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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…

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… 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 …
… with Samuel Butler, prompted by the publication of Erasmus Darwin the previous year. …
… Charles Harrison Tindal, sent a cache of letters from two of Darwin’s grandfather’s clerical friends …
… divines to see a pig’s body opened is very amusing’, Darwin replied, ‘& that about my …
… find an ordinary mortal who could laugh’ ( letter from W. E. Darwin to Charles and Emma Darwin, 22 …
… a grievance to hang an article upon’ ( letter from W. E. Darwin, [28 January 1880] ). …
… , sending one or both to his daughter Henrietta ( letter to H. E. Litchfield, 1 February [1880] ). …
… he will have the last word’, she warned ( letter from H. E. Litchfield, [1 February 1880] ). ‘He …
… the end’, added her husband Richard ( letter from R. B. Litchfield, 1 February 1880 ). Even the …
… Darwinophobia? It is a horrid disease’ ( letter from T. H. Huxley, 3 February 1880 ). All …
… I was, also, rarely fit to see anybody’ ( letter to S. H. Haliburton, 13 December 1880 ). …
… thus one looks to prevent its return’ ( letter from J.-H. Fabre, 18 February 1880 ). Darwin shared …
… aided in any way direct attacks on religion’ ( letter to E. B. Aveling, 13 October 1880 ). Finally …
… biologist of our time’ ( letter from W. D. Roebuck to G. H. Darwin, 25 October 1880 ). The …
… 21 years since the Origin appeared”‘ ( letter to T. H. Huxley, 11 [April] 1880 ). While praising …
… been developed through natural selection’ ( letter to T. H. Huxley, 11 May 1880 ). Worthy …
… prevailing superstitions of this country!’ ( letter to T. H. Huxley, [after 26 November 1880] ). …
… and spent extended periods with Henrietta and Richard Litchfield in London. The children returned …

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: 19 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 …
… and new admirers got in touch, and, for all his fears, Darwin found several scientific topics to …
… Evolution old and new when revising his essay on Erasmus Darwin’s scientific work, and that Darwin …
… memory in November 1880 and in an abusive letter about Darwin in the St James’s Gazette on 8 …
… in a review of Unconscious memory in Kosmos and sent Darwin a separate letter for …
… Butler wished to boast publicly that his quarrel was with Darwin, agreed. Unsure how to address …
… gone mad on such a small matter’. The following day, Darwin himself wrote to Stephen, admitting that …
… a slap in the face as he would have cause to remember’. Darwin was enormously relieved. ‘Your note …
… wrote such a savage review of Unconscious memory that Darwin feared he had redirected Butler’s …
… 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 …
… 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 …
… in heaven’ when the portrait was finished ( letter to G. H. Darwin, 23 July 1881 ). ‘All my family …
… 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] ). …

Darwin in letters, 1874: A turbulent year

Summary

The year 1874 was one of consolidation, reflection, and turmoil for Darwin. He spent the early months working on second editions of Coral reefs and Descent of man; the rest of the year was mostly devoted to further research on insectivorous plants. A…

