These lectures to working men, no less than his profound interest and
exhausting work on behalf of popular education, illustrate his intense
belief that science is not solely a thing of the laboratory, but a
vital factor in right living. It was still true that the people perish
for want of knowledge. And as he said when talking of posthumous fame:
"If I am to be remembered at all, I should like to be remembered as
one who did his best to help the people."
Nor did he lack appreciation among those whom he tried thus to aid.
Professor Mivart tells the following story:--
I recollect going [in 1874] with him and Mr. John Westlake,
Q.C., to a meeting of artisans in the Blackfriars Road, to
whom he gave a friendly address. He felt a strong interest in
working men, and was much beloved by them. On one occasion,
having taken a cab home, on his arrival there, when he held
out his fare to the cabman, the latter replied: "Oh no,
Professor; I have had too much pleasure and profit from
hearing you lecture to take any money from your pocket; proud
to have driven you, Sir!"