Sir Arthur Hastings visited Moscow when the Moscow Natural Philosophers Association hosted a grand welcome ceremony for him at Moscow University. The association's members included high chancellors, prosecutors, and prominent figures from various Moscow offices — in short, individuals who had never studied natural philosophy, nor any unnatural philosophy.
Hastings was a diplomat appointed by the King of Britain, and having been awarded the Anna Medal by the Tsar, along with exemptions from material and certificate fees, his reputation naturally reached these people. They knew that this British Knight was a leader within Europe's electromagnetism community, frequently visited Almack's Club in London, was received by King Louis Philippe of France in Paris, and had been recognized by the Royal Society, the Paris Academy of Sciences, and the Berlin Academy of Sciences. Thus, they were determined not to embarrass themselves before such a distinguished person.
