From R. E. Alison [March – July 1835]
Summary
Sends some historical data to illustrate the elevation of the coast at Valparaiso in recent times.
Author: | Robert Edward Alison |
Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Date: | [Mar – July 1835] |
Classmark: | DAR 36: 425–6 |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-247 |
From Caroline and Catherine Darwin 28 January [1835]
Summary
Concerned over CD’s illness. His father strongly urges him to come home lest his health be ruined.
News of family and friends.
Twelve Tories elected in Shropshire.
Author: | Emily Catherine (Catherine) Darwin; Emily Catherine (Catherine) Langton; Caroline Sarah (Caroline) Darwin; Caroline Sarah (Caroline) Wedgwood |
Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Date: | 28 Jan [1835] |
Classmark: | DAR 97 (ser. 2): 16–18 |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-266 |
From Charles Whitley 5 February 1835
Summary
Replies to CD’s letter [250], giving news of himself and mutual friends.
Author: | Charles Thomas Whitley |
Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Date: | 5 Feb 1835 |
Classmark: | DAR 204: 132 |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-267 |
From Susan Darwin 16 February 1835
Summary
Met Capt. Harding who said FitzRoy was promoted to Post-Captain.
News of family and friends. Forthcoming marriages of Robert Wedgwood and Tom Eyton.
Author: | Susan Elizabeth Darwin |
Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Date: | 16 Feb 1835 |
Classmark: | DAR 97 (ser. 2): 18–20 |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-268 |
From Charles D. Douglas 24 February 1835
Summary
Sends CD large beetles from Chiloé.
Describes an earthquake at Caucague.
Gives exact location and measurements of two blocks of granite; has seen and heard of others; will report if he surveys the Potrero on Chiloé.
Author: | Charles D. Douglas |
Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Date: | 24 Feb 1835 |
Classmark: | DAR 35.1: 329–30 |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-269 |
To W. D. Fox [7–11] March 1835
Summary
Congratulates WDF on his marriage,
reminisces about Cambridge and early entomology. Now neglects entomology for geology.
Describes Concepción after earthquake.
Hopes to cross Cordilleras before they leave South America in September.
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | William Darwin Fox |
Date: | [7–11] Mar 1835 |
Classmark: | Christ’s College Library, Cambridge (MS 53 Fox 47) |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-270 |
To Caroline Darwin 10–13 March 1835
Summary
Definite plans now to leave Valparaiso 1 June and to arrive in Sydney in January; then Cape of Good Hope and home in September 1836.
Describes Concepción after earthquake.
Will cross the Cordilleras. Hopes snow will hold off.
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | Caroline Sarah (Caroline) Darwin; Caroline Sarah (Caroline) Wedgwood |
Date: | 10–13 Mar 1835 |
Classmark: | DAR 223: 26 |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-271 |
To J. S. Henslow [10]–13 March 1835
Summary
The termination of the voyage has been decided – September 1836.
The earthquake of Concepción.
His geological observations (since November). Can now prove both sides of the Andes have recently risen to considerable heights.
Zoological collection.
Plans to cross the Cordilleras.
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | John Stevens Henslow |
Date: | [10]–13 Mar 1835 |
Classmark: | Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (Henslow letters: 25 DAR/1/1/25) |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-272 |
From Caroline Darwin 30 March 1835
Summary
Urges him to return home. News of family and friends; the Langtons will go to Rio in April and then winter in the West Indies. Henslow has a son.
Author: | Caroline Sarah (Caroline) Darwin; Caroline Sarah (Caroline) Wedgwood |
Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Date: | 30 Mar 1835 |
Classmark: | DAR 97 (ser. 2): 20–1 |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-273 |
To J. S. Henslow 18 April 1835
Summary
Has just returned from crossing the Cordilleras. Geological observations of formations representing great epochs of violence which broke up the earth’s crust. Shells at over 12000 feet. Silicified trees in sandstone formations at great heights. Red snow and viviparous lizards. Botanical specimens.
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | John Stevens Henslow |
Date: | 18 Apr 1835 |
Classmark: | Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (Henslow letters: 26 DAR/1/1/26) |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-274 |
To Susan Darwin 23 April 1835
Summary
