PART III (_Continued_)




II.--Correspondence on Biology, Geographical Distribution, etc.

[1864-93]

* * * * *

H. SPENCER TO A.R. WALLACE


_29 Bloomsbury Square, W.C. May 19, 1864._

My dear Sir,--When I thanked you for your little pamphlet[9] the other
day, I had not read it. I have since done so with great interest. Its
leading idea is, I think, undoubtedly true, and of much importance
towards an interpretation of the facts. Though I think that there are
some purely physical modifications that may be shown to result from the
direct influence of civilisation, yet I think it is quite clear, as you
point out, that the small amounts of physical differences that have
arisen between the various human races are due to the way in which
mental modifications have served in place of physical ones.

I hope you will pursue the inquiry. It is one in which I have a