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 [pg 221] 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.R.S., because I have really done so little of what is usually considered scientific work to deserve it. I have for many years felt almost ashamed of the amount of reputation and honour that has been awarded me. I can understand the general public thinking too highly of me, because I know that I have the power of clear exposition, and, I think, also, of logical reasoning. But all the work I have done is more or less amateurish and founded almost wholly on other men's observations; and I always feel myself dreadfully inferior to men like Sir J. Hooker, Huxley, Flower, and scores of younger men who have extensive knowledge of whole departments of biology of which I am totally ignorant. I do not wish, however, to be thought ungrateful for the many honours that have been given me by the Royal and other Societies, and will therefore place myself entirely in your hands as regards my election to the F.R.S.