Matches: 27 hits

… 1874 was one of consolidation, reflection, and turmoil for Darwin. He spent the early months working …
… dispute over an anonymous review that attacked the work of Darwin’s son George dominated the second …
… and traveller Alexander von Humboldt’s 105th birthday, Darwin obliged with a reflection on his debt …
… ). The death of a Cambridge friend, Albert Way, caused Darwin’s cousin, William Darwin Fox, to …
… from W. D. Fox, 8 May [1874] ). Such reminiscences led Darwin to the self-assessment, ‘as for one …
… I feel very old & helpless The year started for Darwin with a week’s visit to …
… Erasmus’s house. The event was led by the medium Charles E. Williams, and was attended by George …
… Williams was ‘a cheat and an imposter’ ( letter from T. H. Huxley, 27 January 1874 ). Darwin …
… he was thus free to perform his antics’ ( letter to T. H. Huxley, 29 January [1874] ). This did …
… sweetly all the horrid bother of correction’ ( letter to H. E. Litchfield, 21 [March 1874] ). The …
… I have pounded the enemy into a jelly’ ( letter from T. H. Huxley, 14 April 1874 ). The technical …
… and never mind where it goes’ ( letter from T. H. Huxley, 16 April 1874 ). The second …
… conciseness & clearness of your thought’ ( letter from G. H. Darwin, 20 April 1874 ). …
… the spread of various mental and physical disorders (G. H. Darwin 1873b). In July 1874, an anonymous …
… over the ‘scurrilous libel’ on his son ( letter to G. H. Darwin, [27 July 1874] ). George, …
… accusation of [a] lying scoundrel’ ( letter to G. H. Darwin, 1 August [1874] ). He drafted a brief …
… with Murray on the outcome ( enclosure to letter from G. H. Darwin, 6 [August] 1874 ): …
… to the Editor & it had been refused’ ( letter from G. H. Darwin, [6 or 7 August 1874] ). When …
… of Hooker’s and Huxley’s representations ( letter to T. H. Huxley, 22 December [1874] ). Huxley …
… offender & give him the cold shoulder’ ( letter from T. H. Huxley, 23 December 1874 ). He …
… of exchange value, and the second elliptic integral (G. H. Darwin 1875a, 1875b, 1875d, 1875e). …
… disappointment it was ‘all moonshine’ ( letter from G. H. Darwin, 18 October 1874 ). …
… artificial gastric juice for about a week ( letter from E. E. Klein, 14 May 1874 ). John Burdon …
… try to get it exhibited at a Royal Society of London soirée (see letter from Anton Dohrn, 6 April …
… nephew, the fine-art specialist Henry Parker ( letter from E. A. Darwin, 17 [March 1874] ). He …
… Julius Victor Carus, and his publisher, Eduard Koch of E. Schweizerbart’sche Verlagsbuchhandlung, …
… could not weary the German public ( letter to H. E. Litchfield, 21 [March 1874] ). …

Origin is 160; Darwin's 1875 letters now online

Summary

To mark the 160th anniversary of the publication of Origin of species, the full transcripts and footnotes of nearly 650 letters to and from Charles Darwin in 1875 are published online for the first time. You can read about Darwin's life in 1875…

Matches: 15 hits

… and footnotes of nearly 650 letters to and from Charles Darwin in 1875 are published online …
… printings before the end of the year. At the same time, Darwin was writing Cross and self …
… Royal Commission that was set up to look into the subject. Darwin’s second visit of the year to …
… and others at the Brown Institution, London, had assisted Darwin with his experiments on the …
… of animals when performing a painful experiment. Huxley told Darwin about Klein’s testimony: ‘ I …
… to any law, which should send him to the treadmill. ’ Darwin replied to Huxley: ‘ I am astounded …
… ( Letter to R. F. Cooke, 29 June [1875] ) Darwin wrote this to his publisher in June …
… Letter to J. D. Hooker, 18 August [1875] ) Darwin also completed second editions of …
… if the experiment made this possible ( Letter to H. E. Litchfield, 4 January [1875] ) …
… Frances Power Cobbe, a journalist and an acquaintance of Darwin’s, raised a petition and managed to …
… the matter was referred to a Royal Commission, before which Darwin gave evidence. An appendix on the …
… to be poor. John Lubbock, another local landowner and Darwin’s friend, attempted to make peace, …
… energy as yours almost always succeeds ( Letter to G. H. Darwin, 13 October [1875] ) …
… was an impassable barrier between animals and humans. Darwin’s son Francis, who was working as his …
… The year was saddened by the death of several of Darwin’s correspondents, including one of his …

Henrietta Darwin's diary

Summary

Darwin's daughter Henrietta kept a diary for a few momentous weeks in 1871. This was the year in which Descent of Man, the most controversial of her father's books after Origin itself, appeared, a book which she had helped him write. The small…

Matches: 9 hits

… Charles Darwin’s daughter Henrietta wrote the following journal entries in March and …
… 1871 in a small lockable, leather-bound notebook now in the Darwin Archive of Cambridge University …
… excised within it, presumably by Henrietta herself. Darwin’s letters in 1870 and 1871 ( …
… scepticism; many of her arguments are reminiscent of Darwin’s own discussion of religious belief in …
… of the theory of natural selection. Snow occasionally sent Darwin information relating to his …
… one of Descent (see letter from Charles and Emma Darwin to F. J. Wedgwood, [March 1871?], and …
… Methodism. In June 1871 Henrietta met Richard Buckley Litchfield, a barrister and lecturer in …
… period of their courtship. We are grateful to William Darwin for permission to publish the …
… 8 Thomas Henry Huxley . 9 Richard Buckley Litchfield . 10 Bradshaw’s …

Referencing women’s work

Summary

Darwin's correspondence shows that women made significant contributions to Darwin's work, but whether and how they were acknowledged in print involved complex considerations of social standing, professional standing, and personal preference.…

