Thomas Henry Huxley (1825-1895), English biologist. Huxley was born at Ealing, and left school at the age of ten. Entirely self-taught, he became one of the greatest comparative anatomists in history. At first apprenticed to a surgeon, he joined the Royal Navy and during expeditions did important work on hydrozoa. On leaving the Navy he became professor of natural sciences at the Royal School of Mines. His friendship and belief in Darwin's evolutionary theories led to a famous debate with Wilberforce at the British Association in 1860, in which his reputation as Darwin's Bulldog was sealed. Huxley was the recipient of almost every honour and award available to Victorian scientists and was a devoted public servant. This portrait in oils was painted by John Collier and hangs at the Royal Institution in London.