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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: 15 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
  • wrinkles one all over like a baked pear’ ( enclosure in letter from R. W. Dixon, 20 December 1879
  • itself, or gone some other way round?’ At least the last letter of 1879 contained a warmer note and
  • Seventy years old Darwins seventieth birthday on 12 February was a cause for international
  • and good as could be’ ( letter from Karl Beger, [ c. 12 February 1879] ). The masters of
  • … ). The botanist and schoolteacher Hermann Müller wrote on 12 February to wish Darwin along and
  • 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
  • itvery dull,—almost too dull to publish’, while Leonard Darwin considered that insufficient
  • well, and with little fatigue’ ( letter to G. H. Darwin, 12 July 1879 , and letter from Leonard
  • ever about life of D r . D’ ( letter to Francis Darwin, 12 July [1879] ). It was little
  • Darwin found the innvery comfortable’, but told Leonard Darwin on 12 August that there

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: 21 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 Darwins son George dominated the second
  • and traveller Alexander von Humboldts 105th birthday, Darwin obliged with a reflection on his debt
  • be done by observation during prolonged intervals’ ( letter to D. T. Gardner, [ c . 27 August
  • pleasures of shooting and collecting beetles ( letter from W. D. Fox, 8 May [1874] ).  Such
  • Andone looks backwards much more than forwards’ ( letter to W. D. Fox, 11 May [1874] ). …
  • Andrew Clark, whom he had been consulting since August 1873. Darwin had originally thought that
  • was an illusory hope.— I feel very old & helpless’  ( letter to B. J. Sulivan, 6 January [1874] …
  • inferred that he was well from his silence on the matter ( letter from Ernst Haeckel, 26 October
  • … (letters from George Cupples, 21 February 1874 and 12 March 1874 ); the material was
  • the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii; letters from T. N. Staley, 12 February 1874 and 20 February 1874
  • …  was published in November 1874 ( letter from R. F. Cooke, 12 November 1874 ). Though containing
  • had cost twenty-four shillings.) Murrays partner, Robert Francis Cooke, informed Darwin that the
  • print runs would be very good ( letter from R. F. Cooke, 12 November 1874 ). Darwin's
  • Review & in the same type’  ( letter from John Murray, 12 August 1874 ). Georges letter
  • in sympathy: ‘If anybody tries that on with my boy Leonard the old wolf will shew all the fangs he
  • … [1874] ). At the end of June, Darwins fourth son, Leonard, who had joined the Royal
  • son of the Astronomer Royal, George Biddell Airy, to help Leonard gain the commission ( …
  • took twelve weeks aboard the immigrant ship  Merope . Leonard joined a colourful collection of
  • … (see G. B. Airy ed. 1881). Darwins 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

Darwin in letters, 1862: A multiplicity of experiments

Summary

1862 was a particularly productive year for Darwin. This was not only the case in his published output (two botanical papers and a book on the pollination mechanisms of orchids), but more particularly in the extent and breadth of the botanical experiments…

Matches: 22 hits

  • indicates, 1862 was a particularly productive year for Darwin. This was not only the case in his
  • promotion of his theory of natural selection also continued: Darwins own works expanded on it, …
  • but really I do think you have a good right to be so’ ( letter from J. D. Hooker, [15 and] 20
  • a keen interest in the progress of his views through Europe, Darwin negotiated, in addition to a
  • the family over the summer. But towards the end of the year, Darwin was able once more to turn his
  • of the Scottish press hissed). Huxley, while advocating Darwins theory, had again espoused the view
  • experimental production of newphysiologicalspecies. Darwin attempted to dissuade him from this
  • partially sterile together. He failed. Huxley replied ( letter from T. H. Huxley, 20 January 1862
  • delivered a series of lectures to working men that reviewed Darwins theory, and sent copies to
  • about the vars. of Tobacco.' At the end of the year, Darwin seemed resigned to their
  • common man This correspondence with Huxley made Darwin keener than ever to repeat the
  • began writing long, intelligent, and informative letters, Darwin, impressed, gave him the commission
  • of the year, he wrote to Hooker ( letter to J. D. Hooker, 12 [December 1862] ): ‘my notions on
  • least 3 classes of dimorphism’ ( letter to Daniel Oliver, 12 [April 1862] ), and experimenting to
  • midst of a crisis much closer to home and heart. Their son Leonard was seriously ill. He had been
  • holiday in Bournemouth, setting off in mid-August. However, Leonard had a relapse and Emma caught
  • 24 February [1862] ) and with some cause. Not only was Leonard seriously ill in 1862, but Horace
  • passed so miserable a nine months’ ( letter to W. D. Fox, 12 September [1862] ). A family
  • William, with the help of his brothers George and Francis, who were staying with him, …
  • … ‘Botany is a new subject to me’ ( letter to John Scott, 12 November [1862] ), but, impressed by
  • matters were still greatly valued by those who were. Thomas Francis Jamieson, whose work on the so
  • into Tyndalls ears’ ( letter to J. D. Hooker, 1012 November [1862] ). Another of Darwins

