then where the eye was placed at first,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">We place a disc<a id="FNanchor_290" href="#Footnote_290" class="fnanchor">[290]</a> of platinum,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">It glows, it puckers! will it<a id="FNanchor_291" href="#Footnote_291" class="fnanchor">[291]</a> burst?</div> + <div class="verse indent2">How ever shall we<a id="FNanchor_292" href="#Footnote_292" class="fnanchor">[292]</a> flatten him!</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_635">[Pg 635]</span> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">IV.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">This crystal tube the electric ray</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Shows optically clean,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">No dust or haze within, but stay!</div> + <div class="verse indent2">All has not yet been seen.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">What gleams are these of heavenly blue?</div> + <div class="verse indent2">What air-drawn form appearing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">What mystic fish, that, ghostlike, through<a id="FNanchor_293" href="#Footnote_293" class="fnanchor">[293]</a></div> + <div class="verse indent2">The empty<a id="FNanchor_294" href="#Footnote_294" class="fnanchor">[294]</a> space is steering?</div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">V.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">I light this sympathetic flame,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">My faintest wish that answers,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I sing, it sweetly sings the same,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">It dances with the dancers.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I shout, I whistle, clap my hands,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And<a id="FNanchor_295" href="#Footnote_295" class="fnanchor">[295]</a> stamp upon<a id="FNanchor_296" href="#Footnote_296" class="fnanchor">[296]</a> + the platform,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The flame responds<a id="FNanchor_297" href="#Footnote_297" class="fnanchor">[297]</a> to my commands,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">In this form and in that form.</div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">VI.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">What means that thrilling, drilling scream,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Protect me! ’tis the siren:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Her heart is fire, her breath is steam,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Her larynx is of iron.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Sun! dart thy beams! in tepid streams,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Rise, viewless exhalations!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And lap me round, that no rude sound</div> + <div class="verse indent2">May mar my meditations.</div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">VII.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Here let me pause.—These transient facts,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">These fugitive impressions,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Must be transformed by mental acts,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">To permanent possessions.</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_636">[Pg 636]</span> + <div class="verse indent0">Then summon up your grasp of mind,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Your fancy scientific,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till<a id="FNanchor_298" href="#Footnote_298" class="fnanchor">[298]</a> sights and sounds with thought combined,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Become<a id="FNanchor_299" href="#Footnote_299" class="fnanchor">[299]</a> of truth prolific.</div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">VIII.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Go to! prepare your mental bricks,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Fetch them from every quarter,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Firm on the sand your basement fix</div> + <div class="verse indent2">With best sensation mortar.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The top<a id="FNanchor_300" href="#Footnote_300" class="fnanchor">[300]</a> shall rise to heaven on high—</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Or such an elevation,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That the swift whirl with which we fly</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Shall conquer gravitation.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">To the Committee of the Cayley Portrait Fund.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>1874.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">O WRETCHED race of men, to space confined!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">What honour can ye pay to him, whose mind</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To that which lies beyond hath penetrated?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The symbols he hath formed shall sound his praise,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And lead him on through unimagined ways</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To conquests new, in worlds not yet created.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">First, ye Determinants! in ordered row</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And massive column ranged, before him go,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To form a phalanx for his safe protection.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ye powers of the \(n\)th roots of—1!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Around his head in ceaseless<a id="FNanchor_301" href="#Footnote_301" class="fnanchor">[301]</a> cycles run,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As unembodied spirits of direction.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And you, ye undevelopable scrolls!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Above the host wave your emblazoned rolls,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ruled for the record of his bright inventions.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ye Cubic surfaces! by threes and nines</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Draw round his camp your seven-and-twenty lines—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The seal of Solomon in three dimensions.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_637">[Pg 637]</span></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">March on, symbolic host! with step sublime,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Up to the flaming hounds of Space and Time!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There pause, until by Dickenson depicted,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In two dimensions, we the form may trace</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of him whose soul, too large for vulgar space,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In \(n\) dimensions flourished unrestricted.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">Molecular Evolution.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Belfast, 1874.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">AT quite uncertain times and places,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The atoms left their heavenly path,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And by fortuitous embraces,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Engendered all that being hath.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And though they seem to cling together,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And form “associations” here,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet, soon or late, they hurst their tether,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And through the depths of space career.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">So we who sat, oppressed with science,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">As British asses, wise and grave,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Are now transformed to wild Red Lions,<a id="FNanchor_302" href="#Footnote_302" class="fnanchor">[302]</a></div> + <div class="verse indent2">As round our prey we ramp and rave.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thus, by a swift metamorphosis,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Wisdom turns wit, and science joke,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nonsense is incense to our noses,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">For when Red Lions speak, they smoke.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Hail, Nonsense! dry nurse of Red Lions,<a id="FNanchor_303" href="#Footnote_303" class="fnanchor">[303]</a></div> + <div class="verse indent2">From thee the wise their wisdom learn,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From thee they cull those truths of science,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Which into thee again they turn.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">What combinations of ideas,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Nonsense alone can wisely form!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">What sage has half the power that she has,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">To take the towers of Truth by storm?<span class="pagenum" id="Page_638">[Pg 638]</span></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Yield, then, ye rules of rigid reason!</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Dissolve, thou too, too solid sense!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Melt into nonsense for a season,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Then in some nobler form condense.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Soon, all too soon, the chilly morning,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">This flow of soul will crystallize,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then those who Nonsense now are scorning,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">May learn, too late, where wisdom lies.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="right space-above2"> +<i>Molecular Evolution.</i></p> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">Song of the Cub.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>Belfast, 1874.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">I KNOW not what this may betoken,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">That I feel so wondrous wise;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">My dream of existence is broken</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Since science has opened my eyes.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">At the British Association</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I heard the President’s speech,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And the methods and facts of creation</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Seemed suddenly placed in my reach.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">My life’s undivided devotion</div> + <div class="verse indent2">To Science I solemnly vowed,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I’d dredge up the bed of the ocean,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I’d draw down the spark from the cloud.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To follow my thoughts as they go on,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Electrodes I’d place in my brain;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nay, I’d swallow a live entozöon.</div> + <div class="verse indent2">New feelings of life to obtain.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">O where are those high feasts of Science?</div> + <div class="verse indent2">O where are those words of the wise?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I hear but the roar of Red Lions,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">I eat what their Jackal supplies.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I meant to be so scientific,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">But science seems turned into fun;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And this, with his roaring terrific,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">That old red lion hath done.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_639">[Pg 639]</span></p> + +<p class="right space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">British Association, 1874.</span></p> + +<p class="nindc"><i>Notes of the President's Address.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">IN the very beginnings of science, the parsons, who managed</div> + <div class="verse indent4">things then,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Being handy with hammer and chisel, made gods in the</div> + <div class="verse indent4">likeness of men;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till Commerce arose, and at length some men of exceptional</div> + <div class="verse indent4">power</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Supplanted both demons and gods by the atoms, which last</div> + <div class="verse indent4">to this hour.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet they did not abolish the gods, but they sent them well</div> + <div class="verse indent4">out of the way,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With the rarest of nectar to drink, and blue fields of nothing</div> + <div class="verse indent4">to sway.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From nothing comes nothing, they told us, nought happens</div> + <div class="verse indent4">by chance, but by fate;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There is nothing but atoms, and void, all else is mere whims</div> + <div class="verse indent4">out of date!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then why should a man curry favour with beings who cannot</div> + <div class="verse indent4">exist,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To compass some petty promotion in nebulous kingdoms of</div> + <div class="verse indent4">mist?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But not by the rays of the sun, nor the glittering shafts of</div> + <div class="verse indent4">the day,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Must the fear of the gods be dispelled, but by words, and</div> + <div class="verse indent4">their wonderful play.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So treading a path all untrod, the poet-philosopher sings</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of the seeds of the mighty world—the first-beginnings of</div> + <div class="verse indent4">things;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How freely he scatters his atoms before the beginning of</div> + <div class="verse indent4">years;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">How he clothes them with force as a garment, those small</div> + <div class="verse indent4">incompressible spheres!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Nor yet does he leave them hard-hearted—he dowers them</div> + <div class="verse indent4">with love and with hate,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Like spherical small British Asses in infinitesimal state;</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_640">[Pg 640]</span> + <div class="verse indent0">Till just as that living Plato, whom foreigners nickname</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Plateau,<a id="FNanchor_304" href="#Footnote_304" class="fnanchor">[304]</a></div> + <div class="verse indent0">Drops oil in his whisky-and-water (for foreigners sweeten</div> + <div class="verse indent4">it so),</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Each drop keeps apart from the other, enclosed in a flexible</div> + <div class="verse indent4">skin,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till touched by the gentle emotion evolved by the prick of</div> + <div class="verse indent4">a pin:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thus in atoms a simple collision excites a sensational thrill,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Evolved through all sorts of emotion, as sense, understanding,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">and will;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">(For by laying their heads all together, the atoms, as councillors</div> + <div class="verse indent4">do,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">May combine to express an opinion to every one of them</div> + <div class="verse indent4">new).</div> + <div class="verse indent0">There is nobody here, I should say, has felt true indignation</div> + <div class="verse indent4">at all,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till an indignation meeting is held in the Ulster Hall;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then gathers the wave of emotion, then noble feelings arise,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Till you all pass a resolution which takes every man by</div> + <div class="verse indent4">surprise.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thus the pure elementary atom, the unit of mass and of</div> + <div class="verse indent4">thought,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">By force of mere juxtaposition to life and sensation is</div> + <div class="verse indent4">brought;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So, down through untold generations, transmission of structureless</div> + <div class="verse indent4">germs</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Enables our race to inherit the thoughts of beasts, fishes,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">and worms.