GHL to John Blackwood, Wandsworth, 1 April 1859
Title
GHL to John Blackwood, Wandsworth, 1 April 1859
Title
GHL to John Blackwood, Wandsworth, 1 April 1859
Sender
George Henry Lewes
Recipient
John Blackwood
Date(s)
- 1859-04-01
Place
Wandsworth
Letter Content
GHL to John Blackwood, Wandsworth, 1 April 1859
MS: National Library of Scotland.
Holly Lodge, Southfields | 1 April 1859.
My dear Blackwood
I don't know how far my heathenism might be an objection to my writing an article on Owen and his Discoveries, but I know that my ignorance would be a very formidable objection against such an attempt. Indeed there are very few men in England at all competent; the paleontologists are not sufficiently versed in comparative anatomy and the anatomists seldom know enough of paleontology.
Moreover I doubt whether an interesting paper could be written on Owen at the present time; all that would interest the public has been told over and over again -- quite recently in the North British and Quarterly Reviews. 438 I so greatly admire and like Owen, that I would rejoice at all honor he might anywhere receive; but I don't think he affords you or me a chance just now, of expressing more than a general admiration.
If you will tell Langford to put himself in communication with Tr'fcbner on Brockhaus's affairs (Tr'fcbner acts as his agent) I will write to Leipzig today to send them word to that effect. 439 I concluded that "Ponds" had swamped you, by my not getting a proof.
Should the "Thunderer" 440 nod and shake Olympus, please remember we don't see that majestic person. I observe the West. Rev. has a long article on "Adam Bede." The more the merrier. Plus on est de fous et plus on rit. 441
By the way I must tell you of an honor which has come to your physiologist -- Victor Carus, 442 a celebrated German Anatomist, has offered to translate the "Physiology" for Brockhaus. That will have good effect on our public, when known, meanwhile it is a pleasant tribute.
Ever faithfully yours,
G. H. Lewes.
MS: National Library of Scotland.
Holly Lodge, Southfields | 1 April 1859.
My dear Blackwood
I don't know how far my heathenism might be an objection to my writing an article on Owen and his Discoveries, but I know that my ignorance would be a very formidable objection against such an attempt. Indeed there are very few men in England at all competent; the paleontologists are not sufficiently versed in comparative anatomy and the anatomists seldom know enough of paleontology.
Moreover I doubt whether an interesting paper could be written on Owen at the present time; all that would interest the public has been told over and over again -- quite recently in the North British and Quarterly Reviews. 438 I so greatly admire and like Owen, that I would rejoice at all honor he might anywhere receive; but I don't think he affords you or me a chance just now, of expressing more than a general admiration.
If you will tell Langford to put himself in communication with Tr'fcbner on Brockhaus's affairs (Tr'fcbner acts as his agent) I will write to Leipzig today to send them word to that effect. 439 I concluded that "Ponds" had swamped you, by my not getting a proof.
Should the "Thunderer" 440 nod and shake Olympus, please remember we don't see that majestic person. I observe the West. Rev. has a long article on "Adam Bede." The more the merrier. Plus on est de fous et plus on rit. 441
By the way I must tell you of an honor which has come to your physiologist -- Victor Carus, 442 a celebrated German Anatomist, has offered to translate the "Physiology" for Brockhaus. That will have good effect on our public, when known, meanwhile it is a pleasant tribute.
Ever faithfully yours,
G. H. Lewes.
Signature
G. H. Lewes.
Citation
George Henry Lewes, GHL to John Blackwood, Wandsworth, 1 April 1859, Complete George Eliot Letters(2026), George Eliot Archive, edited by Beverley Park Rilett. https://GeorgeEliotArchive.org, Accessed September 7, 2026. https://www.georgeeliotarchive.org/items/show/94805