I have deposited the article about S A Hill with the Royal Meteorological Society archivists, the North of Ireland Family History Society (NIFHS), and the Ballynure Historical Group. I think all were a little surprised by how much Alec packed into his 39 years: bright student, Meteorological Reporter, University Fellow, soil and water assay chemist, public lecturer in South Carolina, newspaper columnist, and "From Sea to Sea" Professor.
His colleague Dr Pedler was an expert on cobra poison and might, if this point is not yet settled, join the list of possible sources for "Rikki-tikki-tavi".
Has anyone definite information on when Kipling and Alec first met? Carrington's statement that Sir Edward Buck could introduce them, and Edmonia's account of the late 1887 dinner party with the Allens, are well known, but it is not absolutely explicit that Alec accompanied Edmonia and that this was their first meeting.
best wishes
Chris
|