Search Results
Click on green bar to expand summary; 'direct' to go straight to entry. * indicates transcription available.
* direct »Letter 2086 — Darwin, C. R. to Wallace, A. R., 1 May 1857
Reports long preparation of work on how species and varieties differ. Agreement with Wallace's conclusions as reported in Annals and Magazine of Natural History and in his letter to CD of 10 0ct [1856]. On distinction between domestic varieties and those in "a state of nature". On mating of jaguars and leopards, the breeding of poultry, pigeons, etc. Requests help for his experimenting on means of distribution of organic beings on oceanic islands.
* direct »Letter 2192 — Darwin, C. R. to Wallace, A. R., 22 Dec 1857
Comments on agreement of their respective views on distribution. Reference to differences on subsidence. Reports on progress of his work and praises ARW's investigations.
* direct »Letter 2405 — Darwin, C. R. to Wallace, A. R., 25 Jan [1859]
Expresses pleasure and relief at ARW's response to joint publication of their pieces about natural selection. Plans for the "abstract" [Origin].Birds' nests as evidence of variation of instincts.Their collection of bees' combs.Praises ARW's article.Lyell's and Hooker's views [of species issue].
* direct »Letter 2449 — Darwin, C. R. to Wallace, A. R., 6 Apr 1859
First part of Origin MS is with Murray;CD hopes he has noticed ARW's work fairly. ARW is right in thinking that CD was led to believe that selection was the principle of change from studying domesticated productions and that after reading Malthus he "saw at once how to apply this principle". Geographical distribution and geological relations of extinct and recent inhabitants of S. America first led him to the subject, "Especially case of Galapagos Islds". Hooker and Lubbock are full converts and Huxley now believes in species mutation. "We shall live to see all the younger men converts." Praises ARW's work and spirit. CD had actually written a letter to ARW stating he would not publish before him but was persuaded by Lyell and Hooker to allow them to act "as they thought fair & honourably".
* direct »Letter 2480 — Darwin, C. R. to Wallace, A. R., 9 Aug 1859
Will forward ARW's "admirable" paper to Linnean Society ["On the zoological geography of the Malay Archipelago", J. Linn. Soc. Lond. (Zool.) 4 (1860): 172–84]. Discusses geographical distribution of animals in the Malay Archipelago; relation of distribution to depth of sea between islands. Relation of Celebes to Africa almost passes belief. Differs wholly from ARW on colonisation of oceanic islands; does not believe in Forbes's great continental extensions. Anticipates Owen's opposition to their views, but "he is a poor reasoner & deeply considers the good opinion of the world, especially the aristocratic world".
* direct »Letter 2529 — Darwin, C. R. to Wallace, A. R., 13 Nov 1859
A copy of CD's book [Origin] has been sent to ARW; invites his comments. "God knows what the public will think". Hooker believes Lyell is a convert, but CD does not think so, although he is "deeply interested". If he can convert Huxley, CD will be content.
* direct »Letter 2807 — Darwin, C. R. to Wallace, A. R., 18 May 1860
Pleasure in ARW's approbation of the Origin. Other supporters among scientists. ARW's generosity. Attacks by Owen, Sedgwick, and others.Anticipation of natural selection by Matthew in 1830.
* direct »Letter 3570 — Darwin, C. R. to Wallace, A. R., 24 [May 1862]
Quarterly Review piece written by Bishop Wilberforce with aid of Owen. Other reviews mentioned.Health.
* direct »Letter 3689 — Darwin, C. R. to Wallace, A. R., 20 Aug [1862]
Family illnesses.On disposition of wild honeycomb gift.Discounts the difficulty presented by ostrich wings.
* direct »Letter 4310 — Darwin, C. R. to Wallace, A. R., [29 Sept? 1863]
Baffling problems with Melastoma. Appreciates ARW's help with it and the "gorze case". Has read report of ARW's paper [to Newcastle BAAS meeting, "On the geographical distribution of animal life"] in the Reader [2 (1863): 352–3].