150 Edward Livingston Youmans. 



printers' hands. There was competition for the latter 

 volume. The Appletons advertised it as soon as I re- 

 turned, and have continued to do so; the Philadelphia 

 publisher of Lyell's new work wanted it badly, and ven- 

 tured upon the ruse of announcing it from advance sheets; 

 but when he began to realize that if he persisted the Apple- 

 tons might possibly reprint Lyell upon him, he prudently 

 withdrew from the contest. The work is now in the best 

 hands that could have it. 



So you see we are getting used to the war, and there 

 begins to be liberty again to think of something else. And 

 speaking of " liberty " reminds me of Mill's Liberty, and 

 the growth of liberality here, of which it is an illustration. 

 When it first appeared I tried to get the Appletons to pub- 

 lish it, but they were afraid of its radical doctrines, and 

 other houses also refused it. I revived it again recently, 

 and they consented to issue it. But on advertising, it 

 turned out that five houses had simultaneously announced 

 it, while Ticknor & Fields, of Boston, having the start of 

 all the others, will publish it. I am glad we are to have it 

 for general circulation. I have read Part I of the Biology 

 with great interest. I think more can be done with this than 

 with its predecessors in the way of business. I have firm 

 faith that as your philosophy is unfolded it will be better 

 and better appreciated, and may ultimately prove compen- 

 sating and indeed very profitable to you. My wife, who 

 happens just now to be busy directing some circulars to 

 those of your subscribers who have not renewed their sub- 

 little gem of a book I have met with ! George Appleton sat up till mid- 

 night the first day of its reception to read it, and is crazy to have it repub- 

 lished. My first impulse was to send you my copy, but I decided not to, 

 for two reasons: It would distract your attention, and you have not 

 strength for so much now ; and, besides, there is a lecture in it on Method 

 that is so inimitable Spencer's idea of the growth of science, etc. that I 

 am ashamed of my introduction and shall reconstruct it. Huxley beats 

 Hugh Miller out of sight in lucidity." 



