Notes

Abstract

THE death of Mr. Joseph Chamberlain on July 2, at seventy-eight years of age, deprives the nation of a statesman who was not only a great political leader in the affairs of his country and Empire, but also gave notable assistance to the advancement of science and education. A few days ago the work done by him and his son, Mr. Austen Chamberlain, was commemorated by the unveiling of portraits of them in bronze relief in the branch hospital at the Royal Victoria and Albert Docks connected with the London School of Tropical Medicine; and the University of Birmingham, of which he was Chancellor, is a sufficient monument to what he did to promote national efficiency through education and research. Mr. Chamberlain began his public work in the city of Birmingham as an educational reformer and took an active part in the work of the first School Board there, while the University was practically founded by him. Speaking at a meeting of the council last week, the Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Gilbert Barling, said that Mr. Chamberlain guided the formation of the University and influenced its constitution in the most liberal and broad-minded manner. He obtained most of the funds for its building and equipment, and took the warmest interest in its welfare during the whole of his life after its foundation. The council of the University has expressed its high appreciation of Mr. Chamberlain's services in this direction by passing the following resolution:—“The council hears with profound sorrow of the death of Mr. Joseph Chamberlain, first Chancellor of the University, to whom the University owed its existence. His liberal and broad-minded views permeated its constitution, his judgment guided its policy fiom the commencement, and by his personal effort he secured munificent contributions to the funds for the buildings and equipment. The Chancellor's death will be felt by all members of the council and Senate, and indeed by the whole of the University, as a great personal loss.” Few statesmen show such zeal for education and science as Mr. Chamberlain did; and we join with representatives of other national interests in mourning the loss of one who understood so well the business of government of a modern State. Mr. Chamberlain was admitted a fellow of the Royal Society in 1882, under the rule which permits the election of persons who “either have rendered conspicuous service to the cause of science, or are such that their election would be of signal benefit to the society.”