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">We honour our fathers and mothers, grandfathers and grand-mothers</div> + <div class="verse indent4">too;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But how shall we honour the vista of ancestors now in our</div> + <div class="verse indent4">view?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">First, then, let us honour the atom, so lively, so wise, and</div> + <div class="verse indent4">so small;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The atomists next let us praise, Epicurus, Lucretius, and all;</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_641">[Pg 641]</span> + <div class="verse indent0">Let us damn with faint praise Bishop Butler, in whom many</div> + <div class="verse indent0">atoms combined</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To form that remarkable structure, it pleased him to call—his</div> + <div class="verse indent0">mind.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Last, praise we the noble body to which, for the time, we</div> + <div class="verse indent0">belong,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Ere yet the swift whirl of the atoms has hurried us, ruthless,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">along,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The British Association—like Leviathan worshipped by</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Hobbes,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The incarnation of wisdom, built up of our witless nobs,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which will carry on endless discussions, when I, and probably</div> + <div class="verse indent0">you,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Have melted in infinite azure—in English, till all is blue.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<i>Translation of</i> “<i>Notes on the President's Address, British +Association</i>, 1874.” By B. Shilleto.</p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">πρώτ' άρχομένης σοφίας, ίερείς, οΐσπερ τότε πάντ' Έμεμήλει,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">δαιδαλοκομψογλυφανορραισταί, θνητώ θεὸν είκότ' έτευξαν'</div> + <div class="verse indent0">ές τ' έμπορία 'γένετ', είτα βροτὸς πλατύνωτος ύπεσκέλισέν τις</div> + <div class="verse indent0">δαίμονα καὶ θεὸν, άντειληφὼς άτόμονς μέχρι δεύρο μενούσας.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">ού μὴν πάντως γ' Έκτεινε θεούς, άλλ' Έκτοπίονς άπέπεμψεν</div> + <div class="verse indent0">νέκταρ τε πιείν σπάνιον, γλανκοίς τ' έν άγροι̂s τοίς μηδὲν άνάσσειν.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Έξ ούδενὸς έστ' ούδέν, έφασκον συνέβη γὰρ άπαντα κατ' α ΐσαν.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">πλὴν άτομοι καὶ χάος ούδὲν έφν κρονίων τάλλ' ού καλὸν όζει.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">τί άν ούν τοι̂s μὴ δυνατοίς είναι μελετώης άνν χαρίσασθαι,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">έμειρόμενος τινὸς άρχιδίον ν κορυφαΐς όμίχλης νεφοέσσης;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">ού μὴν ούδ' άν σέλας ήελίον γ', ούδ' ήμέριον βέλος αύγης,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">σκεδάσειε θεών δείμ', άλλα λόγοι, χώ περὶ τούτων στενολεσχών.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">πρὸς ταύτα πατών στίβον άστειπτον, μεγάλον μετεωροποιητὴς</div> + <div class="verse indent0">σπέρματα κόσμον πρωτάς<a id="FNanchor_305" href="#Footnote_305" class="fnanchor">[305]</a> τ' άρχὰς πάντων όπόσ' έστιν άείδει'</div> + <div class="verse indent0">καταχεί τ' άτόμονς μάλ' Έλευθερίως πρὶν φύναι τοὺς Ένιαυτούς,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">ώς ίματίω δυνάμει περιδὺς τὰ σφαιρίδι’ ούχὶ πιεστά,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">φιλίαν μέντοι μίσός τ' Έπέδωκ, ού σκληρόφρονας καταλείπων,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">ώς σμίκρ' όντα σφαιρίχ' όποστούν φιτύματ' όνεια Βρετάννων.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">κάθ' οία Πλάτων ό ζών νννί, καλέονσι θεοὶ δὲ Πλαταιά,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">γάνος οίναρίω ́μιξεν έλαίον (γλυκν̀ γὰρ ποιεί θεὸς οΰτω),</div> + <div class="verse indent0">έτέρας έτέρα χωρὶς σταγόσιν δέρμ́ αϊόλον άμφιέσας τι,</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_642">[Pg 642]</span> + <div class="verse indent0">ὲς τ' ᾰν μαλακὴ κίνησις άφης πλησθή κέντροισιν όπητος</div> + <div class="verse indent0">ούτως άτόμων σύγκρασις άπλη παρέχει τινὰ γάργαλον όξύν,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">κατέδειξεν άπασ’ όν κίνησις, νούς οία φρόνησις όρεξις</div> + <div class="verse indent0">οι’δ’ άν φαίην γνήσιον όργην των ένταυ̂θ' ούδέν’ έπα̂ραι</div> + <div class="verse indent0">πρὶν έποιήθη σύλλογος όργης όδ́ Ιέρνης<a id="FNanchor_306" href="#Footnote_306" class="fnanchor">[306]</a> έν πρυτανείω</div> + <div class="verse indent0">τότε κίνησις κύματ’ έγείρει, μεγάλη τότε γίγνεται όρμή,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">θαύματί θ' ύμεὶς ψήφον θέμενοι καταπλήττετε πάντας άπαντες</div> + <div class="verse indent0">άτομος διὰ ταύθ' ή πρώτη, νου πλήθους θ' ένὰς, αΐεν άκρατος</div> + <div class="verse indent0">του̂ παρακείσθαι δυνάιεει βιοτὴν έλαβέν τ' αΐσθησιν έκάστη.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">χοΰτω γενεών έξ άμετρήτων στοιχεία δεδέγμεθ' άμορφα,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">θηρίον ίχθὺς αύτός θ' ό φθεὶρ ᾰ φρονούσιν κληρονομούντες.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">πατέρας πάππους τιμώμεν άεὶ τηθαΐς καὶ μητράσιν αύται̂s.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">πώς δ́ άν προγόνων τήνδε παρούσαν τιμήσειέν τις έποψιν;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">άτόμω πρώτη κείσθω τιμή, διερα̂ μάλα σώφρονι λεπτή.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">τοὺς άτομίξοντας ε´´πειτ' αίνω Λονκρήτιον ήδ́ ́Επίκουρον,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">καταμεμφόμενος πόλλ' Οίνοχόον, κεί πολὺ πλήθος συνεπλέχθη</div> + <div class="verse indent0">άτόμων μέγα θαυ̂μ' έργαξομένων ό καλείν οί έδοξε νόημα.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">ΰστατα δ’ αίνα̂ χορὸν άθάνατον, ννν ήμετέρονς κορυφαίους, στρόβος οΰς άτόμων</div> + <div class="verse indent0">οΰπω σοβαρὸς φρεσὶν είλκνσε τηλόσ́ άνοίκτοις, κνώδαλον οΐον του̂ ψυχολόγου,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">φιτύματ' όνεια Βρετάννων, άσόφου κτισθέντας ύπ’ έγκεφάλον, σοφίας έμψυχον</div> + <div class="verse indent0">άγαλμα, οΐπερ διατρίψονσιν άπαύστως, όπόταν τάχ' ίσως σύ τε κάγὼ κνανώ τε</div> + <div class="verse indent0">τακώμεν έν άσβέστω, καὶ γλαυκὰ πέριξ συνάπαντ' ὴ.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">To The Additional Examiner for 1875.</span><a id="FNanchor_307" href="#Footnote_307" class="fnanchor">[307]</a></p> + +<p class="right"><i>July 29, 1874.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent8">QUEEN CRAM went straying</div> + <div class="verse indent8">Where Tait was swaying,</div> + <div class="verse indent8">In just hands weighing,</div> + <div class="verse indent10">With care immense,</div> + <div class="verse indent8">Dry proofs made pleasant</div> + <div class="verse indent8">By Routh or Besant</div> + <div class="verse indent8">For one who hasn’t</div> + <div class="verse indent10">Got too much sense.</div> + <div class="verse indent8">Nor marked how, quicker</div> + <div class="verse indent8">Than mounts the liquor</div> + <div class="verse indent8">In brains made thicker</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_643">[Pg 643]</span> + <div class="verse indent10">By College beer,</div> + <div class="verse indent8">The murderous maiden,</div> + <div class="verse indent8">Mistake, walks laden</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With tips forgotten and slips so queer.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent8">How, like a spider,</div> + <div class="verse indent8">She still spreads wider,</div> + <div class="verse indent8">O'er bookwork, rider,</div> + <div class="verse indent10">And problem too,</div> + <div class="verse indent8">Her flimsy curtain</div> + <div class="verse indent8">Of terms uncertain,</div> + <div class="verse indent8">Till all seems dirt in</div> + <div class="verse indent10">The marker's view.</div> + <div class="verse indent8">For if Cram were not,</div> + <div class="verse indent8">Which markers spare not,</div> + <div class="verse indent8">Wise men would care not</div> + <div class="verse indent10">To pluck too soon,</div> + <div class="verse indent8">Seeing all life's season</div> + <div class="verse indent8">Of budding<a id="FNanchor_308" href="#Footnote_308" class="fnanchor">[308]</a> reason</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Finds good stiff work for a wooden spoon.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent8">As Tait sat joking,</div> + <div class="verse indent8">And marked while smoking,</div> + <div class="verse indent8">Still slyly poking</div> + <div class="verse indent10">Where jests might hit,</div> + <div class="verse indent8">She came, soft-gliding,</div> + <div class="verse indent8">Her false face hiding,</div> + <div class="verse indent8">Rich food providing</div> + <div class="verse indent10">For Tait's sharp wit.</div> + <div class="verse indent8">Through symbols tangled,</div> + <div class="verse indent8">The Wranglers wrangled</div> + <div class="verse indent8">Like sweet bells jangled</div> + <div class="verse indent10">And out of tune.</div> + <div class="verse indent8">For though their music</div> + <div class="verse indent8">Would soon make <i>you</i> sick</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The tides they measure and guide the moon.</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_644">[Pg 644]</span> + <div class="verse indent8">Cram found no cover</div> + <div class="verse indent8">Wherein to hover,</div> + <div class="verse indent8">For still above her</div> + <div class="verse indent10">Tait held his pen,</div> + <div class="verse indent8">Which, onward creeping,</div> + <div class="verse indent8">Might find her sleeping,</div> + <div class="verse indent8">But left her weeping</div> + <div class="verse indent10">O’er ruined men.</div> + <div class="verse indent8">For, like a blister,</div> + <div class="verse indent8">Mistake, Cram’s sister,</div> + <div class="verse indent8">Would wring and twist her</div> + <div class="verse indent10">In awkward<a id="FNanchor_309" href="#Footnote_309" class="fnanchor">[309]</a> ways,</div> + <div class="verse indent8">Till all the knowledge</div> + <div class="verse indent8">Acquired at College</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Had passed from thought<a id="FNanchor_310" href="#Footnote_310" class="fnanchor">[310]</a> in the last six days.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">Professor Tait, Loquitur.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>June 1877.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">WILL mounted ebonite disk</div> + <div class="verse indent2">On smooth unyielding bearing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">When turned about with motion brisk</div> + <div class="verse indent2">(Nor excitation sparing),</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Affect the primitive repose,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Of + and — in a wire,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So that while either downward flows,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">The other upwards shall aspire?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Describe the form and size of coil,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And other things that we may need,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Think not about increase of toil</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Involved in work at double speed.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I can no more, my pen is bad,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">It catches in the roughened page—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But answer us and make us glad,</div> + <div class="verse indent2"><span class="allsmcap">Thou Anti-distance-action Sage!</span></div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_645">[Pg 645]</span> + <div class="verse indent0">Yet have I still a thousand things to say,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">But work of other kinds is pressing—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So your petitioner will ever pray</div> + <div class="verse indent2">That your defence he triple <i>messing</i>.<a id="FNanchor_311" href="#Footnote_311" class="fnanchor">[311]</a></div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">Answer to Tait.</span></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">THE mounted disk of ebonite</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Has whirled before, nor whirled in vain;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Rowland of Troy, that doughty knight,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Convection currents did obtain<a id="FNanchor_312" href="#Footnote_312" class="fnanchor">[312]</a></div> + <div class="verse indent0">In such a disk, of power to wheedle,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">From its loved North the subtle<a id="FNanchor_313" href="#Footnote_313" class="fnanchor">[313]</a> needle.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">’Twas when Sir Rowland, as a stage</div> + <div class="verse indent2">From Troy to Baltimore, took rest</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In Berlin, there old Archimage,<a id="FNanchor_314" href="#Footnote_314" class="fnanchor">[314]</a></div> + <div class="verse indent2">Armed him to follow up this quest;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Right glad to find himself possessor</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Of the irrepressible Professor.<a id="FNanchor_315" href="#Footnote_315" class="fnanchor">[315]</a></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">But wouldst thou twirl<a id="FNanchor_316" href="#Footnote_316" class="fnanchor">[316]</a> that disk once more,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Then follow in Childe Rowland’s train,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">To where in busy Baltimore</div> + <div class="verse indent2">He brews<a id="FNanchor_317" href="#Footnote_317" class="fnanchor">[317]</a> the bantlings of his brain;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">As he may do who still prefers</div> + <div class="verse indent0">One Rowland to two Olivers.<a id="FNanchor_318" href="#Footnote_318" class="fnanchor">[318]</a></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">But Rowland,—no, nor Oliver,—</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Could get electromotive force,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which fact and reason both aver,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Has change of some kind as its source,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Out of a disk in swift rotation</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Without the least acceleration.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_646">[Pg 646]</span></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">But with your splendid roundabout</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Of mighty power, new-hung and greasy,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With galvanometer so stout,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">A new research would be as easy;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">A test which might perchance disclose.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Which way the electric current flows.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Take then a coil of copper pure,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">And fix it on your whirling table;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Place the electrodes firm and sure</div> + <div class="verse indent2">As near the axis as you’re able,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And soon you’ll learn the way to work it.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">With galvanometer in circuit.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Not while the coil in spinning sleeps,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">On her smooth axle swift and steady;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But when against the stops she sweeps,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">To watch the light-spot then be ready.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That you may learn from its deflexion</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The electric current’s true direction.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">It may be that it does not move,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Or moves but for some other reason;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Then let it be your boast to prove</div> + <div class="verse indent2">(Though some may think it out of season,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And worthy of a fossil Druid),</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That there is no Electric Fluid.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">Report on Tait’s Lecture on Force:—B.A., 1876.</span></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">YE British Asses, who expect to hear</div> + <div class="verse indent10">Ever some new thing,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">I’ve nothing new to tell, but what, I fear,</div> + <div class="verse indent10">May be a true thing.