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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: 4 hits

… Below is a list of Darwin's correspondents with the number of letters for each one. …
… Dareste, Camille (9) Darwin family (1) …
… Darwin, H. E. (60) Darwin, Horace (30) …
… Peacock, George (2) Pearce, Horace (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: 21 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 …
… he fretted, just days before his departure ( letter to W. T. Thiselton-Dyer, [after 26] July [1879] …
… that his grandfather had felt the same way. In 1792, Erasmus Darwin had written: ‘The worst thing I …
… all over like a baked pear’ ( enclosure in letter from R. W. Dixon, 20 December 1879 ). The year …
… contained a warmer note and the promise of future happiness: Darwin learned he was to be visited by …
… & would please Francis’, he pointed out ( letter from E. A. Darwin, 13 March [1879 ]). …
… thought ‘perfect in every way’ ( letter from E. A. Wheler, 25 March 1879 ). She suggested that …
… and he regretted going beyond his ‘tether’ ( letter to W. T. Thiselton-Dyer, 5 June 1879 , and …
… traveller … neither cross nor ennuied’ (Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin, [4 August 1879] (DAR 219.1: 125 …
… objection to the engagement between his daughter Ida and Horace Darwin. This was all the more …
… at the Farrers’ home, Abinger Hall, on several occasions. Horace had first approached Farrer to …
… Farrer’s objection was based on his impression of Horace ’s poor health and lack of profession, and …
… & that it was suppressed gout. Also how well off he wd be, w. is a matter of some consequence …
… 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: …

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: 22 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 …
… pleasures of shooting and collecting beetles ( letter from W. D. Fox, 8 May [1874] ). Such …
… one looks backwards much more than forwards’ ( letter to W. D. Fox, 11 May [1874] ). …
… Andrew Clark, whom he had been consulting since August 1873. Darwin had originally thought that …
… ( letter to B. J. Sulivan, 6 January [1874] ). Darwin mentioned his poor health so frequently in …
… 1874 ). Séances, psychics, and sceptics Darwin excused himself for reasons of …
… the month, another Williams séance was held at the home of Darwin’s cousin Hensleigh Wedgwood. Those …
… were family affairs. Coral reefs His son Horace had suggested a new edition of the …
… all the horrid bother of correction’ ( letter to H. E. Litchfield, 21 [March 1874] ). The book …
… were also doing well. Despite ill health, his youngest son Horace began the year by taking the …
… without being bad & have done pretty well’ ( letter to Horace Darwin, 9 January [1874] ). …
… Kent. After a month’s trial Darwin wrote to the firm about Horace ’s illness: ‘My son is most …
… the subject & that must be enough for me’ ( letter to W. D. Fox, 11 May [1874] ). …
… the hardest cartilage, bone & meat &c. &c.’ ( letter to W. D. Fox, 11 May [1874] ). …
… artificial gastric juice for about a week ( letter from E. E. Klein, 14 May 1874 ). John Burdon …
… do when they are sitting at rest’ ( letter from S. W. Pennypacker, 14 September 1874 ). …
… 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, …

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: 24 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 …
… 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 …
… registry offices, and produced a twenty-page history of the Darwin family reaching back to the …
… the world’ ( letter from J. L. Chester, 3 March 1880 ). Darwin’s sons George and Leonard also …
… to find an ordinary mortal who could laugh’ ( letter from W. E. Darwin to Charles and Emma Darwin, …
… wants 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 …
… pretended, ‘but the subject has amused me’ ( letter to W. C. McIntosh, 18 June 1880 ). Members of …
… While on honeymoon with his new wife, Ida, in the Alps, Horace spotted worms at high elevations, …
… saw a steam tram—imagine my excitement’ ( letter from Horace Darwin to Emma Darwin, [18 September …
… the reasons, I should be greatly obliged’ ( letter from W. Z. Seddon, 2 February 1880) . Darwin …
… he added, ‘hardly anybody has accepted’ ( letter to W. Z. Seddon, 4 February 1880 ). On 16 …
… aided in any way direct attacks on religion’ ( letter to E. B. Aveling, 13 October 1880 ). Finally …
… to the greatest biologist of our time’ ( letter from W. D. Roebuck to G. H. Darwin, 25 October 1880 …
… his great doctrines …“Come of Age”‘ ( letter from W. C. Williamson to Emma Darwin, 2 September 1880 …
… his voice as clearly as if he were present’ (letters to C. W. Fox, 29 March 1880 and 10 [April …
… elected fellow of the Royal Society. He rejoiced to see Horace and Ida settled in their new home in …

