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 

 pubHshing 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 lead- 

 ing scientific authorities induced them to grant the appoint- 

 ment to the Fisguard for six months. 



The sequel shows how the departmental representatives 

 of science did their best for science in Huxley's case, so far 

 as in their power lay : — 



^^^■^6j^^fi(i. — The other day I received an intimation that 

 my pres^^^was required at Somerset House. I rather expected 

 the mandate, as six months' leave was up. Sir William was 

 very civil, and told me that the Commander of the Fisguard had 

 applied to the Admiralty to know what was to be done with me, 

 as my leave had expired. " Now," said he, " go to Forrest " (his 

 secretary), " write a letter to me, stating what you want, and I 

 will get it done for you." So away I went and applied for an 

 indefinite amount of leave, on condition of reporting the 

 progress of my work every six months, and as I suppose I shall 

 get it, I feel quite easy on that head. 



In May 1851 he applied to the Royal Society for help 

 from the Government Grant towards publishing the bulk 

 of his work as a whole, for much of its value would be lost 



77 



