To believe that I have at all influenced the minds of able men is the greatest satisfaction I am capable of receiving.
LETTER 248.

TO E.HACKEL.Down, December 27th, 1871.
I thank you for your very interesting letter, which it has given me much pleasure to receive.

I never heard of anything so odd as the Prior in the Holy Catholic Church believing in our ape-like progenitors.

I much hope that the Jesuits will not dislodge him.
What a wonderfully active man you are! and I rejoice that you have been so successful in your work on sponges.

(248/1.