The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-07-06
MISS PHILpPA FAwCETT.


born in Cambridge, and has spent some
part of nearly every year of her life
there. When Professor Fawcett' g par
liamentary duties called the family to
town. his daughter attended the Clap
ham High School, whilst in Cambridge
she profited much by the teaching OF
Miss j. Mcleod Smith. Later she at
tended classes at Bedford College and
University College. Mr.. Karl Pearson
was her mathematical lecturer al the
latter institution. 1t was clear from
an early period that her forte lay In the
direction of mathematics; but Mrs.
Fawcett. whilst careful to secure tor
her the best possible teaching in this
branch. gave her a fiist rate general
education as well. In 1886 she passed
The highest local examinations with
brilliant success, taking a first-class IN
the language group, with distinction
I'D two languages, and a hrst'class I'D
the group for logic and political econ
omy with a distinction in the latter
subject. Upon the strength OF this
achievement, Miss Fawcett was award
ed the GiIchrist Scholarship. The regu
lations of the scholarship did not obhge
her TO avail herself of 1t at once; and.
being rather below the average age iof
entering Newnham, she acted upon the
advice of Mr.. Pearson. who counseled
her to continue her studies at unlver-
sity College one year longer. AT the
end of that period Miss Fawcett en-.
rolled herself among the students OF
Newman College, and about the same
time added another laurel TO her
wreath by coming out at the head OF
the list ia the mathematical group OF
the higher locals,
Had Miss Fawcelt not been. like most
able people, extremely modest and un'
assuming, and gifted. moreover, with
GOODNESS and determination. she must
have been put to severe trial during
her student life. She had scarcely sci
foot in the college before her chances OF
success became the topic of local CON
versatlon, and even ia her hearing estl-
mates were frequently made OF her
precise place in the tripos list. AS far
as possible, however, she ignored Cos
sip of this sort. and went quietly on
her way. In the matter of work, Miss
Fawcett was not one of those foolish
virgins who sit up into the small hours
of the morning, with wet towel round
their heads, until brain and nerves give
way. About six hours day was her
usual allowance for study, but during
those six hours it was real hard work,
as we NAV imagine. She went freely
both into general and college society
and took plenty OF exercise, enjoying
more particularly lawn tennis and
hockey. She is also q proficient fencer,
having taken lessons in the science OF
arms at an early age. Public speaking
she rather Stunned, but now and again
took part in the debates Of the Newn-
nam Political Society. Aitoge her.
more happily and healthily constituted
method of existence could not have
been desired.
Miss Fawcett had only the benefit OF
a single term with the celebrated Sc
Nor Wraugler maker" Mr.. Routh.
She was taught for a time by Mr.. AT
kinson. of trinity Hall, but her coach
during the latter period OF her mathe-
NAUTICAL training has been Mr.. T.. w
Hobson Fellow of Christ's. and Senior
Wrangler in 1880.
Miss Fawcett had rivals of no meat
mettle. Mr.. Bennett, of st. John
College, is so distinguished mathema
tcian that a former Senior WrangIer
on learning the result, was heard to de
clare, If she is senior to Bennett she
would have been senior in any year.
1t is an open secret, however, that sh'
outstripped eveu this formidable op
ponent by considerable number o.
marks.
1t may be a matter of surprise t.
some that the university, loving be
sons better than her daughters, should
bestow a title upon one OF the former
when she cannot bestow the reality
The general public, however, which ha
been taught to believe that no one car
possibly be above" that exalted being
the Senior Wrangler, will view. in thu
Cambridge phrase, a distinction with
out a difference, and will recoguiz
that the Head OF the Tripos, the Senio
Wrangler and Miss Fawcett are one ant
the same person. London Queen.