18701882] HYATT 393 



mouths, till a creature was produced as monstrous as a Letter 305 

 whale." x 



This sentence was omitted in the subsequent editions, 

 owing to the advice of Prof. Owen, as it was liable to be 

 misinterpreted ; but I have always regretted that I followed 

 this advice, for I still think the view quite reasonable. 



To A. Hyatt. Letter 306 



Down, May 8th, 1881. 



I am much obliged for your kind gift of " The Genesis, 

 etc.'' 2 , which I shall be glad to read, as the case has always 

 seemed to me a very curious one. It is all the kinder in you 

 to send me this book, as I am aware that you think that I 

 have done nothing to advance the good cause of the Descent- 

 theory. 3 



We have ventured to quote the passage from Prof. Hyatt's reply, dated 

 May 23rd, 1881 : 



" You would think I was insincere, if I wrote you what I really felt 

 with regard to what you have done for the theory of Descent. Perhaps 

 this essay will lead you to a more correct view than you now have of my 

 estimate, if I can be said to have any claim to make an estimate of your 

 work in this direction. You will not take offence, however, if I tell you 

 that your strongest supporters can hardly give you greater esteem and 

 honour. I have striven to get a just idea of your theory, but no doubt 

 have failed to convey this in my publications as it ought to be done." 



We find other equally strong and genuine expressions of respect in 

 Prof. Hyatt's letters. 



To Lord Farrer. 4 Letter 307 



Mr. Graham's book, the Creed of Science, is referred to in Life and 

 Letters, I., p. 315, where an interesting letter to the author is printed. 



1 See Letters no and 120. 



2 " The Genesis of the Tertiary Species of Planorbis? in the Boston 

 Soc. Nat. Hist. Anniversary Mem., 1880. 



3 The above caused me to write a letter expressing a feeling of regret 

 and humiliation, which I hope is still preserved, for certainly such a 

 feeling, caused undoubtedly by my writings, which dealt too exclusively 

 with disagreements upon special points, needed a strong denial. I have 

 used the Darwinian theory in many cases, especially in explaining the 

 preservation of differences ; and have denied its application only in the 

 preservation of fixed and hereditary characteristics, which have become 

 essentially homologous similarities. (Note by Prof. Hyatt.) 



4 Thomas Henry Farrer (1819-99) was educated at Eton and Balliol 

 College, Oxford. He was called to the Bar, but gave up practice 



