It has been thought that but slight advantage would arise from attempting any connected description of Sir George Stokes’ scientific work. The published collection of his Mathematical and Physical Papers in five volumes, taken in connexion with the historical analyses by Lord Rayleigh, Lord Kelvin, and others, forms ample material for the mathematician or physicist; while an account, to be interesting to the general reader, would have to be too long. Moreover in his Burnett Lectures on Light, and the other scientific addresses mentioned in the Preface to Vol. v. of his Papers, he has himself gone over much of the ground of his researches, in a manner which forms a model for popular and at the same time accurate exposition.

His scientific relation to the times in which he lived comes out most clearly in his correspondence. It has been felt to be inadvisable to break up the longer series of scientific letters; but some of the shorter groups, and those illustrating the events of his life, are here set forth in order of time, without any attempt at making up a continuous narrative.

A main impression derived from a general survey of his public activity, as revealed by the many thousands of letters that exist, is the state of dependence upon him which was the normal condition, as regards scientific investigations, of most of the numerous Committees of which he was a member.