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">For Tait comes with his plummet and his line,</div> + <div class="verse indent10">Quick to detect your</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Old bosh new dressed in what you call a fine</div> + <div class="verse indent10">Popular lecture.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_647">[Pg 647]</span></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Whence comes that most peculiar smattering.</div> + <div class="verse indent10">Heard in our section?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Pure nonsense, to a scientific swing</div> + <div class="verse indent10">Drilled to perfection?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">That small word “Force,” they make<a id="FNanchor_319" href="#Footnote_319" class="fnanchor">[319]</a> a barber’s block,</div> + <div class="verse indent10">Ready to put on</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Meanings most strange and various, fit to shock</div> + <div class="verse indent10">Pupils of Newton.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Ancient and foreign ignorance they throw</div> + <div class="verse indent10">Into the bargain;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The shade of Leibniz<a id="FNanchor_320" href="#Footnote_320" class="fnanchor">[320]</a> mutters from below</div> + <div class="verse indent10">Horrible jargon.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The phrases of last century in this</div> + <div class="verse indent10">Linger to play tricks—</div> + <div class="verse indent0"><i>Vis Viva and Vis Mortua</i> and <i>Vis</i></div> + <div class="verse indent10"><i>Acceleratrix</i>:—</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Those long-nebbed words that to our text books still</div> + <div class="verse indent10">Cling by their titles,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And from them creep, as entozoa will,</div> + <div class="verse indent10">Into our vitals.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But see! Tait writes in lucid symbols clear</div> + <div class="verse indent10">One small equation;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And Force becomes of Energy a mere</div> + <div class="verse indent10">Space-variation.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Force, then, is Force, but mark you! not a thing,</div> + <div class="verse indent10">Only a Vector;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thy barbed arrows now have lost their sting,</div> + <div class="verse indent10">Impotent spectre!</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Thy reign, O Force! is over. Now no more</div> + <div class="verse indent10">Heed we thine action;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Repulsion leaves us where we were before,</div> + <div class="verse indent10">So does attraction.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_648">[Pg 648]</span></div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Both Action and Reaction now are gone.</div> + <div class="verse indent10">Just ere they vanished,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Stress joined their hands in peace, and made them one;</div> + <div class="verse indent10">Then they were banished.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The Universe is free from pole to pole,</div> + <div class="verse indent10">Free from all forces.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Rejoice! ye stars—like blessed gods ye roll</div> + <div class="verse indent10">On in your courses.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">No more the arrows of the Wrangler race,</div> + <div class="verse indent10">Piercing shall wound you.</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Forces no more, those symbols of disgrace,</div> + <div class="verse indent10">Dare to surround you:</div> + <div class="verse indent0">But those whose statements baffle all attacks,</div> + <div class="verse indent10">Safe by evasion,—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whose definitions, like a nose of wax,</div> + <div class="verse indent10">Suit each occasion,—</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Whose unreflected rainbow far surpassed</div> + <div class="verse indent10">All our inventions,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Whose very energy appears at last</div> + <div class="verse indent10">Scant of dimensions:—</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Are these the gods in whom ye put your trust,</div> + <div class="verse indent10">Lordlings and ladies?</div> + <div class="verse indent0">The hidden<a id="FNanchor_321" href="#Footnote_321" class="fnanchor">[321]</a> potency of cosmic dust</div> + <div class="verse indent10">Drives them to Hades.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">While you, brave Tait! who know so well the way</div> + <div class="verse indent10">Forces to scatter,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Calmly await the slow but sure decay,</div> + <div class="verse indent10">Even of Matter.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +(<span class="allsmcap">Cats</span>) <span class="allsmcap">Cradle Song</span>,</p> + +<p class="nindc"><i>By a Babe in Knots.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">PETER the Repeater,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Platted round a platter</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_649">[Pg 649]</span> + <div class="verse indent0">Slips of slivered paper,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Basting them with batter.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Hype ’em, slit ’em, twist ’em,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Lop-looped laps of paper;</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Setting out the system</div> + <div class="verse indent2">By the bones of Neper.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Clear your coil of kinkings</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Into perfect plaiting,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Locking loops and linkings</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Interpenetrating.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">Why should a man benighted,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Beduped, befooled, besotted,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Call knotful knittings plighted,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Not knotty but beknotte?</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">It’s monstrous, horrid, shocking,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Beyond the power of thinking,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Not to know, interlocking</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Is no mere form of linking.</div> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">But little Jacky Horner</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Will teach you what is proper,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">So pitch him, in his corner,</div> + <div class="verse indent2">Your silver and your copper.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +<span class="allsmcap">To Hermann Stoffkraft, Ph.D.</span>, the Hero of a recent work called +“Paradoxical Philosophy.”</p> + +<p class="nindc"><i>A Paradoxical Ode.</i></p> + +<p class="nindc">[After Shelley.]</p> + + +<p class="nindc">I.</p> + +<p class="right"><i>1878.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">MY soul is an entangled<a id="FNanchor_322" href="#Footnote_322" class="fnanchor">[322]</a> knot,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Upon a liquid vortex wrought</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_650">[Pg 650]</span> + <div class="verse indent6">By Intellect, in the Unseen residing.</div> + <div class="verse indent4">And thine doth like a convict sit,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">With marlinspike untwisting it,</div> + <div class="verse indent6">Only to find its knottiness abiding;</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Since all the tools for its untying</div> + <div class="verse indent4">In four-dimensioned space are lying,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Wherein thy fancy intersperses</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Long<a id="FNanchor_323" href="#Footnote_323" class="fnanchor">[323]</a> avenues of universes,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">While Klein and Clifford fill the void</div> + <div class="verse indent4">With one finite, unbounded homaloid,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And think the Infinite is now at last destroyed.</div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">II.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent4">But when thy Science lifts her pinions</div> + <div class="verse indent4">In Speculation’s wild dominions,</div> + <div class="verse indent6">We treasure every dictum thou emittest,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">While down the stream of Evolution</div> + <div class="verse indent4">We drift, expecting no solution</div> + <div class="verse indent6">But that of the survival of the fittest.</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Till, in the twilight of the gods,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">When earth and sun are frozen clods,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">When, all its energy degraded,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Matter to æther shall have faded;</div> + <div class="verse indent4">We, that is, all the work we’ve done,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">As waves in æther, shall for ever run</div> + <div class="verse indent0">In ever-widening<a id="FNanchor_324" href="#Footnote_324" class="fnanchor">[324]</a> spheres through heavens beyond the sun.</div> + </div> + <div class="poetry-container">III.</div> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent4">Great Principle of all we see,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Unending Continuity!</div> + <div class="verse indent6">By thee are all our angles sweetly rounded,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">By thee are our misfits adjusted,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">And as I still in thee have trusted,</div> + <div class="verse indent6">So trusting, let me never be confounded!</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_651">[Pg 651]</span> + <div class="verse indent4">Oh never may direct Creation</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Break in upon my contemplation;</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Still may thy causal chain, ascending,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Appear unbroken and unending,</div> + <div class="verse indent4">While Residents in the Unseen—</div> + <div class="verse indent4">Ions and Emanations—intervene,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">And from my shrinking soul the Unconditioned screen.<a id="FNanchor_325" href="#Footnote_325" class="fnanchor">[325]</a></div> + </div> +</div> +</div> + + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_275" href="#FNanchor_275" class="label">[275]</a> +The occasion of this and of the following poem is +fully explained in a note from the Rev. Canon Farrar, which is here +subjoined:—</p> + +<div class="blockquot"> + +<p class="nindc"><span class="allsmcap">To Prof. Campbell.</span></p> + +<p class="right"><i>30th March 1882.</i></p> + +<p><span class="allsmcap">My dear Sir</span>—I am sorry that the playful nonsense of my +undergraduate days should be printed, but if the lines will in +the slightest degree help to illustrate the extreme goodness and +kind-heartedness of Maxwell, I am content.</p> + +<p>The circumstances were these. I went up to Cambridge very ill prepared +in mathematics, and my classical work was much hindered by the +considerable amount of mathematics required for a “Senior Optime,” +at which I aimed. In despair I used to say to Maxwell sometimes that +I should be “plucked” in mathematics, which in those days would have +prevented my taking classical honours. He, in his ready sympathy, and +the kind interest which he showed towards me, took my words <i>d’un +trop grand sérieux</i>, and wrote me the poetic apologue, in which he +advised me to aim at poetry like a lark, while I left mathematicians +to the distinction of being what Carlyle calls the “quickest and +completest of vegetables.” The point of his advice was that I should +give up the effort to win honour in the Mathematical Tripos, and should +be content with the Poll, or ordinary mathematical degree, reserving my +strength for the Classical Tripos. I sent him my reply the same day, +and I remember he pressed me to let him read it at one of our social +meetings—which I absolutely refused to allow him to do. Without this +word of explanation the verses would seem too nonsensical.—Yours very +truly,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="allsmcap">F. W. Farrar.</span></p> +</div> +</div> + + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_276" href="#FNanchor_276" class="label">[276]</a> +Mr. Frere had accepted the living of Schillington, but +retained his fellowship for the customary “year of grace.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_277" href="#FNanchor_277" class="label">[277]</a> +The genuine esteem expressed in the concluding words, +which alone in this youthful pasquinade are to be taken seriously, +must be the apology for inserting what Maxwell himself would not have +printed.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_278" href="#FNanchor_278" class="label">[278]</a> +<i>v.r.</i> Stout.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_279" href="#FNanchor_279" class="label">[279]</a> +C. G. S. system—the system of units founded on the +centimetre, gramme, and second. See report of Committee on units. +<i>Brit. Ass. Report</i> for 1873, p. 222.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_280" href="#FNanchor_280" class="label">[280]</a> +Erg—the energy communicated by a dyne, acting through a +centimetre. See<a href="#Page_60"> p. 60</a>, note 2.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_281" href="#FNanchor_281" class="label">[281]</a> +Tenth-metre = 1 metre \(\times 10^{-10}\).</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_282" href="#FNanchor_282" class="label">[282]</a> +Megadyne = 1 dyne \(\times 10^{6}\). It is somewhat more +than the weight of a kilogramme.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_283" href="#FNanchor_283" class="label">[283]</a> +Dyne—the force which, acting on a gramme for a second, +would give a velocity of a centimetre per second. The weight of a +gramme is about 980 dynes.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_284" href="#FNanchor_284" class="label">[284]</a> +See <i>Sound and Music</i>, by Sedley Taylor, p. 89.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_285" href="#FNanchor_285" class="label">[285]</a> +See Poinsot, <i>Théorie nouvelle de la rotation des +corps</i>.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_286" href="#FNanchor_286" class="label">[286]</a> +See Prof. Ball on the Theory of Screws, <i>Phil. +Trans.</i>, 1873.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_287" href="#FNanchor_287" class="label">[287]</a> +Nabla was the name of an Assyrian harp of the +shape \(\nabla\). \(\nabla\) is a quaternion operator \(\left(i +\dfrac{d}{dx}+j \dfrac{d}{dy}+k \dfrac{d}{dz}\right)\) invented by Sir +W. R. Hamilton, whose use and properties were first fully discussed +by Professor Tait, who is therefore called the “Chief Musician upon +Nabla.”</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_288" href="#FNanchor_288" class="label">[288]</a> +<i>v.r.</i> They melt.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_289" href="#FNanchor_289" class="label">[289]</a> +<i>v.r.</i> Grow.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_290" href="#FNanchor_290" class="label">[290]</a> +<i>v.r.</i> dish.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_291" href="#FNanchor_291" class="label">[291]</a> +<i>v.r.</i> like to.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_292" href="#FNanchor_292" class="label">[292]</a> +<i>v.r.</i> By Jove, I’ll have to.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_293" href="#FNanchor_293" class="label">[293]</a> +<i>v.r.</i> What fish, what whale is this, that through.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_294" href="#FNanchor_294" class="label">[294]</a> +<i>v.r.</i> vacuous.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_295" href="#FNanchor_295" class="label">[295]</a> +<i>v.r.</i> I.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_296" href="#FNanchor_296" class="label">[296]</a> +<i>v.r.</i> about.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_297" href="#FNanchor_297" class="label">[297]</a> +<i>v.r.</i> bows down.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_298" href="#FNanchor_298" class="label">[298]</a> +<i>v.r.</i> That.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_299" href="#FNanchor_299" class="label">[299]</a> +<i>v.r.</i> May be.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_300" href="#FNanchor_300" class="label">[300]</a> +<i>v.r.</i> tower.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_301" href="#FNanchor_301" class="label">[301]</a> +<i>v.r.</i> endless.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_302" href="#FNanchor_302" class="label">[302]</a> +The “Red Lions” are a club formed by Members of the +British Association, to meet for relaxation after the graver labours of +the day.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_303" href="#FNanchor_303" class="label">[303]</a> +“Leonum arida nutrix.”—Horace.