Darwin Correspondence Project

Down Bromley Kent

June 2^d

My dear Hooker

I will write about science &c another day, but I must just say how very very kind you always are in helping me.—

Now about medals: I thought that you had quite fixed not to propose Lindley except for Copley: for a Royal I sh^d never dream of putting Hancock & Prestwich in opposition to Lindley. I will write to Sharpey, for I really have no opening to write to Sabine; & indeed it puts me in an awkward position to express any opinion whatever on Lindley, as I am not a Botanist, but I will do my best, & will make some, I fear it must be egotistical apology.

I will, however, (subject to my manifest ignorance) express strongly my opinion: the letter shall go in day or two.— I am rather taken aback by hearing that my letter to Sharpey was read aloud, as I meant it only for him & fear I expressed myself dogmatically: I am rather annoyed at this, for I cannot remember exactly what I said.—

I am exceedingly glad to hear that Lyell has chance of Copley sometime.—

Now for your remarks on some of the other men: I must think that you underrate Hancock. Do pray talk with Huxley. I think he will be surprised at your speaking of him as a “local cork” sic.— (No No I see it is local work!!!) I sh^d say he was second as comparative anatomist only to Owen in this country. His work on the circulation of the Mollusca I have always looked at as grand. His papers I believe on the Brachiopoda & Bryozoa are first rate: good anatomical & physiological work, in Zoology ranks, in my opinion, far far above descriptions of species.— His paper on the boring powers of Sponges & Mollusca is admirable: do pray talk with Huxley, for I have for so many years respected Hancock, that I am astounded at your manner of speaking of him.— How difficult it is to judge of Scientific claims! Private If I were put on my oath, though I sh^d say that Huxley was a far cleverer man than Pretwich, I sh^d say that the latter had done far more for Science than Huxley! So how we differ, & God knows which is right.— With respect to older names, I had not thought about those you mention, in chief part from thinking that the Royal medals, from restriction of date, were especially intended for younger men. But I rather think that we take distinct views on medals; I would try to disregard general reputation, which no doubt the elder men mentioned by you have, & would ask what especial points in physical science Ross, Beaufort &c have done.— I am far from wishing to hint that they have not done good work, but in the Natural Sciences, which we have to consider, I do not know what.— Although we are very apt, I have observed, at the first approach of a subject, to take different views we generally come to a near approach after a talk, & I daresay we sh^d in this case; but anyhow my opinion does not signify as I am not on Council.

My only fear is that Lindley might not think the Medal any honour after ourselves have had it, before him.—

I am heartily sorry you will not be at Club. I had quite calculated on meeting you there.

My wife & Etty have just started for Moor Park: she will stay a fortnight, & then I shall relieve guard for another fortnight.— It is most provoking that a cold on leaving Moor Park suddenly turned into my old vomiting, & I have been almost as bad since my return home as before, notwithstanding the really surprising state of health I was in there. I fear that my head will stand no thought, but I would sooner be the wretched contemptible invalid, which I am, than live the life of an idle squire.

Yours affect^y | C. Darwin

Have you got settled your Household troubles?

P.S. | In rereading your letter I see I have misunderstood one part, viz that Prestwich was in a quite inferior class to Huxley— I see you do not think so.—

I have written my letter to Sharpey, and as I could not remember any previous expressions of yours, I have given my independent impression, which I have picked up in general reading.— I sincerely hope that you may succeed.— I am glad that Richardson is the last preceder to Lindley, as no one c^d dislike following him—

I hope that my letter to Sharpey will satisfy you, but reflect how absurd it must strike anyone in my expressing an opinion.