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 …
… baby in Mary Barton. Letter 8321 - Darwin to Litchfield, H. E., [13 May …
… Letter 8427 - Darwin to Litchfield H. E., [25 July 1872] Darwin thanks Henrietta for …
… Darwin, H., [1 November 1877] Darwin asks his sons, Horace and Francis, to observe …
… - Darwin, H. to Darwin, [7 October 1880] Horace writes to his father with information …
… St Tibbs Row. Darwin proudly referenced the work of "My son Horace " in Vegetable Mould …
… Letter 13037 - Darwin to Darwin, W. E., [5 February 1881] Darwin discusses …

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: 26 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 …
… received a special acknowledgment in the form of a gift. Darwin credited her for whatever he had …
… liking, ‘to keep in memory of the book’ ( letter to H. E. Darwin, 20 March 1871 ). Reaction …
… to be the truth, whether pleasant or not’ (letter from W. W. Reade, 21 February 1871). The geologist …
… Oldham … They club together to buy them’ ( letter from W. B. Dawkins, 23 February 1871 ). Thomas …
… to make it darker than the hair on his head ( letter from W. B. Tegetmeier, [before 25 April 1871] …
… 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 …
… now left the family home. The Darwins' youngest son, Horace , entered Cambridge …
… to pursue studies in mathematics and science ( letter to Horace Darwin, [15 December 1871] ). …
… year, but he was sympathetic about the venture: ‘it w d be almost superhuman virtue to give it up …
… who was ‘as good as twice refined gold’ ( letter to H. E. Litchfield, 4 September [1871] ). …

Movement in Plants

Summary

The power of movement in plants, published on 7 November 1880, was the final large botanical work that Darwin wrote. It was the only work in which the assistance of one of his children, Francis Darwin, is mentioned on the title page. The research for this…

Matches: 24 hits

… 7 November 1880, was the final large botanical work that Darwin wrote. It was the only work in which …
… about their research while he was away from home. Although Darwin lacked a state of the art research …
… the advantages of both while Francis was working abroad. Darwin was privy to the inner workings of …
… methods and use the most advanced laboratory equipment. Darwin also benefitted from the instrument …
… plant physiology, but it was at its core informed by Darwin’s theory of evolution, particularly by …
… early 1860s, at a time when his health was especially bad, Darwin had taken up the study of climbing …
… reproduced as a small book, giving it a much wider audience. Darwin was not the first naturalist to …
… which eventually appeared in 1875. In the same year, Darwin published a much longer work, …
… about the nature of movement, so much so, that at one point Darwin had considered combining the …
… digestive processes. With his final great botanical work, Darwin would attempt ‘ to bring all the …
… emotions had their origins in non-human animal expression. Darwin had not done experimental work in …
… viewed the division between animals and plants as absolute, Darwin was interested in similarities. …
… become adapted to perform new functions, like climbing? For Darwin, physiology was a way of seeing …
… attracting students from all over Europe and beyond. When Darwin’s son Francis worked in this …
… ‘Mad about drops of water’ Darwin’s interest in the diversified movements of …
… connection is revealed only though correspondence because Darwin never published on bloom. In August …
… off as completely as possible ’. He had also asked Horace to discuss the point with his friend …
… made ’. Jemmy (a nickname for Darwin’s youngest son Horace ) did, indeed, design an improved version …
… but a version of it was made by Darwin’s youngest son Horace , who also made an improved version of …
… Frank’s ‘Transversal-Heliotropismus’ ( letter from W. E. Darwin, 10 February [1880] ). …
… ‘ I am very sorry that Sachs is so sceptical, for I w d . rather convert him than any other half …
… as ‘little discs’ and ‘greenish bodies’ ( letter to W. T. Thiselton-Dyer, 29 October 1879 ). …
… that he had not been able to observe earlier ( letter to W. T. Thiselton-Dyer, 20 November 1879 ). …
… pay more for at the usual rate of charging per inch &c they w d . be over £40’; he suggested …

Women’s scientific participation

Summary

Observers | Fieldwork | Experimentation | Editors and critics | Assistants Darwin’s correspondence helps bring to light a community of women who participated, often actively and routinely, in the nineteenth-century scientific community. Here is a…

