Item 67 - Letter from John Herschel

4 pp

Collingwood - JH has been so engrossed in double star orbits that he has neglected to reply to WW's letter. He has succeeded in simplifying his method of graphical projection to a point which satisfies him. A university course of mathematics is best examined in subject than in books. JH agrees with WW's list of great mathematical works but would add 'the great Lacroix'. He does not think George Airy's tracts should be included under the category of 'authority' 'unless the said author were at least 70 years old unless his book had acquired some very high and commanding reputation as a work of original discovery'. JH agrees that students do not have the time or maturity to grasp the whole of mathematics, and thus a university education should concentrate on the fundamentals but still allow room for the specialities. He is glad that WW 'prefer influencing the state of public opinion both in and out of the university on this subject through the medium of the press to applying for any direct authority from the university to enforce your views at least at present'.