Matches: 16 hits

… Darwin's correspondence shows that women made significant contributions to Darwin's work, …
… set of selected letters is followed by letters relating to Darwin's 1881 publication …
… throughout Variation . Letter 2395 - Darwin to Holland, Miss, [April 1860] …
… anonymised and masculinised. Letter 3316 - Darwin to Nevill, D. F., [12 November …
… Nevill is referenced by name for her “kindness” in Darwin’s Fertilisation of Orchids . …
… critic. Letter 4370 - Wedgwood, L. C. to Darwin, [April - May 1865] Darwin …
… as “friends in Surrey”. Letter 4794 - Darwin to Lyell, C., [25 March 1865] …
… B”. Letter 7060 - Wedgwood, F. J. to Darwin, [1867 - 72] Darwin’s …
… in the final publication. Letter 7223 - Darwin to Wedgwood, L. C., [9 June 1867 - …
… in Expression . Letter 5817 - Darwin to Huxley, T. H., [30 January 1868 …
… Mary Barton. Letter 8321 - Darwin to Litchfield, H. E., [13 May 1872] …
… rely”. Letter 8427 - Darwin to Litchfield H. E., [25 July 1872] Darwin …
… Letter 8168 - Ruck, A. R. to Darwin, H., [20 January 1872] Amy Ruck reports the …
… Letter 8193 - Ruck, A. R. to Darwin, H., [1 February 1872] Amy Ruck sends a …
… Letter 11221 - Darwin to Darwin, H., [1 November 1877] Darwin asks his sons, …
… . Letter 12745 - Darwin to Wedgwood, K. E. S., [8 October 1880] Darwin …

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: 28 hits

… ‘My career’, Darwin wrote towards the end of 1872, ‘is so nearly closed. . . What little …
… 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 …
… 27 July [1872] ). By the end of the year Darwin was immersed in two of the studies that …
… of books and papers, and the latter formed the subject of Darwin’s last book, The formation of …
… worms , published in the year before his death. Despite Darwin’s declared intention to take up new …
… begun many years before. In his private life also, Darwin was in a nostalgic frame of mind, …
… The last word on Origin The year opened with Darwin, helped by his eldest son William, …
… on 30 January , shortly after correcting the proofs, and Darwin’s concern for the consolidation of …
… and sixth editions were costly to incorporate, and despite Darwin’s best efforts, set the final …
… closely involved in every stage of publication of his books, Darwin was keen to ensure that this …
… to bring out the new edition in the United States, Darwin arranged with Murray to have it …
… had to be reset. The investment in stereotype reinforced Darwin’s intention to make no further …
… A worsening breach The criticisms against which Darwin had taken the greatest trouble to …
… objections to the theory of natural selection’, Darwin refuted point by point assertions published …
… Although Mivart was among those who wrote in January to wish Darwin a happy new year, before the …
… critical and anonymously published review of Descent . Darwin’s supporters had rallied to his …
… The republication of Wright’s paper had been arranged by Darwin himself (see Correspondence vol. …
… so bigotted a person as I am made to appear’, complained Darwin ( letter to St G. J. Mivart, 5 …
… selection is somewhat under a cloud’, he wrote to J. E. Taylor on 13 January , and he complained …
… the theories of natural and sexual selection to bees (H. Müller 1872), and with his reply Darwin …
… for myself it is dreadful doing nothing’ ( letter to T. H. Huxley, 22 October [1872] ). He was far …
… origins of music provided by her husband, Richard Buckley Litchfield ( letter to H. E. Litchfield, …
… 'I know that I am half-killed myself’ ( letter to H. E. Litchfield, 25 July 1872 ). A …
… 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 …
… pleasant letters & never answer them’ ( letter to T. H. Huxley, 22 October [1872] ). But not …
… than usual. One such old friend was Sarah Haliburton, né e Owen, to whose sister, Fanny, Darwin had …

Darwin's bad days

Summary

Despite being a prolific worker who had many successes with his scientific theorising and experimenting, even Darwin had some bad days. These times when nothing appeared to be going right are well illustrated by the following quotations from his letters:

Matches: 1 hits

… with his scientific theorising and experimenting, even Darwin had some bad days. These times when …

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,…

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… Below is a list of Darwin's correspondents with the number of letters for each one. …
… Dareste, Camille (9) Darwin family (1) …