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_304" href="#FNanchor_304" class="label">[304]</a> +<i>Statique Expérimentale et Théorique des Liquides +soumis aux seules Forces Moléculaires</i>. Par J. Plateau, Professeur à +l'Université de Gaud.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_305" href="#FNanchor_305" class="label">[305]</a> +Accentum nolim mutare.—C.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_306" href="#FNanchor_306" class="label">[306]</a> +Var. 1. 'Iερνικὸς suppedidat nescio quis. Mihi quidem +haud displicet.—[Ed.]</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_307" href="#FNanchor_307" class="label">[307]</a> +Compare Mr. Swinburne’s <i>Bothwell</i>, Act +<span class="allsmcap">II.</span> Sc. 17.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_308" href="#FNanchor_308" class="label">[308]</a> +<i>v.r.</i> opening.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_309" href="#FNanchor_309" class="label">[309]</a> +<i>v.r.</i> secret.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_310" href="#FNanchor_310" class="label">[310]</a> +<i>v.r.</i> away.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_311" href="#FNanchor_311" class="label">[311]</a> +<i>Illi robur et aes triplex!</i> (Horace.)</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_312" href="#FNanchor_312" class="label">[312]</a> +Berlin Monats-berichte.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_313" href="#FNanchor_313" class="label">[313]</a> +<i>v.r.</i> pensile.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_314" href="#FNanchor_314" class="label">[314]</a> +<i>i.e.</i> Helmholtz—the chief magician!</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_315" href="#FNanchor_315" class="label">[315]</a> +See Prof. Sylvester’s Address to the Johns Hopkins +University.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_316" href="#FNanchor_316" class="label">[316]</a> +<i>v.r.</i> whirl.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_317" href="#FNanchor_317" class="label">[317]</a> +<i>v.r.</i> rears.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_318" href="#FNanchor_318" class="label">[318]</a> +Heaviside and Lodge, see p. 374.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_319" href="#FNanchor_319" class="label">[319]</a> +<i>v.r.</i> is made.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_320" href="#FNanchor_320" class="label">[320]</a> +<i>v.r.</i> sage of Leipzig.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_321" href="#FNanchor_321" class="label">[321]</a> +<i>v.r.</i> secret.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_322" href="#FNanchor_322" class="label">[322]</a> +<i>v.r.</i> ’s an amphicheiral.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_323" href="#FNanchor_323" class="label">[323]</a> +<i>v.r.</i> Whole.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_324" href="#FNanchor_324" class="label">[324]</a> +<i>v.r.</i> swift expanding.</p> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_325" href="#FNanchor_325" class="label">[325]</a> +<i>v.r.</i></p> + +<div class="poetry-container"> +<div class="poetry"> + <div class="stanza"> + <div class="verse indent0">And where that chain is lost to sight</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Let viewless fancies guide my darkling flight,</div> + <div class="verse indent0">Through atom-haunted worlds in series infinite.</div> + </div> +</div> +</div> +</div> +</div> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2 space-below2">END OF PART III.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_653">[Pg 653]</span></p> +<h2 class="nobreak" id="INDEX">INDEX.</h2> +</div> + +<ul class="index"> +<li class="ifrst"><span class="allsmcap">Aberdeen</span>, application for professorship</li> +<li class="isub1">at, pp. <a href="#Page_247">247</a>, <a href="#Page_250">250</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx"> Maxwell’s appointment as professor,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_256">256.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">commencement of work, <a href="#Page_257">257</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">prepares inaugural lecture, <a href="#Page_263">263</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">work ends by amalgamation of the</li> +<li class="isub1">colleges, <a href="#Page_278">278</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Adams, discovery of Neptune, <a href="#Page_85">85</a>; prize</li> +<li class="isub1">(see Saturn’s rings).</li> +<li class="isub1">W. G., successor to Maxwell at</li> +<li class="isub1">King’s College, <a href="#Page_344">344</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">letter to, <a href="#Page_384">384</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Ampère’s formula, <a href="#Page_330">330</a>, <a href="#Page_331">331</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">electrical investigations, <a href="#Page_523">523</a>, <a href="#Page_525">525</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Analogies, the subject of an essay at</li> +<li class="isub1">Cambridge, <a href="#Page_235">235</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Andrews, conversion of energy in</li> +<li class="isub1">chemistry, <a href="#Page_335">335</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Apioid, delineation of, <a href="#Page_87">87</a>, <a href="#Page_88">88</a>, <a href="#Page_98">98-104</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Arago, <a href="#Page_525">525</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Archery in the Happy Valley, a subject</li> +<li class="isub1">of youthful verse, <a href="#Page_64">64</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Arthur’s Seat, glacier markings on rocks</li> +<li class="isub1">of, a novel subject of interest (in</li> +<li class="isub1">1846), <a href="#Page_73">73</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">employed by Professor Forbes to</li> +<li class="isub1">show his class mode of barometric</li> +<li class="isub1">observation, <a href="#Page_116">116</a>, <a href="#Page_130">130</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Artisan students, class at Aberdeen,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_283">283</a>, <a href="#Page_291">291</a>, <a href="#Page_292">292</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Atoms, article on, by Maxwell, for</li> +<li class="isub1"><i>Encyclopœdia Britannica</i>, <a href="#Page_390">390</a>, <a href="#Page_561">561</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Autobiography, the subject of an essay</li> +<li class="isub1">at Cambridge, <a href="#Page_244">244</a>.</li> + + +<li class="ifrst"><span class="allsmcap">Bakerian Lecture</span> (1866) on viscosity of</li> +<li class="isub1">gases, <a href="#Page_325">325</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Basket-making, an amusement in</li> +<li class="isub1">childhood--sketch by J. W., <a href="#Page_31">31</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Beauty, subject of essay at Cambridge,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_231">231.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Bell, Professor Graham (telephone), <a href="#Page_361">361</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_363">363.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Benson’s Manual of Colour, <a href="#Page_346">346</a>, <a href="#Page_379">379</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Berkeley’s <i>Theory of Vision</i>,</li> +<li class="isub1">Maxwell’s-study of, <a href="#Page_198">198</a>, <a href="#Page_207">207</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Bernoulli, allusion to his account of</li> +<li class="isub1">cycloidal oscillations, <a href="#Page_226">226</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his theory of gases, <a href="#Page_314">314</a>, <a href="#Page_332">332</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">place in history of dynamics, <a href="#Page_398">398</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_560">560.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Biography, thoughts about, <a href="#Page_244">244</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Birmingham, visit to, proposed by J. C.</li> +<li class="isub1">M.’s father, <a href="#Page_7">7</a> <i>note</i>, <a href="#Page_185">185</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">and carried out, <a href="#Page_168">168</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Blackburn (Mrs. Hugh, <i>née</i> Jemima</li> +<li class="isub1">Wedderburn), her portrait of</li> +<li class="isub1">J. C. M., <a href="#Page_11">11</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">a frequent visitor at Glenlair, in</li> +<li class="isub1">J. C. M.’s early days, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">her pictorial genius, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">her sketches of family groups, <a href="#Page_5">5</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>, <a href="#Page_40">40</a>, <a href="#Page_42">42</a>, <a href="#Page_46">46</a>, <a href="#Page_62">62</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">occupations at “Old 31,” <a href="#Page_52">52</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">a picture of hers described by J. C.</li> +<li class="isub1">M., <a href="#Page_270">270</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">Professor Hugh, his advice as to</li> +<li class="isub1">Maxwell’s going to Cambridge,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_131">131</a> <i>note</i>, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">and in choice of a college there,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_146">146.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Boltzmann, <a href="#Page_569">569</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Boole’s mathematical analysis of logic,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_113">113</a>, <a href="#Page_378">378</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Brewster, Sir David, his demonstrations</li> +<li class="isub1">with Wheatstone’s stereoscope,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_125">125.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">Maxwell’s youthful debate with</li> +<li class="isub1">him at British Association, <a href="#Page_144">144</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">at British Association (1855), <a href="#Page_203">203</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_215">215</a>, <a href="#Page_216">216</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">British Association, Maxwell’s youthful</li> +<li class="isub1">appearance disputing a point</li> +<li class="isub1">with Sir David Brewster, <a href="#Page_144">144</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">Maxwell present at meeting of (in</li> +<li class="isub1">1855), <a href="#Page_203">203</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">meeting at Oxford (in 1860), <a href="#Page_314">314</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">committee on electrical standards,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_316">316</a>, <a href="#Page_343">343</a>.</li> + + +<li class="indx">British Association--</li> +<li class="isub1">meeting at Liverpool (1870), Maxwell</li> +<li class="isub1">president of Section A</li> +<li class="isub1">(Mathematics and Physics), <a href="#Page_326">326</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">apparatus for committee on electrical</li> +<li class="isub1">standards deposited in Cavendish</li> +<li class="isub1">Laboratory, <a href="#Page_353">353</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Bradford (1873), Maxwell’s discourse</li> +<li class="isub1">on molecules, <a href="#Page_358">358</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">committee for verifying Ohm’s law,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_365">365.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">meeting at Belfast (1874), last attended</li> +<li class="isub1">by Maxwell, <a href="#Page_372">372</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his paraphrase of the President’s</li> +<li class="isub1">address, <a href="#Page_373">373</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Buckle’s <i>History of Civilisation</i>, first</li> +<li class="isub1">impression of, <a href="#Page_295">295</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">allusion to, <a href="#Page_458">458</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Butler, Rev. H., D.D., Head Master of</li> +<li class="isub1">Harrow School, a friend of Maxwell</li> +<li class="isub1">at college, <a href="#Page_168">168</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his reminiscences of Maxwell, <a href="#Page_422">422</a>.</li> + + +<li class="ifrst"><span class="allsmcap">Cambridge</span>, causes of delay in decision</li> +<li class="isub1">as to entering university, <a href="#Page_130">130</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">choice of a college, <a href="#Page_146">146</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">Peterhouse fixed upon in first</li> +<li class="isub1">instance, <a href="#Page_146">146</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">migration to Trinity in second term,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_147">147.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">mathematical examinations 1854,</li> +<li class="isub1">Maxwell second wrangler, and he</li> +<li class="isub1">and Routh bracketed Smith’s</li> +<li class="isub1">Prizemen, <a href="#Page_176">176</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">Maxwell elected Fellow of Trinity,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_204">204.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">essays for meetings of society at,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_223">223</a>-<a href="#Page_246">246</a>, also <a href="#Page_434">434</a>-<a href="#Page_463">463.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">influence as examiner at, <a href="#Page_325">325</a>, <a href="#Page_357">357</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">chair of experimental physics</li> +<li class="isub1">founded 1871, <a href="#Page_348">348</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">Maxwell’s inaugural lecture in this</li> +<li class="isub1">chair, <a href="#Page_354">354</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his work as professor, <a href="#Page_364">364</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Carmichael, A. N., J. C. M.’s master in</li> +<li class="isub1">Greek and Latin at Edinburgh</li> +<li class="isub1">Academy, <a href="#Page_50">50</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Cartesian space equations, <a href="#Page_380">380</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Cavendish, Hon. Henry, F.R.S., his</li> +<li class="isub1">electrical researches collected and</li> +<li class="isub1">edited by Maxwell, <a href="#Page_374">374</a>, <a href="#Page_375">375</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_514">514</a>, <a href="#Page_555">555</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">reference to this work in a letter</li> +<li class="isub1">of Maxwell to W. Garnett, <a href="#Page_389">389</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">Laboratory (Cambridge), Maxwell’s</li> +<li class="isub1">hereditary genius shown in planning,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_9">9.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">Maxwell’s arrangements in its</li> +<li class="isub1">design and erection, <a href="#Page_325">325</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_350">350</a>, <a href="#Page_353">353</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Cavendish Laboratory, Maxwell’s letter</li> +<li class="isub1">to the Vice-Chancellor on the subject,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_352">352.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Cay, Charles Hope, a cousin of J. C. M.,</li> +<li class="isub1">his visit to Glenlair, <a href="#Page_312">312</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his correspondence with Maxwell,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_324">324</a>, <a href="#Page_337">337</a>, <a href="#Page_341">341</a>, <a href="#Page_343">343</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">Miss Jane, maternal aunt of J. C.</li> +<li class="isub1">M., <a href="#Page_13">13</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">letter to her from J. C. M.’s</li> +<li class="isub1">parents in early days, <a href="#Page_27">27</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">letter from J. C. M. (<i>Æt.</i> 8½),</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_33">33.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">influence of her tastes and</li> +<li class="isub1">occupations, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">her interest in J. C. M.’s education,</li> +<li class="isub1">and letters to him as</li> +<li class="isub1">a boy, <a href="#Page_41">41</a>, <a href="#Page_44">44</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">her care in J. C. M.’s religious</li> +<li class="isub1">education, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">J. C. M. domiciled with her in</li> +<li class="isub1">1844, <a href="#Page_67">67</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">Maxwell’s correspondence with</li> +<li class="isub1">her, <a href="#Page_169">169</a>, <a href="#Page_180">180</a>, <a href="#Page_184">184</a>, <a href="#Page_186">186</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_193">193</a>, <a href="#Page_195">195</a>, <a href="#Page_208">208</a>, <a href="#Page_253">253</a>, <a href="#Page_281">281</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">John (Sheriff of Linlithgow), maternal</li> +<li class="isub1">uncle of J. C. M., <a href="#Page_7">7</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">companion of Maxwell senior,</li> +<li class="isub1">at meetings of Edinburgh</li> +<li class="isub1">Royal Society, <a href="#Page_8">8</a>, <a href="#Page_13">13</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his scientific occupations a</li> +<li class="isub1">source of interest to J. C.