Summary

Sends John Blackwall’s book [Researches in zoology (1834)]. Discusses his reasons for doubting that there are any marsupials in Java or Sumatra.

Summary

Answers to [Questions about breeding].

Summary

Sends fee for admission to the Geological Society and a signed obligation.

Summary

Glad to have his letter; supposes she will receive only two or three more from him in her life.

Thinks he should leave the curtains for her.

Discusses Mungo Park and Sir Walter Scott’s Life.

Summary

He has the wedding ring. Agrees to coming straight home after the wedding, if that is what she prefers.

Summary

Responds warmly to his very nice letter. CD need have no fear that she will not be as happy as he.

Again expresses uneasiness that their opinions on religion do not agree on all points. Hopes they will sympathise in their feelings on the subject.

Summary

A letter of reference for Syms Covington.

Summary

Thanks CD for his Journal of researches, "one of the best scientific travelworks of this time", which CFAH intends to translate into German.

Summary

Discusses CD’s religious doubts. Fears his work may lead him to discount what cannot be proved, and advises that there are some things which, "if true are likely to be above our comprehension" and "that there is a danger in giving up revelation".

Summary

Emma is surprised how quickly CD has moved into the new house and understands his feeling of triumph. Wants him and Fanny [Mrs Hensleigh] Wedgwood to settle on hiring a cook.

Is reading Mansfield Park [Jane Austen (1814)], which she finds "very suitable".

Summary

Still rejoices in having found the house they like.

Thinks he might enjoy Jenny [Jane Welsh] Carlyle’s company more away from Carlyle "as she must have her full swing in talking".

Says the wedding must be fixed for the 29th instead of the 24th.

Hopes he will look better than on his last visit.

Summary

Preparations for the wedding, various callers, and other bits of news.

Summary

Is glad addressee’s lectures are going well.

Summary

Comments on recent visit to Maer. Explains that his notion of happiness as quietness and solitude derives from Beagle experience. Hopes Emma will humanise him. Comments on marriage planned for Tuesday.

Describes recent visit by Lyell and his wife. Talked geology for half an hour "with poor Mrs Lyell sitting by". "I want practice in ill-treating the female sex."

Summary

Is so unwell today that he is unable to come [to CB’s party].

Summary

Supports John Lawrance’s application to become a fellow of the Geological Society.

Summary

Acknowledges receipt of Journal of researches.

Summary

Thanks CD effusively [for Journal of researches] – "the most delightful book in my collection".

Summary

Describes his routine for a typical day – writing Coral reefs, studying German.

FitzRoy’s "Deluge Chapter" [Narrative 2, ch. 28] will amuse her.

His opinion of Carlyle’s Critical and miscellaneous essays [1839].

Summary

Invitation to dine at the Darwins’ with J. S. Henslow.