J. Arthur Thomson an Ernst Haeckel, Edinburgh, 10. Juli 1890
30 Royal Circus
Edinburgh
10th July 1890.
Dear Professor Haeckel,
It is now a long time since I – then a reserved youth – spent a profitable winter in your laboratory and classes – the influence of which has happily remained alive in many ways.
I have been a Docent in Zoology in the School of Medicine here for four years, delivering systematic lectures a in two courses per annum, conducting at the same time practical classes.
I write, after these years, to ask if you can graciously see your way to help me in the following endeavour. As you are probably || aware, the Professorship of Zoology in University College, London, is vacant by the transference of Prof. Ray Lankester to Oxford.
As some of the candidates, e.g. Mr Beddard and Mr Hickson, are not by many years my seniors, nor have more than my experience, I also propose to join the throng, not that I have any hope of succeeding, but in self-vindication, and with a view to future appointments.
I make bold to ask whether you, as one of my teachers in Zoology, as one who has much influenced my life, will be so kind as to say something in my favour in a short note, referring for instance to my share in the ‘Evolution of Sex’ (of which I’ve sent you a copy) or to my papers on Heredity, and Environment.
I am with respectful gratitude
Your old student
J. Arthur Thomson.
a gestr.: twice