Has not been well.
Plans a geological trip to Glen Roy in Scotland.
Thanks WDF for remembering the crossing of animals, CD's "prime hobby". "I really think some day I shall be able to do something on that most intricate subject species and varieties."
Comments on receiving copy of Lyell's Elements [of geology]. Much is new to CD, and he is copying out notes and references.
Criticises geological work of John Phillips.
Describes expedition to Glen Roy, about which he is writing a paper ["Parallel roads of Glen Roy" (1839), Collected papers 1: 87-137].
Enjoys the Athenaeum Club.
Criticises entomological work of F. W. Hope.
Asks Lyell to obtain for him a copy of barometric readings made at Leith.
Asks him to ascertain altitude of several Scottish lochs.
Comments on FitzRoy's character.
Would like to talk over Salisbury Craigs with CD.
CL's father enthusiastic over Journal of researches.
Comments on Élie de Beaumont's theory of mountain elevation.
Asks about parallel lines of upheaval and depression in the Pacific.
Glad CD likes Athenaeum Club.
Comments on methods of work.
Invites CD to visit Kinnordy.
Defends BAAS: "in this country no importance is attached to any body of men who do not make occasional demonstrations of their strength in public meetings".
With respect to Glen Roy, notes existence of deposits destitute of shells.
Comments on an article in Edinburgh Review [by David Brewster, 67 (1838): 271-308] on Comte's Philosophie positive.
Discusses falsity of Élie de Beaumont's views of contemporaneous parallel lines of elevation and subsidence.
Owen's views of relationship of reptiles to birds.
On "question of species" CD has filled notebook after notebook with facts, "which begin to group themselves clearly under sub-laws".
Announces his engagement.
Glad CW wondered at Glen Roy. "I saw nothing in my peregrinations to the Antipodes nearly so curious in physical geography."
Congratulations on CD's engagement.
In answer to CD's request, tells him how to locate an artist who made excellent sketches of Scotland, and probably of Glen Roy. AW himself made a sketch of the Glen which he offers to CD [Collected papers 1: 88].
Has moved into the Gower Street house. Is pleased with it and its location.
Hopes to be able to finish his Glen Roy paper soon.
Emma is surprised how quickly CD has moved into the new house and understands his feeling of triumph. Wants him and Fanny [Mrs Hensleigh] Wedgwood to settle on hiring a cook.
Is reading Mansfield Park [Jane Austen (1814)], which she finds "very suitable".
Has been with the Lyells doing geology.
Is reading a biography of Sir W. Scott [J. G. Lockhart, Memoirs of the life of Sir Walter Scott (1837-8)]; also Mungo Park's book [Travels (1799)].
Has hired a cook at fourteen guineas a year with tea and sugar.
Discusses his Glen Roy paper [(1839), Collected papers 1: 87-137], which he is sending to CL.
Remarks on Charles MacLaren's treatment of alluvium. Comments on alluvial action in Lochaber.
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