was born in Wigton, Cumbria in 1862.

He graduated in Mathematics from Cambridge in 1885. He came 3rd in the final examinations (a position known as 3rd Wrangler).

He had done some work in the Physics department and become known to J J Thomson (later a Nobel Laureate);

Shortly after graduating he applied for the position of Professor of Mathematics & Physics at the University of Adelaide at Thomson's suggestion.