</li> +<li class="isub1">M., <a href="#Page_67">67</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">accompanies J. C. M. in visiting</li> +<li class="isub1">Mr. Nicol (inventor of</li> +<li class="isub1">polariscope), <a href="#Page_84">84</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">a friend of Sir W. Hamilton,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_108">108.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">sends J. C. M. a “Nicol’s</li> +<li class="isub1">prism,” <a href="#Page_123">123</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">R. D., maternal uncle of J. C. M.,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_13">13.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">his letter to Miss Cay after</li> +<li class="isub1">death of Mr. John C. Maxwell,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_254">254.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">R. H., Esq., of N. Charlton, maternal</li> +<li class="isub1">grand-father of J. C. M.,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_2">2</a>, <a href="#Page_22">22</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">mention of him in Lockhart s</li> +<li class="isub1"><i>Life of Scott</i>, <a href="#Page_13">13</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">William Dyce (cousin of J. C. M.)</li> +<li class="isub1">his letter describing meeting</li> +<li class="isub1">of British Association</li> +<li class="isub1">(1855), <a href="#Page_215">215</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">employed by J. C. M. to build</li> +<li class="isub1">a bridge over the Urr, <a href="#Page_323">323</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his recollections of Maxwell,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_324">324.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Charlton, N., Northumberland, home of</li> +<li class="isub1">J. C. M. ’s mother’s family, <a href="#Page_2">2</a>.</li> + + +<li class="indx">Chemistry class at University of Edinburgh</li> +<li class="isub1">attended by Maxwell under</li> +<li class="isub1">Professor Gregory, and practical</li> +<li class="isub1">chemistry under Mr. Kemp, <a href="#Page_107">107</a>, <a href="#Page_126">126</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Chrystal, Professor, associated with</li> +<li class="isub1">Maxwell in committee of British</li> +<li class="isub1">Association for verifying Ohm’s law,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_365">365</a>, <a href="#Page_392">392</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Clausius, mathematical investigations</li> +<li class="isub1">suggested by his theory of gases,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_332">332</a>, <a href="#Page_336">336</a>, <a href="#Page_342">342</a>, <a href="#Page_380">380</a>, <a href="#Page_399">399</a>, <a href="#Page_562">562</a>, + <a href="#Page_564">564</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1">567.</li> + +<li class="indx">Clerk, George, afterwards Sir George</li> +<li class="isub1">Clerk Maxwell (great grand-father</li> +<li class="isub1">in the direct male line</li> +<li class="isub1">of J. C. M.), his betrothal and</li> +<li class="isub1">marriage to his cousin, Dorothea</li> +<li class="isub1">Maxwell, heiress of Middlebie,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_19">19</a>, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">Sir George (of Penicuik), brother of</li> +<li class="isub1">John Clerk Maxwell and uncle</li> +<li class="isub1">of J. C. M., <a href="#Page_322">322</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">Captain James, paternal grand-father</li> +<li class="isub1">of J. C. M., <a href="#Page_3">3</a> and <i>note</i>, <a href="#Page_22">22</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">Mrs. James (<i>née</i> Janet Irving),</li> +<li class="isub1">paternal grand-mother of J. C.</li> +<li class="isub1">M., <a href="#Page_4">4</a>, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">John, of Eldin, brother to Sir</li> +<li class="isub1">George Clerk (J. C. M.’s great-grandfather),</li> +<li class="isub1">and author of a</li> +<li class="isub1">book on naval tactics, <a href="#Page_19">19-21</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">John (son of the above), a distinguished</li> +<li class="isub1">lawyer and Lord of</li> +<li class="isub1">Session (Lord Eldin), <a href="#Page_19">19</a>, <a href="#Page_21">21</a> and</li> +<li class="isub1"><i>note</i>.</li> +<li class="isub1">Sir John, of Penicuik, elder brother</li> +<li class="isub1">of James (paternal grand-father of</li> +<li class="isub1">J. C. M.), <a href="#Page_3">3</a>, <a href="#Page_22">22</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">Sir John (of Penicuik, Baron of</li> +<li class="isub1">Exchequer), great-great-grand-father</li> +<li class="isub1">in the direct male line of</li> +<li class="isub1">J. C. M., <a href="#Page_19">19</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">John, afterwards John Clerk Maxwell,</li> +<li class="isub1">of Middlebie (or Glenlair),</li> +<li class="isub1">the father of J. C. M. (see Maxwell,</li> +<li class="isub1">John Clerk).</li> +<li class="isub1">William, brother of Lord Eldin,</li> +<li class="isub1">and friend of young Walter Scott,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_21">21</a> and <i>note</i>.</li> +<li class="isub1">William, married Agnes Maxwell,</li> +<li class="isub1">and left only child, Dorothea</li> +<li class="isub1">Maxwell, heiress of Middlebie,</li> +<li class="isub1">who married her cousin, George</li> +<li class="isub1">Clerk, as above, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">Clerks (of Penicuik), their family traits</li> +<li class="isub1">and <i>Coterie-Sprache</i>, <a href="#Page_5">5</a>, <a href="#Page_6">6</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">note upon their descent and history,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_16">16</a>-<a href="#Page_22">22.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Colour-box, <a href="#Page_198">198</a>, <a href="#Page_314">314</a>, <a href="#Page_318">318</a>, <a href="#Page_334">334</a>, <a href="#Page_335">335</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_337">337</a>, <a href="#Page_347">347</a>, <a href="#Page_476">476</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Colour-blindness, phenomena of, investigated,</li> +<li class="isub1">soon after Cambridge</li> +<li class="isub1">degree, <a href="#Page_198">198</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">results communicated to Dr.</li> +<li class="isub1">George Wilson, <a href="#Page_203">203</a>, <a href="#Page_217">217</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">account of his investigations, <a href="#Page_474">474</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_482">482.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Colours, early questions about, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">order of ideas upon, <a href="#Page_84">84</a> <i>note</i>.</li> +<li class="isub1">investigations upon, commenced</li> +<li class="isub1">after the Cambridge degree, <a href="#Page_198">198</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_209">209</a>, <a href="#Page_211">211</a>, <a href="#Page_212">212</a>, <a href="#Page_261">261</a>, <a href="#Page_268">268</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his triangle of, <a href="#Page_209">209</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">remarks on Maxwell’s investigations,</li> +<li class="isub1">by Professor Stokes,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_287">287.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">lecture upon, at Royal Institution</li> +<li class="isub1">1861, <a href="#Page_315">315</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">paper upon colour-vision at different</li> +<li class="isub1">points of the retina, <a href="#Page_327">327</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">letters to C. J. Monro on colours,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_347">347</a>, <a href="#Page_379">379</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Colour-top, <a href="#Page_198">198</a>, <a href="#Page_332">332</a>, <a href="#Page_469">469</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Colour-vision, lecture on (B. A. 1870),</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_327">327</a>, <a href="#Page_354">354</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">account of Maxwell’s experiments</li> +<li class="isub1">on, <a href="#Page_466">466-491</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Conical pendulum, MS. on, <a href="#Page_87">87</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Craigenputtock, incident of pilgrimage</li> +<li class="isub1">to, <a href="#Page_257">257</a> <i>note</i>.</li> + + +<li class="ifrst"><span class="allsmcap">Descartes</span>, his ovals identified with</li> +<li class="isub1">those delineated by Maxwell by</li> +<li class="isub1">new and simpler method, <a href="#Page_77">77</a>, <a href="#Page_79">79</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_88">88.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">laws of, <a href="#Page_398">398</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">on matter and extension, <a href="#Page_436">436</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Determinism, <a href="#Page_434">434-444</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Devil-on-two-sticks, a favourite game,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_65">65</a>, <a href="#Page_117">117</a>, <a href="#Page_129">129</a>, <a href="#Page_135">135</a>, <a href="#Page_251">251</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Devonshire, Duke of, his gift of a</li> +<li class="isub1">physical laboratory to Cambridge,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_348">348.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Dewar, Principal, of Marischal College,</li> +<li class="isub1">Aberdeen, <a href="#Page_275">275</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his daughter Katherine Mary D.</li> +<li class="isub1">married to J. C. M., <a href="#Page_276">276</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Dielectric, Maxwell’s theory of action</li> +<li class="isub1">in, <a href="#Page_559">559</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Dynamical top, Maxwell’s paper on, <a href="#Page_287">287</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_500">500.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Dynamics, Maxwell’s investigations in,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_465">465</a>, <a href="#Page_498">498-501</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">letters to W. Garnett on, <a href="#Page_398">398</a>, <a href="#Page_399">399</a>.</li> + + +<li class="ifrst"><span class="allsmcap">Edinburgh Academy</span> chosen as the</li> +<li class="isub1">school for J. C. M., <a href="#Page_44">44</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">early days at, <a href="#Page_45">45-61</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">rector’s class under Archdeacon</li> +<li class="isub1">Williams, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>.</li> + + +<li class="indx">Edinburgh University, Maxwell’s entrance at, <a href="#Page_105">105</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Edison’s loud-speaking telephone, <a href="#Page_363">363</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">phonograph, <a href="#Page_455">455</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Elastic solids, Maxwell’s investigations</li> +<li class="isub1">on, <a href="#Page_106">106</a>, <a href="#Page_126">126</a>, <a href="#Page_127">127</a>, <a href="#Page_133">133</a>, <a href="#Page_465">465</a>, <a href="#Page_491">491</a>, + <a href="#Page_491">491-496</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Elasticity, a subject of lectures at Aberdeen,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_295">295</a>, <a href="#Page_301">301</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Eldin (see Clerk, John).</li> + +<li class="indx">Electricity, a subject of Maxwell’s study</li> +<li class="isub1">while at Edinburgh University,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_106">106</a>, <a href="#Page_118">118</a>, <a href="#Page_120">120</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">resumed immediately after the</li> +<li class="isub1">Cambridge degree, <a href="#Page_199">199</a>, <a href="#Page_204">204</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">a subject of lectures at Aberdeen,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_291">291</a>, <a href="#Page_302">302</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">Maxwell a member of committee</li> +<li class="isub1">(British Association) for determining</li> +<li class="isub1">standard of resistance,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_316">316.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">Maxwell’s comparison of electromagnetic</li> +<li class="isub1">and electrostatic units,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_317">317</a>, <a href="#Page_336">336</a>, <a href="#Page_337">337</a>, <a href="#Page_545">545</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">Maxwell’s great work on, takes</li> +<li class="isub1">shape 1866-1870, <a href="#Page_320">320</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">general mathematical propositions</li> +<li class="isub1">relating to, <a href="#Page_330">330</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">instrument for measuring effects</li> +<li class="isub1">of, through different media,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_334">334.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">one of the primary objects of the</li> +<li class="isub1">chair of experimental physics at</li> +<li class="isub1">Cambridge, <a href="#Page_350">350</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">Maxwell appointed one of committee</li> +<li class="isub1">of British Association for</li> +<li class="isub1">verifying Ohm’s law. Reported</li> +<li class="isub1">at Glasgow 1876, <a href="#Page_365">365</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">publication of book on electricity</li> +<li class="isub1">and magnetism, <a href="#Page_374">374</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">various work relating to, <a href="#Page_375">375</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">posthumous work on, <a href="#Page_288">288</a> <i>note</i>, <a href="#Page_354">354</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">synthetical account of Maxwell’s</li> +<li class="isub1">contributions to science of, <a href="#Page_513">513-559</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Electromagnetic field, <a href="#Page_550">550</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">machines, seen by J. C. M. in 1842,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_52">52.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">theory of light, <a href="#Page_340">340-342</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">units, <a href="#Page_336">336</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Ellicott, C. J., Bishop of Gloucester,</li> +<li class="isub1">his correspondence with Maxwell,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_392">392</a>-<a href="#Page_396">396.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Energy, conversion and conservation of,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_335">335</a>, <a href="#Page_438">438</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Everitt, Professor, member of committee</li> +<li class="isub1">of British Association on Ohm’s Law,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_365">365.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Examination system at Cambridge, <a href="#Page_325">325</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_356">356.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Experimental physics, chair of, <a href="#Page_348">348</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">inaugural lecture, <a href="#Page_354">354</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">work of, <a href="#Page_364">364</a> <i>et seq</i>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Extension (Spinoza), <a href="#Page_380">380</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">(Descartes), <a href="#Page_436">436</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Eye, lecture to operatives on, at Aberdeen,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_264">264.</a></li> + + +<li class="ifrst"><span class="allsmcap">Faraday, Michael</span>, reference to his</li> +<li class="isub1">experiments upon table-turning,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_189">189.