1 859.] PLANS FOR PUBLICATION. I 53 



MS., but unfortunately I cannot for a week, as the first three 

 chapters are in the copyists' hands. 



I am sorry about Murray objecting to the term Abstract, 

 as I look at it as the only possible apology for not giving 

 references and facts in full, but I will defer to him and you. 

 I am also sorry about the term " natural selection." I hope 

 to retain it with explanation somewhat as thus : 



" Through natural selection, or the preservation of favoured races." 



Why I like the term is that it is constantly used in all 

 works on breeding, and I am surprised that it is not familiar 

 to Murray ; but I have so long studied such works that I 

 have ceased to be a competent judge. 



I again most truly and cordially thank you for your 

 really valuable assistance. 



Yours most truly, 



C. Darwin. 



C. Darivin to J. D. Hooker. 



Down, April 2nd [1859]. 



.... I wrote to him [Mr. Murray] and gave him the 

 headings of the chapters, and told him he could not have the 

 MS. for ten days or so ; and this morning I received a letter, 

 offering me handsome terms, and agreeing to publish with- 

 out seeing the MS.! So he is eager enough; I think I 

 should have been cautious, anyhow, but, owing to your letter, 

 I told him most explicitly that I accept his offer solely on con- 

 dition that, after he has seen part or all the MS., he has full 

 power of retracting. You will think me presumptuous, but 

 I think my book will be popular to a certain extent (enough 

 to ensure [against] heavy loss) amongst scientific and semi- 

 scientific men ; why I think so is, because I have found in 

 conversation so great and surprising an interest amongst such 

 men, and some O-scientific [non-scientific] men on this subject, 



