Значение слова HUXLEY в Литературной энциклопедии

HUXLEY

THOMAS HENRY (1825-1895).-Scientific writer, _s._ of an assistant master in a public school, was _b._ at Ealing. From childhood he was an insatiable reader. In his 13th year he became a medical apprentice, and in 1842 entered Charing Cross Hospital. Thereafter he was for a few months surgeon on board the _Victory_ at Haslar, and was then appointed surgeon on H.M.S. _Rattlesnake_, which was sent to make surveys at Torres Strait. While in this position he made numerous observations, which he communicated to the Linnaean Society. In 1851 he became a Fellow of the Royal Society, and in 1854 Prof. of Natural History at the School of Mines. Henceforth his life was a very full one, divided between scientific investigation and public work. He was recognised as the foremost English biologist, and was elected Pres. of the Royal Society 1883. He served on the London School Board and on various Royal Commissions. His writings are in the main distinguished by a clearness, force, and charm which entitle them to a place in literature; and besides the addition which they made to the stock of human knowledge, they did much to diffuse a love and study of science. H. was a keen controversialist, contending for the strictly scientific view of all subjects as distinguished from the metaphysical or theological, and accordingly encountered much opposition, and a good deal of abuse. Nevertheless, he was not a materialist, and was in sympathy with the moral and tender aspects of Christianity. He was a strong supporter of the theory of evolution. Among the more eminent of his opponents were Bishop Wilberforce and Mr. Gladstone. His _pub._ works, including scientific communications, are very numerous. Among the more important are those on the _Medusae_, _Zoological Evidences of Man's Place in Nature_ (1863), _Elementary Lessons on Physiology_ (1866), _Evolution and Ethics_ (1893), _Collected Essays_ (9 vols. 1893-4). He was also an admirable letter-writer, as appears from the _Life and Letters_, ed. by his son, and to him we owe the word, and almost the idea, "Agnostic."

Литературная энциклопедия.