140 



LIFE OF PROFESSOR HUXLEY CHAP, vin 



4 MARLBOROUGH PLACE, May 3, 1886. 



MY DEAR FOSTER I cannot find Hughes' letter, and fancy I 

 must have destroyed it. So I cannot satisfy Newton as to the 

 exact terms of his question. 



But I am quite clear that my answer was not meant to 

 recommend any particular course for Cambridge, when I know 

 nothing about the particular circumstances of the case, but re- 

 ferred to what I should like to do if I had carte blanche. 



It is as plain as the nose on one's face (mine is said to be 

 very plain) that Zoological and Botanical collections should 

 illustrate (i) Morphology, (2) Geographical Distribution, (3) 

 Geological Succession. 



It is also obvious to me that the morphological series ought 

 to contain examples of all the extinct types in their proper 

 places. But I think it will be no less plain to any one who has 

 had anything to do with Geology and Paleontology that the great 

 mass of fossils is to be most conveniently arranged stratigraph- 

 ically. The Jermyn St. Museum affords an example of the strati- 

 graphical arrangement. 



I do not know that there is anywhere a collection arranged 

 according to Provinces of Geographical Distribution. It would 

 be a great credit to Cambridge to set the example of having one. 



If I had a free hand in Cambridge or anywhere else I should 

 build (A) a Museum, open to the public, and containing three 

 strictly limited and selected collections ; one morphologically, 

 one geographically, and one stratigraphically arranged; and (B) 

 a series of annexes arranged for storage and working purposes 

 to contain the material which is of no use to any but specialists, 

 I am convinced that this is the only plan by which the wants of 

 ordinary people can be supplied efficiently, w r hile ample room is 

 afforded for "additions to any extent without large expense in 

 building. 



On the present plan or no plan, Museums are built at great 

 cost, and in a few years are choked for want of room. 



If you have the opportunity, I wish you would explain that 

 I gave no opinion as to what might or might not be expedient 

 under present circumstances at Cambridge. I do not want to 

 seem meddlesome. Ever yours very faithfully, 



T. H. HUXLEY. 



Don't forget Cayley. 



'N.B. As my meaning seems to have been misunderstood I 

 wish, if you have the chance, you would make it clear that I do 

 not want three brick and mortar museums but one public 



