My dear Newton: You have stretched the bonds of friendship too far. You have presumed upon me as a friend, and have quite evidently forgotten my position as head of the Department of Mathematics at this College. The harsh language in which you have presumed to address me is too shocking for any self-respecting man to bear, and I, for one, refuse to accept such language from my social inferiors. As a Professor of Mathematics in one of the most ancient of universities, I will not allow myself or my position to be ridiculed by a young jackanapes who has no respect for those in authority or for his elders. Your childish twaddle about glass prisms producing rainbows--a fact which any schoolboy knows--is bad enough; but to say that I am such a fool that I would refuse to recognise "one of the most important advances in mathematics" is beyond the pale of social intercourse. Repeatedly during the last few months, you have attempted to foist off on me and others implausible and unscientific theories which have no basis whatever in fact and which no reputable scientist would be foolish enough to endorse. You are not a mathematician, sir; you are a charlatan and a mountebank! You have no data; you admit working from "intuition" and hypotheses cut out of whole cloth; you cannot and will not give any reliable authority for any of your statements, nor will you accept the reliable statements of better men than yourself. This unseemly behaviour forces me to exercise my prerogative and my authority in defence of the college and the university. I shall recommend to the authorities that you be refused readmission. Isaac Barrow, Ph.D. Department of Mathematics Trinity College * * * * * 16 February 1667 FROM: Ballistics Research Department, Army Artillery TO: Mr. Isaac Newton, A.B., Woolsthorpe SUBJECT: Reduction in personnel ENCLOSURE: Cheque for £2/10s/6d 1. In view of the increased personality friction between yourself and certain members of this department, this department feels that it would be to our mutual disadvantage to continue retaining your services as mathematical consultant. 2. As of 16 February 1667 your employment is hereby terminated. 3. Enclosed is a cheque covering your services from 8 February 1667 to date. By order of the Commanding General Major Rupert Knowles, Adjutant for General Sir Edward Ballister-ffoulkes * * * * *