To Camille Dareste 20 November 1869
Down | Beckenham | Kent. S.E.
Novr. 20— 1869.
Dear Sir
I am glad that you are a candidate for the Chair of Physiology in Paris—1 As you are aware from my Published Works I have always considered your investigations on the production of monstrosities as full of interest. No subject is at the present time more important, as far as my judgment goes, than the ascertaining by experiment how far structure can be modified by the direct action of changed conditions; & you have thrown much light on the subject—2
I observe that several naturalists in various parts of Europe have lately maintained that it is now of the highest interest for Science to endeavour to lessen, as far as possible, our profound ignorance on the cause of each individual variation; &, as Is: Geoffroi St. Hilaire long ago remarked, monstrosities cannot be separated by any distinct line from slighter variations.3
With my best wishes for your success in obtaining the Professorship & with sincere respect—
I have the honour to remain | dear Sir | Yours faithfully | Charles Darwin
To | M. Camille Dareste
Footnotes
Bibliography
Variation: The variation of animals and plants under domestication. By Charles Darwin. 2 vols. London: John Murray. 1868.
Summary
Glad Dareste is candidate for Paris Chair. No subject more important than modification of structure by direct action of changed conditions, and Dareste has thrown much light on subject. Believes monstrosities cannot be separated from slighter variations.
Letter details
- Letter no.
- DCP-LETT-7001
- From
- Charles Robert Darwin
- To
- Gabriel-Madeleine-Camille (Camille) Dareste
- Sent from
- Down
- Source of text
- DAR 143: 369
- Physical description
- C 2pp & ADraftS 2pp
Please cite as
Darwin Correspondence Project, “Letter no. 7001,” accessed on 13 May 2024, https://www.darwinproject.ac.uk/letter/?docId=letters/DCP-LETT-7001.xml
Also published in The Correspondence of Charles Darwin, vol. 17