I conceive that the leading characteristic of the nineteenth century has been the rapid growth of the scientific spirit, the consequent application of scientific methods of investigation to all the problems with which the human mind is occupied, and the correlative rejection of traditional beliefs which have proved their incompetence to bear such investigation.
The activity of the scientific spirit has been manifested in every region of speculation and of practice.
Many of the eminent men you mention have been its effective organs in their several departments.
But the selection of any one of these, whatever his merits, as an adequate representative of the power and majesty of the scientific spirit of the age would be a grievous mistake.
Science reckons many prophets, but there is not even a promise of a
Messiah.
[The unexampled increase in the expenditure of the European states upon their armaments led the Arbitration Alliance this year to issue a memorial urging the Government to co-operate with other Governments in reducing naval and military burdens. Huxley was asked to sign this memorial, and replied to the secretary as follows:—]
Hodeslea, Eastbourne, June 21, 1894.
Dear Sir,
I have taken some time to consider the memorial to which you have called my attention, and I regret that I do not find myself able to sign it.
Not that I have the slightest doubt about the magnitude of the evils which accrue from the steady increase of European armaments; but because I think that this regrettable fact is merely the superficial expression of social forces, the operation of which cannot be sensibly affected by agreements between Governments.