From Edward Blyth 31 August 1868
Summary
EB is moving to Wiltshire for a week.
Tells CD of animals acquired, or about to be acquired, by the Zoological Garden.
| Author: | Edward Blyth |
| Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Date: | 31 Aug 1868 |
| Classmark: | DAR 160: 215 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-6336 |
Matches: 2 hits
- … a week. Tells CD of animals acquired, or about to be acquired, by the Zoological Garden. …
- … Emmanuel II. Z.G. : the society’s Zoological Gardens in Regent’s Park, London. A hoolock …
To William Bowman 30 March [1868]
Summary
Clarifies his earlier query on Bell’s observations. Seeks confirmation of Bell’s statement that the conjunctiva of a child whose eyes are opened forcibly during a screaming fit become engorged with blood. CD has noted a relationship between contraction of the orbicular muscle and secretion of tears; can WB explain why they appear related?
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | William Bowman, 1st baronet |
| Date: | 30 Mar [1868] |
| Classmark: | Doris Harris Autographs (dealer) (no date) |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-6071 |
Matches: 1 hit
- … of elephants crying and also remarked on the observations made at the Zoological Gardens. …
From James Murie 1 May 1868
Summary
Measurements of the Bornean ape (Macacus inornatus, Gray). [See Descent 1: 151.]
| Author: | James Murie |
| Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Date: | 1 May 1868 |
| Classmark: | DAR 80: B124, B156–7 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-6155 |
Matches: 3 hits
- … 80: B124, B156–7 James Murie Zoological Society Gardens 1 May 1868 Charles Robert Darwin …
- … been found, but CD visited the Zoological Society’s Gardens frequently during his visit to …
- … Zoological Society’s Gardens, | Regent’s Park, | London, N.W. 1 st . May 18 68 Dear Sir It …
From Edward Blyth 24 August 1868
Summary
Discusses the development of horns in antelopes. Remarks on the variation within and between the species of Cervus and on their relationship to each other.
| Author: | Edward Blyth |
| Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Date: | 24 Aug 1868 |
| Classmark: | DAR 86: A34–5, DAR 160: 220 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-6329 |
Matches: 3 hits
- … now C. elaphus hanglu of Kashmir. Z.G. : the Zoological Gardens in Regent’s Park, London. …
- … Koodoo and the young elands in the Zoological Gardens. In the former the female sex is …
- … the common eland) was born in the Zoological Gardens, Regent’s Park, London, on 25 May …
To Ernst Haeckel 30 March [1868]
Summary
Now understands importance of swim-bladder in selachians. Always imagined animal like Lepidosiren was parent form of vertebrates.
Has been nearly a month in London, collecting facts on sexual selection from breeders and at Zoological Gardens.
Astonished at hybrid of rabbit and hare. Is it certain that work was done with hare?
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | Ernst Philipp August (Ernst) Haeckel |
| Date: | 30 Mar [1868] |
| Classmark: | Ernst-Haeckel-Haus (Bestand A-Abt. 1: 1–52/17) |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-6070 |
Matches: 2 hits
- … sexual selection from breeders and at Zoological Gardens. Astonished at hybrid of rabbit …
- … of breeders & visiting them & the zoological Gardens. This subject will be the chief one …
To G. H. K. Thwaites 28 September [1868]
Summary
Asks him to thank E. L. Layard for trouble taken.
Says Zoological Society "very foolishly" wants no specimens of domestic varieties [from Ceylon].
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | George Henry Kendrick Thwaites |
| Date: | 28 Sept [1868] |
| Classmark: | American Philosophical Society (Mss.B.D25.343) |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-6395 |
Matches: 1 hit
- … The Zoological Society of London administered the Zoological Gardens at Regent’s Park. …
From Edward Blyth 21 September 1868
Summary
Discusses the top-knot turkey and the occasional appearance of the top-knot in a breed of cream-coloured turkeys.
| Author: | Edward Blyth |
| Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Date: | 21 Sept 1868 |
| Classmark: | DAR 160: 222 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-6383 |
Matches: 2 hits
- … Blyth refers to the Zoological Gardens in Regent’s Park, London, and probably to the …
- … Dee Bartlett , superintendent of the zoological gardens. The India Sporting Review was …
From J. J. Weir [before 17] October 1868
Summary
Both sexes of Crossoptilon auritum (eared pheasant) obtained the red cheeks the first year.
