The correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller: Greetings to all to whom this present letter reaches ¶ ¶ Since the Academic grades were instituted by this Council, so that men who are pre-eminent in ability and learning may be decorated by distinc...

Document information

Physical location:

RB MSS M200b.60, Library, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. 92.04.30

Preferred Citation:

McGill University to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1892-04-30. 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/92-04-30>, accessed September 11, 2025

The certificate bears the seal of McGill University.

A giant Todea that M presented to the University is closely associated with this award. An article in the Australasian (27 August 1892, p. 394), reports that M 'had taken it upon himself to ship the plant on 25 March last'; M had estimated that it would weigh about one ton without fronds (D. Penhallow to W. Thiselton-Dyer, 22 April 1892, RBG Kew, Directors' correspondence, vol 195, f. 308). The Todea was in good growth in 1894 (D. Penhallow to D. Morris, 10 May 1894, RBG Kew, Directors' correspondence, vol 195, f. 309).

Universitas McGill

Monte Regio, in Provincia Canadensi.

Omnibus ad quos hae Literae Praesentes Pervenerint, Salutem .

Quum Gradus Academici hoc Consilio instituti fuerint, ut viri ingenio et doctrina praestantes insignibus honoris praeter ceteros ornarentur. Nos igitur Regentes, Primarius et Socii Collegii McGill virum doctissimum Baronem Fredericum Von Mueller K.C.M.G., F.R.S. N e honore bene merito careat Doctorem in utroque jure Honoris causa renunciavimus et constituimus

In cujus rei Testimonium Sigillum Universitatis Literis hisce rite subscriptis apponi fecimus.

Datae in Comitiis solennibus die, tricesima Mensis Aprilis, Anno Domini, MDCCCXCII

Donaldus A Smith K.C.M.G. LLD. Cancellarius

J. Gulielmus Dawson, LLD, Primarius.

Georgius Cornish, LL.D., Socius.

Jacobus W Brakenridge BCL. Protabularius

Greetings to all to whom this present letter reaches

Since the Academic grades were instituted by this Council, so that men who are pre-eminent in ability and learning may be decorated by distinctions of honour beyond others, we therefore, the Regents, Principal and Fellows of McGill College have declared and appointed the most learned man Baron Frederick von Mueller K.C.M.G., F.R.S. as Doctor Honoris causa in each law

i.e. canon law and civil law.

lest he lack the well-deserved honour. As testimony of this matter we have had the seal of the University placed properly at the bottom of this letter.

Given at the solemn assembly on the thirtieth day of the month of April in the year of the Lord 1892.

Donald A Smith K.C.M.G. LLD. Chancellor

J. William Dawson, LLD, Principal.

George Cornish, LL.D., Fellow.

James W Brakenridge BCL. Pro Registrar