1888 THE "STRUGGLE FOR EXISTENCE" igg 



February, on the " Struggle for Existence," * which on the 

 one hand ran counter to some of Mr. Herbert Spencer's 

 theories of society ; and on the other, is noticeable as briefly 

 enunciating the main thesis of his " Romanes Lecture " 

 of 1893. 



85 Marina, St. Leonards, Dec. 13, 1887. 



My dear Knowles — I have to go to town to-morrow for a 

 day, so that puts an end to the possibility of getting my screed 

 ready for January. Altogether it will be better to let it stand 

 over. 



I do not know whence the copyright extract came, except 

 that, as Putnam's name was on the envelope, I suppose they 

 sent it. 



Pearsall Smith's practice is a wonderful commentary on his 

 theory. Distribute the contents of the baker's shop gratis — it 

 will give people a taste for bread ! 



Great is humbug, and it will prevail, unless the people who 

 do not like it hit hard. The beast has no brains, but you can 

 knock the heart out of him. — Ever yours very truly, 



T. H. Huxley. 



4 Marlborough Place, Jan. 9, 1888. 



My dear Donnelly — Here is my proof. Will you mind 

 running your eye over it? 



The article is long, and partly for that reason and partly 

 because the general public wants principles rather than details, 

 I have condensed the practical half. 



H. Spencer and " Jus " will be in a white rage with me. — 

 Ever yours very faithfully, T. H. Huxley. 



To Professor Frankland, February 6 : — 



I am glad you like my article. There is no doubt it is rather 

 like a. tadpole, with a very big head and a rather thin tail. But 

 the subject is a ticklish one to deal with, and I deliberately left 

 a good deal suggested rather than expressed. 



Casalini, West Cliff, Bournemouth, Feb. 9, 1888. 

 My dear Donnelly — No ! I don't think softening has begun 

 yet — vide " Nature " this week.f I am glad you found the article 



* Coll. Fss. ix. 195. 



f Nature (xxxvii. 337) for February 9, 1888 : review of his article in 

 the Nineteenth Century on the " Industrial Struggle for Existence." 



