From E. P. T. Houk   3 January 1874

Dear Sir,

The accompanying paper, read before the American Association for the Advancement of Science, not being accepted for publication in the forthcoming proceedings, I take the liberty of sending you, in its present very imperfect form, thinking it will be of especial interest—¹

Closely engaged, as you have so long been, in the study of facts & details, these less labored generalizations, which sometimes seem to come as a sort of inspiration, are a relief, & occasionally may serve to lighten up dark points.

Certainly such a system of physical change, progressing incessantly throughout past ages of the formation of the Earth’s crust, must have produced constant, altho constantly imperceptible changes, in all organic creatures, except those of the simplest possible types. & if the liquid & gaseous forms of matter have thus diminished, the fact is important to every branch of science— Pardon me if I am taking too great a liberty in thus addressing you, the far reaching sympathies of science & a deep conviction of the magnanimity of great minds has given me unwonted temerity in addressing the distinguished Author of the ‘origin of species’.

Begging you to accept the humble & grateful acknowledgements of one of your innumerable readers

With great respect | Eliza P. T. Houk.