Search: contains ""

Darwin in letters, 1872: Job done?

Summary

'My career’, Darwin wrote towards the end of 1872, 'is so nearly closed. . . What little more I can do, shall be chiefly new work’, and the tenor of his correspondence throughout the year is one of wistful reminiscence, coupled with a keen eye…

Matches: 27 hits

… ‘My career’, Darwin wrote towards the end of 1872, ‘is so nearly closed. . . What little …
… I can do, shall be chiefly new work’ ( letter to Francis Galton, 8 November [1872] ), and the …
… of On the origin of species , intended to be Darwin’s last, and of Expression of the …
… books brought a strong if deceptive sense of a job now done: Darwin intended, he declared to Alfred …
… on 'so difficult a subject, as evolution’ ( letter to A. R. Wallace, 27 July [1872] ). …
… of books and papers, and the latter formed the subject of Darwin’s last book, The formation of …
… , published in the year before his death. Despite Darwin’s declared intention to take up new work, …
… , shortly after correcting the proofs, and Darwin’s concern for the consolidation of his legacy is …
… editions were costly to incorporate, and despite Darwin’s best efforts, set the final price at 7 s. …
… remained unpublished at the end of the year ( letter from C.-F. Reinwald, 23 November 1872 ). …
… St George Jackson Mivart ( letter to St G. J. Mivart, 11 January [1872] ). A worsening …
… Whale & duck most beautiful’ ( letter from A. R. Wallace, 3 March 1872 ). I …
… Mivart not to acknowledge it ( letter to St G. J. Mivart, 11 January [1872] ). 'I hate …
… `chiefly perhaps because I do it badly’ ( letter to A. R. Wallace, 3 August [1872] ). …
… selection is somewhat under a cloud’, he wrote to J. E. Taylor on 13 January , and he complained …
… attacks on Darwin became notorious, had written on 11 May expressing concern that his recently, …
… from his ignorance, he feels no doubts’ ( letter to F. C. Donders, 17 June 1872 ). Right up to the …
… by her husband, Richard Buckley Litchfield ( letter to H. E. Litchfield, 13 May 1872 ). Delivery …
… 'I know that I am half-killed myself’ ( letter to H. E. Litchfield, 25 July 1872 ). A …
… well informed: `The die is cast’, he wrote excitedly on 11 May , when the matter was first raised …
… a week later ( enclosure to letter from John Lubbock to W. E. Gladstone, 20 June 1872 ). Darwin …
… Charlton Bastian’s recent book on the origin of life (H. C. Bastian 1872; Wallace 1872d) left him …
… & new views which are daily turning up’ ( letter to A. R. Wallace, 28 August [1872] ). …
… Lord Sackville Cecil, to attend a séance ( letter from M. C. Stanley, 4 June 1872 ). There was …
… of spiritualists, and Darwin, through his cousin Francis Galton, had with some interest been …
… gift, although he doubted he would ever use it ( letter to C. L. Dodgson, 10 December 1872 ). …
… than usual. One such old friend was Sarah Haliburton, né e Owen, to whose sister, Fanny, Darwin had …

List of correspondents

Summary

Below is a list of Darwin's correspondents with the number of letters for each one. Click on a name to see the letters Darwin exchanged with that correspondent. "A child of God" (1) Abberley,…

Matches: 6 hits

… Below is a list of Darwin's correspondents with the number of letters for each one. …
… (1) Athenæum (11) Atkin, J. R. (1) …
… (3) Bosquet, J. A. H. de (11) Bostock, John …
… (2) Breitenbach, Wilhelm (11) Brent, B. P. …
… (2) Bunbury, C. J. F. (11) Bunbury, F. J. …
… Dareste, Camille (9) Darwin family (1) …

Darwin in letters, 1879: Tracing roots

Summary

Darwin spent a considerable part of 1879 in the eighteenth century. His journey back in time started when he decided to publish a biographical account of his grandfather Erasmus Darwin to accompany a translation of an essay on Erasmus’s evolutionary ideas…