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: 24 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 …
… during several past years, has been a great amusement’. Darwin had been working fairly continuously …
… work on species theory in the late 1830s. In recent years, Darwin had collected a wealth of material …
… to human evolution was comparatively small, reflecting Darwin’s aim of showing kinship with animals …
… he is “torn to pieces” by people wanting copies’, Darwin wrote to his son Francis on 28 February …
… letter from J. D. Hooker, 26 March 1871 ). The profits for Darwin were considerable. After …
… man.’ Promoting the book As usual, Darwin did his best to obtain a wide and favourable …
… (see Correspondence vol. 19, Appendix IV). Four of Darwin’s five sons received a copy, and his …
… her liking, ‘to keep in memory of the book’ ( letter to H. E. Darwin, 20 March 1871 ). …
… . ancestor lived between tide-marks!’ ( letter from T. H. Huxley, 20 February 1871 ). Asa Gray …
… a high aesthetic appreciation of beauty ( letter from E. J. Pfeiffer, [before 26 April 1871] ). …
… most deep and tender religious feeling’ ( letter from F. E. Abbot, 20 August 1871 ). The Anglican …
… Abraham Dee Bartlett, Albert Günther, George Busk, T. H. Huxley, Osbert Salvin, and William Henry …
… and misquoting of both Darwin and Catholic theology (T. H. Huxley 1871). Huxley judged Mivart to be …
… Popery and fear for his soul’ ( letter from T. H. Huxley and H. A. Huxley, 20 September 1871 ). …
… who was ‘as good as twice refined gold’ ( letter to H. E. Litchfield, 4 September [1871] ). …
… up to the last with quinine & sherry’ ( letter from H. E. Litchfield to Charles and Emma Darwin …

Darwin's in letters, 1873: Animal or vegetable?

Summary

Having laboured for nearly five years on human evolution, sexual selection, and the expression of emotions, Darwin was able to devote 1873 almost exclusively to his beloved plants. He resumed work on the digestive powers of sundews and Venus fly traps, and…

Matches: 27 hits

… evolution, sexual selection, and the expression of emotions, Darwin was able to devote 1873 almost …
… (1875) and Cross and self fertilisation (1876). Darwin’s son Francis became increasingly …
… career to become his father’s scientific secretary. Darwin had always relied on assistance from …
… Francis’s decision. A large portion of the letters Darwin received in 1873 were in response …
… the previous year. As was typical, readers wrote to Darwin personally to offer suggestions, …
… some of which were incorporated in a later edition. Darwin also contributed to discussions in the …
… Francis Galton’s work on inherited talent, which prompted Darwin to reflect on the traits and …
… Station at Naples. Plants that eat and feel? Darwin had resumed experiments on the …
… 12 January [1873] ). Drosera was the main focus of Darwin’s study of insectivorous plants, a …
… and alkaloids, and even electrical stimulation. On sending Darwin a specimen of the carnivorous …
… ( letter from J. D. Hooker, 12 January 1873 ). Darwin found that the glandular hairs on the …
… to bend inward, so that the plant closed like a fist. Darwin was fascinated by this transmission of …
… plants , p. 63). The plants secreted a viscid fluid, which Darwin suspected attracted insects by …
… ., p. 17). Through a series of painstaking experiments, Darwin determined that the secretions …
… botanist Mary Treat, who performed experiments suggested by Darwin on the North American species …
… . He began to perform experiments modelled on those of Darwin, feeding the plant egg and raw meat, …
… guide to animal experimentation that Klein had co-authored. Darwin contacted two of the Handbook …
… flower would become modified & correlated” ( letter to T. H. Farrer, 14 August 1873 ). …
… assistance from his son Francis. While visiting his fiancée, Amy Ruck, in Wales, Francis observed …
… and if so more places will be created” ( letter to E. A. Darwin, 20 September 1873 ). Erasmus, who …
… family being fit for continuous work” ( letter from E. A. Darwin, 25 September [1873] ). Shortly …
… throat like a bulldog” ( letter from L. M. Forster to H. E. Litchfield, 20 February 1873 ). The …
… it would offend his father ( enclosure to letter from T. H. Huxley, 3 December 1873 ). In …
… we should feel it a privilege to offer” ( letter from E. F. Lubbock, [before 7 April 1873] ). …
… to us to the last day of our lives” ( letter to T. H. Huxley, 23 April 1873 ). Huxley was …
… been without energy & without hope” ( letter from T. H. Huxley, 24 April 1873 ). He accepted …
… to starve sweat & purge it away” ( letter from G. H. Darwin, [1 October 1873] ). He also …

