Very sincerely and most respectfully yours,
Geo. J. Romanes.
The leading Physiologists felt the importance of co-operation and of alliance, and a society entitled the Physiological Society was formed of which Mr. Romanes and Professor Gerald Yeo were the first honorary secretaries.
In 1876 Mr. Romanes made his first appearance at the British Association; he recounts his experiences in the following letter.
To Miss C. E. Romanes.
British Association, Glasgow: Monday, 1876.
My dearest Puffin,—I have received all your letters, and had a good laugh over them; it is evident that I must get back soon to pilot the way. We shall indeed have a jolly time.
I have just got out from the section room, and my work is over. I had a splendid audience both as to number and quality.
When I had finished, all the great guns had their say, Professor Häckel leading off with a tremendous eulogium on the work, laying special stress on the great difficulty of conducting an inquiry of the kind, and complimenting me highly on the success obtained. Sanderson then made a long speech, and then Stirling and Balfour, &c.
The latter stated it as his opinion that my investigation is the most important that has as yet been conducted in any department of invertebrate physiology. The discussion was then cut short by the president to leave time for the other papers, my own exposition having taken so long. I replied briefly.