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.