WCP1422

[1]

Broadstone, Dorset

August 22nd, 1903

My dear Mr. Casey,

My friend Mr. Marshall of Charterhouse School, had promised to read over the proofs of my new book, but had left for Norway before they were ready, and will not be back for another month. I have therefore corrected for press the first 12 sheets — A to M. — but it has occurred to me that you would be so good as to read over the remainder, and detect whatever oversights of grammar, sense, bad logic, &c. &c. &c. that may be visible to you, coming fresh to the subject and presenting "the intelligent reader".

If you will undertake this task I shall be much obliged, as after hammering over a subject continually for six months one is apt to overlook deficiencies or errors which to fresh readers are glaring.

In order that you may understand the full scope of the work, I send you my Corrected proofs from the beginning. The first Six chapters are introductory & explanatory of the main facts & phenomena on which I rely. In Chap[ter]. VII the main argument begins & disputable points are dealt with; and I shall be obliged if you will read this and Chap[ter]. VIII. carefully, as , though they have been passed for press I dare say there will be time to make any important corrections that may be needed.

If you will make any notes that occur to you on a sheet of paper and send me as soon as you can, you can keep these proofs till you have the remainder in order to refer to in case of repetitions or contradictions — as I have two other copies.

Believe me | Yours very truly | Alfred R. Wallace.

P. S. I have just received the proofs of the remainder of the book & shall have them corrected by end of next week (13 sheets are sent — A to N.) A. R. W.