14 LIFE OF PROFESSOR HUXLEY CHAP. I 



" Philosophy can bake no bread ; but it can prove for 

 us God, freedom, and immortality. Which, now, is 

 more practical, Philosophy or Economy ? " The refer- 

 ence here given is to a German edition of Novalis, so 

 that it seems highly probable that the boy had learnt 

 enough of the language to translate a bit for himself, 

 though, as appears from entries in 1841, he had still 

 to master the grammar completely. 



In science, he was much interested in electricity ; 

 he makes a galvanic battery " in view of experiment 

 to get crystallised carbon. Got it deposited, but not 

 crystallised." Other experiments and theorising 

 upon them are recorded in the following year. 

 Another entry showing the courage of youth, 

 deserves mention : 



" Oct. 5 (1840). Began speculating on the cause 

 of colours at sunset. Has any explanation of them 

 ever been attempted 1 " which is supplemented by an 

 extract " from old book." 



We may also remark the early note of Radicalism 

 and resistance to anything savouring of injustice or 

 oppression, together with the naive honesty of the 

 admission that his opinions may change with years. 



Oct. 25 (at Hinckley). Read Dr. S. Smith on the 

 Divine Government. Agree with him partly. I should 

 say that a general belief in his doctrines would have a 

 very injurious effect on morals. 



Nov. 22. . . . Had a long talk with my mother and 

 father about the right to make Dissenters pay church rates 

 and whether there ought to be any Establishment. I 

 maintain that there ought not in both cases I wonder 