Coloration of the linnet.
| Author: | John Jenner Weir |
| Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Date: | [before 17] Oct 1868 |
| Classmark: | DAR 86: A36, 53; DAR 84.1: 139 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-6421 |
Matches: 2 hits
- … and n. 9). He also refers to the Zoological Gardens, Regent’s Park, London. In Descent 1: …
- … received this information from the Zoological Gardens. CD cited Weir for this information …
From Edward Blyth 5 April 1868
Summary
Discusses the human foot and its abnormalities; notes an example of syndactylism.
Gives his observations on sexual differences in coloration of terns and ostriches.
| Author: | Edward Blyth |
| Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Date: | 5 Apr 1868 |
| Classmark: | DAR 84.1: 136, DAR 160: 213 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-6094 |
Matches: 2 hits
- … Dee Bartlett and to a keeper at the Zoological Gardens, Regent’s Park, London, who has not …
- … have mentioned the keeper at the Zoological Gardens when he met CD in London on 24 March ( …
From George Robert Gray 2 April 1868
Summary
On the changes in plumage of scarlet ibis at the zoo in breeding season.
| Author: | George Robert Gray |
| Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Date: | 2 Apr 1868 |
| Classmark: | DAR 84.1: 90–1 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-6082 |
Matches: 1 hit
- … Eudocimus ruber. The keeper at the Zoological Gardens in Regent’s Park, London, has not …
To Director, Natura Artis Magistra 28 November 1868
Summary
Asks whether the spurs in the young of Pavo muticus are developed earlier or later in life than in the young males of Pavo cristatus.
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | Natura Artis Magistra (Artis). |
| Date: | 28 Nov 1868 |
| Classmark: | Stadsarchief Amsterdam (395: 614) |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-6484F |
Matches: 1 hit
- … For more on the history of the zoological gardens ‘Natura Artis Magistra’ in Amsterdam, …
From J. J. Weir 16 April 1868
Summary
Describes a curious litter of rabbits.
Pairing of rooks, courtship of golden pheasant.
Behaviour of finch hybrids.
Seasonal coloration of birds; bright plumage results from sexual selection.
| Author: | John Jenner Weir |
| Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Date: | 16 Apr 1868 |
| Classmark: | DAR 84.1: 71–2, 140, DAR 181: 75 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-6125 |
Matches: 2 hits
- … to 1 April 1868, CD visited the zoological gardens at Regent’s Park. Gallinula chloropus. …
- … this perhaps you observed at the Zoological Gardens when there, it may be observed …
From Edward Blyth 8 September 1868
Summary
Thanks CD for invitation to Down.
| Author: | Edward Blyth |
| Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Date: | 8 Sept 1868 |
| Classmark: | DAR 160: 216 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-6358 |
Matches: 1 hit
- … s diary (DAR 242)). Z.G. : the Zoological Gardens in Regent’s Park, London. See also …
From Edward Blyth 2 July 1868
Summary
Has examined three races of the mouflon sheep and remarks on the extent of variation in them.
| Author: | Edward Blyth |
| Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Date: | 2 July 1868 |
| Classmark: | DAR 160: 217 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-6263 |
Matches: 1 hit
- … Zoological Society of London (the Zoological Gardens) in March 1868. A third was presented …
From J. Noordhoek Hegt 11 December 1868
Summary
On spurs in peacocks. [See Descent 1: 290 n.]
| Author: | J. Noordhoek Hegt |
| Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Date: | 11 Dec 1868 |
| Classmark: | DAR 86: A39 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-6499 |
Matches: 1 hit
- … on many bird species kept at the Zoological Gardens in Regent’s Park, London. An undated …
From Samuel Owen Glenie to G. H. K. Thwaites [before 31 October 1868]
Summary
Relates some observations on the expression of elephants; they do not cry unless the eye is hurt or struck. "Perhaps Mr Darwin will like to know the above."
| Author: | Samuel Owen Glenie |
| Addressee: | George Henry Kendrick Thwaites |
| Date: | [before 31 Oct 1868] |
| Classmark: | DAR 165: 55 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-6440 |
Matches: 1 hit
- … observations of elephants at the Zoological Gardens, Regent’s Park, London, see the letter …
To W. E. Darwin [15 March 1868]
Summary
Asks WED to observe blushing in the blind, and yawning.
Mentions elephants’ crying while trumpeting.
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | William Erasmus Darwin |
| Date: | [15 Mar 1868] |
| Classmark: | DAR 210.6: 127 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-6067 |
Matches: 1 hit
- … described the elephant at the Zoological Gardens, Regent’s Park, London, in Expression , …
From Edward Blyth [3 April 1868]
Summary
Discusses apes and their relationships to each other. Writes particularly of the gibbon, its structure and well-developed legs giving it the ability to walk without using its hands.
| Author: | Edward Blyth |
| Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Date: | [3 Apr 1868] |
| Classmark: | DAR 45: 29, DAR 83: 156 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-6089 |
Matches: 2 hits
- … Dee Bartlett . The keeper at the Zoological Gardens, Regent’s Park, London, who had …
- … are restricted to South America. The Zoological Gardens had received two North American …
To G. H. K. Thwaites 19 May [1868]
Summary
GHKT should not take more trouble about human expression. Discusses contraction of orbicular muscles in elephants.