Matches: 25 hits

… There are summaries of all Darwin's letters from the year 1879 on this website. The full texts …
… 27 of the print edition of The correspondence of Charles Darwin , published by Cambridge …
… to publish a biographical account of his grandfather Erasmus Darwin to accompany a translation of an …
… he warned that it was ‘dry as dust’ ( letter to R. F. Cooke, 9 September 1879 ). He was also …
… very dull & has disappointed me much’ ( letter to Francis Galton, 15 [June 1879] ). Even the …
… of his son Horace to Ida Farrer, stepdaughter of Darwin’s niece Katherine Euphemia Farrer (Effie), …
… all over like a baked pear’ ( enclosure in letter from R. W. Dixon, 20 December 1879 ). The year …
… nice and good as could be’ ( letter from Karl Beger, [ c. 12 February 1879] ). The masters of …
… children correctly’, mentioning in particular that Francis Galton was the son of one of Erasmus …
… & would please Francis’, he pointed out ( letter from E. A. Darwin, 13 March [1879 ]). …
… false statements that had been published by Francis Galton’s aunt, Mary Anne Schimmelpenninck. …
… of the Admiralty described the unknown young man as ‘A M r Darwin grandson of the well known …
… ( letter from V. H. Darwin, 28 May [1879] ). On the Galton side of the family, Elizabeth Anne …
… thought ‘perfect in every way’ ( letter from E. A. Wheler, 25 March 1879 ). She suggested that …
… him on 9 June not to ‘expend much powder & shot on M r Butler’, for he really was not worth …
… leaving Darwin ‘more perplexed than ever about life of D r . D’ ( letter to Francis Darwin, 12 …
… the highest point, for his “why”—“what for” &c are incessant’, Darwin joked on 2 July (first …
… … neither cross nor ennuied’ (Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin, [4 August 1879] (DAR 219.1: 125)). Darwin …
… is his profession tho’ not a profitable one; also D r C[lark]’s opinion that he was so likely to …
… say that he has opposed it’ (letter from Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin, [4 August 1879] (DAR 219.1: …
… get home ‘& began drumming at once’ (Emma Darwin to H. E. Litchfield, [27 August 1879] (DAR 219 …
… it dominated the picture (letter from Emma Darwin to H. E. Litchfield, [17 July 1879] (DAR 219.9: …
… & scientific men’, Darwin wrote in reply on 11 January . ‘Search for the truth, & then …
… and prevent ‘Cattle diseases, Potato diseases &c’, probably did not know that Darwin had already …
… the book, the response from readers was gratifying. Francis Galton read the book with the greatest …

Darwin in letters, 1869: Forward on all fronts

Summary

At the start of 1869, Darwin was hard at work making changes and additions for a fifth edition of Origin. He may have resented the interruption to his work on sexual selection and human evolution, but he spent forty-six days on the task. Much of the…

Matches: 22 hits

… At the start of 1869, Darwin was hard at work making changes and additions for a fifth edition of …
… appeared at the end of 1866 and had told his cousin William Darwin Fox, ‘My work will have to stop a …
… material on emotional expression. Yet the scope of Darwin’s interests remained extremely broad, and …
… plants, and earthworms, subjects that had exercised Darwin for decades, and that would continue to …
… Carl von Nägeli and perfectibility Darwin’s most substantial addition to Origin was a …
… a Swiss botanist and professor at Munich (Nägeli 1865). Darwin had considered Nägeli’s paper …
… principal engine of change in the development of species. Darwin correctly assessed Nägeli’s theory …
… in most morphological features (Nägeli 1865, p. 29). Darwin sent a manuscript of his response (now …
… are & must be morphological’. The comment highlights Darwin’s apparent confusion about Nägeli’s …
… use to challenge Nägeli; Darwin made full use of Hooker’s assistance and many of his examples …
… now see is possible or probable’ (see also letter to A. R. Wallace, 22 January [1869] , and …
… of information which I have sent prove of any service to M r . Darwin I can supply him with much …
… & proximate cause in regard to Man’ ( letter to A. R. Wallace, 14 April 1869 ). More …
… and the bird of paradise (Wallace 1869a; letter to A. R. Wallace, 22 March [1869] ), and …
… an injustice & never demands justice’ ( letter to A. R. Wallace, 14 April 1869 ). …
… species that Darwin had investigated in depth ( letter from C. F. Claus, 6 February 1869 ). In a …
… genus that he had studied in the early 1860s ( letter to W. C. Tait, 12 and 16 March 1869 ). This …
… Sweetland Dallas’s edition of Fritz Müller’s Fü r Darwin (Dallas trans. 1869). The book, an …
… creation, if he is not completely staggered after reading y r essay’. The work received a …
… whole meeting was decidedly Huxley’s answer to D r M c Cann. He literally poured boiling oil …
… concern were received for months afterwards. Francis Galton: Hereditary genius and …
… experiments on rabbits ( letter from Francis Galton, 11 December 1869 ). This was the beginning of …

Darwin in letters, 1881: Old friends and new admirers

Summary

In May 1881, Darwin, one of the best-known celebrities in England if not the world, began writing about all the eminent men he had met. He embarked on this task, which formed an addition to his autobiography, because he had nothing else to do. He had…

