2l6 PUBLICATION OF THE 'ORIGIN OF SPECIES.' [1859.. 



C. Darwin to A. De Candolle. 



Down, November nth [1859]. 



DEAR SIR, I have thought that you would permit me to 

 send you (by Messrs. Williams and Norgate, booksellers) 

 a copy of my work (as yet only an abstract) on the ' Origin 

 of Species.' I wish to do this, as the only, though quite 

 inadequate manner, by which I can testify to you the extreme 

 interest which I have felt, and the great advantage which I 

 have derived, from studying your grand and noble work on 

 Geographical Distribution. Should you be induced to read 

 my volume, I venture to remark that it will be intelligible 

 only by reading the whole straight through, as it is very much 

 condensed. It would be a high gratification to me if any 

 portion interested you. But I am perfectly well aware that 

 you will entirely disagree with the conclusion at which I have 

 arrived. 



You will probably have quite forgotten me ; but many 

 years ago you did me the honour of dining at my house in 

 London to meet M. and Madame Sismondi,* the uncle and 

 aunt of my wife. With sincere respect, I beg to remain, 



Yours very faithfully, 



Charles Darwin. 



C. Darwi?i to Hugh Falconer. 



Down, November nth [1859]. 



My DEAR FALCONER, I have told Murray to send you 

 a copy of my book on the ' Origin of Species/ which as yet 

 is only an abstract. 



If you read it, you must read it straight through, otherwise 

 from its extremely condensed state it will be unintelligible. 



Lord, how savage you will be, if you read it, and how you 

 will long to crucify me alive ! I fear it will produce no other 



* Jessie Allen, sister of Mrs. Josiah Wedgwood of Maer. 



