d a sketch of a theory of Natural Selection as depending
on the struggle for existence so identical with one he himself
entertained and fully described in MS. in 1842 that he never saw a
more striking coincidence: had Mr. Wallace seen his sketch he
could not have made a better short abstract, even his terms
standing "as heads of chapters." He goes on to say that he would
at once write to Mr. Wallace offering to send his MS. to any
journal; and concludes: "So my originality is smashed, though my
book [the forthcoming 'Origin of Species'], if it will have any
value will not be deteriorated, as all know the labour consists in
the application of the theory."

After writing to Sir Charles Lyell, Mr. Darwin informed me of Mr.
Wallace's letter and its enclosure, in a similar strain, only more
explicitly announcing his resolve to abandon all claim to priority
for his own sketch. I could not but protest against such a course,
no doubt reminding him that I had read it and that Sir Charles
knew its contents some years before the arrival of Mr. Wallace's
letter; and that our withholding our knowledge of its priority
would be unjustifiable. I further suggested the simultaneous
publication of the two, and offered--should he agree to such a
compromise--to write to Mr. Wallace fully informing him of the
motives of the course adopted.

In answer Mr. Darwin thanked me warmly for my offer to explain all
to Mr. Wallace, and in a later letter he informed me that he was
disposed to look favourably on my suggested compromise, but that
before making up his mind he desired a second opinion as to
whether he could honourably claim priority, and that he proposed
applying to Sir Charles Lyell for this. I need not say that this
was a relief to me, knowing as I did what Sir Charles's answer
must be.

In Vol. II., pp. 117-18, of the "Life and Letters," Mr. Darwin's
application to Sir Charles Lyell is given, dated June 26th, with a
postscript dated June 27th. In it he requests that the answer
shall be sent to me to be forwarded to himself. I have no
recollection of reading the answer, which is not to be found
either in Darwin's or my own correspondence; it was no doubt
satisfactory.

Further action was now left in the hands of Sir Charles and
myself, we all agreeing that, whatever action was taken,