Praises WG’s Creed of science.

He disagrees that the existence of natural laws implies purpose, but his "inmost conviction" is that "the Universe is not the result of chance". But then has horrid doubt whether convictions of man’s mind, which has been developed from lower animals, are at all trustworthy.

Believes natural selection is doing more for progress of civilisation than WG admits.

Quotes CD’s "horrid doubt" [see 13230]. WG fails to see force of the argument. Evolution throws no suspicion on man’s reasoning faculties. The case is no different with the faculty that gives data.

Thanks him for his letter. "I am not a quick thinker or a good talker and you would learn nothing from me on the many important subjects you have discussed."

Suggests meeting in London in lieu of a visit to Down.

WG is a candidate for a new chair at University College, Liverpool. Asks CD’s permission to use extracts from his letter [13230] for a testimonial.