Name: Application For the Post of Professor of Botany in Point Grey University
Narrative: A brief sketch of Davidson's career as a submission of qualifications. The application was submitted to the University of British Columbia for consideration for the appointment of a Professor of Botany.
Davidson wrote of suffering bout after bout of illness. Influenza followed pneumonia and left him run-down and vulnerable to colds. Despite Davidson's time off to recuperate in the highland moors, his doctor eventually told him to relocate to an area with a milder climate. Davidson chose Vancouver, not only for its climate but also for his interest in the soon-to-be-established provincial university.
Although Davidson had taken some classes at Marischal College, he never finished the coursework needed to complete a bachelor's degree. The lack of a university degree remained a thorn in Davidson's side for years to come, and caused him some shame. As he noted in his application for a position as botany professor at the newly established Point Grey University: “I should state at the outset that I possess no University Degrees, and because of this, I feel myself considerably handicapped, knowing that nowadays these are taken so much into account in making appointments.” Despite lacking the degree, Davidson hoped that his practical experience would count in his favour. In the end, because Davidson lacked the credentials, he did not get the job. He was, however, given the job of “demonstrator in charge of the herbarium and botanical garden.”
Web Site Accession Number: 2007.196.0004
Object Height: 34 cm
Object Width: 21.5 cm
Credit: Material from the John Davidson fonds, UBC Archives
Object Date(s): 19130000
Artist: Davidson, John
Media: paper
Locale of Artwork: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
