FCM’s Speech at the McGill University Convocation of 1960, on the occasion of his receiving an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.

My first recollection of McGill dates from my return from Cambridge in 1903 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Natural Science. I had fallen under the spell of that brilliant galaxy of scientists of a generation earlier whose writings had so profoundly affected the thought of the world. I refer, of course, to Darwin, Huxley, Lyall, Wallace and others. I wanted to follow in their footsteps and, therefore, planned to continue my studies in Zoology at McGill ending as a full-blown scientist.

To my surprise I found myself the sole candidate for this advanced course and so sat alone at the feet of Professor McBride of Zoological fame. I soon found that there were two subjects dear to the heart of McBride – one the development of the cell from simple beginning into the complex structure of a mature human. The other subject which intrigued McBride was the classification and habits of parasites which, of course included fleas, lice, bedbugs and other minor horrors. Though mainly insignificant, they were to play a prominent part in the health of the human race in the wars that soon followed….

My work on cell division necessitated the frequent use of high powered microscopes and this eventually led to my downfall as a scientist. After my exams, I developed a sort of brain fever and the verdict was that I must abandon microscopic work or blindness & worse might result. So I like to think that science lost a brilliant exponent and business gained a reluctant and unhappy recruit.

Another vignette, and this time of Sherbrooke Street… Numerous telephone and telegraph poles – all awry, patches of wooden sidewalks much worn, the street itself of mud or dust and well sprinkled with pot-holes. I owned one of the first cars in Montreal – a Renaud racing car – advertised as capable of sixty miles an hour – a terrific speed in those days. It was well sprung and one day I invited a lady friend to take a ride. Boasting of its speed, I let it out but quickly struck a pot hole and only saved my companion by catching her ankle as she soared overhead.

… a word about my connection with the Museum, then know as the Art Association. It began in 1916 when I was turned down for active service in World War I. Sir Vincent Meredith was President and among other members of the Council group were E.B. Greenshields, Dr. Shepherd and Sir William Van Horne. The latter was most sympathetic and gave me run of his house, his books and catalogues.

I suggested to Council starting a collection of decorative Arts as an interesting adjunct to the Picture Collections. I was assigned an empty room on the strictest understanding that I was to expect no money for cases or objects. I had the Bull by the Tail and haven’t even yet dared to let go