which adapts the forms of every being, and harmonises them all throughout
nature.

He assumes like old geologists (who assumed that the forces of nature were
formerly greater), that species were at first more plastic. His simile of
tree and classification is like mine (and others), but he cannot, I think,
have reflected much on the subject, otherwise he would see that genealogy
by itself does not give classification; I declare I cannot see a MUCH
closer approach to Wallace and me in Naudin than in Lamarck--we all agree
in modification and descent. If I do not hear from you I will return the
'Revue' in a few days (with the cover). I dare say Lyell would be glad to
see it. By the way, I will retain the volume till I hear whether I shall
or not send it to Lyell. I should rather like Lyell to see this note,
though it is foolish work sticking up for independence or priority.

Ever yours,
C. DARWIN.


A. SEDGWICK (Rev. Adam Sedgwick, 1785-1873, Woodwardian Professor of
Geology in the University of Cambridge.) TO CHARLES DARWIN.
Cambridge, December 24th, [1859].

My dear Darwin,

I write to thank you for your work on the 'Origin of Species.' It came, I
think, in the latter part of last week; but it MAY have come a few days
sooner, and been overlooked among my book-parcels, which often remain
unopened when I am lazy or busy with any work before me. So soon as I
opened it I began to read it, and I finished it, after many interruptions,