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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: 20 hits

… evolution, sexual selection, and the expression of emotions, Darwin was able to devote 1873 almost …
… (1875) and Cross and self fertilisation (1876). Darwin’s son Francis became increasingly …
… career to become his father’s scientific secretary. Darwin had always relied on assistance from …
… the previous year. As was typical, readers wrote to Darwin personally to offer suggestions, …
… some of which were incorporated in a later edition. Darwin also contributed to discussions in the …
… in animals. The subject was brought closer to home by Francis Galton’s work on inherited talent, …
… Station at Naples. Plants that eat and feel? Darwin had resumed experiments on the …
… to have observed” ( letter to J. D. Hooker, 12 January [1873 ] ). Drosera was the main focus of …
… and alkaloids, and even electrical stimulation. On sending Darwin a specimen of the carnivorous …
… leaf & branch!” ( letter from J. D. Hooker, 12 January 1873 ). Darwin found that the …
… to bend inward, so that the plant closed like a fist. Darwin was fascinated by this transmission of …
… plants , p. 63). The plants secreted a viscid fluid, which Darwin suspected attracted insects by …
… Poisons and electrocution . . . His son Francis was assisting the histologist Edward Emanuel …
… of medical research in London. On the advice of Klein, Francis obtained a new microscope for his …
… Darwin’s other main focus of botanical investigation in 1873 was cross- and self-fertilisation, work …
… on botany, he drew more on assistance from his son Francis . While visiting his fiancée, Amy Ruck, in …
… without instruction or previously acquired knowledge” (A. R. Wallace 1870, p. 204). Moggridge …
… believes whether or not they are sound” ( letter to A. R. Wallace, 17 November 1873 ). But no …
… unorthodoxy, troubling and potentially undermining (J. R. Moore 1985, pp. 471–2). A courted …
… a personification of Natural Filosofy” ( letter from J. C. Costerus and N. D. Doedes, 18 March 1873 …

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: 19 hits

… There are summaries of all Darwin's letters from the year 1879 on this website. The full texts …
… 27 of the print edition of The correspondence of Charles Darwin , published by Cambridge …
… to publish a biographical account of his grandfather Erasmus Darwin to accompany a translation of an …
… the sensitivity of the tips. Despite this breakthrough, when Darwin first mentioned the book to his …
… W. T. Thiselton-Dyer, [after 26] July [1879] ). From July, Darwin had an additional worry: the …
… that his grandfather had felt the same way. In 1792, Erasmus Darwin had written: ‘The worst thing I …
… all over like a baked pear’ ( enclosure in letter from R. W. Dixon, 20 December 1879 ). The year …
… contained a warmer note and the promise of future happiness: Darwin learned he was to be visited by …
… nice and good as could be’ ( letter from Karl Beger, [ c. 12 February 1879] ). The masters of …
… with Charles Darwin and Ernst Haeckel. Kosmos was, as Francis Darwin reported from Germany that …
… the children correctly’, mentioning in particular that Francis Galton was the son of one of Erasmus …
… of the Admiralty described the unknown young man as ‘A M r Darwin grandson of the well known …
… him on 9 June not to ‘expend much powder & shot on M r Butler’, for he really was not worth …
… leaving Darwin ‘more perplexed than ever about life of D r . D’ ( letter to Francis Darwin, 12 …
… the highest point, for his “why”—“what for” &c are incessant’, Darwin joked on 2 July (first …
… and after Farrer’s second marriage to Darwin’s niece in 1873 the Darwins had stayed at the Farrers’ …
… which is his profession tho’ not a profitable one; also D r C[lark]’s opinion that he was so …
… greatly amused Darwin, who felt it was ‘very acute of M r Ruskin to know that I feel a deep & …
… and prevent ‘Cattle diseases, Potato diseases &c’, probably did not know that Darwin had already …

Cross and self fertilisation

Summary

The effects of cross and self fertilisation in the vegetable kingdom, published on 10 November 1876, was the result of a decade-long project to provide evidence for Darwin’s belief that ‘‘Nature thus tells us, in the most emphatic manner, that she abhors…

