Hooker, Sir Joseph Dalton
JHC470
The Camp, Sunningdale, Berkshire, United Kingdom
JDH/2/16 f.113
Thiselton-Dyer, Sir William Turner
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
18-12-1887
© Descendants of Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker
Letters to Thiselton-Dyer
The Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
English
Original MS
3 page letter over 1 folio
 

JDH mentions a document concerning his portrait at the Linnean Society. He approves of Mr Harting as Assistant Secretary but suggests it might be better to have paid secretaries rather than a fellow in the position. They also need a bona fide botanical replacement for [Richard] Kippist. JDH suggests that £100 be added to Mr Foster's salary so he can pay for an assistant himself as the Society is unlikely to fund a third one. JDH is wary of the interference of 'the Astronomer' with Rayleigh's work. He will forward Mr Hamilton's letter to Francis 'Frank' Darwin, though there is nothing in it. He adds in a post script that he has received £50 from the Royal Society.

Transcript

to pay both the secretaries, & have a bona fide successor of Kippist & of course a Botanical one.
I am much exercised about M. Foster. Perhaps the best plan would be to add another £100 to his salary for the purpose of enabling him[?] to provide himself with assistance.
I fear that the appointment of a third secretary might lead to complications, & a clashing of duties; & it is doubtful if the Society would approve. The more I think of the Astronomer[?] the less I like it. It would be difficult to prevent his interference

Page 1


The Camp,
Sunningdale,
Dec 18 / [18]87
Dear Dyer*1,
I do not know if it is worth while laying enclosed before those gentlemen of the L[innean]. S[ociety]. who have so kindly concerned themselves with my portrait.
I do not know Mr Harting, but I seem to like the idea of such a Gentle man taking the Ass[istan]t Secretaryship. The only objection is, that it perpetuates the bad principle of having a fellow in that position. Would it not be better at once

Page 2

to pay both the secretaries, & have a bona fide successor of Kippist & of course a Botanical one.
I am much exercised about M. Foster. Perhaps the best plan would be to add another £100 to his salary for the purpose of enabling him[?] to provide himself with assistance.
I fear that the appointment of a third secretary might lead to complications, & a clashing of duties; & it is doubtful if the Society would approve. The more I think of the Astronomer[?] the less I like it. It would be difficult to prevent his interference

Page 3

with Rayleigh's work, & whether or no might lead to the resignation of the latter.
I have just glanced through Mr Hamilton's letter -- there is just nothing in it, but it shall go to F. [Francis 'Frank'] Darwin.
Ev[er] aff[ectionate]ly Y[our]s | J.D. Hooker [signature]
The £50 has come from R[oyal]. S[ociety]. -- thanks to you.

ENDNOTES


1. Sir William Turner Thiselton-Dyer (1843--1928). British botanist and third Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (1885--1905). He succeeded Joseph Hooker in the role after serving as his Assistant Director for ten years. He previously held professorships at the Royal Agricultural College Cirencester, Royal College of Science for Ireland and Royal Horticultural Society. He married Hooker's eldest daughter Harriet in 1877. 2. Richard Kippist (1812--1882). British botanist and librarian. Employed by the Linnean Society from 1830, holding the position of librarian from 1842 to 1881.
3. Sir Francis 'Frank' Darwin (1848--1925). Son of British naturalist and scientist Charles Darwin. Franks followed his father into botany and was also known for his work on phototropism.

Please note that work on this transcript is ongoing. Users are advised to study electronic image(s) of this document where possible.

Powered by Aetopia