Stuk 11 - Draft or copy of a testimonial for R. W. Hullett by W. K. Clifford

Devon and Exeter Institution.—Commends Hullett's intellectual and teaching abilities and his character.

(The initial greeting is ‘Gentlemen’. Hullett passed the Mathematics Tripos in 1867. This letter was probably written not long afterwards.)

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Transcript

Devon and Exeter Institution

To the [blank]

Gentlemen

I have had the pleasure of knowing Mr Hullett during the whole time that he was at the University, and have formed a very high opinion both of his attainments and of his teaching powers. The former are most inadequately represented by his place in the Tripos {1}. That he was not tenth or twelfth was in my opinion and in that of every one able to judge, the result merely of a combination of those accidents which are inseparable from such an Examination.

Mr Hullett’s abilities as a teacher are greater than those commonly met with in persons of so high standing. I have often admired his great patience and clearness, and his determination to get things understood; and I am indebted to him for several valuable hints on the methods of teaching elementary mathematics. I have the cause of education very much at heart, and for this reason should hear with extreme pleasure of Mr Hullett’s appointment to a place where his talents in this direction might find room to act. I feel sure that the result of such an appointment would be the great benefit of all those who would receive the advantage of his teaching.

Mr Hullett possesses great interest and considerable information in scientific subjects, and a most cultivated literary taste. Finally, his personal character is such as cannot fail to win the affections and raise the tone of his pupils.

I have the honour to be, gentlemen,
Your obedt servant
W. K.Clifford.

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{1} Hullett passed the Mathematics Tripos in 1867 as 31st Wrangler.