2()4) L{fe mid Letters of Francis (waif on 



It was, perhaps, too generous an idea to expect in 1882 that an 'evolution' 

 window could, even in Westminster Abliey, replace the old 'creation' window 

 IkumhI upon its neolithic myth. But tlie time may yet come when the 

 national mausoleum shall contain not only the iishes of the nation's j;reat 

 dead, but some appropriate witness to those living embers of the mind which 

 entitled them to their Hnal resting-place. Galtoii strongly l)elieved in and 



generously supported all projects of perpetuating the memory of the worthy 

 ead. It was exhibited not only in the case of Darwin, but m several other 

 instances. Thus in the monument he put uj) to Erasmus Danvin in Lich- 

 tield Cathedral', in his support of the Speke memorial and liis desire to see it 

 extended to embrace other African pioneei-s (see our p. 25 ftn.), and again in 

 the substantial aid he gave to the Oxfonl Weldon memorial. I have no doubt 

 fuller investigation would lead to the discovery of other instances'. 



But for Darwin, Galton's aifection and reverence were unlimited. Within 

 three weeks of the former's death he wrote to Darwin's son George as follows : 



42, Rutland Gatk, May 16th, 1882. 



My dear Grohge, You may be glad to hear that the nietnorial to your father was fairly 

 started this aftt'rinwn and very shortly the letters to foreigners will be sent and notices in the 

 papers will appear. A Sub-Cmte. of the executive Cmtc. has only now to fix a few details. I was 

 very sorry to have missed you when you called, as there is much I sliould like to have hejird 

 about you all. I am very glad that your Mother beam up so well. 



I want^xl too, to spetik to you (as I have to Spottiswoode) about getting together available 

 illustrations and memorial scraps of all kinds for a Ijook of mementos for the Royal Society 

 (like those of Priestley — do you know them?). There ought to l>e a picture of the 'lieagle' if one 

 is procurable and copies (suiall)of all the pictures and photographs. You are no doubt collect- 

 ing all available information of his early life before his cont-eniporaries and seniors shall have 

 passed away. Every month is precious. I do wish somclKxly had done this many years ago for 

 Dr Erasmus Darwin. If omitted, this want is soon irrevocable. When you are next in Town 

 pray come to us. Ever j'ours, Fuancis Galton. 



Talking once to the husband of one of the greatest of Victorian women, 

 about the loss of a great friend — to whose learning and scholarship I owe 

 whatever love I may possess for accurate investigation — he remarked: 



" It is difficult to measure what the mental development of an individual loses and what it 

 gains by the death of a friend of dominant personality." 



The words seemed to me then harsh and unsympathetic, hut I have 

 learnt with the years the element of truth in the experience expressed by 

 them. That truth is not wholly appropriate to the friendship of Galton 

 with Darwin; the latter was only thirteen years Galton's senior, but those 

 years, and Galton's unlimite<l reverence for intellectual power did, as in the 



' See Note at the end of this Chapter. 



' One other instance I can indee<l refer to from lett<!rH in my jKissession. He was the prime 

 mover in the scheme for obtaining a portrait of Sir Joseph Hooker. There arc numerous letters 

 to Galton approving and enclosing subscriptions, and the letter of Hooker to Galton is worthy 

 of being preserved elsewhere than in an autograph book where I found it: 



Royal Gardens, Krw, May 15/80. 

 Mv DEAR (Sai.to.v, Your kind letter announces a most unexj)ected honour, and a crowning 

 one. I only wish I could feel that 1 was worthy of it. I am quite at Mr Collier's dis|)osal and 

 very pleased to find that he is the selected artist. Very sincerely Yours, Jos. D. Hooker. 



