[VadeRetro]

They mean Darwin was smart enough to weasel his way out of directly endorsing a controversial publication. Some might call it "testifying inconsistently."

There is no weaseling and nothing inconsistent in Darwin's position.

I shd prefer the Part or Volume not to be dedicated to me (though I thank you for the intended honour) as this implies to a certain extent my approval of the general publication, about which I know nothing...

[Fester Chugabrew]

Darwin says, "though I thank you for the honor," when under his breath he was probably muttering, "lest I be shot." At any rate, these words indicate Darwin wanted to distance himself from the author. But why would Marx want to dedicate a book, or volume, to Darwin? I happen to think Darwin did not really write what was on his mind, but measured his words so as to avoid a confrontation. Shall we put him on a stand and make him take an oath?