Much of his problems at this time came from the fact that his father was seriously ill, and that was undoubtedly a major factor in his failing to be able to complete the Mathematical Tripos.
Karamihan ng kanyang mga problema sa oras na ito nagmula sa ang katunayan na ang kanyang ama ay malubha, at na walang sala ay isang malaking salik sa kanyang kahinaan para ma-kumpleto ang matematiko Tripos.