To Ernst Dieffenbach 19 July [1843]
Summary
Says Colburn will allow German publisher to use copperplate and woodcuts [for Journal of researches]. Has been delayed in corrections owing to death of a relative [Josiah Wedgwood II].
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | Ernst Dieffenbach |
Date: | 19 July [1843] |
Classmark: | Historical Society of Pennsylvania (Gratz collection, case 12, box 7) |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-682 |
From R. B. Hinds 19 July [1843]
Summary
CD will be gratified to learn that RBH has recognised a species of Cactornis as a native of Bow Island [Hao, Tuamotu Archipelago].
Author: | Richard Brinsley Hinds |
Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Date: | 19 July [1843] |
Classmark: | DAR 205.3: 276 |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-683 |
To G. R. Waterhouse [26 July 1843]
Summary
Classification consists of grouping beings according to descent from common stocks. Analogies are resemblances between forms not inherited from common stocks. Neither number of species nor grade of organisation should be considered in classification. Admits that caution is necessary in admitting a few species to form a group of rank equal to one containing many species.
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | George Robert Waterhouse |
Date: | [26 July 1843] |
Classmark: | DAR 185: 68 |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-684 |
To G. R. Waterhouse [31 July 1843]
Summary
Has no objection to uniting Monotremata and other marsupials but would object to doing so solely on ground that Monotremata consists of only two species. Members of a natural group need not share common character so long as they are linked with those which do. Believes that if every organism that ever lived were collected, a perfect series would be presented. What are reasons that unite Aptera and Diptera?
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | George Robert Waterhouse |
Date: | [31 July 1843] |
Classmark: | DAR 185: 69 |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-685 |
From G. R. Waterhouse [c. 2 August 1843]
Summary
Discusses classification of animals. Degree of affinity different for different taxonomic groups. Discusses affinity of Ornithorhynchus or Echidna to reptiles.
Brain of whale is highly developed; on differences among brains of Quadrumana.
Author: | George Robert Waterhouse |
Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Date: | [c. 2 Aug 1843] |
Classmark: | DAR 181: 12 |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-686 |
From J. S. Henslow [5 August 1843]
Author: | John Stevens Henslow |
Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Date: | [5 Aug 1843] |
Classmark: | DAR 205.7: 282 |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-687 |
From G. R. Waterhouse 9 August 1843
Summary
Explains what he means when he attempts a "natural classification", defining his words and using man as a standard; gives examples. Classification of Aptera and Diptera.
Discusses his discharge from the Zoological Society. Is to see Robert Brown about the British Museum position.
Author: | George Robert Waterhouse |
Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Date: | 9 Aug 1843 |
Classmark: | DAR 181: 13 |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-688 |
To Ernst Dieffenbach 15 August [1843]
Summary
CD sends off his notes [corrections and additions to his Journal of researches] which he hopes ED will introduce [in German translation].
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | Ernst Dieffenbach |
Date: | 15 Aug [1843] |
Classmark: | J. A. Stargardt (dealers) (Catalogue 574 11–13 November 1965) |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-689 |
From John Lindley [before 2 September 1843]
Summary
Much interested in CD’s communication [about W. Kemp] and seeds sent; does not know the species; has sent seeds to Henslow.
Describes a monstrous plant found near Ely.
Author: | John Lindley |
Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Date: | [before 2 Sept 1843] |
Classmark: | DAR 50: A21–2 |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-690 |
To J. S. Henslow [2 September 1843]
Summary
Tells how W. Kemp found the seeds of Atriplex, which Lindley sent to JSH for identification.
Asks about monstrous plant mentioned by Lindley [see 690].
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | John Stevens Henslow |
Date: | [2 Sept 1843] |
Classmark: | DAR 93: A8–10 |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-691 |
To William Kemp [8 September 1843]
Summary
Seeds sent by Kemp have germinated and been identified by Lindley as Rumex acetosella and an Atriplex which has been sent on to J. S. Henslow.
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | William Kemp |
Date: | [8 Sept 1843] |
Classmark: | Cambridge University Library (MS Add. 10252/23) (gift of Ruth Cramond and David Cramond) |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-691F |
To W. D. Fox [4 September 1843]
Summary
Comments on his visit to N. Wales and the evidence of glaciation, of which he feels certain.
His marine theory [of the parallel roads of Glen Roy] has revived after Louis Agassiz’s "ice work" knocked it on the head.
