WCP3749

[1]¹

Parkstone, Dorset.

Nov[embe]r 22nd. 1891

My dear Huxley²

So you have now plenty of time for reading, I write on behalf of my friends Mr. Arthur Dell³ to ask if would accept a copy of his work — "Why does Man Exist" — and after reading give him, or me, your frank opinion of his argument. I have myself been immensely struck by the work — more so I think then by any book since I read "First Principles" eight & twenty years ago. If you [2] have not seen the book I will say that it is an honest attempt to reason systematically on the facts of physiology and embryology as given by the best modern writers, and deduce from them the nature and origin of life. With this basis, and the facts of psychology, the great problems of freewill, each, morality, and the purpose of man’s existence are discussed, and some very startling & wide-reaching conclusions arrived at. What has struck me most in the book is the close and cogent [3] reasoning on admitted facts; the boldness with which all logical conclusions are faced, and all difficulties met; and the light that is thrown on the most puzzling questions of philosophy. No doubt you will detect many errors of detail, as Mr. Bell, like Spencer, is obliged to take his facts from other workers, but I do not think there can be any which seriously invalidate the argument. The book, too, is written in a bright & incisive style [4] and is as easy reading as such a book can be.

Trusting that you are in good health, and with kind remembrances to Mrs. Huxley

Believe me | Yours very faithfully | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]

T.H. Huxley F.R.S.