1879 ASSOCIATION OF LIBERAL THINKERS 265 



of the regular curriculum, ill-health compelled him 

 to resign. 



As for other pressure of work (he writes to Dr. Dohrn, 

 February 16), with the exception of the Zoological Society, 

 I never have anything to do with the affairs of any society 

 but the Royal now I find the latter takes up all my 

 disposable time. . . Take comfort from me. I find 53 

 to be a very youthful period of existence. I have been 

 better physically, and worked harder mentally, this last 

 twelvemonth than in any year of my life. So a mere 

 boy, not yet 40 like you, may look to the future 

 hopefully. 



From about this time dates the inception of a 

 short-lived society, to be called the Association of 

 Liberal Thinkers. It had first taken shape in the 

 course of a conversation at Prof. W. K. Clifford's 

 house ; the chief promoter and organiser being a well- 

 known Theistic preacher, while on the council were 

 men of science, critics, and scholars in various branches 

 of learning. Huxley was chosen President, and the 

 first meeting of officers and council took place at his 

 house on January 25. 



Professor G. J. Eomanes was asked to join, but 

 refused on the ground that even if the negations 

 which he supposed the society would promulgate, 

 were true, it was not expedient to offer them to the 

 multitude. To this Huxley wrote the following 

 reply (January 2, 1879) : 



Many thanks for your letter. I think it is desirable 

 to explain that our Society is by no means intended to 