Matches: 26 hits

… In May 1881, Darwin, one of the best-known celebrities in England if not the world, began …
… a very old man, who probably will not last much longer.’ Darwin’s biggest fear was not death, but …
… sweetest place on this earth’. From the start of the year, Darwin had his demise on his mind. He …
… provision for the dividing of his wealth after his death. Darwin’s gloominess was compounded by the …
… intimations of his own heart disease in December, Darwin’s spirits improved towards the latter part …
… Dispute with Butler In January, Darwin’s work on earthworms was interrupted by Samuel Butler …
… decided to print ‘500 more, making 2000’ ( letter to H. E. Litchfield, 4 January 1881 ). Unlike …
… very surprising the whole case is to me’ (letters to W. E. Darwin, 31 January [1881] and 19 …
… of their behaviour were trustworthy ( letter to Francis Galton, 8 March [1881] ). Although results …
… the sale of books being ‘a game of chance’ ( letter to R. F. Cooke, 12 April 1881 ). On 18 May …
… he would feel ‘less sulky in a day or two’ ( letter to R. F. Cooke, 29 July 1881 ). The degree of …
… falls at this late period of the season’ ( letter from R. F. Cooke, 30 July 1881 ). Darwin gave in …
… with you’, a Swedish teacher told him ( letter from C. E. Södling, 14 October 1881 ), while H. M. …
… little, to the general stock of knowledge’ ( letter to E. W. Bok, 10 May 1881 ). Josef Popper, an …
… to possibilities for women, judging from her organization &c’. When Darwin replied the following …
… ‘bread-winners’ ( Correspondence vol. 30, letter to C. A. Kennard, 9 January 1882 ). …
… publication & to acknowledge any criticism’ ( letter to C. G. Semper, 19 July 1881 ). He …
… to bear the ‘wear & tear of controversy’ ( letter to G. R. Jesse, 23 April 1881 ). Later in …
… everyone else’s judgment on the subject ( letter to A. R. Wallace, 12 July 1881 ). However, some …
… absurd for one with no pretensions’ (l etter from W. E. Darwin, 13 January [1881 ]), Darwin …
… after expressing their wish to visit Darwin ( letter from E. B. Aveling, 27 September [1881] ). …
… book were from those who had received presentation copies. Galton wrote on 9 October , ‘I wish …
… proved ‘the greatness of their power’ ( letter from M. C. Stanley, 16 October 1881 ). Hooker …
… Britannica , telling the author, Arabella Buckley, on 11 July that he regretted that there …
… entirely new will. Apart from providing for his family, on 11 September he instructed his …
… and plants, Darwin told the director, Archibald Geikie, on 11 November , ‘This leads me to make …

Darwin in letters, 1876: In the midst of life

Summary

1876 was the year in which the Darwins became grandparents for the first time. And tragically lost their daughter-in-law, Amy, who died just days after her son's birth. All the letters from 1876 are now published in volume 24 of The Correspondence…

Matches: 21 hits

… The year 1876 started out sedately enough with Darwin working on the first draft of his book on the …
… Down House measured by the ongoing tally of his and Emma’s backgammon games. ‘I have won, hurrah, …
… regarding the ailments that were so much a feature of Darwin family life. But the calm was not to …
… of the next generation of the family, with Francis and Amy’s child expected in September. Their joy …
… to think of the future’, Darwin confessed to William on 11 September just hours after Amy’s …
… dimorphic and trimorphic plants in new ways. New Year's resolutions Darwin began …
… of the second edition of Climbing plants ( letter from R. F. Cooke, 23 February 1876 ). When …
… effected by his forthcoming pamphlet, Darwin confounded (C. O’Shaughnessy 1876), which, he …
… and who had succeeded in giving him pain ( letter to A. R. Wallace, 17 June 1876 ). Although …
… year’s experiments’ ( letter from G. J. Romanes, [ c . 19 March 1876] ). A less welcome reaction …
… naturalist Thomas Edward ( letter from F. M. Balfour, 11 December 1876 ; letter to Samuel Smiles …
… and he was reliant on his son George and cousin Francis Galton for the calculations. ‘I have no idea …
… because of a ‘long and terrible illness’ ( letter to C. S. Wedgwood, 20 April 1876 ). By the time …
… who died at the age of 10 in 1851, but William, who was 11 years old at the time of her death, would …
… we have & you are one of the best of all’ ( letter to W. E. Darwin, 11 September [1876] ). …
… she confided to Henrietta (letter from Emma Darwin to H. E. Litchfield, [31 August 1876] (DAR 219.9: …
… herself & is so tender’ (letter from Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin, [13 September 1876] (DAR 210.6 …
… completed autobiography (letter from Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin, [13 September 1876] (DAR 210.6: …
… do I cannot conceive’, Darwin wrote anxiously to Hooker on 11 September. By the time Darwin …
… horticulturists and agriculturists in France ( letter from E. M. Heckel, 27 December 1876 ). In …
… in harmony with yours’ ( letter from George Henslow, [ c. 7 December 1876] ). A more typical …

Darwin in letters, 1880: Sensitivity and worms

Summary

‘My heart & soul care for worms & nothing else in this world,’ Darwin wrote to his old Shrewsbury friend Henry Johnson on 14 November 1880. Darwin became fully devoted to earthworms in the spring of the year, just after finishing the manuscript of…

