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 |
Matches: 4 hits
- … his recent trips and findings on the geology of the Andes. Asks if HSF has seen large beds …
- … South America. Being the third part of the geology of the voyage of the Beagle, under the …
- … is no sort of interest excepting from Geology. — I hope now to be able to give some sort …
- … is quite incorrect. There is one point in the Geology of S. America, in which I am much …
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 |
Matches: 4 hits
- … Tertiary strata in Galapagos. Recommends geology to Fox. Discusses Lyell’s views; CD has …
- … you have some thoughts of beginning geology. — I hope you will, there is so much larger a …
- … a greater extent, even than he does. Geology is a capital science to begin, as it requires …
- … the sole source of interest was in the Geology. The scarcity of fossil shells is very …
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 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 |
Matches: 4 hits
- … South America. Being the third part of the geology of the voyage of the Beagle, under the …
- … of vexation to find he has described the geology of the Pampas, & that I have had some …
- … described. I hope to be able to connect his Geology of that country, with mine of Chili. — …
- … in the Geography of the Globe. — The geology of these Mountains pleased me in one respect; …
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 |
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 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 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 |
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 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 |
From Susan Darwin 22 November 1835
Summary
Some of CD’s letters were read at Geological Society in London. Professor Sedgwick says of CD, "doing admirably … collection above all praise … will have a great name among the Naturalists of Europe".
Erasmus has taken office of Clerk to a Government Commissioner. Other family news.
| Author: | Susan Elizabeth Darwin |
| Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Date: | 22 Nov 1835 |
| Classmark: | DAR 97 (ser. 2): 24–5 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-288 |
To Alexander Burns Usborne [c. 1–5 September 1835]
Summary
Memorandum of geological instructions to guide ABU during a voyage of [Constitucion] to survey the coast of Peru.
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | Alexander Burns Usborne |
| Date: | [c. 1–5 Sept 1835] |
| Classmark: | DAR 207: 14 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-285 |
Matches: 1 hit
- … South America. Being the third part of the geology of the voyage of the Beagle, under the …
From James Busby to Alexander Berry 29 December 1835
Summary
Introduces CD to Alexander Berry of Sydney.
| Author: | James Busby |
| Addressee: | Alexander Berry |
| Date: | 29 Dec 1835 |
| Classmark: | Mitchell Library, Sydney (MLMSS 315/51 Item 6, pp. 1–4) |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-289F |
Matches: 1 hit
- … an idea of what little is known of the Geology of New Holland. The Ship I understand will …
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 |
Matches: 1 hit
- … South America. Being the third part of the geology of the voyage of the Beagle, under the …
To Caroline Darwin 27 December 1835
Summary
At sea 25 days from Galapagos to Tahiti, where they stayed ten days. It was delightful. Then three weeks to New Zealand, where they will be for ten days.
Convinced of high merit of missionaries.
Dislikes Augustus Earle’s book.
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | Caroline Sarah (Caroline) Darwin; Caroline Sarah (Caroline) Wedgwood |
| Date: | 27 Dec 1835 |
| Classmark: | DAR 223 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-289 |
Matches: 1 hit
- … than a week formerly. There is no more Geology, but plenty of sea-sickness; hitherto the …
From Caroline Darwin 29 December [1835]
Summary
CD’s fame is spreading: she quotes Henslow ["Letters to Professor Henslow" (1835), Collected papers 1: 3–16], and a passage in the Athenæum.
Adds news of family and friends.
| Author: | Caroline Sarah (Caroline) Darwin; Caroline Sarah (Caroline) Wedgwood; Charlotte Wedgwood; Charlotte Langton |
| Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Date: | 29 Dec [1835] |
| Classmark: | DAR 97 (ser. 2): 26–7 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-291 |
Matches: 1 hit
- … infinitely more so, than your former pursuit Geology must be. the accnt of some of your …
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 |
Matches: 1 hit
- … at such a famous winding up of all my geology in S. — America. — I literally could hardly …
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 |
Matches: 1 hit
- … South America. Being the third part of the geology of the voyage of the Beagle, under the …
| letter | (18) |
| Darwin, C. R. | (12) |
| Alison, R. E. | (2) |
| Busby, James | (1) |
| Darwin, Caroline | (1) |
| Darwin, S. E. | (1) |
| Darwin, C. R. | (5) |
| Darwin, Caroline | (3) |
| Henslow, J. S. | (3) |
| Wedgwood, Caroline | (3) |
| Fox, W. D. | (2) |
| Darwin, C. R. | (17) |
| Darwin, Caroline | (4) |
| Wedgwood, Caroline | (4) |
| Henslow, J. S. | (3) |
| Alison, R. E. | (2) |
Darwin & Geology
Summary
The lessons Darwin learned from Adam Sedgwick at Cambridge, and in the field in North Wales, stood him in good stead during the Beagle voyage. While he was attached to the Beagle from 1831 to 1835, Darwin actually spent about two-thirds of his time ashore,…
Matches: 8 hits
- … actually spent about two-thirds of his time ashore, where geology was his single most frequent …
- … and the coral reefs of the Pacific, Darwin’s notes on geology accumulated twice as fast as those on …
- … he believed the same basic processes that had shaped the geology of South America were also at work …
- … of the previous decade by publishing three volumes on the geology of the Beagle voyage, but as …
- … for further reading… On Darwin’s work in geology: Herbert, Sandra. 2005. …
- … A. 1991. The discovery of a vocation: Darwin’s early geology. British Journal for the History of …
- … of Science 9: 199–218. On the history of geology: Greene, Mott C. 1982. …
- … Laudan, Rachel. 1994 [1987]. From mineralogy to geology . Chicago: University of Chicago Press …
The geology of the Beagle voyage
Summary
The primary concern that linked much of Darwin’s geological work in the Beagle years was to understand the changing relation between the levels of land and sea. As he studied the shores of South America, and discovered shells inland at thousands of feet…
Darwin’s introduction to geology
Summary
Darwin collected minerals as a child and was introduced to the science of geology at the University of Edinburgh, but he only became actively interested in the subject as he was completing his degree at Cambridge.