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">Maxwell’s early interest in his investigations,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_199">199</a> <i>note</i>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his lines of force, the subject of a</li> +<li class="isub1">lecture by Maxwell 1855-56,199,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_204">204</a>, <a href="#Page_222">222</a>, <a href="#Page_256">256</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his letters to Maxwell, <a href="#Page_288">288</a>, <a href="#Page_519">519</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">reference to his style, <a href="#Page_305">305</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">at Maxwell’s lecture Royal Institution</li> +<li class="isub1">(1861), <a href="#Page_319">319</a>, <a href="#Page_528">528</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his Electrical Researches carefully</li> +<li class="isub1">studied by Maxwell, <a href="#Page_513">513</a>, <a href="#Page_516">516</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his discovery of magnetic induction,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_525">525.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Farrar, Rev. F. W. (Canon of Westminster),</li> +<li class="isub1">a friend of Maxwell as an</li> +<li class="isub1">undergraduate at Cambridge, <a href="#Page_168">168</a>,182,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_200">200.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Fluid displacement, <a href="#Page_346">346</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx"><i>Foramen centrale</i>, phenomena of, <a href="#Page_315">315</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Forbes, Professor James D., his early</li> +<li class="isub1">recognition of J. C. M.’s genius,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_74">74</a>, <a href="#Page_75">75</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">reads paper of J. C. M. at Royal</li> +<li class="isub1">Society, Edinburgh, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his lifelong friendship with J. C.</li> +<li class="isub1">M., <a href="#Page_79">79</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his natural philosophy class in the</li> +<li class="isub1">University of Edinburgh, <a href="#Page_90">90</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_114">114</a>, <a href="#Page_115">115</a>, <a href="#Page_116">116</a>, <a href="#Page_124">124</a>, <a href="#Page_127">127</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his advice as to Maxwell’s going to</li> +<li class="isub1">Cambridge, <a href="#Page_131">131</a> <i>note</i>, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his suggestions as to paper (on</li> +<li class="isub1">elastic solids) for the Royal</li> +<li class="isub1">Society, <a href="#Page_137">137</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">advises Trinity College, Cambridge,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_146">146.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">correspondence upon colours, <a href="#Page_213">213</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_214">214.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">suggestion as to Aberdeen professorship</li> +<li class="isub1">and joining the Royal</li> +<li class="isub1">Society of Edinburgh, <a href="#Page_250">250</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">letter upon Maxwell’s appointment</li> +<li class="isub1">and on his father’s death, <a href="#Page_256">256</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">letter upon professorial work, <a href="#Page_266">266</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">vacates chair of Natural Philosophy</li> +<li class="isub1">at Edinburgh, <a href="#Page_277">277</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">letter on Saturn, etc., <a href="#Page_307">307</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">resignation of principalship, St.</li> +<li class="isub1">Andrews, <a href="#Page_327">327</a>, <a href="#Page_345">345</a>.</li> + + +<li class="indx">Force, suggestions from Faraday as to</li> +<li class="isub1">definition of, <a href="#Page_289">289</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Foucault, his pendulum for showing the</li> +<li class="isub1">rotation of the earth, <a href="#Page_153">153</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his determination of the velocity of</li> +<li class="isub1">light, <a href="#Page_545">545</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Fourier’s Theorie de la Chaleur perused</li> +<li class="isub1">by Maxwell while at Edinburgh</li> +<li class="isub1">University, <a href="#Page_133">133</a> <i>note</i>, <a href="#Page_134">134</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">method of harmonics, <a href="#Page_507">507</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Fraunhofer’s lines, preparation of water</li> +<li class="isub1">prism for showing, to students, <a href="#Page_267">267</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Free will, <a href="#Page_305">305</a>, <a href="#Page_306">306</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Fresnel, <a href="#Page_129">129</a>, <a href="#Page_486">486</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Frog, a subject of childish interest, <a href="#Page_34">34</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">transformations ingeniously delineated</li> +<li class="isub1">on magic disc, <a href="#Page_37">37</a>.</li> + + +<li class="ifrst"><span class="allsmcap">Galileo</span>, <a href="#Page_501">501</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Galton, F., <a href="#Page_435">435</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Galvanism (see Electricity).</li> + +<li class="indx">Gases, experiments on viscosity of, at</li> +<li class="isub1">different pressures and temperatures,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_318">318.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">paper on this subject, delivered at</li> +<li class="isub1">Bakerian Lecture 1866, <a href="#Page_325">325</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Geometry, original inquiries suggested</li> +<li class="isub1">to J. C. M. by school exercises in,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_69">69.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">Maxwell’s investigations in, <a href="#Page_465">465</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_496">496</a>-<a href="#Page_498">498.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Germs, speculations upon, <a href="#Page_390">390</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Glacier-markings on Arthur’s Seat, J.</li> +<li class="isub1">C. M. points out to L. C., in 1846,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_73">73.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Glaciers, Forbes’s investigations on, a</li> +<li class="isub1">subject of interest to J. C. M., <a href="#Page_80">80</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Glenlair, name of farm acquired by Mr.</li> +<li class="isub1">John C. Maxwell, and house built</li> +<li class="isub1">by him, <a href="#Page_24">24-26</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">journey from, on J. C. M. going to</li> +<li class="isub1">Edinburgh for schooling, <a href="#Page_46">46</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">holidays at, <a href="#Page_61">61-65</a>, etc.</li> +<li class="isub1">completion of new offices at, <a href="#Page_64">64</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">Maxwell’s residence in intervals of</li> +<li class="isub1">professorial work, <a href="#Page_320">320-328</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Gloag, J. C. M.’s first mathematical</li> +<li class="isub1">teacher, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Graham’s experiments on gases, <a href="#Page_315">315</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_332">332</a>, <a href="#Page_564">564</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Gregory, Professor, at Edinburgh, his</li> +<li class="isub1">chemistry class attended by Maxwell,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_107">107</a>, <a href="#Page_114">114</a>, <a href="#Page_126">126</a>, <a href="#Page_127">127</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Guillemard, Rev. Dr., of Little St.</li> +<li class="isub1">Mary’s,<a id="FNanchor_326" href="#Footnote_326" class="fnanchor">[326]</a> Cambridge, his account of</li> +<li class="isub1">Maxwell’s last hours, <a href="#Page_414">414-416</a>.</li> + + +<li class="ifrst"><span class="allsmcap">Haidinger’s Brushes</span>, <a href="#Page_84">84</a>, <a href="#Page_489">489</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Hamilton, Sir William, Edinburgh, his</li> +<li class="isub1">logic and metaphysic class attended</li> +<li class="isub1">by Maxwell, <a href="#Page_90">90</a>, <a href="#Page_107">107</a>, <a href="#Page_116">116</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_126">126.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">influence on Maxwell of his teaching,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_108">108</a>, <a href="#Page_165">165</a>, <a href="#Page_227">227</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Happy Valley, Vale of Urr, in <i>Coterie-Sprache</i>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_62">62.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Harmonic analysis, <a href="#Page_374">374</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Hay, Mr. D. R., his work suggested J.</li> +<li class="isub1">C. M.’s investigations on the subject</li> +<li class="isub1">of ovals, <a href="#Page_73">73</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">furnishes colour-patterns, <a href="#Page_198">198</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his book of colours, <a href="#Page_212">212</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Heat, a subject in chair of experimental</li> +<li class="isub1">physics, <a href="#Page_350">350</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">treatise on, <a href="#Page_374">374</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Helmholtz, his investigations on colours</li> +<li class="isub1">referred to, <a href="#Page_214">214</a>, <a href="#Page_468">468</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">on conversion of energy, <a href="#Page_335">335</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">on acoustics, <a href="#Page_363">363</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Heriot Row, “Old 31,” house of aunt,</li> +<li class="isub1">Mrs. Wedderburn, and home of</li> +<li class="isub1">J. C. M. while at school and</li> +<li class="isub1">college in Edinburgh--arrival</li> +<li class="isub1">there sketched by J. W., <a href="#Page_46">46</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">home occupations, <a href="#Page_52">52</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Herschel, Sir John, his essays, <a href="#Page_302">302</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his style, <a href="#Page_305">305</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">Sir William, his observation of</li> +<li class="isub1">Saturn’s rings, <a href="#Page_502">502</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Hills and Dales, paper on (British</li> +<li class="isub1">Association 1870), <a href="#Page_327">327</a>, <a href="#Page_497">497</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Hopkins, William, his remark that</li> +<li class="isub1">“Maxwell never made a mistake,”</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_133">133</a> <i>note</i>.</li> +<li class="isub1">Maxwell commences to read with</li> +<li class="isub1">him, <a href="#Page_154">154</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">reminiscence of a fellow-pupil</li> +<li class="isub1">under, <a href="#Page_175">175</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Hort, Professor F. J. A., his recollections</li> +<li class="isub1">of Maxwell, <a href="#Page_417">417-421</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Hughes, Professor (microphone), <a href="#Page_363">363</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Huygens’ discovery of Saturn’s rings,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_501">501.</a></li> + + +<li class="ifrst"><span class="allsmcap">Impenetrability</span> of matter, doctrine</li> +<li class="isub1">stated in paper on properties of</li> +<li class="isub1">matter, written for Mental Philosophy</li> +<li class="isub1">class in Edinburgh University,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_109">109.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Inertia, as a property of matter, defined</li> +<li class="isub1">in paper written for Mental Philosophy</li> +<li class="isub1">class in University of Edinburgh, <a href="#Page_109">109</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Investigation, early proclivities for, <a href="#Page_27">27</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Irving, Miss Janet, paternal grand-mother</li> +<li class="isub1">of J. C. M., <a href="#Page_4">4</a>, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>, <a href="#Page_22">22</a>.</li> + + +<li class="indx">Irving, John, half-brother to above, and</li> +<li class="isub1">friend of Walter Scott and Lord</li> +<li class="isub1">Eldin, <a href="#Page_21">21</a> and <i>note</i>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Italy, tour with Mrs. Maxwell in, <a href="#Page_324">324</a>.</li> + + +<li class="ifrst"><span class="allsmcap">Jenkin</span>, Professor <span class="allsmcap">Fleeming</span>, associated</li> +<li class="isub1">with Maxwell in committee of</li> +<li class="isub1">British Association, for determining</li> +<li class="isub1">standard of electrical resistance,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_316">316.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">Maxwell’s correspondence with, <a href="#Page_336">336</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Joule, <a href="#Page_335">335</a>, <a href="#Page_568">568</a>.</li> + + +<li class="ifrst"><span class="allsmcap">Kelland</span>, Professor, referred to on J.</li> +<li class="isub1">C. M.’s early paper upon ovals,</li> +<li class="isub1">and agreed with Professor</li> +<li class="isub1">Forbes as to its merit, <a href="#Page_75">75</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his mathematical classes attended</li> +<li class="isub1">by Maxwell in the University of</li> +<li class="isub1">Edinburgh, <a href="#Page_90">90</a>, <a href="#Page_107">107</a>, <a href="#Page_115">115</a>, <a href="#Page_116">116</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">reads Maxwell’s paper on rolling</li> +<li class="isub1">curves at meeting of Royal Society,</li> +<li class="isub1">Edinburgh, 19th Feb. 1849, <a href="#Page_106">106</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">consulted as to choice of college at</li> +<li class="isub1">Cambridge, <a href="#Page_146">146</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">congratulations on degree, <a href="#Page_207">207</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Kinetic energy, <a href="#Page_563">563</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">King’s College, London, Maxwell appointed</li> +<li class="isub1">Professor of Natural</li> +<li class="isub1">Philosophy in, <a href="#Page_278">278</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his work in this professorship,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_314">314</a>-<a href="#Page_320">320.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Kirchoffs rules for electric circuits,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_372">372</a>, <a href="#Page_399">399</a>.</li> + + +<li class="ifrst"><span class="allsmcap">Lagrange</span>, <a href="#Page_398">398</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Laplace, <a href="#Page_398">398</a>, <a href="#Page_438">438</a>, <a href="#Page_505">505</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Lavater, <a href="#Page_302">302</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Leaping-pole, <a href="#Page_34">34</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Le Sage, <a href="#Page_560">560</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Leibniz, <a href="#Page_335">335</a>, <a href="#Page_398">398</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Lenz’s law, <a href="#Page_526">526</a>, <a href="#Page_540">540</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Leverrier, <a href="#Page_85">85</a>, <a href="#Page_351">351</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Liddell, Elizabeth, maternal grand-mother</li> +<li class="isub1">of J. C. M., <a href="#Page_13">13</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Light, velocity of, <a href="#Page_317">317</a>, <a href="#Page_329">329</a>, <a href="#Page_483">483</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Litchfield, R. B., a college friend, correspondence</li> +<li class="isub1">with, <a href="#Page_207">207</a>, <a href="#Page_215">215</a>, <a href="#Page_221">221</a>, <a href="#Page_261">261</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_262">262</a>, <a href="#Page_280">280</a>, <a href="#Page_304">304</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Lucretius, his argument for a vacuum</li> +<li class="isub1">adopted in a paper of Maxwell’s,</li> +<li class="isub1">written for the mental philosophy</li> +<li class="isub1">class, Edinburgh University, <a href="#Page_109">109</a>, <a href="#Page_112">112</a>.</li> + + +<li class="ifrst"><span class="allsmcap">Mackenzie, Rev. Charles</span> (afterwards</li> +<li class="isub1">Bishop of Natal), consulted in</li> +<li class="isub1">choice of a college at Cambridge,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_146">146.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">takes J. C. M. and his father to see</li> +<li class="isub1">the colleges, <a href="#Page_148">148</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Mackenzie, Rev. Charles, a moderator in</li> +<li class="isub1">the examination for the Mathematical</li> +<li class="isub1">Tripos 1854, <a href="#Page_193">193</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">Colin, a cousin, present at Maxwell’s</li> +<li class="isub1">last illness, <a href="#Page_411">411</a>, <a href="#Page_416">416</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">Frank, a college friend and contemporary</li> +<li class="isub1">of Maxwell, <a href="#Page_169">169</a>, <a href="#Page_186">186</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_193">193.