Animals, ethics, and the progress of science

Summary

Darwin’s view on the kinship between humans and animals had important ethical implications. In Descent, he argued that some animals exhibited moral behaviour and had evolved mental powers analogous to conscience. He gave examples of cooperation, even…

Matches: 24 hits

… Darwin’s view on the kinship between humans and animals had important ethical …
… a live worm on a hook (‘Recollections’, pp. 358, 388). Darwin’s concern for animals aligned with …
… and an integral part of medical and veterinary training. Darwin was clearly disturbed by the …
… to E. R. Lankester, 22 March [1871] ). In Descent , Darwin described an animal enduring a …
… to the last hour of his life’ ( Descent 1: 40). Darwin’s closest encounter with …
… on rabbits. The investigation was partly aimed at testing Darwin’s ‘hypothesis of pangenesis’, which …
… of different breeds together. Galton reported regularly to Darwin on the results (all negative). He …
… Society, calling into question the theory of pangenesis. Darwin was taken aback, and swiftly replied …
… no longer look after the rabbits (many died from the cold), Darwin offered to give the poor …
… more influenced by experiments on animals than on plants’, Darwin conceded. ‘I think a large number …
… ( letter to G. J. Romanes, 18 July 1875 ). Darwin was concerned that the method be painless, …
… 1874 ). In the previous sections, we have traced Darwin’s growing interest in physiology and …
… were analogous to those performed on dogs and other animals. Darwin’s work on insectivorous plants …
… an acquaintance of the Darwins, and had corresponded with Darwin cordially about his moral theory, …
… ( letter to F. B. Cobbe, [14 January 1875] ). Darwin’s involvement in the vivisection …
… in regard to health &c, I look at as puerile. Darwin saw a need for regulation (licensing …
… with costly equipment, a supply of animals, etc.. Darwin was concerned that ‘private men’ would be …
… view I have rejoiced at the present agitation. ( letter to H. E. Litchfield, 4 January [1875] ) …
… as doomed to death in this country. ( letter To T. H. Huxley, 14 January 1875 ) Legislation …
… the total abolition of the practice. ‘It seems to me’, Darwin remarked to George Romanes, ‘that …
… organised defence. To bring more solidarity to the field, Darwin’s son Francis, and a number of his …
… ( letter from T. L. Brunton, 12 February 1882 ). Darwin declined the offer to be honorary …
… had its first meeting on 20 April 1882, the day after Darwin’s death. While Darwin was …
… freely and repeatedly on plants and ‘lower’ animals (e.g., worms), Darwin was now confronted with …

Darwin and vivisection

Summary

Darwin played an important role in the controversy over vivisection that broke out in late 1874. Public debate was sparked when the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals brought an unsuccessful prosecution against a French physiologist who…

Matches: 21 hits

… Darwin played an important role in the controversy over vivisection that broke …
… on live animals in Britain. In December 1874, Darwin was asked to sign a memorial by the …
… draft legislation that would protect animals from suffering. Darwin was sympathetic to the cause, …
… on Virchow for experimenting on the Trichinae’ (letter to H. E. Litchfield, 4 January [1875] ). …
… physiologists to present their own petition (letter to T. H. Huxley, 14 January 1875 ). In …
… for assistance in preparing a bill for Parliament. Darwin almost never involved himself in …
… recent research on insectivorous plants. Indeed, some of Darwin’s plant experiments, such as …
… and because it failed to mention anaesthetics. Darwin’s indebtedness and allegiance to …
… to put an end to any suffering before his eyes’. Darwin was clearly disturbed by the prospect …
… not sleep to-night’ ( Correspondence vol. 19, letter to E. R. Lankester, 22 March [1871] ). In …
… some animals possessed social sympathies akin to conscience. Darwin even described an animal …
… 1: 40). Vivisection was a sensitive subject within Darwin’s family. In his letter of 14 …
… of a network of reformers and philanthropists that included Darwin’s brother, Erasmus, and his …
… of course) or I might get one or two’ (letter from Emma Darwin to F. P. Cobbe, 14 January [1875] …
… who produced a new sketch for a petition (letter from T. H. Huxley, [4 April 1875] ). This was …
… of Lushington and Darwin’s son-in-law Richard Buckley Litchfield. On 11 April, Darwin learned …
… to Down, however, it was decided to draft a formal bill. Litchfield drew up a sketch that was …
… ‘we wd do whatever else you think best’ (letter to E. H. Stanley, 15 April 1875 ). After further …
… of the documents contain marginal notes and revisions in Litchfield’s hand. The changes made to the …
… for each offence. This version also contained notes in Litchfield’s hand for an alternative title …
… expressed their dismay at this alteration (letter from T. H. Huxley, 19 May 1875 , letter from J. …