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…
Matches: 10 hits
- … Darwin to the Geological Society of London, his books on the geology of the Beagle voyage, and …
- … and distribution of coral reefs. Being the first part of the geology of the voyage of the Beagle, …
- … of HMS Beagle, together with some brief notices on the geology of Australia and the Cape of Good …
- … observations on South America. Being the third part of the geology of the voyage of the Beagle, …
- … London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1846. [F273.] —On the geology of the Falkland Islands. …
- … [ Shorter publications , pp. 209-17. F1677.] —Geology. Section VI, pp. 156-95, in A …
- … for further reading… On Darwin’s work in geology: Herbert, Sandra. 2005. …
- … James A. 1991. The discovery of a vocation: Darwin’s early geology. British Journal for the …
- … of Science 9: 199–218. On the history of geology: Greene, Mott C. 1982. …
- … Laudan, Rachel. 1994 [1987]. From mineralogy to geology . Chicago: University of Chicago Press. …
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: 8 hits
- … Hooker: ‘I hope this next summer to finish my S. American geology; then to get out a little zoology …
- … from these years and a series of interesting exchanges on geology with David Milne, Robert Chambers, …
- … through the mountains. Hooker writes of the complicated geology of the area, of the community of …
- … with which they had come to regard each other. Geology, and geological controversy …
- … Sir John Frederick William Herschel, to write the chapter on geology ( letter to J. F. W. Herschel, …
- … the zoological chapter, show how they divided the topics of geology and zoology between them. Owen …
- … contribute most to the leading questions of contemporary geology. Perhaps with himself in mind, he …
- … in the preparation of new editions of his Principles of geology and Manual of elementary …
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…
Matches: 8 hits
- … on various subjects to major theoretical monographs in geology. In addition, he organised and …
- … and sold separately as Journal of researches into the geology and natural history of the various …
- … one of Darwin’s visits to Maer in Staffordshire. Geology Darwin’s work and …
- … an application of his Beagle work, and it too was in geology. In 1838 he set out on a geological …
- … of the Beagle voyage In addition to his work on geology Darwin undertook to provide a …
- … network that Darwin established as he worked on the geology and zoology of the voyage a most …
- … lately been sadly tempted to be idle, that is as far as pure geology is concerned, by the delightful …
- … these years was that it put an end to further field work in geology. From his South American days he …
The Lyell–Lubbock dispute
Summary
In May 1865 a dispute arose between John Lubbock and Charles Lyell when Lubbock, in his book Prehistoric times, accused Lyell of plagiarism. The dispute caused great dismay among many of their mutual scientific friends, some of whom took immediate action…
Matches: 4 hits
- … Lyell had begun work on a sixth edition of Elements of geology (C. Lyell 1865). At the same time …
- … book had been completed and set in type for Elements of geology in 1860 and then re-set in 1861 …
- … in 1860 for the sixth edition of the ‘ Elements of geology ’ 34 [C. Lyell 1865], and the …
- … , pp. lx–lxxv. Lyell, Charles. 1865. Elements of geology, or the ancient changes of the …
Commentary
Summary
This section provides pages of commentary on the following themes: Evolution Geology Life sciences Human nature Religion
Matches: 1 hits
- … on the following themes: Evolution Geology Life sciences …
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…
Darwin & the Geological Society
Summary
The science of geology in the early nineteenth century was a relatively new enterprise forged from the merging of several distinct traditions of inquiry, from mineralogy and the very practical business of mining, to theories of the earth’s origin and the…
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, …
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: 3 hits
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
- … Natural History, and Journal of Zoology, Botany, Mineralogy, Geology and Meteorology ] read …
- … [Lisyansky 1814]— nothing Lyell’s Elements of Geology [Lyell 1838] Gibbon’s Life of …
- … my subjects Elie de Beaumont’s 2 vol of memoirs on Geology of France [Dufrénoy and Élie de …
- … life of Johnsons [Boswell 1831] 4 vols 25 Phillips Geology [J. Phillips 1837–9] Lardners 2 …
- … need not try them again. 18 th . Maclarens Geology of Fife [Maclaren 1839] References at …
- … Natural History, and Journal of Zoology, Botany, Mineralogy, Geology and Meteorology ] 4. Vol. …
- … the Horse [W. C. L. Martin 1845b] —— Hitchock’s Geology of Mass: [Hitchcock 1841] (skimmed) …
