Abstract
SIR JOHN DONNELLY, whose death occurred on Saturday last after a painful illness of more than six weeks, will probably be best remembered for his unceasing and devoted service in developing and administering Governmental schemes for the promotion of scientific education in this country. Soon after the end of the Crimean War, through which he served with distinction as a Lieutenant of Royal Engineers, being twice mentioned in despatches and recommended for the Victoria Cross—an honour, however, rather unjustly withheld from him—he was appointed to the charge of a detachment of Royal Engineers quartered at the South Kensington Museum. At that time this institution was but newly born, under the fostering care of the Department of Science and Art, the principal permanent chief being Sir Henry Cole, who formed the highest opinion of Donnelly's marked abilities as a clear-sighted, shrewd and wholly trustworthy young officer. About 1858–1859, Captain Donnelly succeeded the late Lord (then Dr.) Playfair as inspector for science, and a general scheme of grants applicable to the whole country was formulated and set in operation. The subjects of science towards which instruction in aid was obtainable were at first few. Among the examiners was Huxley, with whom Donnelly came to be closely associated. This close association ripened into an intimate and affectionate friendship. It is probable that to few, if any, other men did Donnelly turn with equal confidence for counsel and advice more frequently than he did to Huxley.
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Sir John Donnelly, K.C.B. . Nature 65, 538–539 (1902). https://doi.org/10.1038/065538b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/065538b0