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: 22 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 …
… the sensitivity of the tips. Despite this breakthrough, when Darwin first mentioned the book to his …
… 1879 ). He was also unsatisfied with his account of Erasmus Darwin, declaring, ‘My little biography …
… a holiday in the Lake District in August did little to raise Darwin’s spirits. ‘I wish that my …
… W. T. Thiselton-Dyer, [after 26] July [1879] ). From July, Darwin had an additional worry: the …
… & would please Francis’, he pointed out ( letter from E. A. Darwin, 13 March [1879 ]). …
… with the when & the where, & the who—’ ( letter from V. H. Darwin, 28 May [1879] ). On the …
… thought ‘perfect in every way’ ( letter from E. A. Wheler, 25 March 1879 ). She suggested that …
… own family found his first draft lacked interest. Henrietta Litchfield thought it ‘very dull,—almost …
… and well, and with little fatigue’ ( letter to G. H. Darwin, 12 July 1879 , and letter from …
… to W. T. Thiselton-Dyer, 5 June 1879 , and letter to G. H. Darwin, 12 July 1879 ). Darwin’s …
… Aunt Elizabeth (Bessy) Darwin, and Henrietta and Richard Litchfield to the Lake District for a …
… … neither cross nor ennuied’ (Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin, [4 August 1879] (DAR 219.1: 125)). Darwin …
… wait for three months. ‘Nothing can be more useless than T.H’s conduct’, Emma Darwin pointed out, …
… say that he has opposed it’ (letter from Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin, [4 August 1879] (DAR 219.1: …
… to get home ‘& began drumming at once’ (Emma Darwin to H. E. Litchfield, [27 August 1879] (DAR …
… & I may not be equal to the exertion’ ( letter to H. A. Pitman, [13 May 1879] ). In the end, …
… because it dominated the picture (letter from Emma Darwin to H. E. Litchfield, [17 July 1879] (DAR …
… men of science quarrelled (letter from Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin, [6 September 1879] (DAR 219.1: …
… to their engagement being made public ( letter from T. H. Farrer, 12 October 1879 ). Darwin’s …

George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans)

Summary

George Eliot was the pen name of celebrated Victorian novelist Mary Ann Evans (1819-1880). She was born on the outskirts of Nuneaton in Warwickshire and was educated at boarding schools from the age of five until she was 16. Her education ended when she…

Matches: 4 hits

… novels, under her pen name, achieved great acclaim. Darwin and his family were keen readers …
… Allen, [26 March 1873], DAR 219.11: 14). A few days later Darwin asked if his daughter and son-in …
… to lunch but there is no evidence that this happened (Emma Darwin to Horace Darwin, [14 October 1873 …
… started ( letter to J. D. Hooker, 18 January [1874] ). Darwin took Emma to a Sunday afternoon at …

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: 23 hits

… The year 1876 started out sedately enough with Darwin working on the first draft of his book on the …
… games. ‘I have won, hurrah, hurrah, 2795 games’, Darwin boasted; ‘my wife … poor creature, has won …
… regarding the ailments that were so much a feature of Darwin family life. But the calm was not to …
… four days later. ‘I cannot bear to think of the future’, Darwin confessed to William on 11 …
… once, the labour of checking proofs proved a blessing, as Darwin sought solace for the loss of his …
… and his baby son Bernard now part of the household, and Darwin recasting his work on dimorphic and …
… had involved much time and effort the previous year, and Darwin clearly wanted to focus his …
… When Smith, Elder and Company proposed reissuing two of Darwin’s three volumes of the geology of …
… single-volume edition titled Geological observations , Darwin resisted making any revisions at …
… volume, Coral reefs , already in its second edition. Darwin was nevertheless ‘firmly resolved not …
… Encyclopaedia Britannica the previous year ( letter to G. H. Darwin, [after 4 September 1876] ). …
… ‘all I can say is do not commit suicide’ ( letter to G. H. Darwin, [4 June 1876] ). By midsummer, …
… a set of sons I have, all doing wonders.’ ( Letter to G. H. Darwin, 13 July [1876]. ) A …
… and eczema, was able to rest his mind ( letter to G. H. Darwin, 2 May [1876] ). Darwin even …
… Clark was called out to see Darwin’s daughter Henrietta Litchfield, who had fallen ill on a visit to …
… letter to Andrew Clark, [late June 1876] ; letter to G. H. Darwin, 13 July [1876] ). The irony …
… 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: …
… horticulturists and agriculturists in France ( letter from E. M. Heckel, 27 December 1876 ). In …
… been the subject of mere observation’ ( letter from T. H. Farrer, 31 December 1876 ). The Swiss …
… on the method, or remains in utter darkness’ ( letter to H. N. Moseley, 22 November 1876 ). …

