1892 LONDON UNIVERSITY REFORM 239 



consciously 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 miification 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, learning, 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.^. — "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 

 University 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 Eosebery, 

 then Prime Minister, to whom he wrote asking if he 

 were willing to receive such a deputation. 



HoDESLEA, Eastbourne, 

 Dec. 4, 1894. 



Dear Lord Rosebert — A number of scientific 

 people, in fact I think I may say all the leading men of 



