TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE Italic text is denoted by _underscores_. Superscripts are denoted by ^ eg A^n. Obvious punctuation errors have been corrected after careful comparison with other occurrences within the text and consultation of external sources. More detail can be found at the end of the book. GEORGE JOHN ROMANES [Illustration: Frontispiece, signed: Yours ever the same, G. J. Romanes] THE LIFE AND LETTERS OF GEORGE JOHN ROMANES M.A., LL.D., F.R.S. WRITTEN AND EDITED BY HIS WIFE SECOND EDITION LONGMANS, GREEN, AND CO. LONDON, NEW YORK, AND BOMBAY 1896 _All rights reserved_ LIBERIS NOSTRIS RECORDATIO PATRIS DESIDERATISSIMI MEMORIA JUSTI CUM LAUDIBUS PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION In sending out this Second Edition of my husband's Life, I cannot but acknowledge the extreme kindness with which it has been received. But I think it is also due to his memory to say a word in view of various statements that have been made in America and elsewhere, to the effect that his mental vigour and powers were impaired before his death. These statements are absolutely untrue. I can best refute them by calling attention to the obituary notice written by Professor Burdon Sanderson for the Royal Society. In this paper it is said: 'Up to the end he [Romanes] preserved not only his mental vigour, but the keenness of his interest in his scientific pursuits.' This, I think, needs no additional comment from me. E. R. OXFORD: _March 1896_. PREFACE In writing my husband's life I have tried, so far as it was possible, to let him, especially in matters scientific, speak for himself. For the purpose of his biographer it is unfortunate that my husband lived in almost daily intercourse for parts of many years with more than one of his most intimate friends. Hence there are no letters to several people with whom he was in the habit of discussing scientific, philosophic, and theological questions. The letters relating to his work will, I hope, interest any one who cares for biological science. Whatever may be the exact place which shall be assigned to him, by those who come after, in the great army of workers for Science, this much may be said: that no one ever served in the cause of Science with more passionate and whole-hearted devotion, more entire disinterestedness-- _All for Love, and nothing for Reward._ I have to acknowledge the kindness of many who have put letters at my disposal. I cannot sufficiently express my thanks to Mr. Francis Darwin for generously allowing me to print portions of the correspondence which for seven or eight years was one of the chief pleasures and privileges of my husband's life. I must also thank my brother and sister-in-law, the Dean of Christ Church, Professor Poulton, Professor Schäfer, Professor Le Conte, Mr. Thiselton-Dyer, and others for like permission.