poor marks in classics and even worse ones in mathematics and earned him a B.A. degree in 1831. His health was often indifferent and by the time he went to live in Downe he was something of a hypochondriac, keeping extensive notes on his numerous symptoms, medicines and treatments. Yet his illness gave him a useful excuse to avoid getting involved in the social life of the village. He was virtually a recluse, spending almost his entire time pursuing his project. In the event, he never completed the