- … [DAR 119: 22a] 1849. Feb 8 th . Geology of Russia by Murchison. Veneuil &c …
- … of the Creator [H. Miller 1849] Dec. 10. Dana’s Geology. U.S. Expedition [J. D. Dana 1849] …
- … Sanatory Reform [Anon. 1850].— April 5 Manual of Geology Lyell [Lyell 1851] —— 30 …
- … it. & buy it.— 112 Jukes. “Students Manual of Geology” [Jukes 1857]— published a few …
- … Insects [T. W. Harris 1842] Jukes Student Manual of Geology [Jukes 1857] Azara’s …
- … the years 1797 and 1798, including observations on the geology and geography, the natural …
- … Library.] 119: 2a Buckland, William. 1836. Geology and mineralogy considered with …
- … *119: 3v.; 119: 5a Dana, James Dwight. 1849. Geology . Vol. 10 of United States …
- … New Zealand; with contributions to the geography, geology, botany, and natural history …
- … their scientific institutions, and a few notices of the geology and mineralogy of those …
- … Survey of Great Britain, and of the Museum of Practical Geology in London 2, pt 2: 457–82. …
- … Survey of Great Britain, and of the Museum of Practical Geology in London 2, pt 2: 483–534. …
- … or, original memoirs in medicine, surgery, physiology, geology, zoology, and comparative anatomy …
- … 13a Hitchcock, Edward. 1841. Final report on the geology of Massachusetts . 2 vols. …
- … 119: 20a ——. 1857. The student’s manual of geology. Edinburgh. [Darwin Library.] *128 …
- … 119: 3a Lyell, Charles. 1837. Principles of geology: being an inquiry how far the …
- … Library.] 119: 3a ——. 1838. Elements of geology . London. [Darwin Library.] 119: 2a …
- … 119: 16a ——. 1847. Principles of geology; or, the modern changes of the earth and its …
- … 22a Lyell, Charles. 1851. A manual of elementary geology; or, the ancient changes of …
Living and fossil cirripedia
Summary
Darwin published four volumes on barnacles, the crustacean sub-class Cirripedia, between 1851 and 1854, two on living species and two on fossil species. Written for a specialist audience, they are among the most challenging and least read of Darwin’s works…
John Murray
Summary
Darwin's most famous book On the origin of species by means of natural selection (Origin) was published on 22 November 1859. The publisher was John Murray, who specialised in non-fiction, particularly politics, travel and science, and had published…
Matches: 5 hits
- … as head of the business in 1843, had spent a year studying geology at Edinburgh University; as a …
- … he asked his friend Charles Lyell, whose Principles of geology (1830-3) had proved to be a …
- … contributed a section on using a microscope and a chapter on geology to A manual of scientific …
- … his authors and added Origin to his list: but although geology was his favourite hobby and he …
- … pseudonym ‘Verifier’ an essay entitled Scepticism in Geology (1877), an argument against Lyell’s …
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…
Matches: 1 hits
- … the low coral islands of the Pacific Ocean, and even the geology of Europe. In his Red Notebook …
Journal of researches
Summary
Within two months of the Beagle’s arrival back in England in October 1836, Darwin, although busy with distributing his specimens among specialists for description, and more interested in working on his geological research, turned his mind to the task of…
Matches: 5 hits
- … with the new title Journal of Researches into the geology and natural history of the various …
- … of animals will occupy a large portion, sketches of the geology, the appearance of the country, and …
- … where he set out his views on human migration and reconciled geology with the Biblical account. ‘You …
- … food as an egg ’; William Henry Fitton considered the geology to be ‘excellent’ while relishing the …
- … title Journal of researches into the natural history and geology of the countries visited during …
Darwin & Glen Roy
Summary
Although Darwin was best known for his geological work in South America and other remote Beagle destinations, he made one noteworthy attempt to explain a puzzling feature of British geology. In 1838, two years after returning from the voyage, he travelled…
Matches: 1 hits
- … noteworthy attempt to explain a puzzling feature of British geology. In 1838, two years after …
Darwin in letters, 1821-1836: Childhood to the Beagle voyage
Summary
Darwin's first known letters were written when he was twelve. They continue through school-days at Shrewsbury, two years as a medical student at Edinburgh University, the undergraduate years at Cambridge, and the of the voyage of H.M.S. Beagle.…
Matches: 3 hits
Charles Lyell
Summary
As an author, friend and correspondent, Charles Lyell played a crucial role in shaping Darwin's scientific life. Born to a wealthy gentry family in Scotland in 1797, Lyell had a classical and legal education but by the 1820s had become entranced by…
