ABSTRACT
The opportunity to give an inaugural lecture presented to a newly appointed professor is a privilege which also entails some traditional responsibilities. The first of these duties is that, in filial piety as it were, some tribute is paid to predecessors and some remarks are presented on the tradition which is being followed. The second feature of an inaugural lecture is that it should present a broad overview of the discipline in which the appointment has been made, frequently with special reference as to how it should be studied, and also how it should be taught. In addition, such a lecture should reflect the tastes and specialties of the new incumbent of the chair, and thereby display in public some of the reasons for the appointment.
