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To Adam Sedgwick   11 November [1859]1

Down Bromley Kent [Ilkley.]

Nov. 11th.—

My dear Professor Sedgwick

I have told Murray to send you a copy of my book on the Origin of Species, which is as yet only an abstract. As the conclusion at which I have arrived after an amount of work, which is not apparent in this condensed sketch, is so diametrically opposed to that which you have often advocated with much force, you might think that I send my volume to you out of a spirit of bravado & with a want of respect, but I assure you that I am actuated by quite opposite feelings.2

Pray believe me | My honoured friend | Your sincerely obliged | Charles Darwin

The Revd.— | Prof. Sedgwick

1
The year is established by the relationship between this letter and the letter from Adam Sedgwick, 24 November 1859 (Correspondence vol. 7). This letter was previously published with a transcription from a printed source in Correspondence vol. 7.
2
John Murray was the publisher of Origin. See Correspondence vol. 7, letter from Adam Sedgwick, 24 November 1859.

Please cite as “DCP-LETT-2525,” in Ɛpsilon: The Charles Darwin Collection accessed on 5 June 2025, https://epsilon.ac.uk/view/dcp-data/letters/DCP-LETT-2525