366 LIFE OF PROFESSOR HUXLEY CHAP. XVIII 



The following illustrates the value he set upon 

 public examinations as a practical means for spread- 

 ing scientific education, and upon first-rate examiners 

 as a safeguard of proper methods of teaching. 



Oct. 6, 1864. 



MY DEAR HOOKER Donnelly told me to-day that you 

 had been applied to by the Science and Tarts Department 

 to examine for them in botany, and that you had declined. 



Will you reconsider the matter ? I have always taken 

 a very great interest in the science examinations, looking 

 upon them, as I do, as the most important engine for 

 forcing science into ordinary education. 



The English nation will not take science from above, 

 so it must get it from below. 



Having known these examinations from the beginning, 

 I can assure you that they are very genuine things, and 

 are working excellently. And what I have regretted from 

 the first is that the botanical business was not taken in 

 hand by you, instead of by . 



Now, like a good fellow, think better of it The 

 papers are necessarily very simple, and one of Oliver's 

 pupils could look them over for you. Let us have your 

 co-operation and the advantage of that reputation for 

 honesty and earnestness which you have contrived (Heaven 

 knows how) to get. 



I have come back fat and seedy for want of exercise. 

 All my belongings are at Margate. Hope you don't think 

 my review of Darwin's critics too heretical if you have 

 seen it. Ever yours faithfully, T. H. HUXLEY. 



When is our plan for getting some kind of meetings 

 during the winter to be organised ? 



The next two letters refer to the award of the 

 Copley Medal to Mr. Darwin. Huxley was exceed- 



