In 2002, following the naming of the Higgs boson particle, the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Edinburgh asked Higgs to supply CDs and posters to be presented to Professor Peter Higgs and Professor Stephen Hawking. The accompanying letter joked that, although the Higgs boson particle had no spin or charge, “Higgs Boson has the attribute of a sense of humour.”
A Note to Stephen Hawking
Following the request from the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Edinburgh, I sent copies of the Higgs Boson album to both Professor Peter Higgs and Professor Stephen Hawking.
At the time there was considerable public discussion about the existence of the Higgs boson particle, and I couldn’t resist enclosing a brief handwritten note with Professor Hawking’s copy:
“I hear reports of my non-existence are being somewhat exaggerated.”
Sadly, no reply ever arrived—but I still like to think it might at least have raised a smile.
