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CHAPTER XVI. 



THE INFLUENCE OF DARWIN UPON LYELL (1859-64). 



In considering the reception of the " Origin of 

 Species," it will be well first to show its effect 

 upon Darwin's intimate scientific friends, most 

 of whom had been familiar with his work for 

 many years, and then to deal with its efiects upon 

 biologists generally, especially those of Darwin's own 

 country. 



The gradual strengthening of Darwin's influence 

 over his old teacher Lyell, is one of the most in- 

 teresting episodes in the personal history of the 

 scientific men of this century. 



Lyell, after reading the proof-sheets of the 

 *' Origin," wrote on October 3rd, 1859, praising the 

 work very warmly, and suggesting a few improve- 

 ments, some of which were adopted. Lyell hesitated 

 to accept the theory, because he saw clearly that it 

 would be impossible to stop short at the human 

 species, while a common origin of men and beasts 

 was distasteful to him. Thus, he said : — 



" I have long seen most clearly that if any concession is 

 made, all that you claim in your concluding pages will follow. 

 It is this which has made me so long hesitate, always feeling 

 that the case of man and his races, and of other animals, and 

 that of plants is one and the same, and that if a ' vera causa ' be 



