a pithecoid pedigree one whit diminish man's divine right of kingship
over nature; nor lower the great and princely dignity of perfect
manhood, which is an order of nobility not inherited, but to be won by
each of us, so far as he consciously seeks good and avoids evil, and
puts the faculties with which he is endowed to their fittest use.") I
wish not to be in any way confounded with the cynics who delight in
degrading man, or with the common run of materialists, who think mind is
any the lower for being a function of matter. I dislike them even more
than I do the pietists.

Some of these days I shall look up the ape question again, and go over
the rest of the organisation in the same way. But in order to get a
thorough grip of the question, I must examine into a good many points
for myself. The results, when they do come out, will, I foresee,
astonish the natives.

I am cold-proof, and all the better for the Welsh trip. To say truth, I
was just on the edge of breaking down when I went. Did I ever send you a
letter of mine on the teaching of Natural History? It was published
while you were away, and I forget whether I sent it or not. However, a
copy accompanies this note...

Of course there will be room for your review and welcome. I have put it
down and reckon on it.

Ever yours faithfully,

T.H. Huxley.

[Huxley returned from the trip to Wales in time to be with his wife for