210 PUBLICATION OP THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES. [Ch. XII. 



overlooked by the real judges, as Hooker, Lyell, Asa Gray, &c. 

 I have heard from Mr. Sclater that your paper on the Malay 

 Archipelago has been read at the Linnean Society, and that 

 he was extremely much interested by it. 



I have not seen one naturalist for six or nine months, owing 

 to the state of my health, and therefore I really have no news 

 to tell you. I am writing this at Ilkley Wells, where I have 

 been with my family for the last six weeks, and shall stay for 

 some few weeks longer. As yet I have profited very little. 

 God knows when I shall have strength for my bigger book. 



I sincerely hope that you keep your health ; I suppose that 

 you will be thinking of returning * soon with your magni- 

 ficent collections, and still grander mental materials. You 

 will be puzzled how to publish. The Royal Society fund will 

 be worth your consideration. With every good wish, pray 

 believe me, 



Yours very sincerely. 



P.S. — I think that I told you before that Hooker is a 

 complete convert. If I can convert Huxley I shall be 

 content. 



C. Darwin to W. B. Carpenter. November 19th [1859]. 



.... If, after reading my book, you are able to come to a con- 

 clusion in any degree definite, will you think me very unreason- 

 able 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 

 monomaniacs. 



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

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

 shall have to bear many a one. 



Yours very sincerely. 



* Mr. Wallace was in the Malay Archipelago. 



