53<D THE WRITING OF THE 'ORIGIN OF SPECIES.' [1859. 



tion, and embracing many errors) would prevail. Nothing 

 will ever convince me that three such men, with so much 

 diversified knowledge, and so well accustomed to search for 

 truth, could err greatly. I have spoken of you here as a con- 

 vert made by me ; but I know well how much larger the share 

 has been of your own self-thought. I am intensely curious to 

 hear Huxley's opinion of my book. I fear my long discussion 

 on Classification will disgust him ; for it is much opposed to 

 what he once said to me. 



But, how I am running on. You see how idle I am ; but 

 I have so enjoyed your letter that you must forgive me. 

 •With respect to migration during the glacial period : I think 

 Lyell quite comprehends, for he has given me a supporting 

 fact. But, perhaps, he unconsciously hates (do not say so 

 to him) the view as slightly staggering him on his favourite 

 theory of all changes of climate being due to changes in the 

 relative position of land and water. 



I will send copies of my book to all the men specified by 

 you ; . . . would you be so kind as to add title, as Doctor, 

 or Professor, or Monsieur, or Von, and initials (when wanted), 

 and addresses to the names on the enclosed list, and let me 

 have it pretty soon, as towards the close of this week Murray 

 says the copies to go abroad will be ready. I am anxious to 

 get my view generally known, and not, I hope and think, for 

 mere personal conceit 



C. Darwin to C. Lyell. 



Ilkley, Yorkshire, Oct. 25th [1859]. 



Our difference on " principle of improvement " 



and " power of adaptation " is too profound for discussion by 

 letter. If I am wrong, I am quite blind to my error. If I am 

 right, our difference will be got over only by your re-reading 

 carefully and reflecting on my first four chapters. I suppli- 

 cate you to read these again carefully. The so-called im- 

 provement of our Shorthorn cattle, pigeons, &c, does not 

 presuppose or require any aboriginal " power of adaptation," 



