Letter to William Osler from John Thomson, 14, Coates Crescent, Edinburgh, Scotland. Thomson writes to express his and everyone else's disappointment that Osler declined the Chair of Medicine at Edinburgh. He believes that Osler was certain to get the post and would have been very warmly welcomed.

Letter to William Osler from W.S. Greenfield, 7, Heriot Row, Edinburgh, Scotland. Greenfield writes that many of the leading men in London and Cambridge have been working to get Osler elected to the Chair of Medicine in Edinburgh. He hopes that Osler's decision to withdraw his application is not final. Everyone remains hopeful that he will reconsider and will continue to work to get him elected.

Letter to William Osler from Edward A. Sharpey Schäfer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland. Everyone was flabbergasted that Osler withdrew his application for the Chair of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh. Schäfer writes that he and many others worked diligently to convince all the Curators to elect Osler. They waited only for his application and a few testimonials, which Schäfer was willing to get from London. He informs Osler that his application may still be accepted by the University, in which case he could do nothing but accept the position. Turner was especially disappointed that Osler decided not to come. Schäfer feels it is now too late to find another Chair as capable as Osler, and regrets that Bramwell, Gibson, or Wyllie will be elected, under whom the teaching of medicine will be kept back while other places forge ahead.

Letter to William Osler from W.S. Greenfield, 7, Heriot Row, Edinburgh, Scotland. He writes that practically all the London men of position are doing what they can to get Osler elected to the Chair of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh. He informs Osler that he must provide eight copies of every document and testimonial he sends into the Curators. He tells Osler that if he does come to Edinburgh, he should be sure to make large demands for what he wants and needs, and he will be sure to get it all.

Letter to William Osler from Edward A. Sharpey Schäfer, University Club, Edinburgh, Scotland. Schäfer writes that he and all of Osler's friends in London have been working very hard to get Osler elected as the Chair of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh. He urges Osler to provide testimonials and eight copies of every document to the Curators.

Letter to William Osler from Edward A. Sharpey Schäfer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland. Schäfer reports that several important people are supporting Osler's candidacy to the Chair of Medicine at Edinburgh. He has learned from Greenfield that Osler wants a guarantee for a clinical laboratory and assistants if he were to come to Scotland. Schäfer writes that no guarantee can be made as the electors are outside of the University and have no such power. But he tells Osler not to worry, for the University will surely provide him with whatever he needs if elected. [CUS417/96.24 attached on reverse side]

Letter to William Osler from W.S. Greenfield, 7, Heriot Row, Edinburgh, Scotland. Greenfield understands that it will be difficult to convince Osler to leave Baltimore. He offers Osler information about the University of Edinburgh to help him make his decision. For the most part, the Edinburgh Medical Faculty supports Osler's candidacy to the Chair of Medicine. He assures Osler that the facilities, laboratory and assistants will be sufficient if he were to come to Edinburgh. He warns Osler that at Edinburgh, Medicine has been looked at as a means to lucrative practice chiefly, and teaching has not been given the attention it deserves. He supplies Osler with salary figures and vacation schedules. He encourages Osler to apply for the job and to cable him with his final decision.

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.

Letter to William Osler from W.S. Greenfield, 7, Heriot Row, Edinburgh, Scotland. Greenfield supplies a news clipping announcing the vacancy for the Chair of Medicine at Edinburgh and the call for applications. Greenfield is hopeful that Osler will get the position. Includes manuscript notes.

Letter to William Osler from Edward A. Sharpey Schäfer, University Club, Edinburgh, Scotland. Osler seems to have made a favourable impression on Lord Provost, who will most likely endorse his candidacy to Chair of Medicine at Edinburgh. The Board of Curators has a policy against inviting doctors to the University. As a result, Schäfer encourages Osler to prepare an application. He reports that most of the Medical Faculty at Edinburgh support Osler.