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Maclagan, W. D. (now Bishop of Lichfield),</li> +<li class="isub1">a friend of Maxwell at Cambridge,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_203">203.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Maclennan, the late J. F., one of Maxwell’s</li> +<li class="isub1">college friends, <a href="#Page_161">161</a>, <a href="#Page_177">177</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_252">252.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">visits Glenlair, <a href="#Page_263">263</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Magnetism (see Electricity).</li> + +<li class="indx">Mathematics, modicum of teaching received</li> +<li class="isub1">at the Edinburgh Academy,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_68">68</a>, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">Professor Kelland’s classes in University</li> +<li class="isub1">of Edinburgh, <a href="#Page_90">90</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Matter, properties of, discussed in paper</li> +<li class="isub1">written for Sir W. Hamilton’s</li> +<li class="isub1">class of mental philosophy, <a href="#Page_109">109</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1">and motion, small book on, <a href="#Page_374">374</a>, <a href="#Page_398">398</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Matteucci, Professor, <a href="#Page_325">325</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Maurice, Professor, Maxwell’s interest</li> +<li class="isub1">in controversy upon <i>Theological</i></li> +<li class="isub1"><i>Essays</i>, <a href="#Page_171">171</a>, <a href="#Page_192">192</a>, <a href="#Page_194">194</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his working-men’s college scheme</li> +<li class="isub1">entered into by Maxwell, <a href="#Page_205">205</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_217">217</a>, <a href="#Page_222">222</a>, <a href="#Page_256">256</a>, <a href="#Page_260">260</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">criticism of his writings, <a href="#Page_218">218</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Maxwell, Dorothea Clerk, heiress of</li> +<li class="isub1">Middlebie, great-grandmother</li> +<li class="isub1">(mother of paternal grand-father)</li> +<li class="isub1">of J. C. M., her betrothal and</li> +<li class="isub1">marriage to her cousin George</li> +<li class="isub1">Clerk, <a href="#Page_19">19</a>, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Sir George Clerk (of Penicuik and</li> +<li class="isub1">Middlebie), great-grandfather, in</li> +<li class="isub1">the direct male line, of J. C. M.,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_19">19</a>, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1"><span class="allsmcap">James Clerk</span>, birth and parentage,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_2">2.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">childhood, <a href="#Page_24">24-44</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">boyhood--Edinburgh Academy</li> +<li class="isub1">(<i>Æt.</i> 10-13), <a href="#Page_45">45-65</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">adolescence (<i>Æt.</i> 13-16), <a href="#Page_66">66-90</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">original work at this period</li> +<li class="isub1">(ovals, etc.), <a href="#Page_91">91-104</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">University of Edinburgh (<i>Æt.</i></li> +<li class="isub1">16-19), <a href="#Page_105">105-145</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">undergraduate life at Cambridge</li> +<li class="isub1">(<i>Æt.</i> 19-22), <a href="#Page_146">146-196</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">Bachelor-scholar and Fellow of</li> +<li class="isub1">Trinity (1854-1856), <a href="#Page_197">197-222</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Essays at Cambridge, 1853-1856,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_223">223</a>-<a href="#Page_246">246.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Maxwell, James Clerk, his father’s</li> +<li class="isub1">death, professorship at Aberdeen,</li> +<li class="isub1">marriage, <a href="#Page_247">247-313</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">King’s College, London—Glenlair</li> +<li class="isub1">1860-1870, <a href="#Page_314">314-347</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">Examiner at Cambridge, <a href="#Page_325">325</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">Cambridge--Cavendish laboratory</li> +<li class="isub1">(1871-1879), <a href="#Page_348">348-405</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">illness and death 1879, <a href="#Page_406">406-433</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">last essays at Cambridge, <a href="#Page_434">434-463</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">poems, <a href="#Page_577">577-651</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">John Clerk, father of J. C. M., <a href="#Page_2">2</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his place in descent of the</li> +<li class="isub1">Clerks of Penicuik, <a href="#Page_22">22</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">inherits remnant of Middlebie</li> +<li class="isub1">under an entail which debarred</li> +<li class="isub1">his elder brother</li> +<li class="isub1">George (Clerk) from holding</li> +<li class="isub1">it with Penicuik, <a href="#Page_3">3</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">converts estate into habitation</li> +<li class="isub1">(Glenlair), <a href="#Page_5">5</a>, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">inherited and personal traits of</li> +<li class="isub1">character, <a href="#Page_5">5-12</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">portrait-sketch by J. W., <a href="#Page_38">38</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">genial intercourse between</li> +<li class="isub1">father and son, <a href="#Page_53">53</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">interest in son’s progress, <a href="#Page_72">72</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_73">73.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">places son at Cambridge, <a href="#Page_146">146</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">extracts from his letters to J. C.,</li> +<li class="isub1">M., <a href="#Page_150">150</a>, <a href="#Page_156">156</a>, <a href="#Page_160">160</a>, <a href="#Page_181">181</a>,184-187,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_193">193</a>, <a href="#Page_194">194</a>, <a href="#Page_196">196</a>, <a href="#Page_207">207</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_213">213</a>, <a href="#Page_214">214</a>, <a href="#Page_217">217-220</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">anxiety about his health, <a href="#Page_206">206</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_210">210.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">his death, <a href="#Page_248">248</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">Mrs. John Clerk (<i>née</i> Frances Cay),</li> +<li class="isub1">mother of J. C. M., <a href="#Page_2">2</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">traits of character, <a href="#Page_12">12</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">her death in J. C. M.’s ninth</li> +<li class="isub1">year, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Maxwells of Middlebie, note on their</li> +<li class="isub1">descent, <a href="#Page_22">22</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Meloid, delineation of, <a href="#Page_87">87</a>, <a href="#Page_88">88</a>, <a href="#Page_91">91-97</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Microphone (Hughes’), <a href="#Page_363">363</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Middlebie, the family estate descended</li> +<li class="isub1">from the Maxwells, <a href="#Page_3">3</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">Maxwells of, note on their descent,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_22">22.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">how the bulk of the old estate was</li> +<li class="isub1">disposed of, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">situation of remaining estate, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Milton, Maxwell’s early familiarity</li> +<li class="isub1">with, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Moigno’s <i>Répertoire d'Optique</i>, read</li> +<li class="isub1">during vacation at Edinburgh University,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_129">129.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Molecular physics, account of Maxwell’s</li> +<li class="isub1">investigations in, <a href="#Page_465">465</a>, <a href="#Page_559">559-574</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Molecules, Maxwell’s discourse on,</li> +<li class="isub1">British Association at Bradford</li> +<li class="isub1">1873, <a href="#Page_358">358-360</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his paper on dynamical evidence of</li> +<li class="isub1">the molecular constitution of</li> +<li class="isub1">bodies, <a href="#Page_361">361</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his theory of, <a href="#Page_561">561</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Moral Philosophy, Professor Wilson’s</li> +<li class="isub1">(Christopher North), lectures on,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_107">107</a>, <a href="#Page_114">114</a>, <a href="#Page_127">127</a>, <a href="#Page_128">128</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">thoughts upon, in correspondence,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_140">140</a>-<a href="#Page_144">144.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">and in an essay, <a href="#Page_234">234</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">Maxwell’s comments upon Professor</li> +<li class="isub1">Wilson’s lectures, <a href="#Page_145">145</a>.</li> + + +<li class="ifrst"><span class="allsmcap">Necessity</span>, <a href="#Page_306">306</a> (and see Determinism).</li> + +<li class="indx">Neptune, interest in discovery of planet,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_85">85.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Newton, his optics perused by Maxwell</li> +<li class="isub1">while at Edinburgh University,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_133">133</a> <i>note</i>.</li> +<li class="isub1"><i>Principia</i>, etc., referred to, <a href="#Page_398">398</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_437">437.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">class at Aberdeen upon, <a href="#Page_291">291</a>, <a href="#Page_295">295</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_302">302.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Newton’s rings, engaged attention of J.</li> +<li class="isub1">C. M. (<i>Æt.</i> 15), <a href="#Page_84">84</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Nichol, Professor, his lecture on discovery</li> +<li class="isub1">of planet Neptune, <a href="#Page_85">85</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Nicol, Mr., inventor of the polariscope</li> +<li class="isub1">visited, <a href="#Page_84">84</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">letters of J. C. M. referring to this</li> +<li class="isub1">visit, <a href="#Page_122">122</a>, <a href="#Page_123">123</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Nicol’s prism described, <a href="#Page_486">486</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Niven, W. D., <a href="#Page_402">402</a>, <a href="#Page_575">575</a>.</li> + + +<li class="ifrst"><span class="allsmcap">Oërsted</span>, <a href="#Page_305">305</a>, <a href="#Page_521">521</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Ohm’s Law, <a href="#Page_316">316</a>, <a href="#Page_365">365</a>, <a href="#Page_555">555</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Ophthalmoscope, instrument made by</li> +<li class="isub1">Maxwell for seeing into the eye,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_198">198</a>, <a href="#Page_208">208</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">dogs trained to submit to observation</li> +<li class="isub1">by it, <a href="#Page_39">39</a>, <a href="#Page_208">208</a>, <a href="#Page_212">212</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_342">342.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Optics, Maxwell’s contributions to, <a href="#Page_483">483</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">projected work on, <a href="#Page_204">204</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">class at Aberdeen on, <a href="#Page_291">291</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Orr (or Urr), the name of the river by</li> +<li class="isub1">Glenlair, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">scenery of, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">spelling of, <a href="#Page_67">67</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Ovals, investigations on, by J. C. M., as</li> +<li class="isub1">a boy of 14—74, <a href="#Page_75">75</a>, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>, <a href="#Page_88">88</a>, <a href="#Page_91">91</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_98">98</a>-<a href="#Page_104">104.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">identified with those of Descartes,</li> +<li class="isub1">but J. C. M.’s method new and</li> +<li class="isub1">simpler, <a href="#Page_79">79</a>, <a href="#Page_88">88</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Ovals, delineation and propositions, <a href="#Page_97">97-104</a>.</li> + + +<li class="ifrst"><span class="allsmcap">Paget</span>, Dr., <a href="#Page_406">406</a>, <a href="#Page_408">408</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Pain, essay on, <a href="#Page_444">444-452</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Penicuik, seat of the Clerk family, <a href="#Page_2">2</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">holiday resort of J. C. M.’s father</li> +<li class="isub1">when a boy, <a href="#Page_7">7</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">Clerks of, note on their history and</li> +<li class="isub1">descent, <a href="#Page_16">16-22</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">visited on way from Glenlair on J.</li> +<li class="isub1">C. M. going to Edinburgh for</li> +<li class="isub1">schooling, <a href="#Page_46">46</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">frequent resort of J. C. M. in</li> +<li class="isub1">Christmas holidays, <a href="#Page_65">65</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Perception, <a href="#Page_227">227</a>, <a href="#Page_240">240</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Phonograph, <a href="#Page_403">403</a>, <a href="#Page_455">455</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Plateau, <a href="#Page_332">332</a>, <a href="#Page_507">507</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Platometer, <a href="#Page_220">220</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Poisson, study of his “mechanics,” <a href="#Page_119">119</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_134">134.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">study of his electricity and magnetism,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_217">217.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Polariscope, as constructed by Maxwell,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_487">487.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Polarised light, Maxwell’s early interest</li> +<li class="isub1">in, <a href="#Page_84">84</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">a subject of study while at Edinburgh</li> +<li class="isub1">University, <a href="#Page_106">106</a>, <a href="#Page_117">117</a>, <a href="#Page_122">122-124</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_126">126.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">theory of rotation of the plane of,</li> +<li class="isub1">by magnetism, <a href="#Page_331">331</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Pomeroy, a Cambridge friend, <a href="#Page_182">182</a>, <a href="#Page_184">184</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_191">191</a>, <a href="#Page_201">201</a>, <a href="#Page_203">203</a>, <a href="#Page_211">211</a>, <a href="#Page_220">220</a>, <a href="#Page_262">262</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">nursed in illness by Maxwell, <a href="#Page_206">206</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_221">221.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">his description of his travels, <a href="#Page_266">266</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his death in India from fever,</li> +<li class="isub1">brought on by over-exertion</li> +<li class="isub1">(1857), <a href="#Page_274">274</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his character reflected by Maxwell’s</li> +<li class="isub1">letters, <a href="#Page_281">281</a>, <a href="#Page_282">282</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his own last letter, <a href="#Page_285">285</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Psychophysik, <a href="#Page_452">452-463</a>.</li> + + +<li class="ifrst"><span class="allsmcap">Quaternions</span>, <a href="#Page_384">384</a>.