1824-33 
DEATH OF MR. CLIFT’S SON 
67 
trough should be cleared out in our time, there is 
^ gleam of hope for science among a small few, 
^ut you must not feel disappointed by the general 
Neglect of your researches. . . . 
‘ Ever yours, 
‘A. Carlisle.’ 
In September 1832 an event took place which 
Entirely altered Owen’s prospects at the College 
Surgeons. Hitherto, as has been stated, he was 
Assistant only ‘ during the pleasure of the Curators,’ 
his fellow-assistant was William Home Clift, 
Clift’s only son, who had been promised the 
Post of Conservator at his father’s death. Owen 
quite aware of the fact that, as things stood, 
^0 had no chance of advancement in the museum. 
But on the i ith of this month. Miss Clift states 
her diary, that as young Clift was returning 
^ome one evening in a cab, the driver on entering 
Chancery Lane out of Fleet Street turned too 
Suddenly, upset the cab, and pitched her brother 
On to his head. He was taken up insensible and 
'-^fried to St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, where he 
Was received by Owen. It was soon found that 
^ had sustained a fracture at the base of his 
®hull, and he died after lingering a few days. At 
the 
time Mr. Clift was away from home taking 
holiday in the country, and, as he was travel- 
*tig about from place to place, it was some days 
tore the news could be communicated to him. 
