i865~68 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 appointments 
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 
