William Whewell, D.D., Master of Trinity College, Cambridge

This 1876 biography of one of Trinity College's most distinguished masters reflects a typically nineteenth-century fusion of religion and science.

Published in 1876, and written by the mathematician Isaac Todhunter (1820–84), this two-volume biography of one of Trinity College's most distinguished masters combines an account of Whewell's life with extracts from his personal letters. It includes correspondence with friends and colleagues including Sir John Herschel and Sir Charles Lyell.William Whewell (1794–1866) was born the son of a Lancaster carpenter, but his precocious intellect soon delivered him into a different social sphere. Educated at a local grammar school, he won a scholarship to Cambridge, and began his career at Trinity College in 1812; he went on to be elected a fellow of Trinity in 1817 and Master in 1841. An acquaintance of William Wordsworth and a friend of Adam Sedgwick, his professional interests reflected a typically nineteenth-century fusion of religion and science, ethics and empiricism. Published in 1876, and written by the mathematician and fellow of St John's College, Isaac Todhunter (1820–84), this biography combines a narrative account of Whewell's life and achievements with extracts taken from his personal correspondence. Volume 2 contains a selection of his correspondence with scholars including Herschel and Lyell, revealing much about the conflicts, debates and friendships that shaped nineteenth-century academic life.