Darwin, C. R. to Murray, John (b)
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Will send MS of first part [of Journal of researches] on Thursday morning, enclosing suggested title and dedication. Urges inclusion of map. Requests another £50 for copyright, as offer of £100 was made when only two parts were planned.
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Transcription
Down near Bromley Kent
Saturday
Dear Sir
I had intended writing to you to say that I w
I have well considered & consulted others on title-page: I think from honesty
& policy (as the work has been much quoted) we must keep to nearly the same
title: I hope you will approve of the enclosed, which is strictly accurate &
does not give the idea of exclusive science, as the ‘Journal’ is so
prominent. I do not know how far you value M
Should you [not] object to the enclosed short Dedication, it w
I enclose the map, of which I have the copper-plate. To my own taste & that of every person, whom I ever heard speak of the subject, a map in a volume of Travels is very agreeable: please inform me of your decision before Wednesday night, that I may send it or not with the M.S.
Please return the Map and Title & Dedication: of the latter I beg you not say a
word to M
I have borrowed a few woodcuts from my Geological volumes: & I have had one
made at 12
Will the Table of Contents ie Chapters belonging to the First Number be published in
the First Number, or the whole Contents in the 3
The condensing the scientific parts & additions have cost me infinitely more
time than I anticipated, otherwise I sh
Finally—I take the liberty of calling your attention to the fact, that when you offered me 100£, it was for the two numbers. I did not choose to throw any obstacle in our arrangements; nor of course will I now do so; but for the copyright of my Journal in three numbers, I think 100£ is < > sum. Do you think you could afford to allow me an additional fifty? I assure you I have taken the utmost pains with this new Edition
Believe me dear Sir | Yours very faithfully | C. Darwin
To | J. Murray
E
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- f1 872.f1
The title eventually decided upon was Journal of researches into the natural history and geology of the countries visited during the voyage of H.M.S. Beagle round the world. The main change from the first edition title was the reverse order of ‘geology’ and ‘natural history’. - +
- f2 872.f2
The dedication read:To Charles Lyell, Esq., F.R.S., this second edition is dedicated with grateful pleasure, as an acknowledgment that the chief part of whatever scientific merit this journal and the other works of the author may possess, has been derived from studying the well-known and admirable Principles of Geology. - +
- f3 872.f3
No map was included in the volume (see letter to John Murray, [4 June 1845]). - +
- f4 872.f4
The scissor-beak, Rhynchops nigra, is illustrated on p. 137. See also Birds, pp. 143–4. - +
- f5 872.f5
A word was torn out when the seal was broken.