Letter no. 1 - Letter no. 40

15th July 1836 My dear Sharpey, The day before yesterday I got a summons from Carswell' to see him in some way or other as soon as possible and when I called on him I found you were the subject of conversation. From what he said I think there is every likelihood ofyour being chosen by the Council of the London University, but of course we can have but a very imperfect notion at present. The Faculty of Medical professors were to meet today to discuss the matter& Carswell says that their suggestion is very generally attended to by the Council. Mayo2 seemed to have an inclination to offer himself and Grainger3 is I suppose a candidate but Carswell seems to think that others as well as he is himselfwill be for having you. I need not say what tumult of feelings all this raised in my mind. The emoluments of the situation appear to be nearly £800 a year and you will deliver your lectures in much more advantageous circumstances there than you can do in Edinburgh. [I]t increases your chances of the Edinburgh chair4 and of preferment in every way and as far as I can see is most advantageous for you. I wrote you thus promptly in case it were possible for me to be of any use to you in this matter. Write me at all events and let me know what you are thinking ofthe matter. I weary to hear something ofSurgeons Square.5 Indeed I feel melancholy whenever I think of it. & what will it be when you are away also? Yours ever, Allen Thomson