My dear Lubbock

The magnificence of all the first & last part of the President’s address quite obliterated the little he said about the Origin.² I believe I am protected by an invulnerable shield of self-conceit, so did not care what he said, & I know how many good men there are who believe in Nat. Selection. I heard all about Huxley attacking the Pres. & it was just like him to defend an absent friend; but I suppose his real motive was to blame the Pres. for modifying in ever so little a degree the Council’s award & in this I sh^d think he did good service.³

I hope your book is getting on pretty well;⁴ as for myself I have lately lost a good many days by being unwell.

yours affectionately | Ch. Darwin