INDEPENDENCE OF JUDGMENT?
C.D.—I think fairly independent; but I can give no instances. I gave up common religious belief almost independently from my own reflections. R.D.—Free thinker in religious matters. Liberal, with rather a tendency to Toryism.
ORIGINALITY OR ECCENTRICITY?
C.D.— — Thinks this applies to me; I do not think so—i.e., as far as eccentricity. I suppose that I have shown originality in science, as I have made discoveries with regard to common objects. R.D.—Original character, had great personal influence and power of producing fear of himself in others. He kept his accounts with great care in a peculiar way, in a number of separate little books, without any general ledger.
SPECIAL TALENTS?
C.D.—None, except for business as evinced by keeping accounts, replies to correspondence, and investing money very well. Very methodical in all my habits. R.D.—Practical business—made a large fortune and incurred no losses.
STRONGLY MARKED MENTAL PECULIARITIES, BEARING ON SCIENTIFIC SUCCESS, AND NOT SPECIFIED ABOVE?
C.D.—Steadiness—great curiosity about facts and their meaning. Some love of the new and marvellous. R.D.—Strong social affection and great sympathy in the pleasures of others. Sceptical as to new things. Curious as to facts. Great foresight. Not much public spirit—great generosity in giving money and assistance.
N.B.—I find it quite impossible to estimate my character by your degrees.
The following letter refers inter alia to a letter which appeared in 'Nature' (September 25, 1873), "On the Males and Complemental Males of certain Cirripedes, and on Rudimentary Organs:">[