368 LIFE OF PROFESSOR HUXLEY CHAP. XVIII 



" Speaking generally and collectively, we have ex- 

 pressly omitted it (Darwin's theory) from the grounds of 

 our award." 



Of course this would be interpreted by everybody as 

 meaning that, after due discussion, the council had formally 

 resolved not only to exclude Darwin's theory from the 

 grounds of the award, but to give public notice through 

 the president that they had done so, and furthermore, that 

 Darwin's friends had been base enough to accept an honour 

 for him on the understanding that in receiving it he should 

 be publicly insulted ! 



I felt that this would never do, and therefore when the 

 resolution for printing the address was moved, I made a 

 speech which I took care to keep perfectly cool and 

 temperate, disavowing all intention of interfering with 

 the liberty of the president to say what he pleased, 

 but exercising my constitutional right of requiring 

 the minutes of council making the award to be read, in 

 order that the Society might be informed whether the 

 conditions implied by Sabine had been imposed or not. 



The resolution was read, and of course nothing of the 

 kind appeared. Sabine didn't exactly like it, I believe. 

 Both Busk and Falconer remonstrated against the passage 

 to him, and I hope it will be withdrawn when the 

 address is printed. 1 



If not, there will be an awful row, and I for one will 

 show no mercy. Ever yours faithfully, 



T. H. HUXLEY. 



The foundation of the x Club towards the end of 

 1864 was a notable event for Huxley and his circle 

 of scientific friends. It was growing more and more 

 difficult for them to see one another except now and 

 again at meetings of the learned societies, and even 



1 The passage stands in the published address, but followed by 

 another passage which softens it down. 



