The little pamphlet of two pages was entitled "The Necessity of Atheism"; and its proposed publication, beyond the limits of private circulation already described, is proved by an advertisement (February 9, 1811) in the "Oxford University and City Herald".

It was not, however, actually offered for sale.
A copy of this syllabus reached a Fellow of another college, who made the Master of the University acquainted with the fact.

On the morning of March 25, 1811, Shelley was sent for to the Senior Common Room, and asked whether he acknowledged himself to be the author of the obnoxious pamphlet.

On his refusal to answer this question, he was served with a formal sentence of expulsion duly drawn up and sealed.

The college authorities have been blamed for unfair dealing in this matter.