Summary

The third and last part of the Geology [South America] will be published in a few days. Apologises for not sending JSH the other volumes.

Has attended Southampton [BAAS] meeting.

Summary

Has been learning to use a clinometer.

Has investigated passage and fares for Canaries trip.

Rereading Humboldt.

Asks JSH to thank Jenyns for present of Diptera.

Summary

GP has been asked to recommend a naturalist to sail with Capt. Robert FitzRoy to Tierra del Fuego and the South Sea Islands. If Leonard Jenyns is not available, whom would JSH recommend?

P.S. Urges JHS not to lose this opportunity to have collections made for "our museum".

Summary

JSH has been asked by Peacock to recommend a naturalist as companion to Capt. FitzRoy on Beagle voyage. CD the best qualified person; not a finished naturalist but amply qualified for collecting, observing, and noting.

Summary

Feels he should decline Beagle voyage offer because of his father’s objections, which he lists. Would otherwise have taken all risks.

[Geological] trip with Adam Sedgwick a success.

Grieved at Marmaduke Ramsay’s death.

Summary

Has just arrived in Cambridge; his father has changed his mind. Asks to see JSH.

Summary

Thanks JSH for his address [Address delivered in the Ipswich Museum on 9th March 1848]. Questions a sentence which implies that only the practical use of a scientific discovery makes it worth while. The instinct for truth justifies science without any practical results. Cites his work on cirripedes.

Summary

Has met FitzRoy, who has now offered him the post of naturalist on board the Beagle. Other details about the voyage arrangements – mess, CD’s status, route, books.

Summary

Criticises lecturing system in education and emphasis on classics. Has forgotten all his classical knowledge.

Asks JSH’s help in naming cirripedes, on which he is working. Believes he has made "some very curious points".

Expects a sixth child [Francis] in August.

Summary

All is settled – nothing can now alter CD’s determination. Details of plan and arrangements. Beaufort believes CD’s collections should be presented to some public body. CD thinks a large central collection best for natural history. Is busy getting advice and information from Yarrell and Capt. P. P. King for the voyage.

Summary

Describes cold water cure he has been taking for two months at J. M. Gully’s establishment.

Plans to go to BAAS meeting at Birmingham if health improves.

Summary

Describes the Birmingham meeting [1849] of BAAS.

His health is poor. Continues with water-cure with considerable benefit.

Summary

Has had his portrait taken;

is anxious about scarlet fever among his children.

Summary

Plans to come to Cambridge to discuss Beagle voyage. Only difficulty is disposal of his collections. South Sea Islands now more probable.

Summary

Thanks JSH for information and suggestions on benefit clubs,

and for a shipment of fossil cirripedes.

Summary

J. B. Innes is greatly obliged for JSH’s letter. JSH’s observation of chalk flints strikes CD as "very curious".

Summary

Announces birth of his fourth son, Leonard.

Summary

Has collected [Phalli] in Shropshire and compared them with Barmouth species. Is convinced they are different.

Asks JSH for introductions to R. T. Lowe and Andrew Smith.

Has been given another week’s respite by FitzRoy.

Summary

Asks JSH to take charge of his consignments of specimens from the voyage.

Summary

Gives CD directions for sending him specimens from Beagle.

Writes of Cambridge politics.