I have just received your most kind, long, and valuable letter. I will
write again in a few days, for I am at present unwell and much pressed with
business: to-day's note is merely personal. I should, for several
reasons, be very glad of an American Edition. I have made up my mind to be
well abused; but I think it of importance that my notions should be read by
intelligent men, accustomed to scientific argument, though NOT naturalists.
It may seem absurd, but I think such men will drag after them those
naturalists who have too firmly fixed in their heads that a species is an
entity. The first edition of 1250 copies was sold on the first day, and
now my publisher is printing off, as RAPIDLY AS POSSIBLE, 3000 more copies.
I mention this solely because it renders probable a remunerative sale in
America. I should be infinitely obliged if you could aid an American
reprint; and could make, for my sake and the publisher's, any arrangement
for any profit. The new edition is only a reprint, yet I have made a FEW
important corrections. I will have the clean sheets sent over in a few
days of as many sheets as are printed off, and the remainder afterwards,
and you can do anything you like,--if nothing, there is no harm done. I
should be glad for the new edition to be reprinted and not the old.--In
great haste, and with hearty thanks,

Yours very sincerely,
C. DARWIN.

I will write soon again.


CHARLES DARWIN TO C. LYELL.
Down, 22nd [December, 1859].