This profound work created a new branch of optics,
and led a few years later to a superb discovery, by which the fame of
its author became world-wide.
At first Hamilton thought it would be presumption for him to apply
for so exalted a position; he accordingly retired to the country, and
resumed his studies for his degree. Other eminent candidates came
forward, among them some from Cambridge, and a few of the Fellows
from Trinity College, Dublin, also sent in their claims. It was not
until Hamilton received an urgent letter from his tutor Boyton, in
which he was assured of the favourable disposition of the Board
towards his candidature, that he consented to come forward, and on
June 16th, 1827, he was unanimously chosen to succeed the Bishop of
Cloyne as Professor of Astronomy in the University. The appointment
met with almost universal approval. It should, however, be noted
that Brinkley, whom Hamilton succeeded, did not concur in the general
sentiment. No one could have formed a higher opinion than he had
done of Hamilton's transcendent powers; indeed, it was on that very
ground that he seemed to view the appointment with disapprobation.
He considered that it would have been wiser for Hamilton to have
obtained a Fellowship, in which capacity he would have been able to
exercise a greater freedom in his choice of intellectual pursuits.
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