180 FOUNDATIONS OF THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES, [ch. ix. 



(it was not published until 1839), and seven years before 

 the second edition was issued (1845). Thus the turning- 

 point in the formation of his theory took place between the 

 writing of the two editions. Yet the difference between the 

 two editions is not very marked ; it is another proof of the 

 author's caution and self-restraint in the treatment of his 

 ideas. After reading the second edition of the Voyage we 

 remember with a strong feeling of surprise how far advanced 

 were his views when he wrote it. 



These views are given in the manuscript volume of 1844, 

 mentioned in the Autobiography. I give from my father's 

 Pocket-book the entries referring to the preliminary sketch 

 of this historic essay. 



" 1842, May 18, Went to Maer. June 15 to Shrews- 

 bury, and 18th to Capel Curig. During my stay at Maer 

 and Shrewsbury. . . . wrote pencil sketch of species 

 theory." * 



In 1844, the pencil-sketch was enlarged to one of 230 

 folio pages, which is a wonderfully complete presentation 

 of the arguments familiar to us in the Origin. 



The following letter shows in a striking manner the value 

 my father put on this piece of work. 



C. D. to Mrs. Darivin. Down [July 5, 1844]. 



... I have just finished my sketch of my species theory. 

 If, as I believe, my theory in time be accepted even by 

 one competent judge, it will be a considerable step in 

 science. 



I therefore write this in case of my sudden death, as my 

 most solemn and last request, which I am sure you will con- 

 sider the same as if legally entered in my will, that you will 

 devote 400 to its publication, and further, will yourself, or 

 through Hensleigh,f take trouble in promoting it. I wish 

 that my sketch be given to some competent person, with this 

 sum to induce him to take trouble in its improvement and 

 enlargement. I give to him all my books on Natural His- 

 tory, which are either scored or have references at the end 

 to the pages, begging him carefully to look over and con- 

 sider such passages as actually bearing, or by possibility 

 bearing on this subject. I wish you to make a list of all such 



* I have discussed in the Life and Letters the statement often made that 

 the first sketch of his theory was written in 1839. 

 t The late Mr. H. Wedgwood. 



