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.
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.
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.
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.
In
the Commissioners' Report of 1830 the emoluments
are stated at about £350. But they are not always to
be
depended
upon.
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.