Matches: 27 hits

… heart & soul care for worms & nothing else in this world,’ Darwin wrote to his old …
… to adapt to varying conditions. The implications of Darwin’s work for the boundary between animals …
… studies of animal instincts by George John Romanes drew upon Darwin’s early observations of infants, …
… of evolution and creation. Many letters flowed between Darwin and his children, as he took delight …
… Financial support for science was a recurring issue, as Darwin tried to secure a Civil List pension …
… Controversy and Erasmus Darwin Darwin’s most recent book, Erasmus Darwin , had been …
… generations. He continued to receive letters about Erasmus’s life and other bits of family history. …
… Tindal, sent a cache of letters from two of Darwin’s grandfather’s clerical friends, full of lively …
… the eagerness of the two learned divines to see a pig’s body opened is very amusing’, Darwin replied …
… character is of much value to me’ ( letter to C. H. Tindal, 5 January 1880 ). Darwin had employed …
… Darwin’s Life . ‘In an endeavour to explain away y r . treatment of [William Alvey Darwin],’ …
… find an ordinary mortal who could laugh’ ( letter from W. E. Darwin to Charles and Emma Darwin, 22 …
… by anticipation the position I have taken as regards D r Erasmus Darwin in my book Evolution old …
… a grievance to hang an article upon’ ( letter from W. E. Darwin, [28 January 1880] ). …
… one or both to his daughter Henrietta ( letter to H. E. Litchfield, 1 February [1880] ). ‘The …
… he will have the last word’, she warned ( letter from H. E. Litchfield, [1 February 1880] ). ‘He …
… to the end’, added her husband Richard ( letter from R. B. Litchfield, 1 February 1880 ). Even the …
… shake their heads in the same dismal manner as you & M r . Murray did, when I told them my …
… in a book about beetles the impressive words “captured by C. Darwin”. … This seemed to me glory …
… ‘but the subject has amused me’ ( letter to W. C. McIntosh, 18 June 1880 ). Members of the family …
… thought the ‘queer subject’ of interest to Francis Galton, who had already taken thumb impressions …
… aided in any way direct attacks on religion’ ( letter to E. B. Aveling, 13 October 1880 ). Finally …
… great doctrines …“Come of Age”‘ ( letter from W. C. Williamson to Emma Darwin, 2 September 1880 ). …
… since the Origin appeared”‘ ( letter to T. H. Huxley, 11 [April] 1880 ). While praising Origin …
… through natural selection’ ( letter to T. H. Huxley, 11 May 1880 ). Worthy causes In …
… family members. Emma’s brother Josiah Wedgwood III died on 11 March. Like Emma, he had married a …
… his voice as clearly as if he were present’ (letters to C. W. Fox, 29 March 1880 and 10 [April …

Darwin’s queries on expression

Summary

When Darwin resumed systematic research on emotions around 1866, he began to collect observations more widely and composed a list of queries on human expression. A number of handwritten copies were sent out in 1867 (see, for example, letter to Fritz Muller…

Matches: 26 hits

… When Darwin resumed systematic research on emotions around 1866, he began to collect …
… ease of distribution sometime in late 1867 or early 1868. Darwin went over his questions, refining …
… was the collection of observations on a global scale. Darwin was especially interested in peoples …
… cultural and conventional, or instinctive and universal. Darwin used his existing correspondence …
… and with the mouth a little drawn back at the corners?” Darwin’s questionnaire was an extension of …
… was also carefully devised so as to prevent the feelings of Darwin’s remote observers from colouring …
… and not the susceptibilities of a moral nature.” Darwin did not typically countenance such …
… the collection of information to its display in print. After Darwin received all of the replies to …
… nodding vertically Blair, R.H. 11 July …
… Fuegians Brooke, C.A.J. 30 Nov 1870 …
… Dyaks Brooke, C.A.J. 30 April 1871 …
… Aborigines Chaumont, F.S.B.F. de 11 March …
… New University Club, St. James's Street, S.W., London, England pouting …
… letter from Mansel Weale Galton, Francis 7 …
… N. W. Indians Glenie, S.O. 22 July 1868 …
… G.H.K. Thwaites Glenie, S.O. [July 1868] …
… Egypt] possibly included in letter(s) from Asa Gray Nile …
… aborigines Lubbock, E.F. [1867-8?] …
… Reade, Winwood W. [c.8 or 9 Apr 1870] Accra, West …
… 9 Nov 1870 11 St Mary Abbot's Terrace, London, England …
… 1 Feb 1871 11 St Mary Abbot's Terrace, London, England …
… 7 Sept 1872 11 St Mary Abbot's Terrace, London, England …
… 1 Feb. 1871 11 Saint Mary Abbot's Terrace, Kensington. W., London, …
… in Hottentots Smyth, R. Brough 13 Aug 1868 …
… Sulivan, B.J. 11 Jan 1867 Bournemouth, England …
… Wallace, A. R. 11 March [1867] 9 St. Mark’s Crescent …

