“The Professors, so consulted, favoured the Syndicate with a report on the subject, which the Syndicate now beg leave to lay before the Senate. It points out how the requirements of the University might be “partially met,” but the Professors state distinctly that they “do not think that they are able to meet the want of an extensive course of lectures on Physics treated as such, and in great measure experimentally. As Experimental Physics may fairly be considered to come within the province of one or more of the above-mentioned Professors, the Syndicate have considered whether now or at some future time some arrangement might not be made to secure the effective teaching of this branch of science, without having resort to the services of an additional Professor. They are, however, of opinion that such an arrangement cannot be made at the present time, and that the exigencies of the case may be best met by founding a new professorship which shall terminate with the tenure of office of the Professor first elected. The services of a man of the highest attainments in science, devoting his life to public teaching as such Professor, and engaged in original research, would be of incalculable benefit to the University.” The Report goes on to point out that a laboratory would be necessary, and also apparatus. It is estimated that £5,000 would cover the cost of the laboratory, and £1,300 the necessary apparatus. Provision is also made for a demonstrator and a laboratory assistant, and the Report closes with a recommendation that a special Syndicate of Finance should be appointed to consider the means of raising the funds. The Professors in their Report to the Syndicate point out that teaching in Experimental Physics is needed for the Mathematical Tripos, the Natural Sciences Tripos, certain Special examinations, and the first examination for the degree of M.B. It appeared to them clear that there was work for a new Professor. In May, 1869, the Financial Syndicate recommended by the above Report was appointed “to consider the means of raising the necessary funds for establishing a professor and demonstrator of Experimental Physics, and for providing buildings and apparatus required for that department of science, and further to consider other wants of the University, and the sources from which those wants may be supplied.” The Syndicate endeavoured to meet the expenditure by inquiry from the several Colleges whether they would be willing to make contributions from their corporate funds, but without success. “The answers of the Colleges indicated such a want of concurrence in any proposal to raise contributions from the corporate funds of Colleges by any kind of direct taxation that the Syndicate felt obliged to abandon the notion of obtaining the necessary funds from this source, and accordingly to limit the number of objects which they should recommend the Senate to accomplish.”