Item 131 - James David Forbes to William Whewell

4 pp

Edinburgh - JDF thanks Lady Affleck for sending him a report of WW's sermon given at St. Paul's cathedral: 'I notice the strong hint you give about the regime of Public Schools. But can we find better education? Even if not, that does not hinder us from improving the best we have got. As one's sons grow up, the thought of educating them well becomes a very anxious one. Training has no doubt great weight. Example even more. But the result of my observation leads me to attribute more to physical constitution than I used to do, and this of course applies to races'. The new Scottish Universities Act gives certain important powers to the Senior Principal of the University, under St. Andrew's regulations he is the junior. Does WW think George Stokes would apply for his professorship at Edinburgh when he vacates it - 'the commissioners will make it worth about £600'.