To Asa Gray   24 October [1860]

My dear Gray

We are in much distress as my poor girl has just had relapse, but is rallying again.—¹ To save you labour in vain, I write hurriedly to say that Lyell, like a good & kind man, has been consulting with Murray about publishing your Reviews as pamphlet;² but they say, though it is against their rule to publish pamplets they would break it though this time) that they do not advise it. That it would be absolutely necessary to spend more in advertisement than the cost of publication; but that this would not suffice, that in short, they are well convinced that it is impossible to get a pamphlet circulated. They say they will do it “but it will be a dead loss”. Under these circumstances it would be no use to attempt it. I am much vexed.— Lyell personally concurs with Murray’s view.— ³

Lyell has highest opinion of the “talent & science” shown in these 3 Reviews— In short agrees quite with me & he cannot well go further. He adds “it would be well worth while if a little Book could be got up by Asa Gray for the theological part is so admirable & would surely have many readers”.—

I now hope Annals of Nat. Hist will put in 2^d Part;⁴ & if they do I will try it on for 3^d Part; & I will offer to pay whole expence of paper & printing if they will condescend to accept it. I cannot bear that such admirable essay sh^d. not be preserved in this country.—

I have no idea whether Sat. R. will insert dialogue.—⁵

God Bless you | C. Darwin