My dear Sir

As you are inclined to be so very liberal as to have a translation made of Weismann’s Essay, on your own risk, I feel bound to aid you to the small extent of writing a short prefatory notice.¹ But this is a kind of job, which I do not feel that I can do at all well & therefore do not like; but I will do my best. It must, however, be short for I am at present working very hard. I do not quite understand whether you intend asking some Publisher to bring out the book on commission at your cost; for if so there will be no difficulty in finding a Publisher. But if you expect any Publisher to publish at his risk & cost, I think from recent experience you will have much difficulty in finding one.— I suppose that you have asked Weismann’s concurrence.²

Down is rather an awkward place to reach, as we are 4 miles from nearest station, Orpington.³ But I shall be in London for a week on Nov^r. 17^th or 18^th & could see you there at anytime, & perhaps you, c^d. come to luncheon.⁴

But if you w^d prefer to come here, I shall be very happy to see you either Saturday or Sunday, if you c^d. let me know hour.— I am, however, bound to tell you that my health is always doubtful, & that my head does not allow me to converse long with anyone.

With the most cordial sympathy in your undertaking | I remain My dear Sir | Yours very faithfully | Ch. Darwin