I fear that my book will not deserve at all the pleasant things you say about it; and Good Lord, how I do long to have done with it!
Since the above was written, I have received and have been MUCH INTERESTED by A. Gray. I am delighted at his note about my and Wallace's paper. He will go round, for it is futile to give up very many species, and stop at an arbitrary line at others. It is what my grandfather called Unitarianism, "a feather bed to catch a falling Christian."...
CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, May 18th [1859].
My dear Hooker,
My health has quite failed. I am off to-morrow for a week of Hydropathy. I am very very sorry to say that I cannot look over any proofs (Of Sir J. Hooker's Introduction to the 'Flora of Australia.') in the week, as my object is to drive the subject out of my head. I shall return to-morrow week. If it be worth while, which probably it is not, you could keep back any proofs till my return home.
In haste, ever yours, C. DARWIN.
[Ten days later he wrote to Sir J.D. Hooker:
"...I write one word to say that I shall return on Saturday, and if you have any proof-sheets to send, I shall be glad to do my best in any criticisms. I had... great prostration of mind and body, but entire rest, and the douche, and 'Adam Bede,' have together done me a world of good.">[
CHARLES DARWIN TO J. MURRAY. Down, June 14th [1859].
My dear Sir,