Matches: 26 hits

… the result of a decade-long project to provide evidence for Darwin’s belief that ‘‘Nature thus tells …
… on plants with two or three different forms of flowers, Darwin had focused on the anatomical and …
… of different forms of pollen. Although many plants that Darwin observed had flowers with adaptations …
… rates, growth, and constitutional vigour. Although Darwin was no stranger to long months and years …
… … is highly remarkable’ In September 1866, Darwin announced to the American botanist …
… several years ( To Édouard Bornet, 1 December 1866 ). Darwin began a series of experiments, …
… ). It was only after a new season of experiments that Darwin would confirm that this poppy shed its …
… access to flowers was only the tip of the iceberg. Darwin next focused on the California …
… conditions’ ( From Fritz Müller, 1 December 1866 ). Darwin’s interest was piqued and he described …
… when self-fertilised, although fewer than crossed plants. Darwin sent some of these seeds to Müller, …
… [1868] ). Müller, in turn, sent seeds from his plants to Darwin and both men continued to …
… Müller remarked, on receiving a new batch of seeds from Darwin, ‘that it was ‘curious to see, on …
… ( From Fritz Müller, 15 June 1869 ). By May 1870, Darwin reported that he was ‘rearing crossed …
… From a fairly early stage in his experimental programme, Darwin began to pay more attention to the …
… seeds of Ipomœa. I remember saying the contrary to you & M r Smith at Kew. But the result is …
… 5 December 1871 ). When Darwin began writing in February 1873 , he asked Hooker for names of …
… system to follow ( To J. D. Hooker, 17 February 1873 ). Despite also working on experiments with …
… with this & get it published’ ( To Asa Gray, 11 March [1873 ] ). In April 1873 , the …
… I am already plagued by foreign Translators, Reviewers, &c.’ ( To John Murray, 4 May [1873 ] ). …
… when it will be published’ ( To J. V. Carus, 8 May [1873 ] ). Hermann Müller also wrote from …
… 8 January 1876] ). It was his cousin, the statistician Francis Galton, who provided a statistical …
… to publish the report in the introduction to the book ( To Francis Galton, 13 January [1876] ). …
… 6 June 1876] ). The project proved to be too complex and Francis Darwin later recalled, ‘the …
… the set of all my works, I would suggest 1,500’ ( To R. F. Cooke, 16 September 1876 ). In the …
… if, as I expect, you find it too much for you’ ( To Francis Darwin, 16 September [1876] ). Francis …
… of hybrids, has not yet been produced’ ( From A. R. Wallace, 13 December 1876 ). No reply to this …

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: 24 hits

… 1874 was one of consolidation, reflection, and turmoil for Darwin. He spent the early months working …
… dispute over an anonymous review that attacked the work of Darwin’s son George dominated the second …
… and traveller Alexander von Humboldt’s 105th birthday, Darwin obliged with a reflection on his debt …
… during prolonged intervals’ ( letter to D. T. Gardner, [ c . 27 August 1874] ). The death of a …
… from W. D. Fox, 8 May [1874] ). Such reminiscences led Darwin to the self-assessment, ‘as for one …
… I feel very old & helpless The year started for Darwin with a week’s visit to …
… Andrew Clark, whom he had been consulting since August 1873 . Darwin had originally thought that …
… ( letter to B. J. Sulivan, 6 January [1874] ). Darwin mentioned his poor health so frequently in …
… 1874 ). Séances, psychics, and sceptics Darwin excused himself for reasons of …
… by George Henry Lewes and Marian Evans (George Eliot), but Darwin excused himself, finding it too …
… had suggested a new edition of the coral book in December 1873 , when he realised the difficulty a …
… vol. 21, letter to Smith, Elder & Co., 17 December [1873 ] ). Darwin himself had some trouble …
… Descent was published in November 1874 ( letter from R. F. Cooke, 12 November 1874 ). Though …
… had cost twenty-four shillings.) Murray’s partner, Robert Francis Cooke, informed Darwin that the …
… on subsequent print runs would be very good ( letter from R. F. Cooke, 12 November 1874 ). …
… of human evolution and inheritance himself. In August 1873 , he had published in the Contemporary …
… (see G. B. Airy ed. 1881). Darwin’s third son Francis married Amy Ruck, the sister of a …
… work on insectivorous plants. Amy drew a plant and Francis was disappointed that they seemed not to …
… the use of the Down schoolroom as a winter reading room in 1873 (see Correspondence , vol. 21, …
… in a few hours dissolve the hardest cartilage, bone & meat &c. &c.’ ( letter to W. D. …
… whether at the ‘close of the putrefaction of flesh, skin &c, any substance is produced before …
… details of an Australian variety of sundew ( letter from T. C. Copland, 23 June 1874 ). …
… Sharpe for promotion at the British Museum ( letter to R. B. Sharpe, 24 November [1874] ). He …
… head that M r Spencer’s terms of equilibration &c always bother me & make everything less …

