110 LIFE OF SIR JOHN LUBBOCK 



CH. 



from the greatest men in science, showing the 

 credit that they assign to him for absolutely 

 original work. Lord Avebury has paid some- 

 thing of the penalty that fame always exacts 

 from a man of varied pursuits. By those who 

 know nothing, it has been deemed impossible 

 that one so versatile could do really valuable 

 and first-hand work in any one department. 

 How untrue that is in his case has been already 

 shown in these pages, so far as science is con- 

 cerned, and both as regards his business and his 

 legislation will be proved to be no less untrue 

 in the further course of the volume. 



There are two notes in his own hand stating 

 his main objects in desiring a seat in Parliament. 

 He states these objects under three headings. 

 " (1) To promote the study of Science, both in 

 Secondary and Primary schools ; (2) To quicken 

 the repayment of the National Debt ; and (3) To 

 secure some additional holidays, and to shorten 

 the hours of labour in shops." That is one, the 

 more concise statement. The other, evidently 

 later written, runs as follows : " When I was 

 first invited to become a candidate for Parlia- 

 ment I naturally asked myself what use I could 

 be if I should succeed in obtaining a seat, and 

 I thought that perhaps as there were so few 

 scientific men in the House (Mr. Poulett-Scope 

 being almost the only one) I might be useful on 

 scientific questions ; that my practical experience 

 of business might, in the second place, be of some 

 use ; thirdly, I was very anxious to carry a 

 measure to prevent the then rapid destruction 

 of ancient Monuments, and lastly, to secure some 



