i85l DISAPPOINTMENTS ABROAD AND AT HOME g? 



There are, I learn, several other candidates, but no one I fear 

 at all, if they only have fair play. There is no one of the others 

 who can command anything like the scientific influence which is 

 being exercised for me, whatever private influence they may have. 



What makes all the big-wigs so marvellously zealous on my 

 behalf I know not. I have sought none of them and flattered 

 none of them, that I can say with a good conscience, and I think 

 you know me well enough to believe it. I feel very grateful 

 to them ; and if it ever happens that I am able to help a young 

 man on (when I am a big-wig myself !) I shall remember it. 



And again, September 23, 185 1 : — 



When I have once sent away my testimonials and done all 

 that is to be done, I shall banish the subject from my mind and 

 make myself quite easy as to results. For the present I confess 

 to being somewhat anxious. 



Nevertheless, after many postponements, a near relative 

 of an influential Canadian politician was at length appointed 

 late in 1853. By an amusing coincidence, Huxley's newly- 

 made friend, Tyndall, was likewise a candidate for a chair 

 at Toronto, and likewise rejected. Two letters, concerning 

 Tyndall's election to the Royal Society, contain references 

 both to Toronto and to Sydney. 



4 Upper York Place, St. John's Wood, 

 Dec. 4 [1851]. 



My dear Sir — I was greatly rejoiced to find I could be of 

 service to you in any way, and I only regret, for your sake, that 

 my name is not a more weighty one. Your election, I should 

 think, can be a matter of no doubt. 



As to Toronto, I confess I am not very anxious about it. 

 Sydney would have been far more to my taste, and I confess I 

 envy you what, as I hear, is the very good chance you have of 

 going there. 



It used to be our headquarters in the Rattlesnake and my 

 home for three months in the year. Should you go, I should be 

 very happy, if you like, to give you letters to some of my 

 friends. 



Greatly as I wish we had been destined to do our work 

 together, I cannot but offer the most hearty wishes for your 

 success in Sydney. — Ever yours very faithfully, 



John Tyndall, Esq. Thomas H. Huxley. 