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: 22 hits

… | Editors and critics | Assistants Darwin’s correspondence helps bring to light a …
… community. Here is a selection of letters exchanged between Darwin and his workforce of women …
… Women: Letter 1194 - Darwin to Whitby, M. A. T., [12 August 1849] Darwin …
… peculiarities in inheritance. Letter 3787 - Darwin, H. E. to Darwin, [29 October …
… in her garden. Letter 4523 - Wedgwood, L. C. to Darwin, [6 June 1864] …
… Egypt. Letter 7223 - Darwin to Wedgwood, L. C., [8 June 1867 - 72] Darwin …
… Henrietta. Letter 7179 - Wedgwood, L. C. to Darwin, [5 May 1870] …
… Letter 8701 - Lubbock, E. F . to Darwin, [1873 ] Ellen Lubbock, wife of naturalist …
… Letter 8989 - Treat, M. to Darwin, [28 July 1873 ] Mary Treat reports in detail on her …
… the wallpaper. Letter 5756 - Langton, E. & C. to Wedgwood S. E., [after 9 …
… Letter 1701 - Morris, M. H. to Prior, R. C. A., [17 June 1855] Margaretta Hare Morris …
… Lychnis diurna. Letter 8168 - Ruck, A. R . to Darwin, H., [20 January 1872] …
… lawn. Letter 8224 - Darwin to Ruck, A. R., [24 February 1872] Darwin …
… Darwin, [9 January 1871] Darwin’s brother-in-law, Francis , reports on the appearance and …
… Letter 1701 - Morris, M. H. to Prior, R. C. A., [17 June 1855] Margaretta Hare Morris …
… Letter 8989 - Treat, M. to Darwin, [28 July 1873 ] Mary Treat provides a detailed …
… tells her eldest son, William, that her third eldest son, Francis , is receiving help with his plant …
… February 1857] Darwin’s nephew, Edmund, writes to Francis with the results of his …
… garden ”. Letter 6083 - Casparay, J. X. R. to Darwin, [2 April 1868] …
… in his home. Letter 10517 - Darwin to Francis , F., [29 May 1876] Darwin …
… 9156 - Wallace, A. R . to Darwin, [19 November 1873 ] Wallace reassures Darwin that …
… 9157 - Darwin to Da rwin, G. H., [20 November 1873 ] Darwin offers the work of …

Movement in Plants

Summary

The power of movement in plants, published on 7 November 1880, was the final large botanical work that Darwin wrote. It was the only work in which the assistance of one of his children, Francis Darwin, is mentioned on the title page. The research for this…

