IO o LIFE OF PROFESSOR HUXLEY chap, vi 



knew I had not answered the questions about the title, still less 

 considered the awful incubus (X 10,000 dinners by hepatic deep 

 objection) of the preface. 



There is such a thing as justice in this world — not much of 

 it, but still some — and it is partly on that ground and partly 

 because I want you, in view of future eventualities, to have a 

 copyright in the book, that I proposed we should join our names. 



Of course, if you would really rather not, for any good 

 reason you may have, I have nothing further to say. But I 

 don't think that the sentimental reason is a good one, and unless 

 you have a better, I wish you would let the original proposal 

 stand. 



However, having stated the case afresh I leave it for you 

 to say yes or no, and shall abide by your decision without further 

 discussion. 



As to the Preface. If I am to write it, please send me the 

 old Preface. I think the book was published in 1864, or was it 

 1866? * and it ought to be come of age or nearly so. 



You might send me the histological chapter, not that I am 

 going to alter anything, but I should like to see how it looks. I 

 will knock the preface off at once, as soon as I hear from you. 



The fact is, I have been much better in the course of the 

 last few days. The weather has been very sunshiny but cool 

 and bracing, and I have taken to quinine. Tried Clark's strych- 

 nine, but it did not answer so well. 



I am in hopes that I have taken a turn for the better, and 

 that there may yet be the making of something better than a 

 growling hypochondriacal old invalid about me. But I am most 

 sincerely glad that I am not obliged to be back 10 days hence 

 — there is not much capital accumulated yet. 



I find that the Italians have been doing an immense deal in 

 prehistoric archaeology of late years, and far more valuable work 

 than I imagined. But it is very difficult to get at, and as 

 Loescher's head man told me the other day when I asked for an 

 Italian book published in Rome, " Well, you see it is so difficult 

 to get Roman books in Rome." 



I am ashamed to be here two months without paying my 

 respects to the Lincei, and I am going to-day. The unaccount- 

 able creatures meet at 1 o'clock — lunch time ! 



Best love from my wife and self to Mrs. Foster and yourself. 

 —Ever yours, T. H. Huxley. 



* In 1866. 



