Concerning the West Lecture Room

My dear Ormsby, I have examined the temperatures you recorded beneath the rear benches, and your arithmetic is sound. This gives me considerable pleasure, since it allows us to proceed directly to the much larger error. An average temperature conceals fluctuations: your own figures include a fall of eleven degrees when the porter opened the windows during my remarks upon intestinal absorption. I remember the interruption distinctly; you may now appreciate that I had grounds for objecting beyond the usual ones.

Gremlin eggs require a steadiness which the Collegium’s heating apparatus has never achieved, even accidentally. Mrs Tavish, who has supervised forty successful hatchings, inspected your arrangement at my invitation and identified two draughts I had overlooked. I had considered the cupboard admirably situated; she placed a damp finger against its lower hinge and disposed of my judgement in a manner I shall adopt with students.

I have therefore had the eggs conveyed to her nursery. The enclosed account includes transport and the replacement of your felt lining, which smelt of machine oil. You may retain the thermometer. As for your pencilled observation that attendance would improve, I should prefer you first to try revising your lectures.