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: 23 hits

  • … ‘My career’, Darwin wrote towards the end of 1872, ‘is so nearly closed. . .  What little more I can
  • of   On the origin of   species , intended to be Darwins last, and of  Expression of the
  • books brought a strong if deceptive sense of a job now done: Darwin intended, he declared to Alfred
  • anything more on 'so difficult a subject, as evolution’ ( letter to ARWallace,  27 July
  • of books and papers, and the latter formed the subject of Darwins last bookThe formation of   …
  • worms , published in the year before his deathDespite Darwins declared intention to take up new
  • begun many years before. In his private life also, Darwin was in a nostalgic frame of mind, …
  • The last word on Origin The year opened with Darwin, helped by his eldest son William, …
  • on 30 January , shortly after correcting the proofs, and Darwins concern for the consolidation of
  • and sixth editions were costly to incorporate, and despite Darwins best efforts, set the final
  • condition as I can make it’, he wrote to the translator ( letter to JJMoulinié, 23 September
  • translation remained unpublished at the end of the year ( letter from C.-FReinwald, 23 November
  • to bring out the new edition in the United States, Darwin arranged with Murray to have it
  • had to be resetThe investment in stereotype reinforced Darwins intention to make no further
  • to the comparative anatomist St George Jackson Mivart ( letter to St GJMivart,  11 January
  • objections to the theory of natural selection’, Darwin refuted point by point assertions published
  • comparison of Whale  & duck  most beautiful’ ( letter from ARWallace, 3 March 1872 ) …
  • drawings shortly afterwards ( letter from Samuel Butler to Francis Darwin, [before 30 May 1872] , …
  • turn into an old honest Tory’ ( letter to JDHooker, 12 July [1872] ). Darwin and
  • Darwin used his correspondence with Airy to support his son Leonards application to join the
  • the claims of spiritualists, and Darwin, through his cousin Francis Galton, had with some interest
  • however, incorporated in the second edition, produced by Francis Darwin after his fathers death. …
  • new name on the list of volunteers: by the beginning of May, Francis Darwin, the Darwinsthird son, …

Darwin in letters, 1876: In the midst of life

Summary

1876 was the year in which the Darwins became grandparents for the first time.  And tragically lost their daughter-in-law, Amy, who died just days after her son's birth.  All the letters from 1876 are now published in volume 24 of The Correspondence…

Matches: 20 hits

  • The year 1876 started out sedately enough with Darwin working on the first draft of his book on the
  • games. ‘I have won, hurrah, hurrah, 2795 games’, Darwin boasted; ‘my wifepoor creature, has won
  • regarding the ailments that were so much a feature of Darwin family life. But the calm was not to
  • the first member of the next generation of the family, with Francis and Amys child expected in
  • four days later. ‘I cannot bear to think of the future’, Darwin confessed to William on 11
  • once, the labour of checking proofs proved a blessing, as Darwin sought solace for the loss of his
  • quantity of workleft in him fornew matter’ (letter to Asa Gray, 28 January 1876). The
  • had involved much time and effort the previous year, and Darwin clearly wanted to focus his
  • to a reprint of the second edition of Climbing plants ( letter from R. F. Cooke, 23 February
  • … & I for blundering’, he cheerfully observed to Carus. ( Letter to J. V. Carus, 24 April 1876. …
  • provided evidence for theadvantages of crossing’ (letter to Asa Gray, 28 January 1876). Revising
  • year to write about his life ( Correspondence vol. 23, letter from Ernst von Hesse-Wartegg, 20
  • Darwin reassured his close friend Joseph Hooker that he and Francis would attend the meeting. Darwin
  • subject takes an opposite line’. Although he conceded that Francis had the best of an argument with
  • silly to deserve an answer’ ( letter from S. B. Herrick, 12 February 1876 ). Others questioned
  • Just four days later, Darwin had the hard task of telling Leonard that Amy, after seeming to recover
  • not by hiding the pain of the situation, but by reminding Leonard of how much his friendship had
  • … & a Prof. Romer came to lunch’, Emma Darwin reported to Leonard Darwin on 29 September (DAR 239
  • for one so poor at figures as I am’, Gray conceded on 12 November , although he could reassure
  • Darwins oldest son William (see Correspondence vol. 12 and the Supplement to vol. 24). By the

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: 27 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
  • … & I am sick of correcting’ ( Correspondence  vol. 16, letter to W. D. Fox, 12 December [1868
  • Well it is a beginning, & that is something’ ( letter to J. D. Hooker, [22 January 1869] ). …
  • material on emotional expression. Yet the scope of Darwins 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 Darwins most substantial addition to  Origin  was a
  • a Swiss botanist and professor at Munich (Nägeli 1865). Darwin had considered Nägelis paper
  • principal engine of change in the development of species. Darwin correctly assessed Nägelis theory
  • in most morphological features (Nägeli 1865, p. 29). Darwin sent a manuscript of his response (now
  • made any blunders, as is very likely to be the case’ ( letter to J. D. Hooker, 13 January 1869 ). …
  • are & must be morphological’. The comment highlights Darwins apparent confusion about Nägelis
  • … ‘purely morphological’. The modern reader may well share Darwins uncertainty, but Nägeli evidently
  • pp. 289). 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
  • than I now see is possible or probable’ (see also letter to A. R. Wallace, 22 January [1869] , …
  • is strengthened by the facts in distribution’ ( letter to James Croll, 31 January [1869] ). Darwin
  • tropical species using Crolls theory. In the same letter to Croll, Darwin had expressed
  • a very long period  before  the Cambrian formation’ ( letter to James Croll31 January [1869] …
  • he had studied in the early 1860s ( letter to W. C. Tait, 12 and 16 March 1869 ). This research
  • of concern were received for months afterwards. Francis Galton: Hereditary genius and
  • Emma read aloud from a new book by Darwins half-cousin, Francis Galton. The workHereditary
  • grandfather, Erasmus, to two of Darwins sons (George and Leonard), who had recently excelled in
  • is an eminently  important difference’ ( letter to Francis Galton23 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 ). …

