Of Paleopolitics and Missing Links - The Fossil Chronicles - page 10

being the department's enfants terribles and some of Dart's other early
research contributed to an impression that he spurned authority, Dart
loved his job. 28 His fascination with neuroanatomy grew, and he would
later describe Elliot Smith as “the master, at whose feet I was privileged
to sit.” 29 Another factor that contributed to Dart's contentment was his
marriage in 1921 to an American medical student named Dora Tyree.
After having reached the zenith of his dreams and returning to
London from a brief tour of Europe in 1922, however, Dart's life took
an unexpected and unwelcome turn. “This Elysium of an infinitude
of neurological problems for settlement from the combined historical,
embryological, histological, and gross comparative anatomical points
of view, and with all the means of displaying them accumulating under
itching fingers and brain, was rudely shattered . . . by Elliot Smith's seri-
ous suggestion that I should apply for an anatomical chair fallen vacant
in the newly-established University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg,
South Africa, whose name I had never heard previously. The very idea
revolted me; I turned it down flat instantly.” 30 He later recalled, “This
strange idea of taking up a post in South Africa spelt banishment to
darkest, bleakest Africa with neither the libraries nor laboratories of
Europe, for whose benefits I had deserted Australia. ” 31
Dart's refusal to apply for the position startled Elliot Smith, who
tried to persuade his protégé of the opportunity. He urged Dart to con-
sult with other colleagues, including the recently knighted Sir Arthur
Keith, who might provide a more considered opinion. Out of respect for
his mentor, Dart consented and met with “a strong unanimity of atti-
tude. . . . Staying would be tantamount to a dereliction of duty. There
was a dearth of British anatomists and Sydney was filling the gaps. ” 32
Dart reluctantly applied for the position. Perhaps hoping to weaken his
chances, Dart described himself as a “freethinker” in response to a ques-
tion about religion. When he showed Keith the application, the elder
anatomist asked, “Do you think that wise? I believe the atmosphere
in South Africa is strongly Calvinistic.” 33 Dart declined to amend his
application but, to his dismay, got the job anyway.