Darwin in letters, 1871: An emptying nest

Summary

The year 1871 was an extremely busy and productive one for Darwin, with the publication in February of his long-awaited book on human evolution, Descent of man. The other main preoccupation of the year was the preparation of his manuscript on expression.…

Matches: 27 hits

… The year 1871 was an extremely busy and productive one for Darwin, seeing the publication of his …
… book out of my head’. But a large proportion of Darwin’s time for the rest of the year was devoted …
… way, and the initial reception of the book in the press. Darwin fielded numerous letters from …
… offered sharp criticism or even condemnation. Darwin had expected controversy. ‘I shall be …
… a bare-faced manner.”‘ The most lively debate centred on Darwin’s evolutionary account of the …
… taste. Correspondence with his readers and critics helped Darwin to clarify, and in some cases …
… year was the preparation of his manuscript on expression. Darwin continued to investigate the …
… also brought a significant milestone for the family, as Darwin’s eldest daughter Henrietta was …
… human evolution was comparatively small, reflecting Darwin’s aim of showing kinship with animals at …
… Hooker suggested one of the reasons behind the book’s popularity: ‘I hear that Ladies think it …
… Correspondence vol. 19, Appendix IV). Four of Darwin’s five sons received a copy, and his daughter …
… in ‘lucid vigorous style’, as well as for the book’s ‘arrangment, not to mention still more …
… liking, ‘to keep in memory of the book’ ( letter to H. E. Darwin, 20 March 1871 ). Reaction …
… The geologist William Boyd Dawkins remarked on Darwin’s books’ reception amongst ‘artisans and mill …
… and the heavy use of their arms and legs ( letter from C. L. Bernays, 25 February 1871 ). Samples …
… Arthur Nicols, 7 March 1871 ; letter from B. J. Sulivan, 11 March 1871 ; letter from Hermann …
… a high aesthetic appreciation of beauty ( letter from E. J. Pfeiffer, [before 26 April 1871] ). …
… is a thing which I sh d feel very proud of, if anyone c d . say of me.’ After the publication …
… most deep and tender religious feeling’ ( letter from F. E. Abbot, 20 August 1871 ). The Anglican …
… was achieved through ‘the medium of opinion, positive law &c’, and transmitted by culture, not …
… in the world except. laughing. crying grinning pouting &c. &c’, he wrote to Hooker on 21 …
… had been receiving regular reports from his cousin Francis Galton on the progress of experiments …
… so giddy I can hardly sit up, so no more’ ( letter to A. R. Wallace, 4 August [1871] ). On 23 …
… annually on an acre of land at 16 tons (letter from L. C. Wedgwood, [20 November 1871] ). He also …
… ( letter to Asa Gray, 16 July [1871] , letter to S. R. S. Norton, 23 November [1871] ). …
… who was ‘as good as twice refined gold’ ( letter to H. E. Litchfield, 4 September [1871] ). …
… a ‘venerable old Ape’ ( letter from D. Thomas, [after 11 March 1871] ). Descent and …

Cross and self fertilisation

Summary

The effects of cross and self fertilisation in the vegetable kingdom, published on 10 November 1876, was the result of a decade-long project to provide evidence for Darwin’s belief that ‘‘Nature thus tells us, in the most emphatic manner, that she abhors…

Matches: 25 hits

… the result of a decade-long project to provide evidence for Darwin’s belief that ‘‘Nature thus tells …
… on plants with two or three different forms of flowers, Darwin had focused on the anatomical and …
… of different forms of pollen. Although many plants that Darwin observed had flowers with adaptations …
… rates, growth, and constitutional vigour. Although Darwin was no stranger to long months and years …
… … is highly remarkable’ In September 1866, Darwin announced to the American botanist …
… several years ( To Édouard Bornet, 1 December 1866 ). Darwin began a series of experiments, …
… ). It was only after a new season of experiments that Darwin would confirm that this poppy shed its …
… access to flowers was only the tip of the iceberg. Darwin next focused on the California …
… conditions’ ( From Fritz Müller, 1 December 1866 ). Darwin’s interest was piqued and he described …
… when self-fertilised, although fewer than crossed plants. Darwin sent some of these seeds to Müller, …
… [1868] ). Müller, in turn, sent seeds from his plants to Darwin and both men continued to …
… seeds of Ipomœa. I remember saying the contrary to you & M r Smith at Kew. But the result is …
… I finish with this & get it published’ ( To Asa Gray, 11 March [1873] ). In April 1873, …
… I am already plagued by foreign Translators, Reviewers, &c.’ ( To John Murray, 4 May [1873] ). …
… 10 June 1873 ). Darwin, in turn, had found Müller’s book on the fertilisation of flowers of great …
… it has pleased me not a little to find that in the rough M.S. of my last chapter, I have arrived on …
… Delpino ( To Federico Delpino, 25 June [1873] ). Darwin’s suspicion that sweet peas were cross …
… Thomas Meehan had been a vocal opponent of Darwin’s views on crossing, and his paper, ‘Are insects …
… 3 October 1875 ). Hermann Müller had also read Meehan’s work and told Darwin, ‘I am the more glad …
… of plants was disputed for half a century after Kölreuter’s papers’ ( To Hermann Müller, 26 October …
… ). It was his cousin, the statistician Francis Galton, who provided a statistical table and report …
… the set of all my works, I would suggest 1,500’ ( To R. F. Cooke, 16 September 1876 ). In the …
… of hybrids, has not yet been produced’ ( From A. R. Wallace, 13 December 1876 ). No reply to this …
… as he wanted to make corrections for a new edition. On 11 December, Darwin sent corrected sheets to …
… repaged & the index a little altered’ ( To R. F. Cooke, 11 December [1877] ). These changes …

