336 LIFE OF PROFESSOR HUXLEY CHAP, xvm 



The besetting sin of able men is impatience of contradiction 

 and of criticism. Even those who do their best to resist the 

 temptation, yield to it almost unconsciously and become the tools 

 of toadies and flatterers. '* Authorities," ' disciples," and 

 " schools " are the curse of science ; and do more to interfere 

 with the work of the scientific spirit than all its enemies. 



Thus you will understand why I have so strongly opposed 

 " absorption." No one can feel more strongly than I the need of 

 getting the present chaos into order and putting an end to the 

 absurd waste of money and energy. But I believe that end may 

 be attained by the method of unification which I have suggested ; 

 without bringing in its train the evils which will inevitably flow 

 from " absorptive ' ' regimentation. 



What I want to see is such an organisation of the means 

 and appliances of University instruction in all its branches, as 

 will conduce to the largest possible freedom of research, learn- 

 ing, and teaching. And if anybody will show me a better way 

 to that end than through the measures I have suggested, I will 

 gladly leave all and follow him. I am yours very faithfully, 



T. H. HUXLEY. 



P.S. Will you be so kind as to let Professor Lankester see 

 this letter, as I am writing to him and shirk the labour of going 

 over the whole ground again. 



His last public activity, indeed, was on behalf of Univer- 

 sity reform, when in January 1895 he represented not only 

 the Association, but, in the enforced absence of Sir James 

 Paget, the Senate of the University also, on a deputation 

 to Lord Rosebery, then Prime Minister, to whom he wrote 

 asking if he were willing to receive such a deputation. 



HODESLEA, EASTBOURNE, Dec. 4, 1894. 



DEAR LORD ROSEBERY A number of scientific people, in fact 

 I think I may say all the leading men of science, and especially 

 teachers in the country, are very anxious to see the University of 

 London reorganised upon the general principles set forth in the 

 Report of the last Royal Commission. 



To this end nothing is wanted but the institution of a strong 

 Statutory Commission ; and we have all been hoping that a Bill 

 would be introduced for that purpose. 



It is rumoured that there are lions in the path. But even 

 lions are occasionally induced to retreat by the sight of a large 



