1865-68 LETTER TO YOUNG WORKING MAN 185 



the Geological Department of the British Museum. 

 Every appointment is made by the principal 

 Trustees, and depends as a rule upon vacancy. 

 It is perhaps natural that you should suppose me to 

 have a power or influence in such appoinfments 

 which I do not possess. . . . With regard to the 

 position of Science and certain statements in Holy 

 Writ proved by God's instruments to be incorrect, 

 we must remember that in those writings, truly 

 called sacred, there are higher truths than those of 

 Science, sufficing for all guidance and every need. 

 . . . Next as to calling names. It is well to avoid 

 lending the least countenance to it, even through 

 repeating such remarks as " They say So-and-so 

 is a scoundrel." Now those who call Lyell "in- 

 fidel " mean by that something much worse than 

 scoundrel. Do the work that lies before you. 

 Some might add : " In whatsoever position you 

 have been placed, therewith be content." I don't 

 altogether think so. At your age the ambition to 

 rise above it is legitimate, indeed a duty, if you 

 feel your powers to rise by their legitimate exer- 

 cise. . . .' 



On February 3, 1868, Owen received a letter 

 from the Emperor of Brazil, accompanying the 

 official notice making him a Knight of the Order 

 of the Rose. Some years later the Emperor, when 

 in England, paid Professor Owen a visit at Sheen 

 Lodge. 



A large part of this year was spent by Owen 