Darwin in letters, 1877: Flowers and honours

Summary

Ever since the publication of Expression, Darwin’s research had centred firmly on botany. The year 1877 was no exception. The spring and early summer were spent completing Forms of flowers, his fifth book on a botanical topic. He then turned to the…

Matches: 23 hits

… Ever since the publication of Expression , Darwin’s research had centred firmly on botany. The …
… of these projects would culminate in a major publication. Darwin’s botany was increasingly a …
… his wife, Amy, the previous year. He assisted his father’s research on movement and bloom, and …
… The year 1877 was more than usually full of honours. Darwin received two elaborate photograph albums …
… from Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands. Closer to home, Darwin received an honorary Doctorate of …
… the popularity of his book, writing to Robert Cooke on 11 April , ‘though I believe it is of …
… warned Thiselton-Dyer, who seems to have shared Hooker’s suspicion of ambitious gardeners ( letter …
… for extended periods. In a letter to Thiselton-Dyer of 11 October , Darwin described how the …
… one of the young leaves with a delicate twig’ ( letter to R. I. Lynch, 14 September 1877 ). …
… enjoyed working with Francis, and encouraged his son’s independent research. Using the facilities at …
… but I think the great honour of its being printed in the R. Soc. Transactions, (sh d . the …
… of Kosmos covering the German debate (letters to W. E. Gladstone, 2 October 1877 and 25 …
… form and of motion was exact and lively’ ( letter from W. E. Gladstone, 23 October 1877 ). …
… larger aim was announced in the subtitle: Zeitschrift fü r einheitliche Weltanschauung auf Grund …
… Charles Darwin and Ernst Haeckel). Writing to Darwin on 11 March 1877 , Krause declared the …
… visits from distinguished persons. Gladstone came to Down on 11 March. ‘I expected a stern, …
… I hope it may remain for centuries to come’ ( letter from C. C. Graham, 30 January 1877 ). Graham …
… the gospel of dirt the order of the day’ ( letter from E. A. Darwin, 27 January [1877] ). Carlyle …
… of Siebold’s study of medical monstrosity ( letter from C. T. E. Siebold, 10 October 1877 ). An …
… not been a difficulty to me,’ he replied to Romanes on 11 June , ‘as I have never believed in a …
… his further work. Lloyd had written a critique of Francis Galton’s theory of heredity in 1876, but …
… any recognition by any public bodies of England & that y r . own University w d . like to be …
… at the Senate House yesterday, with a suspended monkey &c; but I believe the cheering was more …

Women as a scientific audience

Summary

Target audience? | Female readership | Reading Variation Darwin's letters, in particular those exchanged with his editors and publisher, reveal a lot about his intended audience. Regardless of whether or not women were deliberately targeted as a…

Matches: 18 hits

… Female readership | Reading Variation Darwin's letters, in particular those …
… a broad variety of women had access to, and engaged with, Darwin's published works. A set of …
… women a target audience? Letter 2447 - Darwin to Murray, J., [5 April 1859] …
… that his views are original and will appeal to the public. Darwin asks Murray to forward the …
… and criticisms of style. Letter 2461 - Darwin to Hooker, J. D., [11 May 1859] …
… readers. Letter 7124 - Darwin to Darwin, H. E., [8 February 1870] Darwin …
… Letter 8611 - Cupples, A. J. to Darwin, E., [8 November 1872] Ann Cupples asks …
… got hold of it first. Darwin’s female readership Letter …
… with which to work. She has transcribed parts of Darwin’s papers, including diagrams, to share with …
… Society . Letter 6551 - Becker, L. E . to Darwin, [13 January 1869] …
… Letter 7651 - Wedgwood, F. J. to Darwin, H. E., [1 April 1871] Frances Wedgwood …
… might be suitable. Letter 7411 - Pfeiffer, E. J. to Darwin, [before 26 April 1871] …
… in Expression . Letter 10072 - Pape, C. to Darwin, [16 July 1875] …
… in her garden. Letter 13650 Kennard, C. A. to Darwin, [28 January 1882] …
… work. Letter 5861 - Blyth, E. to Darwin, [11 February 1868] Zoologist …
… Variation . Letter 6126 - Binstead, C. H. to Darwin, [17 April 1868] …
… of Variation . Letter 6237 - Bullar, R. to Darwin, [9 June 1868] …
… Letter 9633 - Nevill, D. F. to Darwin, [11 September 1874] Dorothy Nevill tells …

