Documento 2 - 'Autobiography 1': Childhood, family and early days to 1901 when Thomson entered King's College Choir School.

1 vol with loose papers inserted

Spiral-bound notebook, with loose pages inserted. Ms. and typescript.

Of his autobiography, Thomson wrote (A.2): 'This book has been written for my children and grandchildren, in the hopes that the former may be interested in reading of events they remember or have heard about and that the latter as they grow up may enjoy hearing about the homes in which their parents lived, and the family into which they have been born. It is not meant for publication, but I have no objection to suitable extracts being published at John's discretion [Sir John Adam Thomson, KCMG], or at David's [Mr. D.P. Thomson] if John happens to be out of England. A copy may be lent to whoever the Royal Society selects to write the usual biographical memoir. I did not feel able to write about Kathleen [Kathleen Buchanan, nee Adam Smith], but hope to have a few copies made of a selection of her letters which may give a better idea of her than I can hope to do.'