“Yours sincerely,
“Ch. Darwin.”
After another short note, dated July 24th, 1878, Darwin wrote the following letter, which explains how it was that he came to write the preface to the translation of Weismann’s “Studies”:—
“October 31 [1878].
“Down.
“My dear Sir,—As you are inclined to be so very liberal as to have a translation made of Weismann’s Essays on your own risk, I feel bound to aid you to the small extent of writing a short prefatory notice. But this is a kind of job, which I do not feel that I can do at all well and therefore do not like; but I will do my best. It must, however, be short for I am at present working very hard. I do not quite understand whether you intend asking some Publisher to bring out the book on commission at your cost for if so there will be no difficulty in finding a Publisher. But if you expect any Publisher to publish at his risk and cost; I think from recent experience you will have much difficulty in finding one.—I suppose that you have asked Weismann’s concurrence.
“Down is rather an awkward place to reach, as we are 4 miles from nearest station, Orpington. But I shall be in London for a week on Novr 17th or 18th and could see you then at any time, and perhaps you could come to luncheon.
“But if you would prefer to come here, I shall be very happy to see you either Saturday or Sunday, if you would let me know hour.—I am, however, bound to tell you that my health is always doubtful, and that my head does not allow me to converse long with anyone.
“With the most cordial sympathy in your undertaking, I remain, my dear Sir, yours very faithfully,
“Ch. Darwin.”
In November, 1878, Darwin was in London, staying at his daughter’s house at 4, Bryanston Street. On the 19th he wrote asking Meldola to lunch to talk over the proposed English edition of Weismann, and on the 25th sent the MS. of the Preface with the following letter:—