Dear M^r. Darwin

About two years ago I gave some lectures in Natural History & Theology at the Free Church College in Aberdeen.¹ The choice of my subject was guided by the motives which I have mentioned in the preface to the reprinted lectures the proof sheets of which I now send to you. My object in doing so is to beg you to do me the great favour to look at the preface & Lecture XVI & if you find anything in it with which you disagree to let me know²

If you think it correct please put the proofs in the waste basket without a word of comment but if incorrect I should be infinitely obliged by your kindly letting me know in order that I may if possible alter or amend anything in an appendix.

I should have greatly wished to dedicate the work to you but that would to a great extent have frustrated the purpose I have in view which is to reach those who will not read your works.

You will see by the address on this letter that I am at present abroad

I have been suffering so much from ague that I have been obliged to leave London for three months & I am now on my way to Algiers.

I was extremely sorry to miss you when you called upon me³   I trust you will forgive my troubling you with the proofs but beg you will not waste a moment upon them if it is inconvenient for you. Believe me | Yours very sincerely | T Lauder Brunton

Charles Darwin Esq