Melbourne Botanic Gardens, 5th Dec., 1870.
It is a source of gratification to me, dear Dr. Hector, to introduce to you the Rev. Dr. Bleasdale, F.G.S., who is one of the candidates for Applied Chemistry in the University to be founded at Otago. Your counsels are likely sought in filling this important position, and if you will give the reverend gentleman your support you will secure for the University the services of one zealous in the exercise of his functions, commanding a wide range of knowledge, particularly Chemistry in all its branches, as well as Orystognosy, and possessing a rare gift for instructive communication.
With my best wishes,
Yours,
FERD. VON MUELLER.
Typesetter’s error for JAM.?
On 31 December 1870 Bleasdale wrote to Hector: 'I did myself the honor of forwarding a letter of an introductory nature from our mutual friend Dr von Mueller a week or two ago soliciting your interest about the Chair of Natural Science in the New University of Otago. I now take the liberty of sending you my application and a few of the testimonials I have lately got together on the hurry of the occasion. May I again request your good offices in the matter of this appointment' (Folder 1, box 56, Hector papers, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington).
Letter not found. The text given here is from Otago University Professorship. Application & testimonials of Rev. John I. Bleasdale, D.D., F.G.S. (Melbourne: Mason, Firth, & M'Cutcheon, 1870); Folder 1, box 56, James Hector, correspondence received, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Archives, Wellington.
Please cite as “FVM-70-12-05a,” in Correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller, edited by R.W. Home, Thomas A. Darragh, A.M. Lucas, Sara Maroske, D.M. Sinkora†, J.H. Voigt† and Monika Wells accessed on