Down, | Beckenham, Kent. | Railway Station | Orpington. S. E. R.
Feb. 12th 1879
My dear Häckel
I thank you most cordially for your kind letter. But your expressions are so strong that they make me feel almost ashamed of myself, as not deserving them.
I have received the number of Kosmos which is a wonderful honour to me, & I have seen in it thea article by you, but I have not yet had time to read any of it. For || many years I have marveled at the amount of first-rate work which you manage in some inexplicable way to get through; & I rejoice to hear that your health is still good. The Virchow affair was a lamentable one, & I grieved over the narrow views of so distinguished a man, whom I formerly || greatly respected. His conduct is to me quite inexplicable, except by suspecting low motives & b though suspecting is to degrade oneselfc. –
I keep on working, – endeavoring to add a few bricks for building up the noble temple of Science – but not on subjects which would interest you or anyone greatly. –
With heartly wishes for the prosperity in every way of yourself & family, believe me
My dear Häckel
Yours sincerely
Ch. Darwin
a korr. aus: an; b gestr.: by; c korr. aus: onself
