From W. S. Dallas   27 February 1874

My dear Sir

I have no doubt that you have heard that it is proposed to establish a “Scientific Societies’ Club” for the convenience especially of the Fellows of Societies located in Burlington House, where the six principal London Societies will in future have their rooms.—¹

It is felt by those particularly interested in this matter that it is of the greatest importance to have some names of high repute upon the Committee, which will consist of about 30 members, & I have been commissioned to write to you, to ask you to be kind enough to give us the benefit of your approval of the scheme by allowing us to add your name to the Committee.—² The object we have in view is to establish a club which shall offer the ordinary conveniences to its members, & at the same time facilitate social intercourse among the members of Scientific Societies, & it is hoped that by the formation of a select library of books of reference in various departments the institution may be rendered exceedingly useful in every way.—

Hoping that you will excuse my troubling you, & (if I am not too bold) that your reply may be a favourable one, I am | My dear Sir | Yours always truly | W. S. Dallas.

C. Darwin Esq