1850 CHARACTER OF HIS SCIENTIFIC WORK 85 



form one. But I fear that I am trespassing beyond the 

 limits of a letter. I have only wished to state what I 

 have done in order that you may judge concerning the 

 propriety or impropriety of what I propose to do. And 

 I trust that you will not think that I am presuming too 

 much upon your kindness if I take the liberty of thus 

 asking your advice about my own affairs. In truth, I 

 feel in a manner responsible to you for the use of the 

 appointment you procured for me ; and furthermore, 

 Capt. Stanley's unfortunate decease has left the interests 

 of the ship in general and my own in particular without 

 a representative. 



Can you inform me, then, what chance I should have 

 either (1) of procuring a grant for the publication of my 

 papers, or (2) should that not be feasible, to obtain a 

 nominal appointment (say to the Fisguard at Woolwich, 

 as in Dr. Hooker's case) for such time as might be 

 requisite for the publication of my papers and drawings 

 in some other way ? 



I shall see Professors Owen and Forbes when I reach 

 London, and I have a letter of introduction to Sir John 

 Herschel (who has, I hear, a great penchant for the towing- 

 net). Supposing I could do so, would it be of any use to 

 procure recommendations from them that my papers 

 should be published ? 



[(Half-erased) To Sir F. Beaufort also I have a letter.] 

 Would it not be proper also to write to Sir W. Burnett 

 acquainting him with my views, and requesting his 

 acquiescence and assistance ? 



Begging an answer at your earliest convenience, ad- 

 dressed either to the Rattlesnake or to my brother, I 

 remain, your obedient servant, T. H. HUXLEY. 



41 North Bank. 



He received a most friendly reply from "Old 

 John." He was willing to do all in his power to 



