Trin Coll. <1> –
Wednesday May 6th
1 (Evening)
My dear Father.
By the list of Sub Poll subjects that I sent you, you will see that the classical subjects predominate I think over the mathematical. That is if the Reformation, & Acts of the Apostles are looked upon as classics for I dont think they can be classed with mathematics. Having passed additional Subjects in the Little-go <2> does not make any difference in the Poll degree, it only enables you to go in for any Tripos <3> if you like it. After the next month the next Poll examination is sometime some time in October. If a man takes honours in the Mathematical or in the Classical or in the Natural Science or the Moral science triposses he gets his B A degree as a matter of course with-out an examination in any other subject. A place in the Law Tripos entitles I think to the degree of Bachelor of Law. With regard to the “Clocks & Watches”, and “Steam engine” at Harrow, as far as I remember though I may be mistaken I did not read the former entirely through more than once. certainly I did not read it many times nor the “Steam engine” either. both subjects interested me very much and I saw no difficulty in either of them, and of course I had no coach but read when I felt inclined. I think I used to begin the book a short time before the examination th and then read as much as I could. In mathematics I very frequently let get confused by a lot of analytical formulæ which I understand and which I do not like, and which have all to be remembered individually since I cannot man get hold of a law point from which I can view them collectively or see the connection between them. That is something of the State of the case. Geometry proper I can take it and in at once more easily because I see it, but what kept stop confuses me often are the things that have to be [illegible deletion] calculated. The whole thing really depends reduces itself to a case of strength no doubt, and. I have never have been anything like as strong as most of my contemporaries. and the my way of reading may perhaps. be more exhausting than other peoples At Harrow I have no doubt reading weakened me considerably, but taking plenty of exercise kept me in fair health for some time.
I believe I should have also been able stood it very well had I been in the habit of taking a cold bath in the morning in these days. for that seems to be an infallible specific against over-reading. and I always had a natural tendency to over-read myself. because whenever I was got interested in a Subject I never could leave it till I got done up. I think I have told you all about the examinations. I dont think their [sic] is much doubt about my getting through and I have now definitely settled to go in (unless I have not got the Subjects up) – for I have read the “English Reformation” and the “Cicero” through once. a The two classical subjects are the only ones which are changed every ye year. but they are the same for the Easter May & October examinations of the same year.
Your affect son
Charles.
[envelope:]
H Fox Talbot Esq
11 Gt Stuart St
Edinburgh
Notes:
1. Trinity College, Cambridge.
2. A preliminary examination (last held in 1961).
3. Cambridge honours examination.