Darwin in letters, 1875: Pulling strings

Summary

‘I am getting sick of insectivorous plants’, Darwin confessed in January 1875. He had worked on the subject intermittently since 1859, and had been steadily engaged on a book manuscript for nine months; January also saw the conclusion of a bitter dispute…

Matches: 27 hits

  • Editions Plants always held an important place in Darwins theorising about species, and
  • his periods of severe illness. Yet on 15 January 1875 , Darwin confessed to his close friend
  • way to continuous writing and revision, activities that Darwin found less gratifying: ‘I am slaving
  • bad.’ The process was compounded by the fact that Darwin was also revising another manuscript
  • coloured stamens.’ At intervals during the year, Darwin was diverted from the onerous task of
  • zoologist St George Jackson Mivart. In April and early May, Darwin was occupied with a heated
  • than insectivorous plants. As he confessed to Hooker on 12 December , ‘I have not felt so angry
  • chapter of the controversy involved a slanderous attack upon Darwins son George, in an anonymous
  • On 8 January , he told Hooker: ‘I will write a savage letter & that will do me some good, if I
  • from his family, he sent a curt note to Mivart on 12 January , breaking off all future
  • Society of London, and a secretary of the Linnean Society, Darwins friends had to find ways of
  • pp. 1617). ‘How grandly you have defended me’, Darwin wrote on 6 January , ‘You have also
  • in public. ‘Without cutting him direct’, he advised Darwin on 7 January , ‘I should avoid him, …
  • to the EditorPoor Murray shuddered again & again’ ( letter from J. D. Hooker, 16 January
  • of a bill that was presented to the House of Commons on 12 May, one week after a rival bill based on
  • Darwin had become acquainted with Klein when his son Francis was studying medicine in London. Klein
  • offered to pay the costs for printing an additional 250 ( letter to John Murray, 3 May 1875 ). …
  • … & bless the day That ever you were born (letter from E. F. Lubbock, [after 2
  • that the originally red half has become wholly white’ ( letter from G. J. Romanes, [before 4
  • performed on animals in previous years by Darwins cousin Francis Galton. These had been
  • pp. 18890). He drew attention to this discussion in a letter to George Rolleston, remarking on 2
  • manuscripts and proofs, Darwin now relied heavily on his son Francis, who had made the decision in
  • wrote, ‘I beg ten thousand pardon & more’ ( letter to Francis Darwin, [ c . February 1875?] …
  • plants , and moved on to Variation 2d ed., Francis signed himself, ‘Your affect sonthe
  • The author, Fritz Schultze, contacted Darwin himself on 12 June , describing the aims of his book
  • was great’, Henrietta Emma Litchfield wrote to her brother Leonard on 14 September, ‘& special
  • scientific Socy. has done in my time,’ he told Hooker on 12 December . ‘I wish that I knew what

Darwin in letters, 1882: Nothing too great or too small

Summary

In 1882, Darwin reached his 74th year Earthworms had been published the previous October, and for the first time in decades he was not working on another book. He remained active in botanical research, however. Building on his recent studies in plant…

Matches: 26 hits

  • In 1882, Darwin reached his 74th year Earthworms had been published the previous
  • for scientific colleagues or their widows facing hardship. Darwin had suffered from poor health
  • … ‘I feel a very old man, & my course is nearly run’ ( letter to Lawson Tait, 13 February 1882 ) …
  • of his scientific friends quickly organised a campaign for Darwin to have greater public recognition
  • Botanical observation and experiment had long been Darwins greatest scientific pleasure. The year
  • fertility of crosses between differently styled plants ( letter from Fritz Müller, 1 January 1882
  • working at the effects of Carbonate of Ammonia on roots,’ Darwin wrote, ‘the chief result being that
  • for some hours in a weak solution of C. of Ammonia’. Darwins interest in root response and the
  • London on 6 and 16 March, respectively. In January, Darwin corresponded with George John
  • François Marie Glaziou (see Correspondence vol. 28, letter from Arthur de Souza Corrêa, 20
  • experiments had been conducted to lend support to Darwins theory of pangenesis (see
  • He was eager to write up the results on Brazilian cane, with Darwin providing a detailed outline: ‘I
  • quite untirable & I am glad to shirk any extra labour’ ( letter to G. J. Romanes, 6 January
  • H. Gilbert, 9 January 1882, and letter to J. H. Gilbert, 12 January 1882 ). In Earthworms , …
  • 20 March [1882] ; see also letter from T. L Brunton, 12 February 1882 , and letter to T. L. …
  • Anthony Rich, he shared several of his sonsachievements. Leonard had been appointed to observe the
  • is always easier to write than to speak,’ she wrote to Leonard, ‘& so though I shall see you so
  • … & have been able to be to him’ (letter from Emma Darwin to Leonard Darwin, [21? April 1882] (DAR
  • … & it is a consolation to me to think that the last 10 or 12 years were the happiest (owing to
  • at an early age was encouraged by Darwin. He wrote to Francis: ‘I say nothing about the loss to
  • a small tribute of respect’ (letter from John Lubbock to Francis Darwin, 20 April 1882 (DAR 215: 10n
  • of ice dams causing glacial lakes was presented by Thomas Francis Jamieson in a paper to the
  • … ’ ( Correspondence vol. 17, letter from F. M. Malven, 12 February [1869] ). An extract from
  • the same class with his’ ( letter to F. M. Malven, [after 12 February 1869] ). Accompanying this
  • Darwins views on eugenics, a term coined by his cousin Francis Galton, were mixed, partly owing to
  • years of Darwins life show his increasing attachment to Francis, as father and son worked together

