TO THE MOST HONOURABLE 

 THE MARQUIS OF RIPON, K.G. 



MY DEAR LORD RIPON, 



I am very sensible of the kindness which has so 

 readily accorded me permission to dedicate to your Lordship 

 this Essay on Contemporary Evolution. 



I might indeed feel diffidence in thus attempting to point 

 out some unlooked-for results of those post-mediaeval social 

 changes, in effecting which the English-speaking races have 

 borne so prominent a part, but for this encouraging per- 

 mission from one whose enlarged and candid mind renders 

 him a most competent however indulgent a judge of my 

 endeavour. 



With much respect, 



I am, 

 My dear Lord Ripon, 



Yours most sincerely, 



ST. GEORGE MIVART. 



March i$th, 1876. 



WlLMSHURST, UCKFIELD. 



