72 EVOLUTION [CHAP. II 



that supreme power of seeing and thinking what the rest of the world 

 had overlooked, which was one of Darwin's most striking characteristics. 

 As throwing light on the quality of their friendship, we give below a letter 

 which has already appeared in the Life and Letters of T. H. Huxley, 

 I., p. 366. Mr. L. Huxley gives an account of the breakdown n health 

 \vhich convinced Huxley's friends that rest and relief from anxiety must 

 be found for him. Mr. L. Huxley aptly remarks of the letter, "It is 

 difficult to say whether it does more honour to him who sent it or to him 

 who received it." : 



Letter 32 To T. H. Huxley. 



Down, April 23rd, 1873. 



My dear Huxley 



I have been asked by some of your friends (eighteen in 

 number) to inform you that they have placed, through Robarts, 

 Lubbock & Co., the sum of 2,100 to your account at your 

 bankers. We have done this to enable you to get such 

 complete rest as you may require for the re-establishment of 

 your health ; and in doing this we are convinced that we act 

 for the public interest, as well as in accordance with our most 

 earnest desires. Let me assure you that we are all your 

 warm personal friends, and that there is not a stranger or 

 mere acquaintance amongst us. If you could have heard 

 what was said, or could have read what was, as I believe, our 

 inmost thoughts, you would know that we all feel towards you, 

 as we should to an honoured and much loved brother. I am 

 sure that you will return this feeling, and will therefore be 

 glad to give us the opportunity of aiding you in some degree, 

 as this will be a happiness to us to the last day of our lives. 

 Let me add that our plan occurred to several of your friends 

 at nearly the same time and quite independently of one 

 another. 



My dear Huxley, 



Your affectionate friend, 



CHARLES DARWIN. 



1 Huxley's Life^ I., p. 366. Mr. Darwin left to Mr. Huxley a legacy 

 of ; 1,000, "as a slight memorial of my lifelong affection and respect 

 for him." 



