New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-12-26
ANECDOTES OF SPENCER
The Philosophers Comment on a
Famous Picture.
From The London Outlook.

From The London Outlook
Herbert Spencer, while by no means an I'M
Unable man, far less unsocial had always
about him great deal Of the theorizing phi
iosopher. Some who knew him well would even
say that he was a pedant- The direct influence
upon MIN Of his fathers strong character was
very great. The parent was a teacher in the
school of Mrs Turner, in Nottingham and
that lady used 10 speak of his talent for teach
Ing in most enthusiastic terms. While Spencer
as a young man working at engineering
his close friend and companion was Robert
thomson, who was engaged in the same profess
SION and was man OF striking mental power.
He predicted the fame of Spencer, and used TO
give very graphic accounts of his friends excess
siVe love for accuracy. Spencer would begin a
sentence, proceed some way then interrupt him
sell and say; No; will express what I mean
better IN this way" choosing then another form
OF words An amusing instance of Spencer's
tendency to theorize on all occasions dwells in
the menery of one who witnessed it. The COM
pany at the breakfast table had had their let
tiers brought to them, and after a time Spencer
remarked 10 the hostess that he considered the
social custom OF not opening letters before
but you"
When Herbert Spencer returned from visit
to Rome he found himself in a company where
the conversation turned on art. Spencer pulled
out a pocketbook, and after consulting it de-
clared that on looking at the famous Transfig-
IRA ton in the Vatican he found that il con-
tanned thirty-six distinct faults. The precision
OF the number naturally caused a smile. It Is
pretty generally agreed, however, that Spencer
had no great sense of humor He used in later
years to pay visits to Grant Allen. between
Wnon and himself there existed a great friend
snip. on one occasion he came provided with
TWO curious objects that were tied behind his
ears. Ihey naturally excited the curiosity Of
the company, but their purpose was soon dis
closed. for whenever the conversation took a
turn that did not interest him he pulled the
things over his ears and so obtained silence
within himself he called them ear-clips
In early days Herbert Spencer lived in the
boarding house kept by George Chapman the
Edltor or The Westminster Review" with
which George Eliot had so brilliant a connec-
uon George Eliot was also a boarder and
George Henry Lewes a constant visitor A
great friendship existed between Spencer and
George Eliot, as all the world knows But the
LADY TO whom we owe these recollections cannot
understand how Herbert Spencer who seemed
methodical and particular in his ways got along
In the house. for when she was on one occasion
shown into Mrs. Chapman's bedroom 10 take off
her bonnet and cloak she remarked in an omen
drawer a most various collection of objects such
as knives and forks, combs and hairbrushes. ali
mixed up together. This lady's acquaintance
with Herbert Spencer opened in a curious way
She had been reading with great appreciation
his essay on Education" and, being in search
or a goVerness, she pitched her requirements
somewhat high for what procurable but by
no means above the Spencerian standard She
accordingly. in humorous moment, wrote him
q note of protest against the difficulties he had
brought upon her. The letter drew forth cour-
teous reply. which began a long acquaintance.
Once at dinner at Mrs. Asquth's Says a
correspondent Mr. Ralfour made the hanDiesr
simile of Mr.. Herbert Spencer. He remarked
that he was the Brahms OF science and pro-
ceeoed TO illustrate his comment by some OBJ
seryations on the composer. Brahms seems so
serious and so dull at first, yet in his music
you find the most profound knowledge and an
austere beauty intensely self-repTessed, yet most
convincing. The music Of Brahms said Mr.
Balfour. gives the highest intellectual gratiaca-
ton, u exercises all your faculties and il an
peals to the sober side of your emotions as that
% no other great master does. And is not all
this the analogy Of Mr.. Herbert Spencer's great
work?