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | William Darwin Fox |
Date: | [4 Sept 1843] |
Classmark: | Christ’s College Library, Cambridge (MS 53 Fox 67) |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-692 |
To Gardeners’ Chronicle [late August 1843]
Summary
Sends some examples of Gentiana that he thinks may shed light on the origin of double flowers. Since specimens grew in sterile soil their double flowering cannot be attributed to excess food. CD advances the hypothesis that some change in natural conditions causes sterility, which then causes compensatory development of petals, the organs closest in morphology to those whose functions have been checked.
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | Gardeners’ Chronicle |
Date: | [late Aug 1843] |
Classmark: | Gardeners’ Chronicle and Agricultural Gazette, no. 36, 9 September 1843, p. 628 |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-693 |
To John Edward Davis 15 September [1843]
Summary
Thanks him for specimens collected.
Comments on JED’s voyage [on H.M.S. Terror, 1839–43].
Mentions activities of old Beagle crew.
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | John Edward Davis |
Date: | 15 Sept [1843] |
Classmark: | DAR 143: 374 |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-695 |
To Charles Lyell [15 or 22 September 1843]
Summary
Mentions expected birth of child [Henrietta Emma].
BAAS meeting.
Comments on letters from G. R. Waterhouse and William Lonsdale.
Describes survival of apparently "fossil" seeds sent by W. Kemp.
Is at work on MS [of Volcanic islands].
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | Charles Lyell, 1st baronet |
Date: | [15 or 22] Sept 1843 |
Classmark: | American Philosophical Society (Mss.B.D25.32) |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-696 |
To S. P. Woodward 29 [September 1843]
Summary
Says he will call tomorrow to examine indicated specimens and books at Geological Society.
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | Samuel Pickworth Woodward |
Date: | 29 [Sept 1843] |
Classmark: | The British Library (Add MS 42579: 228–9) |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-697 |
To Ernst Dieffenbach 2 October 1843
Summary
On ED’s planned edition [German] of CD’s Journal of researches.
Informs him of his forthcoming volume, Volcanic islands.
"I am well acquainted with your paper on Chatham Island ["An account of the Chatham Islands", J. R. Geogr. Soc. 11: 195–215], & … those passages on the very curious fact of the apparent specific differences of the birds there & at New Zealand".
Thanks ED for recognition of his "small labours in Natural History… . praise from men, like yourself, is the only, though quite sufficient, reward I ever expect or wish to obtain for my works. – I have lately had the extreme satisfaction of hearing that Hooker speaks highly of the accuracy … of my statements". Refers to Humboldt and Owen.
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | Ernst Dieffenbach |
Date: | 2 Oct 1843 |
Classmark: | J. A. Stargardt (dealers) (Catalogue 574 11–13 November 1965) |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-698 |
From William Kemp 2 October 1843
Summary
Describes germination of seeds found in sand-pit and the geological setting of the sand-pit.
Postulates existence of ancient lake along the course of the River Tweed. Notes evidence of glaciation.
Author: | William Kemp |
Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Date: | 2 Oct 1843 |
Classmark: | DAR 50: A8–11 |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-699 |
To J. S. Henslow [before 7 October 1843]
Summary
Has seen fields of clover near Down affected with clover dodder.
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | John Stevens Henslow |
Date: | [before 7 Oct 1843] |
Classmark: | Gardeners’ Chronicle, 7 October 1843, p. 694 |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-699F |
To Syms Covington 7 October 1843
Summary
A new ear trumpet has been sent to SC as a present.
Sends news of his publications, health, and other developments since SC left for Australia.
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | Syms Covington |
Date: | 7 Oct 1843 |
Classmark: | Sydney Mail, 9 August 1884, p. 254 |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-700 |
Darwin, C. R. | (70) |
Kemp, William | (6) |
Waterhouse, G. R. | (4) |
Henslow, J. S. | (3) |
Hinds, R. B. | (2) |
Darwin, C. R. | (24) |
Kemp, William | (10) |
Dieffenbach, Ernst | (5) |
Henslow, J. S. | (5) |
Smith, Elder & Co | (5) |
Darwin, C. R. | (94) |
Kemp, William | (16) |
Waterhouse, G. R. | (9) |
Henslow, J. S. | (8) |
Dieffenbach, Ernst | (5) |