From atheistical cats to old fogies in Cambridge, we've collected some of Darwin's pithier remarks - some funny, some serious - but all quotes from letters you can read in full here.

We particularly like this one:

Will you be so kind as to write the name for me distinctly, for some people are so foolish as to say that your handwriting, like mine, is not very legible.

Where's it from?

Not seen Darwin’s handwriting? – try reading this one (tip: click on the 'Original' tab to see an image of the letter)

On Origin of Species

There is an Italian Edit. of Origin preparing!!! This makes fifth foreign Edit, ie in five foreign countries. Owen will not be right in telling Longmans that Book w^d be utterly forgotten in ten years

Where's it from?

On politics

Hurrah for the honest Whigs.— I trust they will soon attack that monstrous stain on our boasted liberty, Colonial Slavery.

Where's it from?

On cat shows and religion….

[THIS ONE NOT LIVE YET!]

You are quite at liberty to honour me by putting my name down as one of the Patrons of the Cat Show; but let me advise you not to do so, as people may refuse to go & admire a lot of atheistical cats!

Where's it from

On dating and marriage

I begin to think that the pairing of birds must be as delicate and tedious an operation as the pairing of young gentlemen and ladies.

Where's it from?

Well it is an awful & astounding fact that you are married

Where's it from?

On his wife, Emma

I have had my day & a happy life, notwithstanding my stomach; & this I owe almost entirely to our dear old mother, who, as you know well, is as good as twice refined gold.

Where's it from?

On maths

[THIS ONE NOT ONLINE YET]

I have not been able to understand all the mathematical reasoning; for irrational angles produce a corresponding effect on my mind

Where's it from?

On letters and books

my room is encumbered with unread books.

Where's it from?

I shd. like a Society formed so that everyone might receive pleasant letters & never answer them.

Where's it from?

I am rather sorry that you are Editor, as I have always heard that an Editor's life is one of ceasless trouble & anxiety.

(Darwin misspelled 'ceaseless', not us)

Where's it from?

After completing his enormous two-volume work, The variation of plants and animals under domestication:

About my book, I will give you a bit of advice, skip the whole of Vol I, except last Chapt. (& that need only be skimmed) & skip largely in 2^d. vol., & then you will say it is very good book.

Where's it from?

On science

What a splendid pursuit natural history would be if it was all observing & no writing.

Where's it from?

To receive the approbation & sympathy of one’s fellow-workers in the acquisition of knowledge is the highest possible reward which any man ought to desire

Where's it from?

 I hate myself   I hate clover & I hate Bees—

Where's it from?

I will have you tried by a court martial of Botanists & have you shot.

Where's it from?

As for the old fogies in Cambridge it really signifies nothing. I look at their attacks, as a proof that our work is worth the doing. It makes me resolve to buckle on my armour.—

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Darwin on Life (and being a modified ape)

It is a comfort to know that possibly when one is 70 years old one's brain may be good for work.

Where's it from

Many thanks for your Photograph, & I send mine, but it is a hideous affair—merely a modified, hardly an improved, Gorilla.

Where's it from

I admire the beautiful scenery more than could be reasonably expected of an acknowledged descendent of an Ape.

Where's it from?

I sometimes marvel how truth progresses, so difficult is it for one man to convince another, unless his mind is vacant.

Where's it from?

...as we daily see men arriving at opposite conclusions from the same premises it seems to me doubtful policy to speak too positively on any complex subject however much a man may feel convinced of the truth of his own conclusions.

Where's it from?

On sickness, health, and bananas

…you began your note by saying that “the enclosed may amuse you”— Nothing was enclosed— I sh^d. much like to be amused, for my stomach & the whole Universe is this day demoniacal in my eyes— C. D.

Where's it from?

You have not only rejoiced my soul, but my stomach, for the bananas are simply delicious.

Where's it from?

Mamma is in bed with bad Headach.— Miss. L. is very bad with headach.— Lenny has got a slight headach.— I am not very bright— The day is raining torrents, the children are ennuied—so I have not heart to write—

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Hurrah! I have been 52 hours without vomiting!!

Where's it from

On travel

 I loathe, I abhor the sea, & all ships which sail on it.

Where's it from?