From Alexander Shaw to Marion Bell   27 November 1868

My Dear Marion

Will you inform Mr Darwin that the Footnote in the 3^d Edⁿ. of the “Expression”, referring to the “Nervous System” p. 175, has reference to Sir Charles’ Work—“On the Nervous System of the Human Body” &c. 3^d Edⁿ. 1835.¹

The Introductory Chapter of the 2^nd Edⁿ. of the “Expression” (1824), having the sub-title “Some account of the Nerves, as a foundation for the Study of Expression”— is the one thro’ which Sir Charles had drawn his pen, when preparing the work, shortly before his death, (1842), for a third Edition.²

From his leaving the title untouched, it was evident that he intended to re-write the Essay on the Nerves: And in my rashness, I thought that I could supply a substitute: Whence my Essay in the Appendix, of the 3^d Edⁿ. in 1844.³

In 1847, when there was a re-issue of the work, I took the opportunity of Amending my Essay.⁴

In 1860, I gave a similar, yet different, Account of the discoveries—to be prefixed to the 6^th Edⁿ. of the “Hand.”⁵ Imperfect as that may be, I look on it as a decided improvement on what I had furnished for the “Expression” in 1847.

Accordingly, when Bohn, about three years ago, was in treaty about the last Edⁿ. of the “Expression”, I wished to remodel and Amend my Essay—so as to make it bear more on the subject of the work. But he would not give me time.⁶

I would have Amplified the topics at the bottom of p. 23. and top of p. 24.⁷ And I w^d have said something about Beauty in the Face bearing relation to the forms best adapted for Voice, and for Expression.

That may come forth some other day—-When I have not so much else to do.

Y^r. Aff^te | Alex Shaw.