16 MAY 1903, Page 17

LORD KELVIN AND HIS CRITICS.

[To THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—Fifty years ago every University had its " Professor of Natural Philosophy." He professed a subject which is now divided into at least half-a-dozen parts. Yet he was not altogether a charlatan ; whatever the topic on which he wrote or spoke, he was " better equipped than the man of ordinary intelligence." He had the scientific habit. Some day, as specialisation is further developed, we shall have the Professor of Butterflies refusing to the Professor of Moths any right to an opinion about insects that are diurnal in their flight.—I am, Sir, &c.,

A. J. C.