To T. H. Huxley   5 October [1871]¹

My dear Huxley.

Hooker has returned your Review, & it has occurred to me that you may want to lend the sheets to some one else.—² If so, send me a $\frac{1}{2}$^d card; but I sh^d. very much like to have them back again at least temporarily. Of course I shall get the number when published.—³

When I wrote to Hooker, I did not speak very strongly about your Review, as that has a flattering effect, not that I need have feared this. Now Hooker writes with wonderful admiration, & just like I did, declares several points are the best of all.—⁴ You will of course see that this article is published some time in your collected essays, for it would be a sin & shame if it were left in a periodical.—⁵ I think Hooker is perhaps most struck by the clear way you handle the metaphysics, & perhaps this is the best of the best.—

Poor dear Hooker is in much trouble, as I daresay you know, about the serious illness of his mother, & sister, & with serious disputes & vexation with that accursed fellow Ayrton.—⁶

Ever yours | C. Darwin

Hooker says “the article has been a God-send to me, for I am very very low”