From Ferdinand von Mueller to John James   7 Nov 1861

Melbourne botanical and zoological Garden,

7. Nov. 1861.

Sir,

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication dated 4. Nov. 1861,¹ which reached me yesterday and by which I am informed, that the Council of the Melbourne University has done me the honor of appointing me in conjunction with Dr Eades honorary Examiner in Materia medica, Therapeutics, the rules of medical prescribing and in Botany for degrees in medicine.

Whilst conveying the sincerest expression of gratitude to the Council for the honorable distinction by this intended appointment conferred on me, I feel under the fluctuating state of my health and under the multifarious duties on the establishment over which I exercise immediate and responsible control, it ²incumbent on me to solicit, that the Council of the University will be pleased to relieve me of the additional responsibility of entering on these newly proposed altho' highly honorable duties, especially since the excellent Professor of natural sciences at the University³ together with Dr Eades are so well enabled to conduct the phytological and therapeutical examinations without my aid.

In conclusion I beg to assure the Council of the University, that I hail with delight the extension of the University to medical science, and that whenever it lies within in my power, I shall feel an especial pleasure in supporting the invaluably valuable and lasting labours of so noble an institution.

I have the honor to be,

Sir,

your most obedient and humble

Ferd. Mueller

John James Esqr &c &c

Registrar of the University of Melbourne.

&c &c &c⁴