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: 23 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 …
… 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 …
… for some hours in a weak solution of C. of Ammonia’. Darwin’s interest in root response and the …
… London on 6 and 16 March, respectively. In January, Darwin corresponded with George John …
… letter from Arthur de Souza Corrêa, 28 December 1881 ). Darwin had a long-running interest in such …
… experiments had been conducted to lend support to Darwin’s theory of pangenesis (see …
… He was eager to write up the results on Brazilian cane, with Darwin providing a detailed outline: ‘I …
… at the Linnean Society on 4 May, but not published. Darwin carried on with botanical work in …
… which are asymmetric, thus facilitating cross-fertilisation. Darwin’s aim, he said, was just to …
… was no longer able to take his daily strolls (Henrietta Emma Litchfield, ‘Charles Darwin’s death’, …
… he is a good deal depressed about himself’ (letter from H. E. Litchfield to G. H. Darwin, 17 March …
… 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)). …
… 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 …
… Natural History, that I went as Naturalist on the voyage of H.M.S. Beagle round the World & …
… I cannot tell how or where to begin’ ( letter to T. H. Huxley, 21 [January 1860] ). Darwin’s …
… of Darwinian theory to flowers and flower-visiting insects; H. Müller 1869)). Darwin was full of …
… at least be a valid ground for divorce’ ( letter to H. K. Rusden, [before 27 March 1875] ). In …

Darwin in letters, 1875: Pulling strings

Summary

‘I am getting sick of insectivorous plants’, Darwin confessed in January 1875. He had worked on the subject intermittently since 1859, and had been steadily engaged on a book manuscript for nine months; January also saw the conclusion of a bitter dispute…

Matches: 26 hits

… Editions Plants always held an important place in Darwin’s theorising about species, and …
… his periods of severe illness. Yet on 15 January 1875 , Darwin confessed to his close friend …
… way to continuous writing and revision, activities that Darwin found less gratifying: ‘I am slaving …
… bad.’ The process was compounded by the fact that Darwin was also revising another manuscript …
… coloured stamens.’ At intervals during the year, Darwin was diverted from the onerous task of …
… zoologist St George Jackson Mivart. In April and early May, Darwin was occupied with a heated …
… chapter of the controversy involved a slanderous attack upon Darwin’s son George, in an anonymous …
… on 12 January , breaking off all future communication. Darwin had been supported during the affair …
… Society of London, and a secretary of the Linnean Society, Darwin’s friends had to find ways of …
… pp. 16–17). ‘How grandly you have defended me’, Darwin wrote on 6 January , ‘You have also …
… in public. ‘Without cutting him direct’, he advised Darwin on 7 January , ‘I should avoid him, …
… & again’ ( letter from J. D. Hooker, 16 January 1875 ). Darwin had also considered taking up …
… , ‘I feel now like a pure forgiving Christian!’ Darwin’s ire was not fully spent, however, …
… in the same Quarterly article that attacked George. Darwin raised the matter at the end of the …
… to rest, another controversy was brewing. In December 1874, Darwin had been asked to sign a memorial …
… Hensleigh and Frances Wedgwood. She had corresponded with Darwin about the evolution of the moral …
… could not sign the paper sent me by Miss Cobbe.’ Darwin found Cobbe’s memorial inflammatory …
… memorial had been read in the House of Lords (see ' Darwin and vivisection '). …
… medical educators, and other interested parties. Darwin was summoned to testify on 3 November. It …
… ( Report of the Royal Commission on vivisection , p. 183). Darwin learned of Klein’s testimony …
… agree to any law, which should send him to the treadmill.’ Darwin had become acquainted with Klein …
… in April 1874 (see Correspondence vol. 22, letters from E. E. Klein, 14 May 1874 and 10 …
… day That ever you were born (letter from E. F. Lubbock, [after 2 July] 1875). …
… a review of William Dwight Whitney’s work on language (G. H. Darwin 1874c). George had taken the …
… plants (Carus trans. 1876a). The German publisher E. Schweizerbart’sche Verlagshandlung began to …
… Eeles Dresser. ‘The horror was great’, Henrietta Emma Litchfield wrote to her brother Leonard on 14 …

