Life and Letters of Thomas Henry Huxley — Volume 3Huxley, Thomas Henry
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Life and Letters of Thomas Henry Huxley — Volume 3
Huxley, Thomas Henry
Huxley, Thomas Henry, 1825-1895; Naturalists -- England -- Biography
A number of scientific people, in fact I think I may say all the
leading men of science, and especially teachers in the country, are
very anxious to see the University of London reorganised upon the
general principles set forth in the Report of the last Royal Commission.
To this end nothing is wanted but the institution of a strong Statutory
Commission; and we have all been hoping that a Bill would be introduced
for that purpose.
It is rumoured that there are lions in the path. But even lions are
occasionally induced to retreat by the sight of a large body of
beaters. And some of us think that such a deputation as would willingly
wait on you, might hasten the desired movement.
We proposed something of the kind to Mr. Acland months ago, but nothing
has come of the suggestion--not, I am sure, from any want of good will
to our cause on his part.
Within the last few days I have been so strongly urged to bring the
matter before you, that in spite of some doubts as to the propriety of
going beyond my immediate chief the V.P. [The Vice-President of the
Committee of Council, Mr. Acland.] even in my private capacity I
venture to make this appeal.
I am, dear Lord Rosebery, faithfully yours,
T.H. Huxley.
CHAPTER 3.10.
1892.
[Several letters of this year touch on educational subjects. The
following advice as to the best training for a boy in science, was
addressed to Mr. Briton Riviere, R.A.]
Hodeslea, June 19, 1892.
My dear Riviere,
Touching the training of your boy who wants to go in for science, I
expect you will have to make a compromise between that which is
theoretically desirable and that which is practically most
advantageous, things being as they are.
Though I say it that shouldn't, I don't believe there is so good a
training in physical science to be got anywhere as in our College at
South Kensington. But Bernard could hardly with advantage take this up
until he is seventeen at least. What he would profit by most as a
preliminary, is training in the habit of expressing himself well and
clearly in English; training in mathematics and the elements of
physical science; in French and German, so as to read those languages
easily--especially German; in drawing--not for hifalutin art, of which
he will probably have enough in the blood--but accurate dry
reproduction of form--one of the best disciplines of the powers of
observation extant.
On the other hand, in the way of practical advantage in any career,
there is a great deal to be said for sending a clever boy to Oxford or
Cambridge. There are not only the exhibitions and scholarships, but
there is the rubbing shoulders with the coming generation which puts a
man in touch with his contemporaries as hardly anything else can do. A
very good scientific education is to be had at both Cambridge and
Oxford, especially Cambridge now.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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