5o8 THE WRITING OF THE 'ORIGIN OF SPECIES.' [1859. 



C. Darwin to C. Lyell. 



Down, March 30th [1859]. 



My dear Lyell, — You have been uncoilimonly kind in 

 all you have done. You not only have saved me much 

 trouble and some anxiety, but have done all incomparably 

 better than I could have done it. I am much pleased at all 

 you say about Murray. I will write either to-day or to- 

 morrow to him, and will send shortly a large bundle of MS., 

 but unfortunately I cannot for a week, as the first three chap- 

 ters 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. Darwin 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- 



