26 Abbey Place, July 30, 1871.

My dear Darwin,

I met Lyell in Waterloo Place to-day walking with Carrick Moore—­and although what you said the other day had prepared me, I was greatly shocked at his appearance, and still more at his speech.  There is no doubt it is affected in the way you describe, and the fact gives me very sad forebodings about him.  The Fates send me a swift and speedy end whenever my time comes.  I think there is nothing so lamentable as the spectacle of the wreck of a once clear and vigorous mind!

I am glad Frank enjoyed his visit to us.  He is a great favourite here, and I hope he will understand that he is free of the house.  It was the greatest fun to see Jess and Mady [aged 13 and 12 respectively] on their dignity with him.  No more kissing, I can tell you.  Miss Mady was especially sublime.

Six out of our seven children have the whooping-cough.  Need I say therefore that the wife is enjoying herself?

With best regards to Mrs. Darwin and your daughter (and affectionate love to Polly) believe me,

Ever yours faithfully,

T.H.  Huxley.

[The purchase of the microscope, already referred to, was the subject of another letter to Dr. Dohrn, of which only the concluding paragraph about the School Board, is of general interest.  Unfortunately the English microscope did not turn out a success, as compared to the work of the Jena opticians:  this is the “optical Sadowa” of the second letter.]

I fancy from what you wrote to my wife that there has been some report of my doings about the School Board in Germany.  So I send you the number of the “Contemporary Review” [Containing his article on “The School Boards,” etc.] for December that you may see what line I have really taken.  Fanatics on both sides abuse me, so I think I must be right.

When is this infernal war to come to an end?  I hold for Germany as always, but I wish she would make peace.

With best wishes for the New Year,

Ever yours,

T.H.  Huxley.

26 Abbey Place, July 7, 1871.

My dear Dohrn,

I have received your packet, and I will take care that your Report is duly presented to the Association.  But the “Happy Family” in general, and myself in particular, are very sorry you cannot come to Scotland.  We had begun to count upon it, and the children are immeasurably disgusted with the Insects which will not lay their eggs at the right time.

You have become acclimatised to my bad behaviour in the matter of correspondence, so I shall not apologise for being in arrear.  I have been frightfully hard-worked with two Royal Commissions and the School Board all sitting at once, but I am none the worse, and things are getting into shape—­which is a satisfaction for one’s trouble.  I look forward hopefully towards getting back to my ordinary work next year.

Your penultimate letter was very interesting to me, but the glimpses into your new views which it affords are very tantalising—­and I want more.  What you say about the development of the Amnion in your last letter still more nearly brought “Donner und Blitz!” to my lips—­and I shall look out anxiously for your new facts.  Lankester tells me you have been giving lectures on your views.  I wish I had been there to hear.