unchallenged, that in November last I recast my book completely,
cutting out much that I had written, and practically starting anew.
How far Mr. Tylor would have liked it, or even sanctioned its being
dedicated to him, if he were now living, I cannot, of course, say.
I never heard him speak of the late Mr. Darwin in any but terms of
warm respect, and am by no means sure that he would have been well
pleased at an attempt to connect him with a book so polemical as the
present. On the other hand, a promise made and received as mine
was, cannot be set aside lightly. The understanding was that my
next book was to be dedicated to Mr. Tylor; I have written the best
I could, and indeed never took so much pains with any other; to Mr.
Tylor's memory, therefore, I have most respectfully, and
regretfully, inscribed it.

Desiring that the responsibility for what has been done should rest
with me, I have avoided saying anything about the book while it was
in progress to any of Mr Tylor's family or representatives. They
know nothing, therefore, of its contents, and if they did, would
probably feel with myself very uncertain how far it is right to use
Mr. Tylor's name in connection with it. I can only trust that, on
the whole, they may think I have done most rightly in adhering to
the letter of my promise.

October 15, 1886.



CHAPTER I--INTRODUCTION