A Scientist at Eton
Eton and Elsewhere. By M. D. Hill. (Murray. 125.) THERE must be thousands of Old Etonians who carry with them vivid and pleasant memories of science " divisions " under Mr. M. D. Hill. Eton is not usually thought of as pre-eminently a scientist's school: Yet the biolOgicil studies under Mr. Hill were some of the most stimulating parts of the curricidarn. Many - Etonians, no doubt, who learnt biology under him do not recollect very much of the facts which he gave them ; nor was this in reality the most valuable part of his teaching. It was rather the glimpse of the scientific method and the scientific mind which he showed: this had a profound effect on some, at least, of his pupils. Mr. Hill was deeply imbued with the scientific outlook, and it permeated everything he said and did. Apart from thiS, he was a very able and efficient schoolmaster, and did great deal to show Eton that a science master could be just as competent and serious a person as a classical master. He ran for many years a successful house, and took a keen - interest in the athletics of the school. He has now written his reminiscences, and they make exceptionally good reading. Mr. Hill has always been so interested in everything himself that he manages to convey this interest to his pupils, even on apparently trivial matters. He has now retired from his house at Eton. He did so, he says, for the following reasons " Yesterday I went to a friend's place to shoot. Like many others, he asked me whether I did not regret leaving Eton. I cannot honestly say that I do. Since January, 1896, I had been solely responsible for the teaching of certain branches of Science. Naturally enough I had come to feel that a new man with fresh up-to-date ideas was called for ; that my best work, such as it was, had been done, and that I had been for sonie years past merely marking time. To some extent, of course, I had learnt the tricks of the trade and knew how to interest boys. But Science is a stern mistress : her votaries must be young in mind, ready to learn, enthusiastic, or they are mere pretenders and shams. I could not give the time or energy to reading new literature, and if a man ceases to learn, in Science at least he ceases to teach. In short, my bolt was shot and I resigned last Christmas. Hence it is hard to see any loophole through which regret can creep. In pa:rting from Eton before my time was actually up I knew that I was doing the best for the school and for myself, so I said ' good-bye," shouldered my pack,' and wont on."
The present reviewer, himself an old pupil, wishes to thank Mr. Hill both for the inspiration which he gave by his teaching, and for the pleasant hours of reading which his new book provides.
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