Letter to Edward A. Sharpey Schäfer from Mitchell Thomson, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland. The Curators of the University are bound to advertise the vacancy for the Chair of Medicine. He recalls meeting Osler at the Medical Congress two years prior and is familiar with his work.

Letter to Edward A. Sharpey Schäfer from Lord Joseph Lister, 12, Park Crecent, Portland Place, Edinburgh, Scotland. Lister writes that he must refrain from endorsing any specific candidate to the Chair of Medicine at Edinburgh. Although he is sure Osler would make an excellent candidate, he does not see how Osler can secure the position without making a formal application. If the Curators were to appoint someone to the Chair who had not applied for the position, it would be a slap in the face to the other worthy candidates.