Lately we have been exposed to some very ill-natured
attacks: we have been told that we are professional, and not
discoverers. Well, this is all the more reason for your not holding
aloof from us. I wish you would think it over again. Huxley went the
length of saying that to him it seemed a plain duty. But this is
language I do not like to use.
As to attending the meetings or taking part in the work of the Society,
that is immaterial. Darwin never did either, though he did once come to
one of the evening receptions, and enjoyed it immensely.
In writing as I do I am not merely expressing my own opinions, but those
of many others of my own standing who are keenly interested in the
matter.
It is not a great matter to ask. I have the certificate ready. You have
but to say the word. You will be put to no trouble or pecuniary
responsibility. That my father-in-law arranged, long ago.
To dissociate yourself from the R.S. really amounts nowadays to doing it
an injury. And I am sure you do not wish that.
With all good wishes, believe me yours sincerely,
W.T. THISELTON-DYER.
* * * * *
TO SIR W.T. THISELTON-DYER
_Parkstone, Dorset. January 17, 1893._
Dear Mr. Thiselton-Dyer,--I have been rather unwell myself the last few
days or should have answered your very kind letter sooner. I feel really
overpowered. I cannot understand why you or anyone should care about my
being an F.
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