1859-1 OPINIONS AND REVIEWS. jg 



conclusion in any degree definite, will you think me very un- 

 reasonable in asking you to let me hear from you. I do not 

 ask for a long discussion, but merely for a brief idea of your 

 general impression. From your widely extended knowledge, 

 habit of investigating the truth, and abilities, I should value 

 your opinion in the very highest rank. Though I, of course, 

 believe in the truth of my own doctrine, I suspect that no 

 belief is vivid until shared by others. As yet I know only 

 one believer, but I look at him as of the greatest authority, 

 viz., Hooker. When I- think of the many cases of men who 

 have studied one subject for years, and have persuaded them- 

 selves of the truth of the foolishest doctrines, I feel sometimes 

 a little frightened, whether I may not be one of these mono- 

 maniacs. 



Again pray excuse this, I fear, unreasonable request. A 

 short note would suffice, and I could bear a hostile verdict, 

 and shall have to bear many a one. 



Yours very sincerely, 



C. DARWIN. 



C. Darwin to J. D. Hooker. 



Ilkley, Yorkshire, 



Sunday [November, 1859]. 



MY DEAR HOOKER, I have just read a review on my 

 book in the Athcnaum* and it excites my curiosity much 

 who is the author. If you should hear who writes in the 

 AthcncBum I wish you would tell me. It seems to me well 

 done, but the reviewer gives no new objections, and, being 

 hostile, passes over every single argument in favour of the 

 doctrine, ... I fear from the tone of the review, that I have 

 written in a conceited and cocksure style,f which shames 

 me a little. There is another review of which I should like 

 to know the author, viz., of H. C. Watson in the Gardeners 



* Nov. 19, 1859. 



f The Reviewer speaks of the author's " evident self-satisfaction," and 

 of his disposing of all difficulties "more or less confidently." 