Matches: 22 hits

… 7 November 1880, was the final large botanical work that Darwin wrote. It was the only work in which …
… about their research while he was away from home. Although Darwin lacked a state of the art research …
… research being pursued by other naturalists who, like Francis , had come to this centre for the study …
… methods and use the most advanced laboratory equipment. Darwin also benefitted from the instrument …
… copied but also improved on some of the apparatuses that Francis had been introduced to at Würzburg. …
… plant physiology, but it was at its core informed by Darwin’s theory of evolution, particularly by …
… early 1860s, at a time when his health was especially bad, Darwin had taken up the study of climbing …
… reproduced as a small book, giving it a much wider audience. Darwin was not the first naturalist to …
… from correspondents in response to the work, and by 1873 began preparing a second edition, which …
… about the nature of movement, so much so, that at one point Darwin had considered combining the …
… digestive processes. With his final great botanical work, Darwin would attempt ‘ to bring all the …
… from all over Europe and beyond. When Darwin’s son Francis worked in this laboratory in the summers …
… because Darwin never published on bloom. In August 1873 , while on holiday in Southampton at the home …
… by bloom, but his main preoccupation in the summer of 1873 was his experimental work on …
… themselves from the injurious effects of water. By November 1873 , he was already devising …
… ‘ Frank & I are working very hard on bloom & sleep &c.; but I am horribly afraid all …
… that exhibited all three types of movement ( letter from R. I. Lynch, [before 28 July 1877] ). ‘ …
… to learn about cutting thin sections of soft leaves &c.— Lastly the instrument for making marks …
… the curious mode of germination ’ and concluded, ‘ M r Rattan seems to be a real good observer, …
… or ‘The Nature of the Movements of Plants’ ( letter to R. F. Cooke, 23 April [1880] ). Cooke …
… was willing to publish on the usual terms ( letter from R. F. Cooke, 15 July 1880 ). This was also …
… pay more for at the usual rate of charging per inch &c they w d . be over £40’; he suggested …

Language: key letters

Summary

How and why language evolved bears on larger questions about the evolution of the human species, and the relationship between man and animals. Darwin presented his views on the development of human speech from animal sounds in The Descent of Man (1871),…

Matches: 11 hits

… human species, and the relationship between man and animals. Darwin presented his views on the …
… he first began to reflect on the transmutation of species. Darwin’s correspondence reveals the scope …
… he exchanged information and ideas. Letter 346: Darwin, C. R. to Darwin, C. S., 27 Feb 1837 …
… one stock.” Letter 2070: Wedgwood, Hensleigh to Darwin, C. R., [before 29 Sept 1857] …
… because we can trace the elements into Latin, German &c. but I see much the same sort of thing …
… down of former continents.” Letter 3054: Darwin, C. R. to Lyell, Charles, 2 Feb [1861] …
… that languages, like species, were separately created. Darwin writes to the geologist Charles Lyell …
… I tell him is perfectly logical.” Letter 5605: Darwin, C. R. to Müller, J. F. T., 15 Aug …
… loud noise?” Letter 7040: Wedgwood, Hensleigh to Darwin, C. R., [1868-70?] As …
… gradually growing to such a stage” Letter 8367: Darwin, C. R. to Wright, Chauncey, 3 June …
… altering the breed. Letter 8962: Darwin, C. R. to Max Müller, Friedrich, 3 July 1873 …

Darwin in letters, 1877: Flowers and honours

Summary

Ever since the publication of Expression, Darwin’s research had centred firmly on botany. The year 1877 was no exception. The spring and early summer were spent completing Forms of flowers, his fifth book on a botanical topic. He then turned to the…

Matches: 27 hits

… Ever since the publication of Expression , Darwin’s research had centred firmly on botany. The …
… of these projects would culminate in a major publication. Darwin’s botany was increasingly a …
… assisted his father’s research on movement and bloom, and Darwin in turn encouraged his son’s own …
… The year 1877 was more than usually full of honours. Darwin received two elaborate photograph albums …
… from Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands. Closer to home, Darwin received an honorary Doctorate of …
… sites for possible earthworm activity. Now in his 69th year, Darwin remained remarkably productive, …
… no controversy. In his autobiographical reflections, Darwin remarked: ‘no little discovery of …
… (‘Recollections’, p. 419). During the winter and spring, Darwin was busy preparing the manuscript of …
… and presented to the Linnean Society of London. In the book, Darwin adopted the more recent term …
… as dimorphic without comparing pollen-grains & stigmas’, Darwin remarked to Joseph Dalton …
… measurements of the size and number of pollen-grains, Darwin compared the fertility of individual …
… primrose and purple loosestrife. In the course of his work, Darwin found a number of other …
… dreadful work making out anything about dried flowers’, Darwin complained to Asa Gray on 8 March …
… which include heterstyled species. This pleases me.’. Darwin dedicated the book to Gray, ‘as a small …
… little understood. Darwin had begun studying bloom in August 1873 , but had broken off to concentrate …
… In the end, Darwin did not publish on the subject, but Francis later reported some of the results of …
… 25 August 1877 ). At Down House, Darwin and Francis devised a method of recording leaf …
… one of the young leaves with a delicate twig’ ( letter to R. I. Lynch, 14 September 1877 ). …
… with thread, card, and bits of glass. Encouraging Francis Darwin greatly enjoyed …
… but I think the great honour of its being printed in the R. Soc. Transactions, (sh d . the …
… eminent German botanist Ferdinand Julius Cohn, who confirmed Francis ’s observations: ‘the most …
… larger aim was announced in the subtitle: Zeitschrift fü r einheitliche Weltanschauung auf Grund …
… ‘but found him as soft & smooth as butter’ ( letter to C. E. Norton, 16 March 1877 ). Hooker …
… I hope it may remain for centuries to come’ ( letter from C. C. Graham, 30 January 1877 ). Graham …
… of Siebold’s study of medical monstrosity ( letter from C. T. E. Siebold, 10 October 1877 ). An …
… any recognition by any public bodies of England & that y r . own University w d . like to be …
… at the Senate House yesterday, with a suspended monkey &c; but I believe the cheering was more …