Asks about colour of first plumage of breeds of Ceylon fowls in which hens alone are coloured.
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | George Henry Kendrick Thwaites |
| Date: | 19 May [1868] |
| Classmark: | American Philosophical Society (Mss.B.D25.342) |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-6184 |
Matches: 1 hit
- … Expression , pp. 167–8. CD refers to the Zoological Gardens in Regent’s Park, London. CD …
From Edward Blyth 6 February 1868
Summary
Discusses the origin and characters of sheep breeds, particularly the merino.
Reports observations on reversion to wild type in canary mules
and lists some animals that show a unique development restricted to one side of their bodies.
| Author: | Edward Blyth |
| Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Date: | 6 Feb 1868 |
| Classmark: | DAR 160: 212 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-5845 |
Matches: 1 hit
- … sheep … lately exhibited in the Zoological Gardens’ of London as a remarkable instance of …
| letter | (28) |
| Darwin, C. R. | (20) |
| Thwaites, G. H. K. | (3) |
| Bowman, William | (1) |
| Darwin, W. E. | (1) |
| Haeckel, Ernst | (1) |
| Darwin, C. R. | (27) |
| Blyth, Edward | (12) |
| Weir, J. J. | (5) |
| Thwaites, G. H. K. | (3) |
| Bowman, William | (1) |
Darwin in letters, 1879: Tracing roots
Summary
Darwin spent a considerable part of 1879 in the eighteenth century. His journey back in time started when he decided to publish a biographical account of his grandfather Erasmus Darwin to accompany a translation of an essay on Erasmus’s evolutionary ideas…
Matches: 1 hits
- … There are summaries of all Darwin's letters from the year 1879 on this website. The full texts of …
Women’s scientific participation
Summary
Observers | Fieldwork | Experimentation | Editors and critics | Assistants Darwin’s correspondence helps bring to light a community of women who participated, often actively and routinely, in the nineteenth-century scientific community. Here is a…
Matches: 1 hits
- … Observers | Fieldwork | Experimentation | Editors and critics | Assistants …
Before Origin: the ‘big book’
Summary
Darwin began ‘sorting notes for Species Theory’ on 9 September 1854, the very day he concluded his eight-year study of barnacles (Darwin's Journal). He had long considered the question of species. In 1842, he outlined a theory of transmutation in a…
Matches: 1 hits
- … Darwin began ‘sorting notes for Species Theory’ on 9 September 1854, the very day he concluded his …
List of correspondents
Summary
Below is a list of Darwin's correspondents with the number of letters for each one. Click on a name to see the letters Darwin exchanged with that correspondent. "A child of God" (1) Abberley,…
Matches: 1 hits
- … Below is a list of Darwin's correspondents with the number of letters for each one. Click …
Darwin’s reading notebooks
Summary
In April 1838, Darwin began recording the titles of books he had read and the books he wished to read in Notebook C (Notebooks, pp. 319–28). In 1839, these lists were copied and continued in separate notebooks. The first of these reading notebooks (DAR 119…
Matches: 1 hits
- … In April 1838, Darwin began recording the titles of books he had read and the books he wished to …
Darwin in letters, 1874: A turbulent year
Summary
The year 1874 was one of consolidation, reflection, and turmoil for Darwin. He spent the early months working on second editions of Coral reefs and Descent of man; the rest of the year was mostly devoted to further research on insectivorous plants. A…
Matches: 1 hits
- … The year 1874 was one of consolidation, reflection, and turmoil for Darwin. He spent the early …
Darwin in letters, 1821-1836: Childhood to the Beagle voyage
Summary
Darwin's first known letters were written when he was twelve. They continue through school-days at Shrewsbury, two years as a medical student at Edinburgh University, the undergraduate years at Cambridge, and the of the voyage of H.M.S. Beagle.…
Matches: 1 hits
- … Darwin's first known letters were written when he was twelve. They continue through his school …
What is an experiment?
