From Giuseppe Carboni1 13 September 1871
Mr. Chârles Darwin | Londres
La distanza che ci separa è tale che se non impossibile difficile assai si è che io lo possa vedere in persona, cosa che molto mi sarebbe cara se si verificasse, ma prevedendo il contrario le sarei per chiederle un favore, e cioè se le piacesse onorarmi di un suo pregiato Autografo seppure io a lei del tutto ignoto le sia. Cio non ostante spero che Ella sarà tanto compiacente di soddisfarmi in questa mia desiderata brama tanto più che io porto speciale affezione a chi, come me, si è dedicato agli studi naturali.
Certo io non sono fra quelli che lodano o biasimano taluno secondo le loro opinioni, dalle quali poi prendono il movente principale delle proprie azioni, sieno pur erronee: e ben si è espresso il Prof: Lessona, su ciò, nel principio della traduzione che sta facendo della sua bellissima opera—L’origine dell’uomo &c.—2
La fotografia che qui troverà inclusa, se ella non se ne offende, io glie la offro, ed ho voluto con questo emblema significare l’idea del Materialismo Scientifico servendomene poi come simbolo mio particolare nelle lettere che scrivo—3 se io sia riescito nella mia idea certo che a me non istà il guidicare, ed anzi aspetto, da lei, su ciò un guidizio che per me sarà inappellabile.
Coll speranza adunque di essere onorato di quanto le chieggo le anticipo i miei piu vivi e sinceri ringraziamenti e salutandolo con distinta stima mi creda | devo umb servitore | G Carboni
Ecco il mio indirizzo
A Giuseppe Carboni Strada Stefano 97 Casa Pavallicini Bologna Italia
Bologna 13 Settembre 1871
Footnotes
Bibliography
Correspondence: The correspondence of Charles Darwin. Edited by Frederick Burkhardt et al. 29 vols to date. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. 1985–.
Descent: The descent of man, and selection in relation to sex. By Charles Darwin. 2 vols. London: John Murray. 1871.
Translation
From Giuseppe Carboni1 13 September 1871
Mr Charles Darwin | London
The distance which separates us is such that it is not impossible difficult enough for me to be able to see you in person, a thing that would be really precious to me if it could take place, but predicting the opposite it is for me to ask you a favour, and that is if it would please you to honour me with one of your precious Autographs even though I am completely unknown to you. This not standing in the way, I hope that you will be very pleased to satisfy me in my longing yearning all the more as I have a special affection for someone, who, like me, is dedicated to the study of nature.
Of course I am not the sort of person who praises or reproves anyone according to their opinions then adopts them as the principal motive of their own actions, it would be totally wrong: well, that is how Prof. Lessona, recently, expressed himself at the beginning of the translation that he is making of your most beautiful work— The origin of man &c.—2
I offer you the photograph that you will find enclosed, if you are not offended by it, and with this emblem I wanted to signify the idea of Scientific Materialism and it has come to serve as my personal symbol on the letters that I write—3 Whether I have succeeded in my idea it is of course not for me to judge, so I await a judgement on it from you which I will regard as unchallengeable.
In the hope therefore of being honoured with what I have requested, I anticipate with my strongest and most sincere thanks and in taking my leave with distinct esteem believe me | your obliged humble servant | G Carboni
Here is my address
To Giuseppe Carboni Strada Stefano 97 Casa Pavallicini Bologna Italy
Bologna 13 September 1871
Footnotes
Bibliography
Correspondence: The correspondence of Charles Darwin. Edited by Frederick Burkhardt et al. 29 vols to date. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. 1985–.
Descent: The descent of man, and selection in relation to sex. By Charles Darwin. 2 vols. London: John Murray. 1871.
Summary
Requests CD’s autograph.
Sends photograph of an emblem, which he uses as his personal symbol: "Moleshott, Büchner, Darwin: Scienza e Natura, Forza e Materia".
Letter details
- Letter no.
- DCP-LETT-7942
- From
- Giuseppe Carboni
- To
- Charles Robert Darwin
- Sent from
- Bologna
- Source of text
- DAR 161: 45
- Physical description
- ALS 2pp
Please cite as
Darwin Correspondence Project, “Letter no. 7942,” accessed on 1 May 2024, https://www.darwinproject.ac.uk/letter/?docId=letters/DCP-LETT-7942.xml
Also published in The Correspondence of Charles Darwin, vol. 19
