The Presidential Address.
91
of the scope of Darwin's other works, this is quite beyond
the bounds of possibility on the present occasion.34 The
'Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication,' the
'Descent of Man,' and the 'Expression of the Emotions,'
contain the direct applications of the theory of descent to
particular groups of phenomena, and the conclusions arrived
at in some of his other books have a certain bearing on this
doctrine. The magnitude of his labours can be best esti-
mated by striking out from the list which I have given all
those works which are directly related to the 'Origin of
Species,' and there will even then remain a body of researches
which by themselves would be sufficient to have established
for Darwin the reputation of being the most active and able
observer of our time.
Of the personal character of Darwin, everything that can
be said by those who knew him has already been expressed,
and it is impossible to add anything to the weight of their
testimony. By his intimate acquaintances he was venerated,
by friend and foe he was alike respected. In conversation,
which in later life his health prohibited him from maintain-
ing for any length of time, his manner was vivacious and
often humorous, his features lighting up with expression and
shedding a genial warmth upon his listeners. When speak-
ing on subjects that lay beyond the sphere of his own studies
he would ask for and receive information with the most
profound attention, as though endeavouring to find some bond
of connection between facts that were new to him and the
already vast store of knowledge upon which he was always
able to draw in illustration of his own remarks. He was
simplicity personified, and the pretentiousness of professorial
dignity was quite foreign to his disposition. He liked to be
received in the character of the country squire rather than
as the author of the 'Origin of Species.' I remember how
34 An excellent account of Darwin's scientific work appears in the
current (January) number of the 'Century,' from the pen of Mr.
Wallace. Those who wish to acquire a concise and sound idea of the
doctrine of evolution cannot do better than consult Mr. Romanes' little
work in 'Nature' Series, Macmillan & Co., 1882.