| Description | Letter written from University College, Liverpool dated 7 May. Oliver Lodge [1851-1940, physicist] writes to Chamberlain to accept nomination for the Principalship of the University of Birmingham. Referring to a previous discussion with Chamberlain, he outlines what he understands and expects the role to involve - that the Principal will be free of 'Office and College routine or administrative duties' in order 'to think and organise the lines of a new type of University on a broad modern basis'. He also understands that the Principal 'would be expected to retain and improve his position as a man of science', and to 'interest the Community in the higher knowledge, to feel and therefore to preach its importance in the industrial supremacy of a nation', all of which appeals to him greatly. He adds that certain material conditions are required to fulfil the role but if Chamberlain is in agreement with this and with Lodge's understanding of the position then he is happy to be nominated. |