[MY DEAR] SIR: I was on the point of writing to the Editor of _The Albion_ to ask the name of the author of that article. Of course, one likes praise [and I'm so glad of it that I can take a great many kinds], but I never got any [that] I liked so much before, because, as far as I [can] remember nobody ever noticed or allowed for the _range_ of work I've had to do, and which really has been dreadfully costly and painful to me, compelling me to leave things just at the point when one's work on them has become secure and delightsome, to attack them on another rough side. It is a most painful manner of life, and I never got any credit for it before. But the more I see, the more I feel the necessity of seeing all round, however hastily. I am entirely grateful for the review and the understanding of me; and I needed some help just now--for I'm at once single-handed and dead--or worse--hearted, and as nearly beaten as I've been in my life. Always therefore I shall be, for the encouragement at a heavy time, Very gratefully yours, (Signed) J. RUSKIN. FOOTNOTES: [171] The review was the first of three articles entitled "The Disciple of Art and the Votary of Science," published in the _Liverpool Weekly Albion_ of November 9, 16, and 23, 1873. The first of them had also appeared previously in the _Liverpool Daily Albion_, and was reprinted with the present letter in the weekly issue of Nov. 9. The aim of the articles was partly to show how the question "what is art?" involved a second and deeper inquiry, "What is man?" The words bracketed here were omitted in the _Albion_, but occur in the original letter, for access to which I have to thank the writer of the articles. [From "The Globe," October 29, 1874.] _AN OXFORD PROTEST._[172] The Slade Professor has tried for five years to please everybody in Oxford by lecturing at any time that might be conveniently subordinate to other dates of study in the University. He finds he has pleased nobody, and must for the future at least make his hour known and consistent. He cannot alter it this term because people sometimes come from a distance and have settled their plans by the hours announced in the _Gazette_, but for many he reasons he thinks it right to change the place, and will hereafter lecture in the theatre of the museum.[173] On Friday the 30th he will not begin till half-past twelve to allow settling time. Afterwards, all his lectures will be at twelve in this and future terms. He feels that if he cannot be granted so much as twelve hours of serious audience in working time during the whole Oxford year, he need not in future prepare public lectures at which his pupils need not much regret their non-attendance. FOOTNOTES: