Dear Sir

I am sending you by this post a copy of the 2^nd edition of my Essays wh: has now been out about 2 months²   I have rather hesitated to do so thinking it might seem rather absurd to send a second so comparatively soon after the first, but really the book is now so much more what I first meant it to be & the essence of it is so much contained in the 4^th Essay wh: did not appear at all before that I am induced to indulge myself in the pleasure of sending it to you³   This I can do with the more satisfaction in that there is now no temporary or special reason for its publication

I remain dear Sir | faithfully yours | Gilbert. W. Child