3-071-281 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The late Mr. W. Spottiswoode, President of the Royal Society, 1883. Engraving from a photograph by the Van der Weyde '...Electric Light photographic establishment...William Spottiswoode...was educated at Laleham, Eton, and Harrow, and graduated first class in Mathematics at Balliol College, Oxford, in 1845. He was a writer, besides, of much ability. His book of travels, his "Tarantass Journey through Eastern Russia" is full of curious and interesting information. In 1878 he was chosen President of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, and...the honorary degree of LL.D. was conferred on him by the University of Dublin. In 1881 he delivered and published a lecture on the Electrical charge, its form and its functions...the Dean of Westminster gave his assent to Mr. Spottiswoode's interment in Westminster Abbey, adding these words: "I recognise in the late Mr. Spottiswoode not merely a man of special scientific attainments, but one who, from his interest in and sympathy with all the many branches and departments of scientific knowledge, was peculiarly fitted to represent English science in its widest aspect, and who was at the moment of his deal h the chosen and honoured President of the Royal Society. From "Illustrated London News", 1883.