Darwin in letters, 1880: Sensitivity and worms

Summary

‘My heart & soul care for worms & nothing else in this world,’ Darwin wrote to his old Shrewsbury friend Henry Johnson on 14 November 1880. Darwin became fully devoted to earthworms in the spring of the year, just after finishing the manuscript of…

Matches: 20 hits

  • heart & soul care for worms & nothing else in this world,’ Darwin wrote to his old
  • to adapt to varying conditions. The implications of Darwins work for the boundary between animals
  • studies of animal instincts by George John Romanes drew upon Darwins early observations of infants, …
  • of evolution and creation. Many letters flowed between Darwin and his children, as he took delight
  • Financial support for science was a recurring issue, as Darwin tried to secure a Civil List pension
  • with Samuel Butler, prompted by the publication of Erasmus Darwin the previous year. …
  • Charles Harrison Tindal, sent a cache of letters from two of Darwins grandfathers clerical friends
  • divines to see a pigs body opened is very amusing’, Darwin replied, ‘& that about my
  • registry offices, and produced a twenty-page history of the Darwin family reaching back to the
  • have influenced the whole Kingdom, & even the world’ ( letter from J. L. Chester, 3 March 1880
  • delighted to find an ordinary mortal who could laugh’ ( letter from W. E. Darwin to Charles and
  • much powder & shot’ ( Correspondence vol. 27, letter from Ernst Krause, 7 June 1879 , and
  • modified; but now I much regret that I did not do so’ ( letter to Samuel Butler, 3 January 1880 ). …
  • leading journalist was sought. Leslie Stephens reply on 12 January [1881] echoed that of Huxley
  • of the nervous system, and the nature ofsensitivity’. Francis Balfour described Movement in
  • the intake of stones and flints to aid digestion. He asked Francis to check for castings on old
  • with diverse backgrounds and interests. In February, a 12-year-old boy asked politely, ‘What causes
  • rightly thought thequeer subjectof interest to Francis Galton, who had already taken thumb
  • extending the study to public-school pupils ( letter to Francis Galton, 7 April 1880 , and
  • Williams interest in geology, and longed to see Francis elected fellow of the Royal Society. He

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: 21 hits

  • The year 1870 is aptly summarised by the brief entry Darwin made in his journal: ‘The whole of the
  • in relation to Sex’. Always precise in his accounting, Darwin reckoned that he had started writing
  • gathered on each of these topics was far more extensive than Darwin had anticipated. As a result,  …
  • and St George Jackson Mivart, and heated debates sparked by Darwins proposed election to the French
  • shall be a man again & not a horrid grinding machine’  ( letter to Charles Lyell, 25 December
  • anything which has happened to me for some weeks’  ( letter to Albert Günther, 13 January [1870] ) …
  • corrections of style, the more grateful I shall be’  ( letter to H. E. Darwin, [8 February 1870] ) …
  • … , the latter when she was just eighteen years of age. Darwin clearly expected her to make a
  • who wd ever have thought that I shd. turn parson?’ ( letter to H. E. Darwin, [8 February 1870] ). …
  • abt any thing so unimportant as the mind of man!’ ( letter from H. E. Darwin, [after 8 February
  • philanthropist Frances Power Cobbe. At Cobbes suggestion, Darwin read some of Immanuel Kants  …
  • throapes & savages at the moral sense of mankind’ ( letter to F. P. Cobbe, 23 March [1870?] …
  • how metaphysics & physics form one great philosophy?’ ( letter from F. P. Cobbe, 28 March [1870
  • furrows radiating on the side of the neck of his son Francis when he was playing the flute. …
  • Darwin received a string of letters from his cousin Francis Galton, reporting on his efforts to
  • by breaking adjacent veins into one’ ( letter from Francis Galton, 25 June 1870 ). Occasionally
  • the latest litters has a white forefoot’  ( letter from Francis Galton, 12 May 1870 ). But in
  • solutions of the same kind’ ( letter to J. D. Hooker, 12 July [1870] ). Bastians results were
  • letter to [E.W. Blore], [October 1870 or later] ). Leonard continued to have great success
  • an old fellow as I daresay I appear to you Francis completed his studies at Cambridge, …
  • an old fellow as I daresay I appear to you’ ( letter to Francis Darwin, 18 October [1870] ). …

Darwin in letters, 1847-1850: Microscopes and barnacles

Summary

Darwin's study of barnacles, begun in 1844, took him eight years to complete. The correspondence reveals how his interest in a species found during the Beagle voyage developed into an investigation of the comparative anatomy of other cirripedes and…