Darwin’s observations on his children

Summary

Charles Darwin’s observations on the development of his children, began the research that culminated in his book The Expression of the emotions in man and animals, published in 1872, and his article ‘A biographical sketch of an infant’, published in Mind…

Matches: 19 hits

… Charles Darwin’s observations on the development of his children,[1] began the …
… is available below . As with much of his other work, Darwin gathered additional information on the …
… lunatics, the blind, and animals. And as early as 1839 Darwin had begun to collect information on …
… the expression of emotions. As the following transcript of Darwin’s notes reveals, he closely …
… William Erasmus, the stages of his development suggesting to Darwin those expressions which are …
… The tone of the manuscript reflects an aspect of Darwin’s character clearly perceived by Emma during …
… “What does that prove”.’[6] For in these notes, Darwin’s deep scientific curiosity transcends his …
… that on occasion he refers to William as ‘it’. Darwin possessed the ability to dissociate …
… memories.[8] Yet, though the dissociation was essential for Darwin’s scientific goal, the notes here …
… the record breaks off until January 1852, by which time the Darwin family had increased by five: …
… the onset of frowning, smiling, etc., as was the focus of Darwin’s attention on William and Anne, …
… of logical thought and language. On 20 May 1854, Darwin again took over the notebook and, …
… all the notes until July 1856, when the observations ceased. Darwin’s later entries, like Emma’s, …
… Transcription: 1 [9] W. Erasmus. Darwin born. Dec. 27 th . 1839.—[10] During first week. …
… 46 Horace[71] 2½. G. When shall you wean baby. H. I am weaned for there’s no more milk. …
… written in pencil by CD and subsequently overwritten by Emma Darwin. The transcription throughout …
… [15] ‘Annie . . . fortnight’ was written by Emma Darwin on the verso of page 3 and opposite the …
… The name and address of a Mrs Locke are noted in Emma Darwin’s 1843 diary. [16] The following …
… evangelical stories and tracts. In her old age, Henrietta Litchfield noted that ‘Little Robert & …

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: 30 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 …
… plant laboratories in Europe. While Francis was away, Darwin delighted in his role as …
… 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 …
… on one side, then another, to produce movement in the stalk. Darwin compared adult and young leaves …
… after growth has ceased or nearly ceased.’ Finally, Darwin turned to plant motion below the …
… precision the lines of least resistance in the ground.’ Darwin would devote a whole chapter to the …
… that he missed sensitiveness of apex’ ( letter to Francis Darwin, [11 May 1878] ). Having …
… moisture, and various chemical and nutritive substances, Darwin next considered sound. He explained …
… instrument to various plants. To confirm the results, Darwin borrowed a siren from Tyndall, who had …
… ill-luck to them, are not sensitive to aerial vibrations’, Darwin complained. ‘I am ashamed at my …
… 8 August. ‘Alas Frank is off tomorrow to Wurzburg,’ Darwin wrote to Thiselton-Dyer on 2 June , ‘ …
… Thiselton-Dyer, 18 June [1878] ). While Francis was away, Darwin sent regular reports about their …
… to, about my work, I scribble to you ( letter to Francis Darwin, 7 [July 1878] ). Two weeks later …
… not having you to discuss it with’ ( letter to Francis Darwin, 20 [July 1878] ). It is …
… had chlorophyll, Francis reported ( letter from Francis Darwin, [after 7 July 1878] ): ‘The oats …
… god with the ‘eternity of matter’ ( letter from H. N. Ridley, [before 28 November 1878] ). Darwin …
… myself about such insoluble questions’ ( letter to H. N. Ridley, 28 November 1878 ). Darwin …
… without utterly demolishing it’ ( letter from G. H. Darwin, 28 January 1878 ). The matter was …
… seminal generations’ ( enclosure to letter to T. H. Farrer, 7 March 1878 ). In the end, the …
… the home of his daughter Henrietta and her husband Richard Litchfield, several weeks in Southampton …
… vanish like the chaos before the wind’ ( letter from T. H. Noyes, 19 November 1878 ). A …
… him of the soundness of London property ( letter from W. E. Darwin, 13 December [1878] ). ‘This is …

Darwin Correspondence Project

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