Sir,

Permit me to call your attention to the accompanying programme of a work now ready for the press—a work replete with interest, strictly original, and setting forth the doctrine of progressive developement as made manifest, not only in the planet we inhabit, but carrying it through all the systems of the Universe. It opens out to Intelligences comprehending an illimitable field for mental action and physical inquiry, countless paths of research many of which have heretofore been untrodden by man.²

My object in thus drawing your attention to the work is this— 43 years of mental toil and self abnegation tell upon the old man of three score and ten— I require the assistance of one who has the mental capacity to assist in the final arrangements of printing and publishing the work, of supplying by supplementary notes and comments, the necessary information that bears more immediately upon the various subjects, attend to the translations, & generally work with me, myself taking upon me the labours of the press. In return he will receive one half the profits of the English Copyright. I also propose to establish a monthly magazine carrying out the principles evolved and facts elicited, a work of this nature being greatly needed.³

The works of M^r. Charles Darwin are sufficient apology for my thus writing to you. If you come to town occasionally I shall happy to enter upon the subject more minutely, to show the astronomical drawings, & such portions of the work as may be necessary for the better understanding of it.

Believe me to be, Sir | With the profoundest respect | Your Obed^t. Servant | H. Montague | Editor of the London Commercial Record 5 & 6 Hart Street | Mark Lane, City