Summary
Darwin is not usually regarded as an experimenter, but rather as an astute observer and a grand theorist. His early career seems to confirm this. He began with detailed note-taking, collecting and cataloguing on the Beagle, and edited a descriptive zoology…
Matches: 1 hits
- … Darwin is not usually regarded as an experimenter, but rather as an astute observer and a grand …
Darwin's bad days
Summary
Despite being a prolific worker who had many successes with his scientific theorising and experimenting, even Darwin had some bad days. These times when nothing appeared to be going right are well illustrated by the following quotations from his letters:
Matches: 1 hits
- … Despite being a prolific worker who had many successes with his scientific theorising and …
2.11 Christian Lehr, plaster bust
Summary
< Back to Introduction A plaster bust of Darwin by the German artist Christian Wilhelm Jacob Lehr the younger, dating from 1883, has found its way to a historic zoological library in the Netherlands. This is the Artis Bibliotheek, Natura Artis…
Matches: 1 hits
- … < Back to Introduction A plaster bust of Darwin by the German artist Christian …
Darwin's in letters, 1873: Animal or vegetable?
Summary
Having laboured for nearly five years on human evolution, sexual selection, and the expression of emotions, Darwin was able to devote 1873 almost exclusively to his beloved plants. He resumed work on the digestive powers of sundews and Venus fly traps, and…
Matches: 1 hits
- … Having laboured for nearly five years on human evolution, sexual selection, and the expression of …
Darwin in letters,1870: Human evolution
Summary
The year 1870 is aptly summarised by the brief entry Darwin made in his journal: ‘The whole of the year at work on the Descent of Man & Selection in relation to Sex’. Descent was the culmination of over three decades of observations and reflections on…
Matches: 1 hits
- … The year 1870 is aptly summarised by the brief entry Darwin made in his journal: ‘The whole of the …
John Stevens Henslow
Summary
The letters Darwin exchanged with John Stevens Henslow, professor of Botany and Mineralogy at Cambridge University, were among the most significant of his life. It was a letter from Henslow that brought Darwin the invitation to sail round the world as…
Matches: 1 hits
- … The letters Darwin exchanged with John Stevens Henslow, professor of Botany and Mineralogy at …
About Darwin
Summary
To many of us, Darwin’s name is synonymous with his theory of evolution by natural selection. But even before the publication of On the Origin of Species in 1859, he was publicly known through his popular book about the voyage of the Beagle, and he was…
Matches: 1 hits
- … To many of us, Darwin’s name is synonymous with his theory of evolution by natural selection. But …
About Darwin
Summary
To many of us, Darwin’s name is synonymous with his theory of evolution by natural selection. But even before the publication of On the Origin of Species in 1859, he was publicly known through his popular book about the voyage of the Beagle, and he was…
Matches: 1 hits
- … To many of us, Darwin’s name is synonymous with his theory of evolution by natural selection. But …
Darwin in letters, 1856-1857: the 'Big Book'
Summary
In May 1856, Darwin began writing up his 'species sketch’ in earnest. During this period, his working life was completely dominated by the preparation of his 'Big Book', which was to be called Natural selection. Using letters are the main…
Matches: 1 hits
- … On 14 May 1856, Charles Darwin recorded in his journal that he ‘Began by Lyell’s advice writing …
Darwin in letters, 1868: Studying sex
Summary
The quantity of Darwin’s correspondence increased dramatically in 1868 due largely to his ever-widening research on human evolution and sexual selection.Darwin’s theory of sexual selection as applied to human descent led him to investigate aspects of the…
Matches: 1 hits
- … On 6 March 1868, Darwin wrote to the entomologist and accountant John Jenner Weir, ‘If …
Darwin in letters, 1872: Job done?
Summary
'My career’, Darwin wrote towards the end of 1872, 'is so nearly closed. . . What little more I can do, shall be chiefly new work’, and the tenor of his correspondence throughout the year is one of wistful reminiscence, coupled with a keen eye…
Matches: 1 hits
- … ‘My career’, Darwin wrote towards the end of 1872, ‘is so nearly closed. . . What little more I …
Darwin in letters, 1863: Quarrels at home, honours abroad
Summary
At the start of 1863, Charles Darwin was actively working on the manuscript of The variation of animals and plants under domestication, anticipating with excitement the construction of a hothouse to accommodate his increasingly varied botanical experiments…
Matches: 1 hits
- … At the start of 1863, Charles Darwin was actively working on the manuscript of The variation of …
Darwin in letters,1866: Survival of the fittest
Summary
The year 1866 began well for Charles Darwin, as his health, after several years of illness, was now considerably improved. In February, Darwin received a request from his publisher, John Murray, for a new edition of Origin. Darwin got the fourth…
Matches: 1 hits
- … The year 1866 began well for Charles Darwin, as his health, after several years of illness, was …
