1 76 THE WRITING OF THE 'ORIGIN OF SPECIES.' [1859. 



knowledge, and so well accustomed to search for truth, could 

 err greatly. I have spoken of you here as a convert 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 supplicate you to read these again carefully. The so-called 

 improvement of our Shorthorn cattle, pigeons, &c., does not 

 presuppose or require any aboriginal " power of adaptation," 

 or " principle of improvement ; " it requires only diversified 



