MOEE CONVEKSATION 543 
that the menial position in which Faraday travelled with Davy, 
in 1813, was owing to the fact that the French Government 
would allow only a maid or valet to accompany Sir H. and 
Lady Davy on their journey.' 
* In the beginning was the atom, and the atom w^as without 
form and void, and darkness was on the face of the substance. 
And the spirit of Frankland moved on the face of the substance, 
and he said. Let there be an atom : and there was an atom ; 
and he saw that it was good. And the atom and its shadow 
were the first edition; and Frankland said, Let there be a 
bond, &c., &c.' — Hirst's minute. (See Hooker's recollection of 
this incident, ii. 359, and also 112.) 
* The conversation turned on Tyndall's discoveries in 
chemical composition, &c., &c., due to light. On Huxley's 
new observations on microscopic organic forms and on the 
possible bearing of these on one another. Also on some 
arrangement for the publication of English scientific works 
in America.' 
' It was resolved to add Lubbock's name to the B.A. 
Committee on Scientific education, in order that he might con- 
sult that committee on points arising in the public school 
committee. The subject of State assistance to original experi- 
mental research was discussed ; an extension of the Government 
grant through the Eoyal Society was thought by the majority 
to be the best means. Huxley reported that the question 
of Sunday evening lectures had been revived independently 
by the Sunday League ; and will report further hereafter.' 
* The conversation turned, during the larger part of the 
evening, on Tyndall's discoveries in the reflecting of blue rays 
from the molecules of attenuated vapours. We were more 
than once called to order by Spencer for allowing the conversa- 
tion to become broken up instead of remaining general.' 
* The conversation was very metaphysical ; Spencer v. the 
fi.eld. Airy was spoken of as a possible future President of the 
Eoyal Society. It was suggested that five years would be a 
suitable period for the tenure of the presidentship, as well as 
for membership of council.' 
Later the period of ten years of office of P.E.S. was discussed. 
