Introduction. 



IX 



from learned men and learned societies ; but her 

 dominant idea was always the same " I am nothing, 

 I have done nothing ; all I am, all I know, I owe 

 to my brother. I am only the tool which he shaped 

 to his use a well- trained puppy- dog would have 

 done as much." Every word said in her own praise 

 seemed to be so much taken away from the honour 

 due to her brother. She had lived so many years in 

 companionship with a truly great man, and in the 

 presence of the unfathomable depths of the starry 

 heavens, that praise of herself seemed childish 

 exaggeration. 



The Letters and Eecollections contained in this 

 volume will show what she really was. She would 

 have been very angry if she could have foreseen their 

 publication, yet, in consideration of the great interest 

 they possess, we hope to be justified for making 

 known to the world such an example of self-sacrifice 

 and perseverance under difficulties. 



The spelling has been modernised, an old lady 

 who had discovered eight comets might be allowed 

 to spell in her own way ; but it is pleasanter to read 

 what is written in an accustomed manner. A word 

 has been altered occasionally where the sense required 

 it, otherwise no change has been made, and as little 

 has been added as was possible, and only with the 

 view of giving a slight connecting thread of narrative. 



If these Eecollections convey as much pleasure 



