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The Spike or Victoria University College Review June 1926

Mathematical and Physical Society

page 77

Mathematical and Physical Society.

"Fair Science frowned not on his humble birth,
And melancholy marked him for her own."

—Gray.

The most important event in the history of this society since the last issue of the "Spike," was the visit of Sir Ernest Rutherford. This great physicist delivered an address at the college on the afternoon of October 26th. There was an attendance of about seventy members of this Society, of the Philosophical Society and others interested in the subject. Sir Ernest spoke on some of the research work being carried out in the Cavendish Laboratory, of which he is the director. His description of experiments carried out by some of the workers under his direction, and of his own investigation concerning the structure of the nucleus of the atom, were of great interest to all those present. The thanks of the Society are due to Professor Florance for arranging this meeting, and also for occupying the chair on that occasion.

This year, up to the date of writing, two meetings have been held. Professor Sommerville, D.Sc, gave a most interesting account of a number of the mathematicians he met on his recent visit to England, and of the meetings of the various Mathematical and other Scientific Societies which he attended while there. This address dealt to a considerable extent with the personal side of many famous mathematicians, and showed the audience that, contrary to the general opinion, mathematicians are really quite human.

The second meeting was held on May 4th, when Professor Florance gave a most instructive address on the life and work of Lord Rayleigh. This lecture was rendered particularly interesting by a number of lantern slides and by several experiments illustrating some of Rayleigh's work.

The programme for the remainder of the session consists of a number of subjects which should prove an attraction to all who are interested in mathematics or physics, and includes an evening on an astronomical subject and another on radio. Copies of the programme may be obtained from members of the committee.

In conclusion, the Society wish to thank Professor and Mrs. Sommerville, Professor and Mrs. Florance, Miss Marwick and Miss Downes for providing refreshments after the meetings.