Matches: 22 hits

  • Species theory In November 1845, Charles Darwin wrote to his friend and confidant Joseph
  • hurrah for my species-work’ ( Correspondence  vol. 3, letter to J. D. Hooker, [5 or 12 November
  • and  Fossil Cirripedia  (1851, 1854). What led Darwin to engage in this work when he was
  • group. Light is shed on the close relationship between Darwins systematic descriptive work and the
  • often frustrating taxonomical maze. Throughout these years, Darwin was also struggling with a
  • explained in detail in letters to friends and relatives, Darwin felt sufficiently restored in health
  • Nevertheless, it is evident from his correspondence that Darwins two hours at the microscope did
  • Phillips, and Daniel Sharpe, demonstrating the extent of Darwins continued involvement in
  • and naturalists, most notably James Dwight Dana, Henry Darwin Rogers, and Bernhard Studer, and the
  • In the midst of all this activity, Hooker responds to Darwins particular queries and sends
  • British government in scientific research during the period. Darwin also contributed to these
  • scientific work of naval officers and travellers in general. Darwin was asked by the editor, Sir
  • zoology between them. Owen included in his chapter notes by Darwin on the use of microscopes on
  • the leading questions and wide views spelt out by Darwin in the Admiralty  Manual  are also those
  • to Milne directly, he sent a long rejoinder in the form of a letter for publication in the Scotsman. …
  • asked for it to be destroyed. Only the draft of Darwins letter remains ( letter to the  Scotsman
  • that his original fieldwork wastime thrown away’ ( letter to Charles Lyell, 8 [September 1847] ) …
  • that it would be athorn in the side of É de B.’ (letter to Charles Lyell, 3 January 1850 ). …
  • himself (see Correspondence vol. 2, letter to Leonard Jenyns, 10 April [1837]) and it was intended
  • a young Balanus in this illformed little monster? Fig 12.— . . . It is manifest this curious little
  • to support a large family (three more children, Elizabeth, Francis, and Leonard, were born during
  • of men of science, circulated many years later by his cousin Francis Galton, is particularly

Darwin in letters, 1865: Delays and disappointments

Summary

The year was marked by three deaths of personal significance to Darwin: Hugh Falconer, a friend and supporter; Robert FitzRoy, captain of the Beagle; and William Jackson Hooker, director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and father of Darwin’s friend…

Matches: 22 hits

  • In 1865, the chief work on Charles Darwins mind was the writing of  The variation of animals and
  • letters on climbing plants to make another paper. Darwin also submitted a manuscript of his
  • protégé, John Scott, who was now working in India. Darwins transmutation theory continued to
  • Argyll, appeared in the religious weeklyGood Words . Darwin received news of an exchange of
  • Butler, and, according to Butler, the bishop of Wellington. Darwins theory was discussed at an
  • in the  GardenersChronicleAt the end of the year, Darwin was elected an honorary member of
  • year was marked by three deaths of personal significance to Darwin: Hugh Falconer, a friend of
  • in August. There was also a serious dispute between two of Darwins friends, John Lubbock and
  • having all the Boys at home: they make the house jolly’ ( letter to J. D. Hooker, 7 January [1865] …
  • to accept the award in person (see  Correspondence  vol. 12). In early January Falconer had
  • had failed to include among the grounds of the award ( see letter from Hugh Falconer to Erasmus
  • his letters to Darwin, and Darwin responded warmly: ‘Your letter is by far the grandest eulogium
  • may well rest content that I have not laboured in vain’ ( letter to Hugh Falconer, 6 January [1865] …
  • always a most kind friend to me. So the world goes.—’ ( letter to J. D. Hooker, 2 February [1865] …
  • for our griefs & pains: these alone are unalloyed’ ( letter from J. D. Hooker, 3 February 1865
  • in or before November 1864 ( Correspondence vol. 12, letter to Ernst Haeckel, 21 November [1864
  • in Müllers name ( see letter from Fritz Müller, [12 and 31 August, and 10 October 1865] ; since
  • to find employment in India (see Correspondence vol. 12), sent Darwin the results of his experiments
  • to Darwin may be gathered from Darwins letter to him of 12 July [1865] . Huxley had evidently
  • who also caught it, rapidly succumbed to it and died on 12 August. Hooker himself contracted
  • … , and letter from Edward Cresy, 10 September 1865 ). Francis and Leonard were still at school in
  • collection of letters written by Darwin when he was 12 years old. Over half of the letters in the