</li> + + +<li class="ifrst"><span class="allsmcap">Ramsay</span>, the late Dean, of Edinburgh,</li> +<li class="isub1">his estimate of young Maxwell, <a href="#Page_163">163</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Ray Club, Maxwell introduced to, <a href="#Page_213">213</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">elected an associate of, <a href="#Page_220">220</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">meetings of, <a href="#Page_249">249</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Rayleigh, Lord, on Maxwell’s influence</li> +<li class="isub1">at Cambridge, <a href="#Page_357">357</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">(Hon. J. W. Strutt) on colours, <a href="#Page_376">376</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_380">380.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">letter from, <a href="#Page_349">349</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">theory of sound, <a href="#Page_363">363</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Regnault, <a href="#Page_568">568</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Regular solids constructed by J. C. M.</li> +<li class="isub1">as a boy, <a href="#Page_56">56</a>, <a href="#Page_60">60</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx"><i>Religio Medici</i>, Sir Thomas Browne’s, a</li> +<li class="isub1">favourite book with Maxwell, <a href="#Page_173">173</a>,175.</li> + +<li class="indx">Religion, Maxwell’s views and sentiments</li> +<li class="isub1">in regard to, <a href="#Page_170">170</a> <i>note</i>, <a href="#Page_321">321</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_323">323</a> <i>note</i>, <a href="#Page_338">338-340</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Robertson, the Rev. Charles Hope, his</li> +<li class="isub1">reminiscences, <a href="#Page_163">163</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Rolling curves, a subject of study by</li> +<li class="isub1">Maxwell while at Edinburgh</li> +<li class="isub1">University, <a href="#Page_106">106-121</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">paper on, read before R.S.E. in</li> +<li class="isub1">1849, <a href="#Page_106">106</a>, <a href="#Page_133">133</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Routh, fellow-pupil with Maxwell, senior</li> +<li class="isub1">wrangler, and he and Maxwell bracketed</li> +<li class="isub1">Smith’s Prizemen, <a href="#Page_176">176</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Royal Institution, Maxwell’s lectures on</li> +<li class="isub1">colours at, <a href="#Page_315">315</a>, <a href="#Page_319">319</a>, <a href="#Page_354">354</a>, <a href="#Page_379">379</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Royal Society of Edinburgh, J. C. M.</li> +<li class="isub1">as a boy, taken by his father to</li> +<li class="isub1">their meetings, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>, <a href="#Page_73">73</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">paper upon ovals by J. C. M. (<i>Æt.</i></li> +<li class="isub1">14), read at meeting, 6th April</li> +<li class="isub1">1846, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">paper on rolling curves, at meeting,</li> +<li class="isub1">19th February 1849, <a href="#Page_106">106</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">paper upon colours (19th March</li> +<li class="isub1">1855), <a href="#Page_469">469</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">other papers, <a href="#Page_483">483</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">referred to in correspondence, <a href="#Page_343">343</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Rowland, Professor, <a href="#Page_373">373</a> <i>note</i>.</li> + + +<li class="ifrst"><span class="allsmcap">Saturn’s Rings</span>, Maxwell’s work on, for</li> +<li class="isub1">Adams prize, <a href="#Page_275">275</a>, <a href="#Page_291">291</a>, <a href="#Page_293">293</a>, <a href="#Page_295">295</a>, <a href="#Page_303">303</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his model of, <a href="#Page_309">309</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">account of his investigations regarding,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_465">465</a>, <a href="#Page_501">501-513</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Schuster, his experiments on electrical</li> +<li class="isub1">resistance, <a href="#Page_365">365</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Scripture, early knowledge of, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">interpretation of, <a href="#Page_309">309</a>, <a href="#Page_328">328</a>, <a href="#Page_338">338</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Sea-fyke, an object of boyish interest,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_58">58</a>, <a href="#Page_59">59</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Smiddy near Glenlair, childish interest</li> +<li class="isub1">in, <a href="#Page_27">27</a>, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">manufacture of steel bars for magnets,</li> +<li class="isub1">85.</li> + +<li class="indx">Smith, Adam, <a href="#Page_143">143</a>, <a href="#Page_234">234</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">Dr. E., on food, etc., <a href="#Page_335">335</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Soap-bubbles, objects of youthful</li> +<li class="isub1">interest, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Society of Arts, Edinburgh, visits to,</li> +<li class="isub1">by J. C. M. with his father, <a href="#Page_73">73</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Space (of \(m\) dimensions!), <a href="#Page_380">380</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">“Spin,” word used to describe the process</li> +<li class="isub1">in experiments on electrical</li> +<li class="isub1">resistance, <a href="#Page_316">316</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Spencer, Herbert, social theories criticised,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_459">459.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Spinoza, <a href="#Page_380">380</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Spiritualism, common-sense views about,</li> +<li class="isub1">humorously expressed, <a href="#Page_228">228-230</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Stephen, Sir James, his lectures attended</li> +<li class="isub1">by Maxwell, <a href="#Page_185">185</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Stereoscope, Maxwell’s interest in, <a href="#Page_106">106</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_125">125</a>, <a href="#Page_251">251</a>, <a href="#Page_252">252</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his modified form of, <a href="#Page_484">484</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Stokes, Professor G. G., F.R.S., D.C.L.,</li> +<li class="isub1">commencement of Maxwell’s attendance</li> +<li class="isub1">on his lectures, and lifelong</li> +<li class="isub1">friendship between them,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_154">154</a>, <a href="#Page_185">185</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">letter to Maxwell on his dynamical</li> +<li class="isub1">top and colour experiments, <a href="#Page_287">287</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">joins in urging Maxwell to stand</li> +<li class="isub1">for the chair of Experimental</li> +<li class="isub1">Physics at Cambridge, <a href="#Page_349">349</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Stress, <a href="#Page_493">493</a>, <a href="#Page_573">573</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Swimming, favourite exercise of J. C.</li> +<li class="isub1">M., <a href="#Page_55">55</a>, <a href="#Page_120">120</a>, <a href="#Page_208">208</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Sylvester, Professor, <a href="#Page_326">326</a></li> + + +<li class="ifrst"><span class="allsmcap">Table-turning</span>, reference to Faraday’s</li> +<li class="isub1">experiments on, <a href="#Page_189">189</a>, <a href="#Page_191">191</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Tadpole, a subject of childish interest,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_34">34.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">transformation of, ingeniously delineated</li> +<li class="isub1">on magic disc, <a href="#Page_37">37</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Tait, Professor P. G., his summary of</li> +<li class="isub1">reminiscences of Maxwell, <a href="#Page_86">86</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_87">87</a>, <a href="#Page_133">133</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his appointment to the Chair of</li> +<li class="isub1">Natural Philosophy in Edinburgh,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_277">277.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Tayler, Rev. C. B., Maxwell’s visit to,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_170">170</a>, <a href="#Page_190">190</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">correspondence with, <a href="#Page_187">187-189</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Taylor, Isaac, jun., a fellow-student</li> +<li class="isub1">with Maxwell at Cambridge,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_176">176.</a></li> +<li class="isub1">senior, described, <a href="#Page_177">177</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">senior, his works referred to, <a href="#Page_227">227</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Telephone, lecture on, <a href="#Page_361">361</a>, <a href="#Page_403">403</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Thaumatrope modified, a toy on which</li> +<li class="isub1">early ingenuity was exercised, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Thomson, Professor (Sir William), asks</li> +<li class="isub1">Maxwell’s assistance in some preparations</li> +<li class="isub1">for meeting of British</li> +<li class="isub1">Association, <a href="#Page_144">144</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1">consulted as to choice of college at</li> +<li class="isub1">Cambridge, <a href="#Page_146">146</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his laying of the telegraph cable</li> +<li class="isub1">described by Maxwell in humorous</li> +<li class="isub1">verse, <a href="#Page_279">279</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his solution of a problem set by</li> +<li class="isub1">Maxwell, relating to the viscosity</li> +<li class="isub1">of gases, <a href="#Page_341">341</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his work in reference to conversion</li> +<li class="isub1">of energy, <a href="#Page_335">335</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Thomson, Professor, his experiments on</li> +<li class="isub1">air (jointly with Joule), <a href="#Page_568">568</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Toby (in perpetual succession), a hereditary</li> +<li class="isub1">and lifelong companion,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_38">38</a>, <a href="#Page_369">369</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">sketched in family groups, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>, <a href="#Page_42">42</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">at Cambridge, <a href="#Page_369">369</a>, <a href="#Page_370">370</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Top, colour-, <a href="#Page_198">198</a>, <a href="#Page_332">332</a>, <a href="#Page_469">469</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">dynamical, Maxwell’s paper on,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_287">287.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Trifocal curves, MS. on (see Ovals),</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_87">87.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Tub, early navigation in, <a href="#Page_42">42</a>, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">venture advanced from duck pond</li> +<li class="isub1">to river, <a href="#Page_62">62</a>, <a href="#Page_63">63</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Tyndall, Professor, letter from, <a href="#Page_288">288</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his address to British Association</li> +<li class="isub1">(Section A), referred to, <a href="#Page_336">336</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">his address as President of British</li> +<li class="isub1">Association (1874), <a href="#Page_372">372</a>.</li> + + +<li class="ifrst"><span class="allsmcap">Urr</span> (see Orr).</li> + + +<li class="ifrst"><span class="allsmcap">Vacuum</span>, arguments of Lucretius for,</li> +<li class="isub1">adopted in paper written for mental</li> +<li class="isub1">philosophy class in Edinburgh University,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_109">109.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Vassals, humorous designation of cottagers</li> +<li class="isub1">on estate, <a href="#Page_39">39</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">not forgotten amongst scientific</li> +<li class="isub1">work at Cambridge, <a href="#Page_199">199</a>, <a href="#Page_206">206</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Verdet, <a href="#Page_549">549</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Verse, exercises in, by J. C. M. as a</li> +<li class="isub1">boy, <a href="#Page_64">64</a>, <a href="#Page_69">69</a>, <a href="#Page_70">70</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">“Virial” of a system, <a href="#Page_567">567</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Viscosity of gases, experiments on, <a href="#Page_318">318</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_325">325.</a></li> + +<li class="indx">Vortices, Maxwell’s theory of, <a href="#Page_329">329</a>.</li> + + +<li class="ifrst"><span class="allsmcap">Wasps’ nests</span>, youthful adventure in</li> +<li class="isub1">taking, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Weber, theory of electricity, <a href="#Page_365">365</a>, <a href="#Page_516">516</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1">545, <a href="#Page_550">550</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Wedderburn, Mrs. (<i>née</i> Isabella Clerk),</li> +<li class="isub1">paternal aunt of J. C. M., <a href="#Page_3">3</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">a frequent visitor at Glenlair in J.</li> +<li class="isub1">C. M.’s childhood, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Westcott, Professor, his tribute to Maxwell,</li> +<li class="isub1">358 <i>note</i>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Wheatstone’s stereoscope, letter referring</li> +<li class="isub1">to, <a href="#Page_125">125</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Williams, The Ven. Archdeacon (of</li> +<li class="isub1">Cardigan), Rector of Edinburgh Academy,</li> +<li class="isub1">a genial teacher, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Willis, Professor, Cambridge, his <i>Principles</i></li> +<li class="isub1"><i>of Mechanism</i>, read by Maxwell</li> +<li class="isub1">during vacation at Edinburgh</li> +<li class="isub1">University, <a href="#Page_129">129</a>, <a href="#Page_133">133</a></li> +<li class="isub1"><i>note</i>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Willis, Professor, his lectures on practical</li> +<li class="isub1">mechanism attended by Maxwell</li> +<li class="isub1">when a graduate, <a href="#Page_220">220</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Wilson, Professor (Christopher North),</li> +<li class="isub1">his Moral Philosophy class</li> +<li class="isub1">attended by Maxwell, <a href="#Page_107">107</a>,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_114">114</a>, <a href="#Page_127">127</a>, <a href="#Page_128">128</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">Maxwell’s comment on his</li> +<li class="isub1">lectures, <a href="#Page_145">145</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx">Dr. George, Maxwell communicates</li> +<li class="isub1">to him results upon colour-blindness, <a href="#Page_203">203</a>, <a href="#Page_217">217</a>.</li> + + +<li class="ifrst"><span class="allsmcap">Young</span>, Dr. T., his triangle of colours,</li> +<li class="isub1">a basis of Maxwell’s experiments,</li> +<li class="isub1"><a href="#Page_467">467</a>, <a href="#Page_472">472</a>, <a href="#Page_473">473</a>.</li> +<li class="isub1">clearness of his style, <a href="#Page_305">305</a>.</li> + +<li class="indx"><span class="allsmcap">Zoëtrope</span>, <a href="#Page_484">484</a>.</li> + +</ul> + + + +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p class="nind"><a id="Footnote_326" href="#FNanchor_326" class="label">[326]</a> +N.B.—<i>not</i> Trinity, as in 413.</p> + +</div> +</div> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2 space-below2">THE END.</p> + + +<p class="nindc space-above2"> +Printed by R. & R. Clark, Edinburgh.</p> + + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> +<div class="transnote spa1"> +<p class="nindc"><b>TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES</b></p> + +<p>Simple typographical errors have been silently corrected; unbalanced +quotation marks were remedied when the change was obvious, and +otherwise left unbalanced.</p> + +<p>Punctuation, hyphenation, and spelling were made consistent when a +predominant preference was found in the original book; otherwise they +were not changed.</p> + +<p>To preserve the integrity of the original text, archaic terminology +across all languages used by the author has been retained.</p> + +<p>The manuscripts for the figures on pages 59–61 and 71–74 were +transcribed as accurately as possible by this transcriber.</p> +</div></div> + +</body> +</html> |