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EPISODE.

At first we had some difficulty in making a suitable soluble Choride of Tin for him, but eventually we decided to supply him with the hydrated chloride (SnCl2 2H2O) which we explained to him was only soluble in a small quantity of water, but which was decomposed when treated with a larger quantity, unless hydrochloric acid in excess was added, which we knew would not suit his requirements.

My father therefore though I had better take this up to Downe and explain the fact about the salt.

This I did, telling Mr Parslow who opened the door to me, that I had brought the master something he has asked for, and that I was to see Mr Darwin.

"Certainly" said Mr Parslow "Come along and see him. Just then Mrs Darwin came down the stairs, and asked who I was. Being informed it was young Mr Baxter who had brought something special for Mr Darwin, she very cordial and after having reminded Parslow to see that I had some refreshment before I departed, passed into the drawing-room.

Parslow then took me out to the low greenhouse (now demolished) where Mr Darwin was bending over some plants. After his usual cordial enquiry after my father's health, I told him what I had got but which he had evidently forgotten about. He however became quite excited and said "I must try it at once"

He then pushed back some plants he had been examining, and took done two or three others– meanwhile sending Parslow for pipette etc. while I explained the point about the solubility, which seemed to him strange. The solution was then made and he became quite absorbed in his experiments with it!

As a botanical student I had hoped to have some conversation with the great savant, but suddenly realizing that i was still present he hurriedly shook hands with me, sending a cordial message to my father, whom I was to thank for being always so ready to meet his troublesome, and often he feared, stupid requests.

So I was quickly, though kindly dismissed and after a glass of sherry and some biscuits trudged home disappointed to some extent

Bromley Kent

Wm Baxter