His trip across the Andes and back was his most successful excursion: can clearly demonstate that the western part of the double line of mountains is much older, with fossil shells at 12000ft; the eastern line may be as modern as the Patagonian plains. If proved, this is an important fact in the theory of the formation of the world. Has found petrified trees.
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | Susan Elizabeth Darwin |
Date: | 23 Apr 1835 |
Classmark: | DAR 223 |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-275 |
To Catherine Darwin 31 May [1835]
Summary
Slow and tedious trip through miserable country, but geology prospers, and CD will have a good general idea of the structure of Chile by the time he leaves the country. Will send a last large cargo of specimens to Henslow.
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | Emily Catherine (Catherine) Darwin; Emily Catherine (Catherine) Langton |
Date: | 31 May [1835] |
Classmark: | DAR 223 |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-276 |
From R. E. Alison 25 June 1835
Summary
Gives details of his observations which lend support to the view that Chile is rising with respect to the sea. Reports some observations and opinions with regard to earthquakes and volcanic action in the area.
Author: | Robert Edward Alison |
Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Date: | 25 June 1835 |
Classmark: | DAR 36.1: 427–427a |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-277 |
From R. H. Corfield 26–7 June 1835
Summary
Greatly enjoyed CD’s company; has worried about his health. Adds some European and English news.
Author: | Richard Henry Corfield |
Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Date: | 26 & 27 June 1835 |
Classmark: | DAR 204: 130 |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-278 |
From Charles San Lambert [c. July 1835]
Summary
Instructions for a journey to the sulphur deposits of the Valle de la Coipa.
Describes volcanic formations capping granite hills from Copiapò to Atacama [Chile]. [See South America, pp. 230–1.]
Author: | Charles San Lambert |
Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Date: | [c. July 1835] |
Classmark: | DAR 37: 648, DAR 39.2: 161 |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-279 |
From R. H. Corfield 14 — 18 July 1835
Summary
Passes on news from England and some Shrewsbury papers.
Author: | Richard Henry Corfield |
Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Date: | 14 & 18 July 1835 |
Classmark: | DAR 204: 131 |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-280 |
To Caroline Darwin [19] July – [12 August] 1835
Summary
Describes his trip from Coquimbo to Copiapò, where he rejoined the Beagle – a hard and wearisome journey, but geologically interesting.
FitzRoy piloted the [Blonde] to rescue crew of wrecked Challenger.
CD has received letters that were missing, and others; for ten months there will be none to or from him.
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | Caroline Sarah (Caroline) Darwin; Caroline Sarah (Caroline) Wedgwood |
Date: | [19] July – [12 Aug] 1835 |
Classmark: | DAR 223: 29 |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-281 |
To W. D. Fox [9–12 August] 1835
Summary
Expresses envy for WDF’s life as a clergyman.
Outlines homeward voyage; tells of his hope of seeing active volcanoes and Tertiary strata in Galapagos. Recommends geology to Fox. Discusses Lyell’s views; CD has become "a zealous disciple".
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | William Darwin Fox |
Date: | [9–12 Aug] 1835 |
Classmark: | Christ’s College Library, Cambridge (MS 53 Fox 47a) |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-282 |
To J. S. Henslow 12 [August] 1835
Summary
Looks forward to seeing volcanoes in Galapagos Islands.
Has altered his views on Cordillera formations as a result of another trip. Discusses his theory of their origin and history.
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | John Stevens Henslow |
Date: | 12 [Aug] 1835 |
Classmark: | Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (Henslow letters: 27 DAR/1/1/27) |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-283 |
To H. S. Fox 15 August 1835
Summary
Sends some geological specimens. Describes his recent trips and findings on the geology of the Andes. Asks if HSF has seen large beds of shells on elevated land – possibly at Rio Grande or S. Brazil.
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | Henry Stephen Fox |
Date: | 15 Aug 1835 |
Classmark: | Bodleian Libraries, Oxford (MS. Eng. lett. c. 235, fol. 28) |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-284 |
letter | (28) |
Darwin, C. R. | (13) |
Darwin, Caroline | (3) |
Wedgwood, Caroline | (3) |
Alison, R. E. | (2) |
Corfield, R. H. | (2) |
Darwin, C. R. | (13) |
Henslow, J. S. | (4) |
Darwin, Caroline | (3) |
Wedgwood, Caroline | (3) |
Darwin, S. E. | (2) |
Darwin, C. R. | (26) |
Darwin, Caroline | (6) |
Wedgwood, Caroline | (6) |
Darwin, S. E. | (4) |
Henslow, J. S. | (4) |

