CORRESPONDENCE, 1856-66. 303 



Bacon is a queer name ; but there seems to be a providence 1860. 

 which watches over names, and makes the great men have bear- 

 able sounds. None of the hypotheses that, be the names what 

 they may, the exploits will sanctify them in time ! If Bacon and 

 Newton had been Wiggins and Figgins, would any time have 

 taken off the ridicule of the rhyme ? Could anybody with a 

 grave face have argued the question whether the immortal 

 Figgins was or was not indebted to the great Wiggins ? 



I see a little theological philosophy. A rationalist Non- 

 conformist a few weeks ago opened one of his paragraphs thus : 

 'Now, my brethren, let us proceed to make a logical incision 

 into the psychology of Grod.' This was making a subject of the 

 Deity. Subject is the sense in which the word was used in reply 

 to an argument of mine. I maintained that a good teacher must 

 have his heart in his subject, and his subject in his head. Not 

 if he teach anatomy, says Dr. Sharpey, for he could neither have 

 his heart in his subject, nor his subject in his head. 



To Professor Kelland. 1 



41 Chalcot Villas, Adelaide Road, April 2, 1860. 



MY DEAR SIR, I have received your note announcing that 

 the Senate of the University of Edinburgh intend me the honour 

 of a degree of Doctor of Laws on the occasion of Lord 

 Brougham's installation as Chancellor. 



I hope I shall give no offence by very respectfully declining 

 the honour. I mean the diploma. The honour lies in the good 

 opinion of the Senate, and that your communication gives me a 

 right to say I have already earned. 



My reason for declining the degree is my own peculiar dis- 

 like of conventional titles, which are not what they seem to be. 

 If I had studied civil law I should be very glad to be styled fit 

 to teach it by any competent body ; but as I never have studied, I 

 object to call myself a teacher, and should object to others calling 

 me so, and I would not consent to accept a degree in law from 

 any University in the world. This is for myself, without im- 

 peachment of the conduct of others for adopting any conven- 



1 In reply to an offer to confer on Mr. De Morgan the honorary 

 degree of LL.D. of the University of Edinburgh. 