Darwin in letters, 1869: Forward on all fronts

Summary

At the start of 1869, Darwin was hard at work making changes and additions for a fifth edition of Origin. He may have resented the interruption to his work on sexual selection and human evolution, but he spent forty-six days on the task. Much of the…

Matches: 28 hits

… At the start of 1869, Darwin was hard at work making changes and additions for a fifth edition of …
… appeared at the end of 1866 and had told his cousin William Darwin Fox, ‘My work will have to stop a …
… material on emotional expression. Yet the scope of Darwin’s interests remained extremely broad, and …
… plants, and earthworms, subjects that had exercised Darwin for decades, and that would continue to …
… Carl von Nägeli and perfectibility Darwin’s most substantial addition to Origin was a …
… a Swiss botanist and professor at Munich (Nägeli 1865). Darwin had considered Nägeli’s paper …
… principal engine of change in the development of species. Darwin correctly assessed Nägeli’s theory …
… in most morphological features (Nägeli 1865, p. 29). Darwin sent a manuscript of his response (now …
… are & must be morphological’. The comment highlights Darwin’s apparent confusion about Nägeli’s …
… ‘purely morphological’. The modern reader may well share Darwin’s uncertainty, but Nägeli evidently …
… pp. 28–9). In further letters, Hooker tried to provide Darwin with botanical examples he could use …
… problems of heredity Another important criticism that Darwin sought to address in the fifth …
… prevailing theory of blending inheritance that Jenkin and Darwin both shared, would tend to be lost …
… now see is possible or probable’ (see also letter to A. R. Wallace, 22 January [1869] , and …
… of information which I have sent prove of any service to M r . Darwin I can supply him with much …
… & proximate cause in regard to Man’ ( letter to A. R. Wallace, 14 April 1869 ). More …
… and the bird of paradise (Wallace 1869a; letter to A. R. Wallace, 22 March [1869] ), and …
… an injustice & never demands justice’ ( letter to A. R. Wallace, 14 April 1869 ). …
… species that Darwin had investigated in depth ( letter from C. F. Claus, 6 February 1869 ). In a …
… genus that he had studied in the early 1860s ( letter to W. C. Tait, 12 and 16 March 1869 ). This …
… incorporating his latest revisions (Moulinié trans. 1873 ). Reinwald and Moulinié had been engaged …
… Sweetland Dallas’s edition of Fritz Müller’s Fü r Darwin (Dallas trans. 1869). The book, an …
… whole meeting was decidedly Huxley’s answer to D r M c Cann. He literally poured boiling oil …
… of concern were received for months afterwards. Francis Galton: Hereditary genius and …
… Emma read aloud from a new book by Darwin’s half-cousin, Francis Galton. The work, Hereditary …
… is an eminently important difference’ ( letter to Francis Galton, 23 December [1869] ). …
… of inheritance through experiments on rabbits ( letter from Francis Galton, 11 December 1869 ). …
… the first to give me freedom of thought’ ( letter from Francis Galton, 24 December 1869 ). …

Women as a scientific audience

Summary

Target audience? | Female readership | Reading Variation Darwin's letters, in particular those exchanged with his editors and publisher, reveal a lot about his intended audience. Regardless of whether or not women were deliberately targeted as a…

