In England he was barely able to make sufficient money to live on by teaching school level mathematics which at least, he later remarked, greatly helped him in becoming a good teacher. Hesse introduced him to Sylvester who in turn introduced him to Hirst, at that time the professor of mathematics at University College, London. Hirst had been appointed to the post to succeed De Morgan, but was finding the duties very demanding.
Sa England siya ay bahagya able sa gumawa ng sapat na salapi upang mabuhay sa pamamagitan ng pagtuturo sa antas ng paaralan na kung saan hindi bababa sa matematika, siya mamaya remarked, malaki tumulong sa kanya sa pagiging isang mahusay na guro. Hesse ipinakilala niya sa Sylvester na sa turn ipinakilala niya sa Hirst, sa panahon na ang mga propesor ng matematika at University College, London. Hirst had been hihirangin upang angkinin ang mga post sa magtagumpay Mula Morgan, ngunit ay paghahanap ng tungkulin very demanding.