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: 26 hits

  • In April 1838, Darwin began recording the titles of books he had read and the books he wished
  • used these notebooks extensively in dating and annotating Darwins letters; the full transcript
  • … *128). For clarity, the transcript does not record Darwins alterations. The spelling and
  • book had been consulted. Those cases where it appears that Darwin made a genuine deletion have been
  • a few instances, primarily in theBooks Readsections, Darwin recorded that a work had been
  • of the books listed in the other two notebooks. Sometimes Darwin recorded that an abstract of the
  • own. Soon after beginning his first reading notebook, Darwin began to separate the scientific
  • the second reading notebook. Readers primarily interested in Darwins scientific reading, therefore, …
  • editorsidentification of the book or article to which Darwin refers. A full list of these works is
  • page number (or numbers, as the case may be) on which Darwins entry is to be found. The
  • are not found listed here. The description given by Francis Darwin of his fathers method of
  • Darwin Library (AC.34). Darwins books were bequeathed to Francis Darwin, who, in 1908, gave all but
  • to be available to scholars using the archive. Books that Francis Darwin had kept were left to his
  • read There appears to be good art. on Entozore 12  by Owen in Encyclop. of Anat. & …
  • … [Reimarius 1760] The Highlands & Western Isl ds  letter to Sir W Scott [MacCulloch 1824
  • all Vols. Marshalls Rural Economy of Yorkshire, 12 s  [Marshall 1788]—— often quoted by
  • Palaces. Fourth Edition with Woodcuts. 2 vols. fcap. 8vo., 12 s . 30  [Jesse 1838] …
  • 183440]: In Portfolio ofabstracts34  —letter from Skuckard of books on Silk Worm
  • Animals (Deer, Antelopes, &c.) [Jardine 18356] 12. Ruminating Animals (Goats, Sheep, …
  • et Culture. 4to. Avec 10 planches. Amsterdam, 1768. 12 s . 41  Bailliére [Saint-Simon] 1768] …
  • M rs  Frys Life [Fry 1847] Horace Walpoles letter to C t . of Ossory [Walpole 1848] …
  • Asiatic Society ]—contains very little Macleays letter to D r  Fleming [Macleay 1830] …
  • eds.] [Abstract in DAR 91: 13.]  119: 9b Horner, Leonard, ed. 1843Memoirs and
  • …   conflict . 3 vols. London128: 25 Jenyns, Leonard. 1838. Further remarks on the
  • dit jardin.  Augsbourg128: 16 [Knapp, John Leonard]. 1829Journal of a   …
  • waters.  Philadelphia128: 8 Staunton, George Leonard. 1797An authentic account of

Scientific Networks

Summary

Friendship|Mentors|Class|Gender In its broadest sense, a scientific network is a set of connections between people, places, and things that channel the communication of knowledge, and that substantially determine both its intellectual form and content,…

Matches: 12 hits

  • and colonial authorities. In the nineteenth-century, letter writing was one of the most important
  • when strong institutional structures were largely absent. Darwin had a small circle of scientific
  • in times of uncertainty, controversy, or personal loss. Letter writing was not only a means of
  • section contains two sets of letters. The first is between Darwin and his friend Kew botanist J. D. …
  • and he is curious about Hookers thoughts. Letter 729Darwin, C. R. to Hooker, J. D., …
  • to Hookerit is like confessing a murder”. Letter 736Darwin, C. R. to Hooker, J. D. …
  • of wide-ranging species to wide-ranging genera. Darwin and Gray Letter 1674
  • and asks him to append the ranges of the species. Letter 1685Gray, Asa to Darwin, C. …
  • and relationships of alpine flora in the USA. Letter 2125Darwin, C. R. to Gray, Asa, …
  • Letter 1260Darwin, C. R. to Hooker, J. D., 12 Oct 1849 Darwin opens by discussing their
  • Letter 3805Darwin, C. R. to Scott, John, 12 Nov [1862] Darwin thanks Scott for bringing
  • offered the Beagle naturalist appointment first to Leonard Jenyns, who almost accepted, as did

St George Jackson Mivart

Summary

In the second half of 1874, Darwin’s peace was disturbed by an anonymous article in the Quarterly Review suggesting that his son George was opposed to the institution of marriage and in favour of ‘unrestrained licentiousness’. Darwin suspected, correctly,…

Matches: 18 hits

  • 1874, the Catholic zoologist St George Jackson Mivart caused Darwin and his son George serious
  • pp. 98114, and Dawson 2007, pp. 7781. George Darwin's article on marriage In
  • liberty of marriagein the Contemporary Review (G. H. Darwin 1873b). In this article, George
  • reproductive choices would have an effect on future society. Francis Galton had written about the
  • 76). Mivarts argument did not win general assent. Darwin was more struck by the comments on
  • The following quotations from Mivarts paper mention Darwin and George: p. 45: ‘Mr. Darwin, …
  • sentiments, disguise them by studious reticenceas Mr. Darwin disguised at first his views as to the
  • licentiousness theoretically justified. Mr. George Darwin proposes that divorce should be made
  • deep debt of gratitude will indeed be one day due to Mr. Darwinone difficult to over-estimate. …
  • Clearing George's name On 27 July , Darwin wrote to George: he was thinking of taking
  • denial & short account of [his] essayand have Darwin send it for publication in the next issue
  • kind of thing Murray would be likely to wish to circulate ( letter to G. H. Darwin, 1 August [1874] …
  • them explicitly, he might be thought to endorse them ( letter from G. H. Darwin, 5 August 1874 ). …
  • of encouraging licentiousness. A postscript to Darwins letter, which may belong to another letter, …
  • on board Darwins comments and sent a fair copy of his letter with his letter of 6 [August] 1874
  • agreeing to all he asked ( letter from John Murray, 12 August 1874 ). In October, Georges
  • Borgias.’ (Mivart was a Catholic convert.) On 12 January 1875 , Darwin finally wrote to
  • in the future. It was a formal letter, he wrote to Hooker on 12 January: ‘my women wd not let me

3.16 Oscar Rejlander, photos

Summary

< Back to Introduction Darwin’s plans for the illustration of his book The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals (1872) led him to the Swedish-born painter and photographer, Oscar Gustaf Rejlander. Rejlander gave Darwin the notes that he had…

