Science and Art.

Otago Witness, Volume 14, Issue 2648, 14 December 1904, Page 77

Science and Art.

Old Alexander, the porter of the Royal Institution in London, was quite a distinguished character in his way. and from his long experience- was on terms of more than ordinary familiarity with the professors and visitors.

One day he was assisting Professor Huxley to hang the diagrams for his lecture. Tha screen on which ths diagrams were hung was not very large, and Huxley, do as he would, could not succeed without the blank corner of one diagram overlapping- the illustration of another one on which he placed great importance. What was to be done? The professor asked Alexander to bring a pair of scissors. The scissors were brought; but, as the join 1 was somewhat loose, the professor was not able to out the paper, and he threw the scirsors down in disgust, adding that they were useless.

"Vera quid shears, professor,"' said Alexander. "I toll you they won't cut," said Huxley. "Try again," said Alexander. "They will cut."

The professor tried again, and, not succeeding, said somewhat angrily: "Bring me another pair of 3cis»or=." Lord_ {then Sir Williaui) Armstron" stepped forward and ordered Alexander t<s buy a new pair . _ "Vera quid scissors, Sir William." persisted Alexander ; and, picking up the scis^ sois from the table and placing his thumland forefinger into the handles, he stepp-o f forward and asked Huxhy how he wanLr , the paper cut.

"Cut it there," said Huxley somewhat tartly, at the same- time indicating the place with his forefinger. Alexander took hold of the paper, and, inserting the scissors, pressed the blades together and cut off the required portion as neatly as if had used a straight-edge; then, turning to the professor with a rather , - significant leer- and twinkle of the eye, said: - t "Seeance an' airt dinna aye gang, tnegifhef, professor." Huxley and all present collapsed. Huxley put his hand into his pocket, and, taking out a sovereign, gave it to Alexander, adding at the same lime: "You have don© me." The same evening Alexander related the story with great gusto to a friend. When asked how he dared make so free with such a distinguished man, he replied with great emphasis: . - i "Lord, mon, they bits o' professor bodies ken naething at a' except their buiks."— ' Ihe Technical World. " \