Self-made expert in maritime history

I am prompted to write this letter after reading Lino Bugeja's piece on Andrea Vassallo (June 4). Mr Vassallo, Mr Bugeja wrote, was awarded an architect's warrant by the relevant authorities for his expertise in the profession despite his never having followed a University course.

I was reminded of this when, last week, Joseph Muscat, expert on Malta's maritime history, gave a most interesting and enjoyable talk on The Maċina And The Galleys. At 76, Mr Muscat is manifestly and deeply committed to his field of research and still very enthusiastic about it. His bubbly way of sharing his knowledge communicates his passion for the subject. Mr Muscat is indeed knowledgeable in the field and his numerous publications on the subject, even in academic journals, both local and foreign, attest to the scholarly archival research he has been carrying out for the best part of his life.

This dedication has received deserved recognition from our government and from the Order of St John; not though from the major local promoter of research: the University. In the not-so-distant past, the University of Malta bestowed honours on Joseph Cassar Pullicino and others for solid research, even if carried out of the campus's strict magnetic field. I should like to think that it intends to continue these laudable gestures.

To those who know him much better than I do, the humble Mr Muscat is a most worthy candidate. I write this on behalf of all his admirers.