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Argues that the grounds on which opposition to the appointment of a Syndicate to consider Degrees in Science are based 'are in each case untenable.' States that the Master of Downing [Alexander Hill] and three other resident members of the Senate base their opposition 'on a narrow interpretation of the term "Science", which they understand to mean "Natural Science" only to the exclusion of Mathematics.' Claims that this is an 'unwarranted interpretation'.

Refers also to the assertion by the Master of Clare [Edward Atkinson] and eleven other resident members of the Senate that the matter in hand raises again the issue decided in the previous October. Refers to five of these eleven men - Swete, Mayor, Mollison, Neil and Bateson - who also signed the circular issued at that time by the Committee formed to oppose the proposal to remove the obligation to study both classical languages as a prerequisite for sitting the Previous Examination. Argues that the matter decided at that time was relevant to Degrees in Arts only. Adds that Professor Browne, who signed the above-mentioned circular, authorises Sidgwick to state that he always understood that the question of Degrees in Science was left open. Concludes that it is 'unreasonable to contend that the issue now raised is one on which the opinion of the Senate has been already given.'

(With an envelope.)

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Transcript

Trinity College | Cambridge
2 May 1929

My dear Gerald,

I was glad to have your letter of Jan. 28, with your photograph, which however made you look rather thin; though I suppose that is the right condition for a hunter, and perhaps for a geologist.

My godfather has died at the age of 88, so you must expect to lose me in 18 years’ time.

I expected to see Rupert last term, as he was coming up to a College Feast for men of his period; but just on the eve of it the Master of the College went and died {1}, so it had to be put off, I suppose till next year.

The Times has been printing snapshots of lions in the jungle. In one of them they were eating something, and I feared it might be you, but it was more like a zebra.

I am glad we may expect to see you back in England in the summer. I expect to be away from here most of July, but in residence most of August.

Your affectionate godfather
A. E. Housman.

[Direction on envelope:] Gerald Jackson Esq. | R.C.B.C. Ltd. | N’Changa | Via N’Dola | N. Rhodesia | South Africa

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The envelope, which bears a 1½d. stamp, was postmarked at Cambridge at 7.15 p.m. on 2 May and at Ndola, N.W. Rhodesia, on 25 May.

{1} William Mollison, the Master of Clare College, died on 10 March.