E.A.D.


CHARLES DARWIN TO C. LYELL.
Ilkley, November [24th, 1859].

My dear Lyell,

Again I have to thank you for a most valuable lot of criticisms in a letter
dated 22nd.

This morning I heard also from Murray that he sold the whole edition (First
edition, 1250 copies.) the first day to the trade. He wants a new edition
instantly, and this utterly confounds me. Now, under water-cure, with all
nervous power directed to the skin, I cannot possibly do head-work, and I
must make only actually necessary corrections. But I will, as far as I can
without my manuscript, take advantage of your suggestions: I must not
attempt much. Will you send me one line to say whether I must strike out
about the secondary whale (The passage was omitted in the second edition.),
it goes to my heart. About the rattle-snake, look to my Journal, under
Trigonocephalus, and you will see the probable origin of the rattle, and
generally in transitions it is the premier pas qui coute.

Madame Belloc wants to translate my book into French; I have offered to
look over proofs for SCIENTIFIC errors. Did you ever hear of her? I
believe Murray has agreed at my urgent advice, but I fear I have been rash
and premature. Quatrefages has written to me, saying he agrees largely
with my views. He is an excellent naturalist. I am pressed for time.
Will you give us one line about the whales? Again I thank you for never-
tiring advice and assistance; I do in truth reverence your unselfish and