PROFESSOR BICKERTON.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXII, Issue 15511, 11 January 1911, Page 6

PROFESSOR BICKERTON.

ADDRESS BEFORE THE COLONIAL INSTITUTE.. [From Oub Comussfondext:.] LONDON, December 2. Professor BTekerton gave an address before the Royal Colonial Institute this afternoon on “The Birth of Worlds,” and for-an hour lie held his audience fascinated by liis vivid description of the origin of the universe as explained by his theory of partal impact. His lecture won valuable testimony from the president of flic Astronomical Association,- Mr E. B. Knobel. who at the close of the address declared^ that the basis of Professor. Bickerton’s theory wa.s .such that it must command not only the attention but tho assent of tho majority of astronomers.

Sir George Roid. who presided, in introducing the lecturer, said Professor Biekertou had como from New Zealand to draw- public attention to his theory, which had already been received with great respect. .by most of the high authorities, and might in days to "come bracket with liis name one of the most wonderful discoveries of science.

In moving a. vote of thanks to the professor, Sir George Reid said Australasia. had sent over plenty cf cricketer'-). scullers' arid - casual-statesmen, but this was the first time it had sent a man who could expound these grand mysteries of the universe. He thanked the Royal Colonial Institute for arranging this lecture. He felt that the work to which the professor had devoted his life would not only bring him great fame, but would add marvelfouslv to the light shed on the mysteries of creatiom_ He did not thinlcjh.ey needed any scientific knowledge to recognise that the theory was far more in harmony with what they believed of life and the mysteries of life than the theory which pointed to a, universe that was dying. It was in-striking aocoid with the spiritual theory. “ Out of death comes a more glorious life; out of mortality comes immortality.” Professor Bickerton at the close of his lecture expressed a. hope that the Institute would help him to get a conference summoned to examine liis theory before his return to Now Zealand. Professor Bickerton tells me that he is making good progress with the work of introducing the theory of the third bodv in relation to the birth of .worlds. Ho ’has finished his book on the subject to be published in Harper’s “Library of Living Thoughts.” . It is to be issued on February 1. Tho newspapers all over the Kingdom have given a good deal of appreciative notice to his work. His old pupil. Professor Rutherford, now one of England’s most distinguished scientists, is helping the professor very much, assisting him in writing papers and introducing tho professor’s work to prominent scientific officials. Sir William Ramsey is ar-

•ranging for him to lecture 'to the Chemical and Physical Society of University College, til© president of the British Astronomical Society is taking a great deal of interest in the new theory, and a conference of all the heads of the sections is to be held at his house. • Tho Council has also passed, a paper'which is to be read at the next meeting. The president is going to take the chair at the professor’s lecture at the Passmore Edwards Settlement on December 10. Professor Goddess is also to - take the chair at a lecture at . Crosby Hall. The learned societies still express great; objection to treating the theory as a. whole, but it ie probable- that, members will work with Professor Bickerton to produce joint papers op the special subjects they are expert fit Professor Bickerton has discussed ias theory privately with a great many eminent, scientists, and so far no 'flaws have been detected. /