CHAPTER VI 



1851-1854 



THE course pursued by the Government in the 

 matter of Huxley's papers is curious and instructive. 

 The Admiralty minute of 1849 had promised either 

 money assistance for publishing or speedy promotion 

 as an encouragement to scientific research in the 

 Navy, especially by the medical officers. On leave 

 to publish the scientific results of the expedition 

 being asked for, the Department forestalled any 

 request for monetary aid by an intimation that none 

 would be given. Strong representations, however, 

 from the leading scientific authorities induced them 

 to grant the appointment to the Fisguard for six 

 months. 



The sequel shows how the departmental repre- 

 sentatives of science did their best for science in 

 Huxley's case, so far as in their power lay : 



June 6, 1851. The other day I received an intimation 

 that my presence was required at Somerset House. I 

 rather expected the mandate, as my six months' leave 

 was up. Sir William was very civil, and told me that 

 the Commander of the Fisguard had applied to the 

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