Matches: 7 hits

… Female readership | Reading Variation Darwin's letters, in particular those …
… a broad variety of women had access to, and engaged with, Darwin's published works. A set of …
… women a target audience? Letter 2447 - Darwin to Murray, J., [5 April 1859] …
… that his views are original and will appeal to the public. Darwin asks Murray to forward the …
… and criticisms of style. Letter 2461 - Darwin to Hooker, J. D., [11 May 1859] …
… typically-male readers. Letter 7124 - Darwin to Darwin, H. E., [8 February 1870] …
… - Forster, L. M . to Darwin, H. E., [20 February 1873] Henrietta’s friend, Laura, …

Referencing women’s work

Summary

Darwin's correspondence shows that women made significant contributions to Darwin's work, but whether and how they were acknowledged in print involved complex considerations of social standing, professional standing, and personal preference.…

Matches: 15 hits

… Darwin's correspondence shows that women made significant contributions to Darwin's work, …
… set of selected letters is followed by letters relating to Darwin's 1881 publication …
… throughout Variation . Letter 2395 - Darwin to Holland, Miss, [April 1860] …
… anonymised and masculinised. Letter 3316 - Darwin to Nevill, D. F., [12 November …
… Nevill is referenced by name for her “kindness” in Darwin’s Fertilisation of Orchids . …
… science critic. Letter 4370 - Wedgwood, L. C. to Darwin, [April - May 1865] …
… as “friends in Surrey”. Letter 4794 - Darwin to Lyell, C., [25 March 1865] …
… to state that the information was “received through Sir C. Lyell” or received from “Miss. B”. …
… in the final publication. Letter 7223 - Darwin to Wedgwood, L. C., [9 June 1867 - …
… at him. Letter 7345 - Wedgwood, L. C. to Darwin, [15 June 1872] Darwin’s …
… Letter 8719 - Darwin to Treat, M., [1 January 1873 ] Darwin asks naturalist Mary Treat …
… Darwin, [4 January 1871] Darwin’s brother-in-law, Francis Wedgwood, sends the results of …
… near his house. Letter 8168 - Ruck, A. R. to Darwin, H., [20 January 1872] …
… worm castings . Letter 7345 - Wedgwood, L. C. to Darwin, [15 June 1872] …
… [1 November 1877] Darwin asks his sons, Horace and Francis , to observe earthworm activity …

Animals, ethics, and the progress of science

Summary

Darwin’s view on the kinship between humans and animals had important ethical implications. In Descent, he argued that some animals exhibited moral behaviour and had evolved mental powers analogous to conscience. He gave examples of cooperation, even…

Matches: 23 hits

… Darwin’s view on the kinship between humans and animals had important ethical …
… a live worm on a hook (‘Recollections’, pp. 358, 388). Darwin’s concern for animals aligned with …
… and an integral part of medical and veterinary training. Darwin was clearly disturbed by the …
… about it, else I shall not sleep to-night’ ( letter to E. R. Lankester, 22 March [1871] ). In …
… to the last hour of his life’ ( Descent 1: 40). Darwin’s closest encounter with …
… of different breeds together. Galton reported regularly to Darwin on the results (all negative). He …
… Society, calling into question the theory of pangenesis. Darwin was taken aback, and swiftly replied …
… no longer look after the rabbits (many died from the cold), Darwin offered to give the poor …
… further cross-circulation and ‘Siamesing’ ( letter from Francis Galton, 13 September 1871 ). …
… more influenced by experiments on animals than on plants’, Darwin conceded. ‘I think a large number …
… ( letter to G. J. Romanes, 18 July 1875 ). Darwin was concerned that the method be painless, …
… 1874 ). In the previous sections, we have traced Darwin’s growing interest in physiology and …
… were analogous to those performed on dogs and other animals. Darwin’s work on insectivorous plants …
… handbook for the physiological laboratory (Klein et al. 1873 ), a two volume work designed for …
… an acquaintance of the Darwins, and had corresponded with Darwin cordially about his moral theory, …
… ( letter to F. B. Cobbe, [14 January 1875] ). Darwin’s involvement in the vivisection …
… of which we can now see the bearings in regard to health &c, I look at as puerile. Darwin …
… with costly equipment, a supply of animals, etc.. Darwin was concerned that ‘private men’ would be …
… ( letter to H. E. Litchfield, 4 January [1875] ) Darwin worked closely with Burdon …
… the total abolition of the practice. ‘It seems to me’, Darwin remarked to George Romanes, ‘that …
… organised defence. To bring more solidarity to the field, Darwin’s son Francis , and a number of his …
… ( letter from T. L. Brunton, 12 February 1882 ). Darwin declined the offer to be honorary …
… had its first meeting on 20 April 1882, the day after Darwin’s death. While Darwin was …

