X PREFACE. 



the plates. The report commences as follows : — " Di\ Watts, after showing 

 that on his own confession Spencer was indebted for his facts to Huxley and 

 Hooker, who," &c., kc. 



Wishing in this, as in other cases, to acknowledge indebtedness when con- 

 scious of it, I introduced the words referred to, in recognition of the fact that 

 I had repeatedly questioned the distinguished specialists named, on matters 

 beyond my knowledge, which were not dealt with in the books at my com- 

 mand. Forgetting the habits of antagonists, and especially theological antag- 

 onists, it never occurred to me that my expression of thanks to my friends for 

 "information where my own was deficient," would be turned into the sweep- 

 ing statement that I was indebted to them for my facts. 



Had Professor Watts looked at the preface to the second volume (the two 

 having been published separately, as the prefaces imply), he would have seen 

 a second expression of my indebtedness "for their valuable criticisms, and 

 for the trouble they have taken in checking the numerous statements of fact 

 on which the arguments proceed " — no further indebtedness being named. A 

 moment's comparison of the two volumes in respect of their accumulations 

 of facts, would have shown him what kind of warrant there was for his inter- 

 pretation. 



Doubtless the Rev. Professor was prompted to make this assertion by the 

 desire to discredit the work he was attacking ; and having so good an end in 

 view, thought it needless to be particular about the means. In the art of 

 dealing with the language of opponents. Dr. Watts might give lessons to 

 Monsignor Capel and Archbishop Manning. 



December 28<A, 1874. 



