Dear Sir

I am a member of the Belfast Naturalists’ field Club and happen to be the only one who openly avows his belief in your views with regard to life and its developement.

Your writings have had a charm for me, beyond my powers of expression. Your journal was the first of the series, and I have just finished reading the sixth edition of your origin of species.¹ I know not which to admire most, the patience, the wonderful perseverence and industry which has enabled you to make so very great a number of experiments and observations: or the rarer and grander quality of Candour, which impels you to state in the fullest manner, all the arguments that could possibly be urged against your own views.

I have promised to read a paper at one of our meetings on this subject, I have been induced to do it with short notice.² and feel my utter inadequacy to do it any thing like justice. We have had so many papers against your views however, that I have been almost compelled to enter the lists against my will.

I am aware that your views are making rapid way among truly Scientific Naturalists. and I know that many works by distinguished men have lately been written in other European languages. Some time ago, I read a review in the Revue de deux Mondes” of one, I think in German on the Genesis of life.³ I would like to get a short list of these authors with the names of their works; that I might be able to prove the reality of the progress which has already been made. That in a very short time the true philosopy of living forms, will have universal acceptance, I have not the slightest doubt. The Question of the great Cuvier has been answered. Natural History has found its Newton.

I am afraid I have been presumtious in trespassing on your time and attention. a list of three or four able naturalists, and their works would be of use to me, could you help me to it

I am Dear Sir | with profound respect | yours obediently | Robert Smith