Darwin’s earthquakes
Summary
Darwin experienced his first earthquake in 1834, but it was a few months later that he was really confronted with their power. Travelling north along the coast of Chile, Darwin and Robert FitzRoy, captain of HMS Beagle, were confronted with a series of…

Darwin & coral reefs
Summary
The central idea of Darwin's theory of coral reef formation, as it was later formulated, was that the islands were formed by the upward growth of coral as the Pacific Ocean floor gradually subsided. It overturned previous ideas and would in itself…
Matches: 7 hits
- … elevation of the Chilean coast, makes clear that by April 1835, when he was still at Valparaiso, …
- … suggests that he was writing before the late summer of 1835, for about that time he adopted …
- … Darwin had begun reading about ‘the South Sea’ in May 1835. The Beagle library was well …
- … no. 1.17, written shortly after a visit to Lima in August 1835: ‘Corall rapidly growing in Low …
- … of both annular and barrier reefs. This was in November 1835 at Tahiti and the neighbouring reef of …
- … draft of his theory in a memorandum headed ‘Coral islands 1835.’ It is the first account of the …
- … was matched by the sinking of Pacific islands: 25 June 1835 . Darwin confides to his …

Darwin and barnacles
Summary
In a letter to Henslow in March 1835 Darwin remarked that he had done ‘very little’ in zoology; the ‘only two novelties’ he added, almost as an afterthought, were a new mollusc and a ‘genus in the family Balanidæ’ – a barnacle – but it was an oddity. Who,…
Matches: 1 hits
- … In a letter to Henslow in March 1835 Darwin remarked that he had done ‘very little’ in zoology; …

Titus Coan
Summary
In 1874, when Darwin was preparing the second edition of Descent of Man, he received letters from all over the world in reply to his queries about human behaviour; one in particular would have stirred up unexpected memories of his own time among the native…

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: 29 hits
- … Entomological Magazine.—? paper on Geograph. range [Anon. 1835] read Study Buffon on varieties of …
- … laws about sexes relative to the age of marriage [Quetelet 1835] Brown at end of Flinders [R. Brown …
- … 1834, 1837]. Verey Philosophie d’Hist. Nat. [Virey 1835] read Marcel de Serres …
- … C. Watson on Geog. distrib: of Brit: plants [H. C. Watson 1835] read Hume’s Essay on Human …
- … & Medic. researches on the Horse in N. America— [Harlan 1835] Owen has it. & Royal Soc …
- … Birds. 10 s 6 d . translated by Rennie [Bechstein 1835] Some facts on cross-bred animals, M r …
- … Pœppig Travels in S. America. German [Pöppig 1835–6].— Zoologie Generale. Iside. St Hilaire …
- … 1815]— Colon Library Hogarth Hist of Music [Hogarth 1835] Wilkinson Ægyptian [J. G. …
- … 1833]: Suite— Decandolle on Botany [A. de Candolle 1835]: Lacordaire Introduction Entomologique …
- … ) on Dogs [C. H. Smith 1839–40] /on Ruminants [Jardine ed. 1835–6]// on Horses [C. H. Smith 1841]// …
- … Hilaire Progress de un Naturalist [E. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire 1835] (Gerard [Gérard 1844]) …
- … (Perry can give me order) Virey Philosoph [Virey 1835]. Forbes thinks worth reading Royal Soc …
- … kind [Jardine 1834b]. 9. Columbidæ (Pigeons.) [Selby 1835] 11. Ruminating Animals …
- … l’etude Botanique (Suite a Buffon) [A. de Candolle 1835] has many Geographical aphorisms & …
- … Trials [Feuerbach 1846] Godwins Work & Life [Godwin 1835] Brookes last Journal by …
- … 1849–57] Tocquevilles Democracy [Tocqueville 1835–40] Fellow’s Lycia (1 st Travels) …
- … de Beaumont 1830–8] & C Prevost on l’Ile Julie [Prévost 1835]. 1838 Oct 2 …
- … and 1830]— skimmed well Lutke’s voyage [Lütke 1835–6]— carefully read Reynold’s …
- … May 18 Stanley Familiar Hist. of Birds [E. Stanley 1835] Mackintosh’s Ethical Philosophy …
- … 25. Owen & Botelers Africa [W. F. Owen 1833 and Boteler 1835] well skimmed Gleanings of …
- … 1757] Swainson Geograph. Distrib of Animals [Swainson 1835] I see Swainsons Book has notes at …
- … 1774] nothing Coleridges Table Talk [Coleridge 1835]. Campbell’s Poems [T. Campbell …
- … Simple Story. Sir. J. Mackintosh life [Mackintosh 1835]. reread Priestley Life & …
- … [T. Moore 1825] & Liebers remains of Niebuhr [Lieber 1835]. 8 Paley’s Evidence. of Christ …
- … & Morning [Bulwer-Lytton] 1841]; Rienzi [Bulwer-Lytton] 1835]: Barnaby Rudge [Dickens 1841] …
- … —— 15 th . Harlans Med & Phys. Researches [Harlan 1835] abstracted. Smith Moral …
- … 1844] Pœppig Reisen [Pöppig 1835–6]— } skimmed.— …
- … poor.— —— Visey Philosoph. d’Hist Nat. [Virey 1835] } Alder & Hancock. Nudibran …
- … (nothing) 21. Van Mons Arbres Fruitiers 2. Vols [Mons 1835–6] July 7 th N. C. …

