EVOLUTION IN PROFESSOR HUXLEY. 321 



But if mental processes should be thus interesting, a fortiori 

 should they be so if they are those of a great expositor and apostle 

 of the doctrine of evolution itself. Above all ought they to con- 

 cern us if that expositor exercises great influence, is looked up to 

 by multitudes of disciples, and has been in the habit of coupling 

 with his expositions, precepts respecting matters which most of 

 us think extremely important. 



These considerations lead me to think that the time has come 

 for some one to say a few words with respect to the process of 

 evolution which seems to have taken place in the mind of Prof. 

 Huxley. I venture, therefore, on the following observations. 



Though it can not be affirmed that any sharp edge of criticism 

 has transformed him as the sword-blade transformed the en- 

 chanted princess, nevertheless some changes of aspect are, I think, 

 to be detected in certain of Prof. Huxley's recent utterances. 



To these I desire to call attention, since they appear to justify 

 the hope that ripened experience and mature reflection have called 

 forth statements which, if (as is possible) they do not denote any 

 consciously changed views, must surely, at the least, indicate 

 their latent presence. 



There are two matters with respect to his last publication * 

 especially noteworthy : (1) The first of these concerns our ethical 

 perceptions ; the second (2) relates to the nature of man as con- 

 trasted with that of other organisms. 



Besides these matters, I would also refer to certain corollaries 

 which, in my humble judgment, result from the views he has put 

 forward with respect to humanity and ethics. 



The present inquiry is no hostile one, but is made in a spirit of 

 sympathy such as a decade of pleasant memories should occa- 

 sion. Long ago,f and also recently,^ I said, " No one, I believe, has 

 a greater regard for Prof. Huxley than I have, and no one is 

 more convinced than I am of the uprightness of his intentions and 

 his hearty sympathy with self-denying virtue." 



If I may have the great satisfaction of finding that, as to 

 ethical perceptions, he has approximated to the standpoint I long 

 ago advocated, that satisfaction will be free from any taint of 

 triumph. I am far too keenly aware of my own past difficulties to 

 wonder at another intellect having been obscured by clouds which 

 so long overshadowed my own. Indeed, the clearing away 

 of those obscurities is indirectly due to Prof. Huxley himself. 

 Such is the case, since it was in that lecture room in Jermyn 

 Street where, owing to his kindness no less than his ability, 

 I gained much of the biological knowledge I possess I made the 



* The Romanes Lecture, 1893. } Contemporary Review (January, 1872), p. 196. 



X Essays and Criticisms (Osgood, Mcllvaine & Co.), ii, 101. 



