I quite accept the validity of your criticism of my physiological selection in your book, supposing your 'self-adaptation' true to the extent you suppose. But otherwise what you say tells in favour of physiological selection, at least, excepting the statement as to new allied species originating as a rule on distant areas from parent types. This, however, is certainly an erroneous statement, though I should like to know how you came to make it.
I much wish I could write more or meet you. For, notwithstanding apparent bluntness (for brevity's sake), I see you are one of the few evolutionists who think for yourself.
With many thanks, yours very truly,
G. J. Romanes.
I am not against your criticism of natural selection, for I have always thought there must be some other additional principle of adaptation at work.
Grand Hôtel, Costebelle, Hyères (Var): March 12.
Dear Mr. Henslow,—My husband has much enjoyed your long and clear letter which I have just read to him. He is too ill to reply himself, but he will dictate a few notes to me to send to you.
Yours very truly,
Ethel Romanes.
(A) I cry 'Peccavi' as regards natural selection co-operating with self-adaptation. Since you show that, even if it does, you are not concerned with this fact—i.e. of the development of the adaptation, but only with its origin.