nice quality in Sir Henry, the manner in which he pushes forward his
subordinates. Jukes has since read what was considered a very valuable
paper. The man, not content with moustaches, now sports an entire beard,
and I am sure thinks himself like Jupiter tonans. There was a short time
since a not very creditable discussion at a meeting of the Royal Society,
where Owen fell foul of Mantell with fury and contempt about belemnites.
What wretched doings come from the order of fame; the love of truth alone
would never make one man attack another bitterly. My paper is full, so I
must wish you with all my heart farewell. Heaven grant that your health
may keep good.


LETTER 28. TO J.S. HENSLOW.
The Lodge, Malvern, May 6th, 1849.

Your kind note has been forwarded to me here. You will be surprised to
hear that we all--children, servants, and all--have been here for nearly
two months. All last autumn and winter my health grew worse and worse:
incessant sickness, tremulous hands, and swimming head. I thought I was
going the way of all flesh. Having heard of much success in some cases
from the cold-water cure, I determined to give up all attempts to do
anything and come here and put myself under Dr. Gully. It has answered to
a considerable extent: my sickness much checked and considerable strength
gained. Dr. G., moreover (and I hear he rarely speaks confidently), tells
me he has little doubt but that he can cure me in the course of time--time,
however, it will take. I have experienced enough to feel sure that the
cold-water cure is a great and powerful agent and upsetter of all
constitutional habits. Talking of habits, the cruel wretch has made me
leave off snuff--that chief solace of life. We thank you most sincerely
for your prompt and early invitation to Hitcham for the British Association