Fake Darwin: myths and misconceptions

Summary

Many myths have persisted about Darwin's life and work. Here are a few of the more pervasive ones, with full debunking below...

Matches: 1 hits

… Many myths have persisted about Darwin's life and work. Here are a few of the more pervasive …

Darwin’s queries on expression

Summary

When Darwin resumed systematic research on emotions around 1866, he began to collect observations more widely and composed a list of queries on human expression. A number of handwritten copies were sent out in 1867 (see, for example, letter to Fritz Muller…

Matches: 24 hits

… When Darwin resumed systematic research on emotions around 1866, he began to collect …
… ease of distribution sometime in late 1867 or early 1868. Darwin went over his questions, refining …
… was the collection of observations on a global scale. Darwin was especially interested in peoples …
… cultural and conventional, or instinctive and universal. Darwin used his existing correspondence …
… and with the mouth a little drawn back at the corners?” Darwin’s questionnaire was an extension of …
… was also carefully devised so as to prevent the feelings of Darwin’s remote observers from colouring …
… and not the susceptibilities of a moral nature.” Darwin did not typically countenance such …
… the collection of information to its display in print. After Darwin received all of the replies to …
… except “yes” or “no.” “The same state of mind” Darwin would later assert in Expression of the …
… uniformity.” Table of Correspondence about Darwin’s Questionnaire (click on the letter …
… could available online ahead of schedule as part of the “Darwin and Human Nature” project, funded by …
… nodding vertically Blair, R.H. 11 July …
… Fuegians Brooke, C.A.J. 30 Nov 1870 …
… Dyaks Brooke, C.A.J. 30 April 1871 …
… Southampton, England letter to W.E. Darwin shrugging/pouting of …
… blushing Darwin, Francis 20 June 1867 …
… Bartlett and S. Sutton Darwin, Francis …
… pouting Darwin, W.E. [after 29 March 1868] …
… blushing in blind students Darwin, W.E. [7 …
… blushing Darwin, W.E. [22? April 1868] …
… from Mansel Weale Galton, Francis 7 Nov …
… Reade, Winwood W. [c.8 or 9 Apr 1870] Accra, West …
… in Hottentots Smyth, R. Brough 13 Aug 1868 …
… Weale, J.P.M. [Jan 1873 ] Bedford, Cape of Good Hope, …

Darwin and the Church

Summary

The story of Charles Darwin’s involvement with the church is one that is told far too rarely. It shows another side of the man who is more often remembered for his personal struggles with faith, or for his role in large-scale controversies over the…

