intellect. It is, indeed, an irreparable loss to London natural history
society. I wish, however, he would not praise so much that old brown dry
stick Jameson. Altogether, to my taste, it is much the best introductory
lecture I have ever read. I hear his anniversary address is very good.

Adios, my dear Hooker; do be wise and good, and be careful of your stomach,
within which, as I know full well, lie intellect, conscience, temper, and
the affections.


LETTER 38. TO J.D. HOOKER.
Down, December 2nd [1854].

You are a pretty fellow to talk of funking the returning thanks at the
dinner for the medal. (38/1. The Royal medal was given to Sir Joseph in
1854.) I heard that it was decidedly the best speech of the evening, given
"with perfect fluency, distinctness, and command of language," and that you
showed great self-possession: was the latter the proverbially desperate
courage of a coward? But you are a pretty fellow to be so desperately
afraid and then to make the crack speech. Many such an ordeal may you have
to go through! I do not know whether Sir William [Hooker] would be
contented with Lord Rosse's (38/2. President of the Royal Society 1848-
54.) speech on giving you the medal; but I am very much pleased with it,
and really the roll of what you have done was, I think, splendid. What a
great pity he half spoiled it by not having taken the trouble just to read
it over first. Poor Hofmann (38/3. August Wilhelm Hofmann, the other
medallist of 1854.) came off in this respect even worse. It is really
almost arrogant insolence against every one not an astronomer.

The next morning I was at a very pleasant breakfast party at Sir R.