To W. B. Carpenter   19 November [1859]¹

My dear Carpenter

I beg pardon for troubling you again. If, after reading my book, you are able to come to a conclusion in any degree definite, will you think me very unreasonable in asking you to let me hear from you.—² I do not ask for a long discussion, but merely for a brief idea of your general impression.— From your widely-extended knowledge, habit of investigating truth & abilities, I should value your opinion in the very highest rank. Though I of course believe in truth of my own doctrine, I suspect that no belief is vivid until shared by others. As yet I know only one believer; but I look at him as of greatest authority, viz Hooker.— When I think of the many cases of men who have studied one subject for years & have persuaded themselves of the truth of the foolishest doctrines, I feel sometimes a little frightened, whether I may not be one of these monomaniacs.—

Again pray excuse this, I fear, unreasonable request.— A short note would suffice, & I could bear a hostile verdict & shall have to bear many a one.—

Yours very sincerely | C. Darwin

I shall remain here for a fortnight or possibly three weeks.—