Matches: 20 hits

  • … &lt; Back to Introduction Darwins plans for the illustration of his book The
  • and photographer, Oscar Gustaf Rejlander. Rejlander gave Darwin the notes that he had himself made
  • in the early 1870s (he died in January 1875), and Darwin assisted him financially on at least one
  • The Expression of the Emotions. In April of that year, Darwin wrote to the London firm of Elliott
  • to any purchasers’. Phillip Prodger has suggested that Darwin agreed to be photographed by Rejlander
  • Expression of the Emotions. Open sale of any portraits of Darwin was likely to be highly
  • Library contains photographs by him of Richard Litchfield (Darwins son in law), and another man, …
  • this was the wedding day of Litchfield and Henrietta Darwin, which Rejlander thus commemorated. …
  • plans for purveying a fanciful or dramatised portrayal of Darwin, he was evidently thwarted, as
  • transition from pathognomy to portraiture in his work for Darwin must have raised interesting
  • and on one side. Of the five or so known photographs of Darwin, evidently taken at more than one
  • photographs. In this way they communicate a sense of Darwins commanding intellect and physical
  • However, they may have seemed too dramatic to please the Darwin family, and were evidently not
  • by Nora Barlow, Darwins granddaughter, to his son Leonard) was copyrighted by Rejlander in April
  • was published in Nature in 1874, and was included in Francis Darwins list of canonical
  • computer-readable date 1871-01-01 to 1871-12-31 
 medium and material albumen
  • a Meeting of the South London Photographic Society, February 12, 1863. Darwins letter to his
  • and to the editor of The Illustrated Review , 12 Oct. [1871] (DCP-LETT-8003). Darwin family
  • of Manchester, English MS 1404, pp. 523, with a letter to Dresser from Darwin, dated 10 Sept. 1875
  • accompanying a laudatory article by Revd R.A. Armstrong. Francis Darwins catalogue of portraits of

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: 21 hits

  • …   On 6 March 1868, Darwin wrote to the entomologist and accountant John Jenner Weir, ‘If any
  • he ought to do what I am doing pester them with letters.’ Darwin was certainly true to his word. The
  • and sexual selection. In  Origin , pp. 8790, Darwin had briefly introduced the concept of
  • in satisfying female preference in the mating process. In a letter to Alfred Russel Wallace in 1864, …
  • to the stridulation of crickets. At the same time, Darwin continued to collect material on
  • his immediate circle of friends and relations. In July 1868 Darwin was still anticipating that his
  • which was devoted to sexual selection in the animal kingdom. Darwin described his thirst for
  • as well say, he would drink a little and not too much’ ( letter to Albert Günther, 15 May [1868] ) …
  • in January 1868. A final delay caused by the indexing gave Darwin much vexation. ‘My book is
  • 1867 and had expected to complete it in a fortnight. But at Darwins request, he modified his
  • the text. This increased the amount of work substantially. Darwin asked Murray to intervene, …
  • … … though it would be a great loss to the Book’. But Darwins angry letter to Murray crossed one from
  • of labour to remuneration I shall look rather blank’ ( letter from W. S. Dallas, 8 January 1868 ). …
  • as stone, if it were not quite mollified by your note’. Darwin enclosed a cheque to Dallas for £55  …
  • if I try to read a few pages feel fairly nauseated’ ( letter to J. D. Hooker, 3 February [1868] ). …
  • reviews. On 7 August 1868 , he wrote him a lengthy letter from the Isle of Wight on the formation
  • collector in his student days, Darwin encouraged his son Francis, now an undergraduate at Cambridge, …
  • … ( letter to A . R. Wallace, 16 September [1868] ). Francis sought additional advice from the
  • vaccination ( letter from W. E. Darwin, [7 April 1868] ). Francis was also drafted into the
  • … ( letter from Alfred Newton, 29 January 1868 ). Leonard also excelled in highly competitive
  • defender in England, Thomas Henry Huxley, remarked on 12 September onthe terribleDarwinismus

Darwin’s observations on his children

Summary

Charles Darwin’s observations on the development of his children, began the research that culminated in his book The Expression of the emotions in man and animals, published in 1872, and his article ‘A biographical sketch of an infant’, published in Mind…

Matches: 24 hits

  • Charles Darwins observations on the development of his children,[1began the
  • is available below . As with much of his other work, Darwin gathered additional information on the
  • lunatics, the blind, and animals. And as early as 1839 Darwin had begun to collect information on
  • the expression of emotions. As the following transcript of Darwins notes reveals, he closely
  • William Erasmus, the stages of his development suggesting to Darwin those expressions which are
  • The tone of the manuscript reflects an aspect of Darwins character clearly perceived by Emma during
  • … “What does that prove”.’[6For in these notes, Darwins deep scientific curiosity transcends his
  • that on occasion he refers to William asit’. Darwin possessed the ability to dissociate
  • memories.[8Yet, though the dissociation was essential for Darwins scientific goal, the notes here
  • the record breaks off until January 1852, by which time the Darwin family had increased by five: …
  • without a corresponding sensation. D r . Holland[12informs me children do not  learn
  • each scream approaches it.— 8  Between 11 &amp; 12 weeks old in smiling. I observe he
  • present when screaming from pain When one day under 12 weeks took hold of Catherines[20] …
  • the first time he used his right hand, was observed 12 weeks &amp; one day  whilst violently
  • it is easy to see, are those of inspiration.— 12  April 20 th .— Took my finger to his
  • April 4 14wks &amp; 1 day. 1112     May 16
  • our door N o  12 and N o  11 is in the slit for the Letter box.— he decidedly ran past N o  11
  • has learned them from my sometimes changing the first letter in any word he is usingthus I say
  • … , pp. 1312. [6Correspondence  vol. 2, letter from Emma Wedgwood, [23 January 1839] . …
  • by Emma Darwin must have been added on 19 January 1877, when Francis Darwins son Bernard was
  • information is given. [57Emma Darwins brother Francis (Frank) Wedgwood lived at Etruria
  • and family memoirs and reminiscences. [61Leonard Darwin, born 1850. [62Francis
  • of her childhood, Henrietta Litchfield remembered Leonard Darwin saying this to their maid Jane and
  • CUL). [71Horace Darwin, born 1851. [72Leonard Darwins nickname. [73Miss