Darwin in letters, 1878: Movement and sleep

Summary

In 1878, Darwin devoted most of his attention to the movements of plants. He investigated the growth pattern of roots and shoots, studying the function of specific organs in this process. Working closely with his son Francis, Darwin devised a series of…

Matches: 22 hits

… lessen injury to leaves from radiation In 1878, Darwin devoted most of his attention to …
… in this process. Working closely with his son Francis, Darwin devised a series of experiments to …
… spent an extended period in Würzburg at Julius Sachs’s botanical institute, one of most advanced …
… from botanical research was provided by potatoes, as Darwin took up the cause of an Irish …
… would rid Ireland of famine. Several correspondents pressed Darwin for his views on religion, …
… closed with remarkable news of a large legacy bequeathed to Darwin by a stranger as a reward for his …
… birthday ( letter to Ernst Haeckel, 12 February [1878] ), Darwin reflected that it was ‘more …
… Expression ), and the final revision of Origin (1872), Darwin had turned almost exclusively to …
… Movement in plants In the spring of 1878, Darwin started to focus on the first shoots and …
… were enrolled as researchers, as were family members. Darwin asked his niece Sophy to observe …
… ( letter to Sophy Wedgwood, 24 March [1878–80] ). While Darwin was studying the function of …
… sensitiveness of apex’ ( letter to Francis Darwin, [11 May 1878] ). Having found plants …
… 22 December [1878] ). Son abroad Darwin’s experiments on plant movement were …
… apart. At the start of June, Francis left to work at Sach’s laboratory in Germany, not returning …
… be obtained at Down House, but Francis thought Horace’s abilities were a match for German instrument …
… here is far from well made.’ (Jemmy or Jim was Horace’s nickname.) Francis was occasionally …
… letter from Francis Darwin, [after 7 July 1878] ). Sachs’s confidence was apparently matched by his …
… Anne Westwood, and the proud grandparents. Many of Darwin’s letters conveyed news of the boy. ‘All …
… faculties. He seemed to take special note of the child’s use of language and power of judgment. …
… to expertise. ‘It is funny’, he wrote to Huxley on 11 August , ‘the Academy having elected a man …
… whatever he earnestly desires’ ( letter to James Grant, 11 March 1878 ). The question of …
… the right’ and referred him to recent work by Francis Galton on selective breeding. He still thought …

Darwin in letters, 1882: Nothing too great or too small

Summary

In 1882, Darwin reached his 74th year Earthworms had been published the previous October, and for the first time in decades he was not working on another book. He remained active in botanical research, however. Building on his recent studies in plant…

Matches: 25 hits

… In 1882, Darwin reached his 74th year Earthworms had been published the previous …
… for scientific colleagues or their widows facing hardship. Darwin had suffered from poor health …
… came on 19 April. Plans were made for a burial in St Mary’s churchyard in Down, where his brother …
… of his scientific friends quickly organised a campaign for Darwin to have greater public recognition …
… Botanical observation and experiment had long been Darwin’s greatest scientific pleasure. The year …
… to Fritz Müller, 4 January 1882 ). These were topics that Darwin had been investigating for years, …
… working at the effects of Carbonate of Ammonia on roots,’ Darwin wrote, ‘the chief result being that …
… contents, if immersed for some hours in a weak solution of C. of Ammonia’. Darwin’s interest in root …
… vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and beets. Romanes’s experiments had been conducted to lend …
… asymmetric, thus facilitating cross-fertilisation. Darwin’s aim, he said, was just to ‘have the …
… rather the best of the fight’ ( letter from G. F. Crawte, 11 March 1882 ). The battle apparently …
… our homes, would in this case greatly suffer’ ( letter to C. A. Kennard, 9 January 1882 ). Kennard …
… judged, intellectually his inferior, please ( letter from C. A. Kennard, 28 January 1882 ). …
… a ‘Glycerin Pepsin mixture’ (letters to W. W. Baxter, 11 March 1882 and 18 March [1882 ]). …
… he is a good deal depressed about himself’ (letter from H. E. Litchfield to G. H. Darwin, 17 March …
… dull aching in the chest’ (Emma Darwin to G. H. Darwin, [ c . 28 March 1882] (DAR 210.3: 45)). …
… immediately wrote to George, who had visited Down on 11 April (Emma Darwin’s diary (DAR 242)). …
… is very calm but she has cried a little’ (letter from H. E. Litchfield to G. H. Darwin, [19 April …
… overflowing in tenderness’ (letter from Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin, 10 May 1882 (DAR 219.1: 150)). …
… to some Estancia,’ wrote Hughes, ‘as the scenery &c. will amply repay your trouble’ ( letter …
… where he had witnessed an earthquake in 1835 ( letter from R. E. Alison, [March–July 1835 ]). …
… without any mercy’ ( letter from Emma Wedgwood to F. E. E. Wedgwood, [28 October 1836] , letter …
… will be months before I am able to work’ ( letter to A. R. Wallace, [ c . 10 April 1864] ). To …
… man’s private property’ ( letter to George Warington, 11 October [1867] ). Respecting the …
… views on eugenics, a term coined by his cousin Francis Galton, were mixed, partly owing to the …

