It is shown that Fermi-Dirac quantisation by the procedure of Heisenberg and Pauli cannot be carried out for tensor wave equations. Since the general wave equations for particles with integral spin are tensor equations, it follows that for these integral spin equations Fermi-Dirac quantisation cannot be carried out. During the course of the discussion it appears that for equations derived from Lagrangians which are nonlinear in the derivatives of the functions, Fermi-Dirac quantisation cannot be carried out. Since the Heisenberg-Pauli theory applies only to nonlinear Lagrangians, a special discussion of linear Lagrangians (linear in the derivatives of the functions) is given. It is shown how equations derived from such Lagrangians can be put into Hamiltonian form. Lagrangians of this type occur for the equations for half-odd spin.

The author applies the Heisenberg-Pauli procedure for the quantisation of wave fields to various wave equations, with especial reference to the statistics satisfied by the particles described thereby. He shows that the Fermi-Dirac quantisation cannot be carried out on tensor equations, thus confirming Fierz's conclusion that a particle with integral spin cannot obey the Fermi-Dirac statistics; the possibility of subjecting particles of half-odd spin to this statistics is attributed to the fact that their equations are derivable from a Lagrangian which is linear in the derivatives of the wave function. Particles of any spin may be subjected to the Einstein-Bose statistics, but Sokolow and Iwanenko's objection to this quantisation in the case of spin $\large\frac{1}{2}\normalsize$ are shown to be relevant for any half-odd spin.

The spinor equations for arbitrary spin and rest mass zero are examined in some detail. Fierz has shown that for all values of the spin $f (> \large\frac{1}{2}\normalsize$) there exists only two "really" independent plane wave solutions instead of (2f + 1) when the rest mass is not zero. Fierz later showed, in rather a complicated way, that these two plane waves correspond to components of spin ±f along the momentum vector of the wave. We will arrive here at the same result but in a much simpler and more direct way.

The Fierz-Pauli theory of particles of higher spin is re-examined in the case when no forces are present, and in particular for the rest-mass 0. By a consequent use of the spinor calculus some results of Fierz are obtained in a considerably simpler way: the existence of only 2 "really" independent plane waves (for positive rest-mass their number would be 2j+1, if the spin is j), and the fact that these waves correspond to spin components $±j$ along the momentum vector of the plane wave.

The purpose of this dissertation is to study the connection between the spin and statistics of elementary particles. The study of this problem was started by Pauli, who attempted to show that the scalar wave equation did not admit Fermi-Dirac quantisation. His work was incorrect, the result he expected to find has turned out to be correct.

Jack de Wet was the doyen of mathematics tutors in Oxford. His personality was ideally suited to guiding and directing the studies of the young (in some cases the not so young); his extraordinary command of both pure and applied mathematics at the undergraduate level became legendary at the university. The range of his tutorial and lecture teaching was without equal during these years; from abstract algebra through analysis to classical applied mathematics and modern quantum theory there seemed to be no subject that was not within his grasp.

His enthusiasm for mathematics (at times he could never sit still in tutorials for the sheer excitement of the subject) was infectious. He inspired the able and gifted to their first class honours, and guided and sometimes firmly directed the average to leaving the college with a qualification appropriate to their abilities. At the blackboard he was a bundle of nervous energy; some mistakes were inevitable but for most students such minor deficiencies led to a more complete understanding of both the concrete and the abstract.

This is an excellent introduction to the theory of groups and one which satisfies a real need. In the earlier chapters the pace is very leisurely and eminently suitable for students with no background to speak of in abstract algebra. In the later chapters the exposition is still a model of clarity but, quite appropriately, becomes gradually less detailed. ...

... investigate options for research funding in higher education and to advise the CSIR in indicating the role the Research Grants Division (RGD) could play to satisfy these research funding needs.

After discussions between Prof de Wet and the CSIR Executive, Prof de Wet and Dr Arndt made a series of visits during February and March 1983 to vice-chancellors and personnel of the ten universities most active in research. Draft documents, containing the framework of Prof de Wet's ideas, were sent to university authorities for their approval prior to the rounds of discussions. During these visits, Prof de Wet's new concepts for research funding were discussed in depth, after which comments and suggestions were incorporated into the documentation. All further drafts of the document were also sent to universities on a regular basis for their comments. The draft report - A new look at the role of the Research Grants Division in the promotion of research in the South African Universities - was sent to universities for their comments on 8 April 1983.
...

In May and June of 1983, Prof de Wet and Dr Arndt visited western Europe, the USA and Canada to investigate university research funding systems. Two months later, in August 1983, Prof de Wet submitted the foundational report A framework for the promotion of free research in universities and an integrated research effort in the areas of national concern between the universities, CSIR institutes and other bodies - attached to which was 'An addendum to a framework etc.' This also contained his suggestions for one CSIR body responsible for the funding of external research ...

Self initiated or curiosity research is what people do to satisfy their own curiosity. It is what turns them on and for good people to do what turns them on is both highly satisfying for the researcher and often the most productive use of a good person's time. What they do often seems quite useless in the eyes of others until, often very much later, the seminal nature of their work becomes abundantly clear to everybody. The moral is to support and encourage the good researcher to do their own thing.

During these last years the "Balliol de Wet mathematicians", all former Balliol students of de Wet, formed themselves into a college group. A number of meetings were organised for the purpose of renewing friendships, and dining well in the college hall. On these memorable occasions de Wet's remarkable memory rarely failed him and all his former students were greeted with their first names. This group numbered about 185 and on the occasion of de Wet's 80th birthday celebration no fewer than 70 were present in the college to pay him tribute.

After a lapse of more than 40 years I renewed acquaintance with Jack de Wet, my Balliol Mathematics Tutor, when he discovered Internet and email. Rather shortly after this Jack died, and his son Chris sent me several obituaries ... . By way of explanation I should add that it was a pleasant custom at Oxford for the most senior and distinguished professors to teach the most junior courses. Jack seems to have carried this one step further by, in his eventual retirement, teaching classes in a village education centre.