Darwin in letters, 1858-1859: Origin

Summary

The years 1858 and 1859 were, without doubt, the most momentous of Darwin’s life. From a quiet rural existence filled with steady work on his ‘big book’ on species, he was jolted into action by the arrival of an unexpected letter from Alfred Russel Wallace…

Matches: 24 hits

  • 1858 and 1859 were, without doubt, the most momentous of Darwins life. From a quiet rural existence
  • he was jolted into action by the arrival of an unexpected letter from Alfred Russel Wallace. This
  • the composition and publication, in November 1859, of Darwins major treatise  On the origin of
  • …  exceeded my wildest hopes By the end of 1859, Darwins work was being discussed in
  • has  infinitely  exceeded my wildest hopes.—’ ( letter to Charles Lyell, 25 [November 1859] ). …
  • The &#039;big book&#039; The year 1858 opened with Darwin hard at work preparing hisbig
  • his ninth chapter, on hybridism, on 29 December 1857, Darwin began in January 1858 to prepare the
  • appropriate. The correspondence shows that at any one time Darwin was engaged in a number of
  • The chapter on instinct posed a number of problems for Darwin. ‘I find my chapter on Instinct very
  • celebrated as a classic example of divine design in nature. Darwin hypothesised that the instinct of
  • of construction as it took place in the hive. As with Darwins study of poultry and pigeons, …
  • founder and president of the Apiarian Society, provided Darwin with information and specimens. His
  • For assistance with mathematical measurements and geometry, Darwin called upon William Hallowes
  • from the  Beagle voyage; on his brother, Erasmus Alvey Darwin; and his son William. Even his
  • bees and bee-hives. Variation and reversion Darwin also continued the botanical work
  • as evidence for what actually occurred in nature ( see letter to Asa Gray, 4 April [1858] , and  …
  • throwing away what you have seen,’ he told Hooker in his letter of 8 [June 1858] , ‘yet I have
  • his work was interrupted by the arrival of the now-famous letter from Alfred Russel Wallace, …
  • selection. Darwins shock and dismay is evident in the letter he subsequently wrote to Charles Lyell
  • Even his terms now stand as Heads of my Chapters.’ ( letter to Charles Lyell, 18 [June 1858] ). …
  • letter as having been receivedtoday’. Following Francis DarwinLL 2: 11617) and relying on
  • require asmall volume’ ( letter to J. D. Hooker, 12 October [1858] ). Begun while he was in
  • D. Hooker, 6 May 1859 ). Among the older scientists, only Leonard Horner gave his unqualified
  • illhealth revived as first Henrietta and then Elizabeth and Leonard suffered similar symptoms. With

Darwin in letters, 1844–1846: Building a scientific network

Summary

The scientific results of the Beagle voyage still dominated Darwin's working life, but he broadened his continuing investigations into the nature and origin of species. Far from being a recluse, Darwin was at the heart of British scientific society,…

Matches: 20 hits

  • results of the  Beagle  voyage still dominated Darwin's working life, but throughout these
  • species and varieties. In contrast to the received image of Darwin as a recluse in Down, the letters
  • Down House was altered and extended to accommodate Darwins growing family and the many relatives
  • The geological publications In these years, Darwin published two books on geologyVolcanic
  • papers for all these organisations. Between 1844 and 1846 Darwin himself wrote ten papers, six of
  • Government grant was exhausted ( Correspondence  vol. 2, letter to A. Y. Spearman, 9 October 1843, …
  • not (it is like confessing a murder) immutable Darwins earlier scientific friendships
  • Lyell, George Robert Waterhouse, John Stevens Henslow, Leonard Horner, Leonard Jenyns, Edward Forbes
  • scientific issues that arose out of his work on species. Darwin discussed his ideas on species
  • Only two months after their first exchange, early in 1844, Darwin told Hooker that he was engaged in
  • are not (it is like confessing a murder) immutable’ ( letter to J. D. Hooker, [11 January 1844] ). …
  • correspondence that his close friends were not outraged by Darwins heterodox opinions and later in
  • But although eager for the views of informed colleagues, Darwin was naturally protective of his
  • the essay of 1844 to read (see  Correspondence  vol. 4, letter to J. D. Hooker, 8 [February 1847]) …
  • candidate, known to be working on species and varieties, was Darwin himself: as he told his cousin
  • the book to him. But, as his letters to Hooker show, Darwin carefully considered and then rejected
  • Natural selection Perhaps the most interesting letter relating to Darwins species theory, …
  • which formed the basis of discussions with Charles Lyell and Leonard Horner in letters in this
  • Darwin not only used his personal notes and records but, by letter, marshalled the resources of
  • of the laws of creation, Geographical Distribution’ ( letter to J. D. Hooker, [10 February 1845] ) …
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