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: 27 hits

… In April 1838, Darwin began recording the titles of books he had read and the books he wished to …
… (DAR 119) opens with five pages of text copied from Notebook C and carries on through 1851; the …
… used these notebooks extensively in dating and annotating Darwin’s letters; the full transcript …
… *128). For clarity, the transcript does not record Darwin’s alterations. The spelling and …
… book had been consulted. Those cases where it appears that Darwin made a genuine deletion have been …
… to be Read [DAR *119: Inside Front Cover] C. Darwin June 1 st . 1838 …
… [DAR *119: 2v.] White’s regular gradation in man [C. White 1799] Lindley’s …
… 8 vo p 181 [Latreille 1819]. see p. 17 Note Book C. for reference to authors about E. Indian …
… 3v.] Hunter has written Quarto work on Physiology 11 besides the paper collected by Owen …
… of variation in animals in the different isl ds of E Indian Archipelago— [DAR *119: 6v.] …
… & Rev. W. Herbert.— notes to White Nat. Hist of Selbourne [E. T. Bennett ed. 1837 and [J. Rennie …
… 2 vols. 8vo. avec 2 atlas 4to. ibid, 1818–23. £1 2 s [E. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire 1818–23] …
… said to be Poor Sir. J. Edwards Botanical Tour [?J. E. Smith 1793] Fabricius (very old …
… 1831]. Book I. ch. 7 & Book II. Ch. 8. Book. VII. ch 8, 11 . read 1 st . vol of Lamarck. …
… 1834b]. 9. Columbidæ (Pigeons.) [Selby 1835] 11 . Ruminating Animals (Deer, Antelopes, …
… [Fellows 1839] Catherine 48 Life of Collins R.A. [Collins 1848] Phases of Faith …
… Grammont’s Memoirs [Gramont 1714] light & poor Nov 11 . Bamford life of Radicle [Bamford …
… Vol 2 & 3. } 20 th . Galtons Tour in S. Africa [Galton 1853] good Aug 23. Moore …
… Smith life [S. Smith 1855] Galtons Art of Travelling [Galton 1855] March 13 th 2 d …
… 1848. Memoirs of the life of William Collins, Esq., R.A. 2 vols. London. *119: 23; 119: …
… years 1838–1842, under the command of Charles Wilkes, U.S.N. New York. [Abstract in DAR 71: 51–2.] …
… years 1838–1842, under the command of Charles Wilkes, U.S.N. Philadelphia. [Abstract in DAR 205.3: …
… ou, iconographie de toutes les espèces et variété s d’arbres, fruitiers cultivé s dans cet …
… sur la distribution géographique des animaux vertébrés, moins les oiseaux. Journal de Physique 94 …
… of J. Galt . 2 vols. London. 119: 21b Galton, Francis. 1853. The narrative of an …
… by Richard Owen. Vol. 4 of The works of John Hunter, F.R.S. with notes . Edited by James F. …
… Robert. 1843. Memoirs of the life of John Constable, R.A., composed chiefly of his letters. …

Darwin Correspondence Project

Search form

Search: contains ""

Bad Request

Summary

Matches: 27 hits

Summary

Matches: 6 hits

Summary

Matches: 25 hits

Summary

Matches: 22 hits

Summary

Matches: 26 hits

Summary

Matches: 21 hits

Summary

Matches: 27 hits

Summary

Matches: 26 hits

Summary

Matches: 27 hits

Summary

Matches: 25 hits

Summary

Matches: 23 hits

Summary

Matches: 18 hits

Summary

Matches: 22 hits

Summary

Matches: 25 hits

Summary

Matches: 27 hits