Matches: 24 hits

… The story of Charles Darwin’s involvement with the church is one that is told far too rarely. It …
… unique window into this complicated relationship throughout Darwin’s life, as it reveals his …
… belief (and doubt) than many non-conformist denominations. Darwin’s parents attended a Unitarian …
… the necessary studies to be a clergyman. During Darwin’s lifetime, the vast majority of the …
… income was essential to enjoy a gentlemanly lifestyle. For Darwin, who could rely on the financial …
… compatible with the pursuit of scientific interests. Indeed, Darwin’s Cambridge mentor, John Stevens …
… (Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine (1887): 321). Darwin started on his journey around the world …
… it even through a grove of Palms.—’ (letter to Caroline Darwin, 25–6 April [1832] ). Darwin’s …
… Museum or some other learned place’ (letter from E. A. Darwin, 18 August [1832] ). Writing to Fox …
… about—’ (letter to W. D. Fox, [9–12 August] 1835 ). Darwin’s doubts about orthodox belief, and …
… in 1838 and 1839, as can be read here. In the end, Darwin chose a middle course—a life of ease in …
… within six years of his return from the Beagle voyage, Darwin moved to Down House, in the …
… where their children Mary and Charles were buried; later Darwin’s brother Erasmus, Emma’s sister …
… of Emma, whose religious scruples are discussed here. But Darwin’s correspondence reveals his own …
… Although he was not the principal landowner in Down, Darwin was a gentleman of means, and clearly …
… made inroads on Anglican authority in the countryside. The Darwin family took an interest in, and …
… Many of the letters highlighted in this section focus on Darwin’s long-standing relationship with …
… To the end of his life Innes refused to be persuaded by Darwin’s theory of evolution, but …
… cordial; in the first extant letter of the correspondence, Darwin wrote to Innes expressing concern …
… letter of 1854 in which he said, From all I have seen of M r Innes’ conduct towards the poor &amp …
… Innes informed Darwin that though he ‘heard all good of M r . Ffinden’s moral character, his …
… (letter to Down School Board, [after 29 November 1873 ] ). Ffinden fiercely resented Darwin for …
… an interesting letter from Darwin to the evangelist J. W. C. Fegan. Darwin whole-heartedly supported …
… Darwin, including an autobiographical chapter . Edited by Francis Darwin. 3 vols. London: John …

4.7 'Vanity Fair', caricature

Summary

< Back to Introduction A letter to Darwin from his publisher John Murray of 10 May 1871 informed him, ‘Your portrait is earnestly desired – by the Editor of Vanity Fair. I hope Mr Darwin may consent to follow the example of Murchison – Bismark [sic] …

Matches: 15 hits

… < Back to Introduction A letter to Darwin from his publisher John Murray of 10 May …
… desired – by the Editor of Vanity Fair. I hope M r Darwin may consent to follow the example of …
… agreeing to be caricatured in Vanity Fair ’s pages . Darwin’s first reaction was anything but …
… Fair characterisation tallies extremely closely with Francis Darwin’s recollections of his father, …
… from life – and even, perhaps, that it conversely coloured Francis ’s memories. ‘When he sat still he …
… Vanity Fair ’s friendly and convincing likeness of Darwin took its place in a long series of colour …
… by a motto rather than by his name – in the case of Darwin (‘Men of the Day, No. 33’) it was …
… were intermingled with those of royals and aristocrats. Darwin himself, no longer a controversial or …
… evidently thought that Pellegrini would be chosen to draw Darwin, assuring the latter that this …
… House there is a copy of the Vanity Fair caricature of Darwin paired in a single mount and frame …
… (‘Men of the Day’, no. 57, ‘Old Bones’, 1 March 1873 ) (EH88202629). A printed caption has been added …
… further.’ physical location Darwin archive, Cambridge University Library. Other …
… September 1871   computer-readable date c.1871-06-01 to 1871-09-29   …
… no. 152 (30 Sept. 1871), p. 107. Letter from John Murray to Darwin, 10 May 1871 (DCP-LETT-7750). …
… Greenwood Press, 1984), pp. 437-440. Janet Browne, Charles Darwin: The Power of Place. Volume II …

4.35 Frederick Sem, caricature

Summary

< Back to Introduction A caricature drawing of Darwin by Frederick Sem was one of a series of his portrait caricatures acquired by Queen Alexandra for her scrapbook or album, which has been preserved in the Royal Collection. Darwin is shown leaning…

Matches: 8 hits

… < Back to Introduction A caricature drawing of Darwin by Frederick Sem was one of a …
… album, which has been preserved in the Royal Collection. Darwin is shown leaning on a lectern with …
… At bottom left is an inscription, ’Science – Proff r Darwin’. Frederick Sem was French …
… in London. It also shows the antiquarian and writer Thomas Francis Dillon Croker, who may have …
… on the basis of the allusions in their inscriptions to c.1880-1, i.e. some years later than the …
… singly represents a field of activity and achievement. Darwin is ‘Science’, Carlyle ‘Philosophy’, …
… in the 1870s is certainly the most likely in the case of the Darwin cartoon, given its joking …
… date of creation unknown; probably mid-1870s to c. 1880   medium and material pencil and …

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