My dear M^r. Lushington.

I have heard from Prof. Huxley who [3 words illeg] desires me to acknowledge for him the receipt of your letter.² He thinks that although you have at full liberty to hold any opinion in regard to him, you have no right, & now that it is pointed out, I agree with him, to imply in a letter to him firstly imply that he has criticised Comte without having read him, & secondly that he had stated what he had to say with a view to stir up the prejudices of the S. presb^s.³ I have said in answer that I presumed you meant by reading Comte, carefully studying & digesting his works.— — I feel sure that you did not wish to offend Huxley, as this w^d have prevented your influencing his opinions.—

I was glad to read your letter, as I wished to see a considered statement of his claims. No doubt the law of progress from the theological to the positive point of view, is an important one, if true on which I cannot judge, & I sh^d think the attempt to reduce the social system to a science state seems important.— On one point I have for many years vehemently [protested] in my own [mind], viz against the schemes of suggesting subject for me to follow, I cannot conceive any scheme better adapted for stopping originality & great discoveries— I remember in consequence doubting, whether Conte however able could have the mind of a discoverer. This will appear as a dreadful piece of heresy in your eyes.—

Pray believe me | Yours very sincerely | C. D.