From Francis Galton to Horace Darwin 18 June 1873

My dear Horace

I have had a long talk with Stuart Rendel, the upshot of which is;— to begin at once technical work at King's College—to take your degree- –-& then to enter as pupil at Amos (if you for general reasons prefer that firm, for it is a good one; with varied work. The data for this conclusion. are:— The work & the hours at a factory are very hard—good to feel [your] way— There is absolutely no means except at Kings Coll; for teaching technical work at all well.— King's College students don't often turn out successful because the work is ""dummy""—not responsible, but this, to a zealous man, w^d. be of little account.

A degree is of use. The time must come when testimonials have to be sent in & B.A. shews how early youth has been employed.

The true way of learning at a factory is being an ordinary apprentice,. but the hours & work are very trying and men must submit more to subordination than gentlemen usually like. There is always an opening for an intelligent man to become an aide to the commercial & administration head of great works  & supply what he is deficient in.

Mr. Anderson is a man who has the art of making a favourable impression—he may genuinely deserve to make it.

His works are very good.

It is important that the works to which you are articled, should be varied.

These jotting's down are the chief matters I learnt.

Also, any amount of discouraging as to the profession being full but not further than others.

So I would confide in your college friends' friends. Amos. Co. & would enquire at once at King's College.— I did enquire, myself, once there, half out of curiosity, & saw the workshops & the man who taught. I did not give my name. De La [Ruis] son learnt there

They have regular courses but you can always cut in & learn to plane & turn as much as you like. The teaching seemed thorough—almost classical!

I wrote & sent a postage card to George wh: he will receive by same post as this Ever faithfully | F Galton