Document information

Physical location:

ML MSS.562, Letters to E. P. Ramsay 1862-91, Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales, Sydney. 86.02.28

Preferred Citation:

Ferdinand von Mueller to Edward Ramsay, 1886-02-28. R.W. Home, Thomas A. Darragh, A.M. Lucas, Sara Maroske, D.M. Sinkora, J.H. Voigt and Monika Wells (eds), Correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller, <https://vmcp.rbg.vic.gov.au/id//letters/1880-9/1886/86-02-28-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026

28/2/86
Accept my best felicitation, dear Dr Ramsay, for acquiring the highly honorable distinction of LLD.
1
On 26 February 1886, Scottish newspapers (e.g., Dundee courier, 26 February 1886, p. 7) announced that the honorary degree of LLD was conferred upon 'Edward P. Ramsay, Director of Museum, Sydney' by the University of St Andrews. The award was reported in Australian newspapers the following day, e.g. in Melbourne by the Argus, 27 February, p. 11, quoting a special telegram dated 'London Feb. 26'.
Ramsay's ADB biography states that the LLD was awarded in recognition of his part in arranging a bequest to the University from David Berry, but Berry died in 1889 and discussions of the origin of the bequest do not mention Ramsay's playing a part in arranging it: see, for example, 'Munificent gift to the University of St Andrews. A legacy of £100,000', Fife herald (Cupar, Scotland), 13 November 1889, pp. 7-8.
It is meritoriously gained, and I feel sure that you will well sustain it in the long life before you.
With regardful remembrance your
Ferd. von Mueller.