Letter to George F. Fitzgerald from William Ramsay
Title
Letter to George F. Fitzgerald from William Ramsay
Creator
Date
Identifier
GFF 8/87
Description
A handwritten letter from W. Ramsay to George F, Fitzgerald dated 5th of January, 1895.
W. Ramsay informs Fitzgerald that he is sending Olszewski’s paper, which he has reviewed and edited for clarity, suggesting it can now be published. He also mentions forwarding two identical letters from "Q." intended for The Times and Nature regarding the Rumford medal, which are moderate in tone and should be published simultaneously.
2pp.
Transcription:
My dear Fitzgerald,
I send you Olszewski's paper which i revived today. (This can't however be posted till Monday, for it must be registered). I have read that paper through very carefully, and I corrected the English in parts; it is often quaint, but always perfectly intelligible, so I think it might be printed exactly as it stands. I wonder if you will allow the reference to Dewar to pass? I think I should. put in a reason for publication, and it is merely a statement of fact, without comment. It's a little hard on Fleming, but I think I told you how Dewar's name came to associated with [Remington?]
It is precisely the old story of the organist & the bellows-blower. The bellows-blower stopped in at the end & claimed his share, & the organist said he was a man of peace, being somewhat taken aback, and yielded this F. told me himself. It is true that the organist couldn't have plagued his time without the blower: but there is another polish blower who is also an organist.
Q. has also sent two letters, (the same, but two copies) one for the 'Times" & one for 'Nature'. I am sending one to Lockyer, who expects its; & I shall send the other to Capper, whom I know, so that they may appear simultaneously. They are very moderate in tone, & refer to the award of the Rumford medal. You will see them perhaps next week.
W. Ramsay informs Fitzgerald that he is sending Olszewski’s paper, which he has reviewed and edited for clarity, suggesting it can now be published. He also mentions forwarding two identical letters from "Q." intended for The Times and Nature regarding the Rumford medal, which are moderate in tone and should be published simultaneously.
2pp.
Transcription:
My dear Fitzgerald,
I send you Olszewski's paper which i revived today. (This can't however be posted till Monday, for it must be registered). I have read that paper through very carefully, and I corrected the English in parts; it is often quaint, but always perfectly intelligible, so I think it might be printed exactly as it stands. I wonder if you will allow the reference to Dewar to pass? I think I should. put in a reason for publication, and it is merely a statement of fact, without comment. It's a little hard on Fleming, but I think I told you how Dewar's name came to associated with [Remington?]
It is precisely the old story of the organist & the bellows-blower. The bellows-blower stopped in at the end & claimed his share, & the organist said he was a man of peace, being somewhat taken aback, and yielded this F. told me himself. It is true that the organist couldn't have plagued his time without the blower: but there is another polish blower who is also an organist.
Q. has also sent two letters, (the same, but two copies) one for the 'Times" & one for 'Nature'. I am sending one to Lockyer, who expects its; & I shall send the other to Capper, whom I know, so that they may appear simultaneously. They are very moderate in tone, & refer to the award of the Rumford medal. You will see them perhaps next week.
Source
RDS Library & Archives GFF collection of letters
Contributor
Rights
Copyright RDS Library & Archives. Publication, transmission or display is prohibited without formal written approval of the RDS Library & Archives.
Relation
RDS Science Archive
Format
Manuscript
Language
English
Type
Coverage
1870-1901
Collection
Citation
Ramsay, William, “Letter to George F. Fitzgerald from William Ramsay,” RDS Digital Archive, accessed July 19, 2025, https://digitalarchive.rds.ie/items/show/2311.