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: 1 hits
- … to think about—’ (letter to W. D. Fox, [9–12 August] 1835 ). Darwin’s doubts about orthodox …

Science, Work and Manliness
Summary
Discussion Questions|Letters In 1859, popular didactic writer William Landels published the first edition of what proved to be one of his best-selling works, How Men Are Made. "It is by work, work, work" he told his middle class audience, …
Matches: 1 hits
- … Letter 282 - Darwin to Fox, W. D., [9 - 12 August 1835] Darwin discusses with Fox his …
Darwin’s study of the Cirripedia
Summary
Darwin’s work on barnacles, conducted between 1846 and 1854, has long posed problems for historians. Coming between his transmutation notebooks and the Origin of species, it has frequently been interpreted as a digression from Darwin’s species work. Yet…

Darwin in letters, 1837–1843: The London years to 'natural selection'
Summary
The seven-year period following Darwin's return to England from the Beagle voyage was one of extraordinary activity and productivity in which he became recognised as a naturalist of outstanding ability, as an author and editor, and as a professional…

Bibliography of Darwin’s geological publications
Summary
This list includes papers read by Darwin to the Geological Society of London, his books on the geology of the Beagle voyage, and other publications on geological topics. Author-date citations refer to entries in the Darwin Correspondence Project’s…

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: 1 hits
- … wall in Valparaiso, where he had witnessed an earthquake in 1835 ( letter from R. E. Alison, [March …
People featured in the Dutch photograph album
Summary
Here is a list of people that appeared in the photograph album Darwin received for his birthday on 12 February 1877 from scientific admirers in the Netherlands. Many thanks to Hester Loeff for identifying and researching them. No. …
People featured in the Dutch photograph album
Summary
List of people appearing in the photograph album Darwin received from scientific admirers in the Netherlands for his birthday on 12 February 1877. We are grateful to Hester Loeff for providing this list and for permission to make her research available.…
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: 1 hits
- … 272 — Darwin, C. R. to Henslow, J. S., [10–13] Mar 1835 Darwin tells Henslow the termination …

Darwin’s hothouse and lists of hothouse plants
Summary
Darwin became increasingly involved in botanical experiments in the years after the publication of Origin. The building of a small hothouse - a heated greenhouse - early in 1863 greatly increased the range of plants that he could keep for scientific…
Matches: 1 hits
- … Claudius Loudon’s Encyclopedia of gardening (Loudon 1835), a copy of which Darwin signed in 1841 …
'An Appeal' against animal cruelty
Summary
The four-page pamphlet transcribed below and entitled 'An Appeal', was composed jointly by Emma and Charles Darwin (see letter from Emma Darwin to W. D. Fox, [29 September 1863]). The pamphlet, which protested against the cruelty of steel vermin…

George Robert Waterhouse
Summary
George Waterhouse was born on 6 March 1810 in Somers Town, North London. His father was a solicitor’s clerk and an amateur lepidopterist. George was educated from 1821-24 at Koekelberg near Brussels. On his return he worked for a time as an apprentice to…
Matches: 1 hits
- … as a curator at the Royal Institution at Liverpool in 1835, he returned to London the following year …
San Carlos de Ancud, Chiloé
Summary
Description of an eathquake
Matches: 1 hits
- … sends a detailed report of an earthquake in February 1835 and subsequent volcanic activity until …
New Zealand
Summary
The Beagle arrives in New Zealand
Matches: 1 hits
- … The Beagle arrives in New Zealand …
The Galapagos
Summary
The Beagle arrives in the Galápagos Islands
Matches: 1 hits
- … The Beagle arrives in the Galápagos Islands …