220 SPREAD OF EVOLUTION. [1865. 



add to his advertisement a line saying, " if bound in two vol- 

 umes, one shilling or one shilling and sixpence extra." You 

 thus might originate a change which would be a blessing to 

 all weak-handed readers. 



Believe me, my dear Lyell, 



Yours most sincerely, 



CHARLES DARWIN. 



Originate a second real blessing and have the edges of the 

 sheets cut like a bound book.* 



C. Darwin to John Lubbock. 



Down, June II [1865]. 



MY DEAR LUBBOCK, The latter half of your bookf has 

 been read aloud to me, and the style is so clear and easy (we 

 both think it perfection) that I am now beginning at the be- 

 ginning. I cannot resist telling you how excellently well, in 

 my opinion, you have done the very interesting chapter on 

 savage life. Though you have necessarily only compiled the 

 materials the general result is most original. But I ought to 

 keep the term original for your last chapter, which has struck 

 me as an admirable and profound discussion. It has quite 

 delighted me, for now the public will see what kind of man 

 you are, which I am proud to think I discovered a dozen 

 years ago. 



I do sincerely wish you all success in your election and in 



* This was a favourite reform of my father's. He wrote to the Athe- 

 nceum on the subject, Feb. 5, 1867, pointing out how that a book cut, even 

 carefully, with a paper knife collects dust on its edges far more than a ma- 

 chine-cut book. He goes on to quote the case of a lady of his acquaint- 

 ance who was in the habit of cutting books with her thumb, and finally 

 appeals to the Athenceum to earn the gratitude of children "who have to 

 cut through dry and pictureless books for the benefit of their elders." He 

 tried to introduce the reform in the case of his own books, but found the 

 conservatism of booksellers too strong for him. The presentation copies, 

 however, of all his later books were sent out with the edges cut. 



f ' Prehistoric Times,' 1865. 