Matches: 16 hits

… | Editors and critics | Assistants Darwin’s correspondence helps bring to light a …
… community. Here is a selection of letters exchanged between Darwin and his workforce of women …
… Women: Letter 1194 - Darwin to Whitby, M. A. T., [12 August 1849] Darwin …
… peculiarities in inheritance. Letter 3787 - Darwin, H. E. to Darwin, [29 October …
… garden. Letter 4523 - Wedgwood, L. C. to Darwin, [6 June 1864] Darwin’s …
… 6535 - Vaughan Williams , M. S. to Darwin, H. E., [after 14 October 1869] Darwin’s …
… Letter 8611 - Cupples, A. J. to Darwin, E., [8 November1872] Anne Jane Cupples, …
… her niece’s ears. Letter 8701 - Lubbock, E. F . to Darwin, [1873] Ellen …
… insects. Men: Letter 2221 - Blyth, E. to Darwin, [22 February 1858] …
… New Zealand. Letter 6453 - Langton, E. to Wedgwood, S. E., [9 November 1868] …
… on furrows and earthworm activity to her brother-in-law, Horace . She has dug a number of trenches, …
… Himalaya and Tibet. Letter 4139 - Darwin, W. E. to Darwin, [4 May 1863] …
… detail. Family letter: Darwin, E. to Darwin, W. E., [January 23rd 1887]: Emma …
… of his garden. Letter 4233 - Tegetmeier, W. B. to Darwin, [29 June - 7 July 1863] …
… and edited by “a lady”. Darwin, E. to Darwin, W. E. , (March, 1862 - DAR 219.1:49) …
… over. Letter 8153 - Darwin to Darwin, W. E., [9 January 1872] Darwin …

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: 28 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: …
… born 16 August 1848; Leonard, born 15 January 1850; and Horace , born 18 May 1851. It appears to have …
… 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. …
… morning put on an unconspicuous bonnet of C. Langton,[52] W. instantly observed it knew whose it was …
… leaves, stuck them in the ground to observe if the Bees, w d look at them.[53] Willy across whole …
… ought to do what a child says to a maid.[70] 46 Horace [71] 2½. G. When shall you wean …
… But Papa you ought to forgive me if I do. 46v. Horace seeing one of the huntsman not in a …
… P. Yes. Well I will then. Lenny trying to amuse Horace (crying Baby I said I”d got a bit of …
… ”.[76] June 6— 1854. Lenny after quarrelling with Horace , “I feel that I shall never play …
… (ie liquorice) 49v. July 25 th[77] /54/ Horace struck Lenny with a rake & Lenny …
… remonstrating with him on telling such a Burster (as he w d . call it), he answered, “Well then I …
… “I bets that is a rum thing”, the bet being offered to Horace Lenny. When ill with Fever &amp …
… if you won’t, you must.”— 50bv. [80] Horace 3 yrs old walking with Bessy in London saw a …
… you the nature of these sort of persons (meaning himself & Horace who were making a horrid mess) …
… written in pencil by CD and subsequently overwritten by Emma Darwin. The transcription throughout …
… books that she could recall encountering as a child (H. E. Litchfield papers, CUL). [60] …

Darwin in letters, 1868: Studying sex

Summary

The quantity of Darwin’s correspondence increased dramatically in 1868 due largely to his ever-widening research on human evolution and sexual selection.Darwin’s theory of sexual selection as applied to human descent led him to investigate aspects of the…

Matches: 24 hits

… On 6 March 1868, Darwin wrote to the entomologist and accountant John Jenner Weir, ‘If any …
… he ought to do what I am doing pester them with letters.’ Darwin was certainly true to his word. The …
… and sexual selection. In Origin , pp. 87–90, Darwin had briefly introduced the concept of …
… process. In a letter to Alfred Russel Wallace in 1864, Darwin claimed that sexual selection was ‘the …
… 12, letter to A. R. Wallace, 28 [May 1864] ). Darwin’s theory of sexual selection as …
… to the stridulation of crickets. At the same time, Darwin continued to collect material on …
… his immediate circle of friends and relations. In July 1868 Darwin was still anticipating that his …
… which was devoted to sexual selection in the animal kingdom. Darwin described his thirst for …
… in January 1868. A final delay caused by the indexing gave Darwin much vexation. ‘My book is …
… 1867 and had expected to complete it in a fortnight. But at Darwin’s request, he modified his …
… the text. This increased the amount of work substantially. Darwin asked Murray to intervene, …
… … though it would be a great loss to the Book’. But Darwin’s angry letter to Murray crossed one from …
… to remuneration I shall look rather blank’ ( letter from W. S. Dallas, 8 January 1868 ). Darwin …
… as stone, if it were not quite mollified by your note’. Darwin enclosed a cheque to Dallas for £55 …
… and descent in the Fortnightly Review , and asked Darwin for comments. Darwin was clearly …
… ‘fast passing away’ that sparked the most discussion. Darwin wrote to Hooker on 23 February , …
… authorship. John Murray thought it was by Gray himself, but Darwin corrected him: ‘D r Gray would …
… well as of ‘victorious males getting wives’ ( letter to W. D. Fox, 25 February [1868] ). …
… pigeon magenta. To Weir, he wrote on 27 February : ‘It w d be a fine trial to cut off the eyes …
… and had himself watched elephants cry (letters to W. E. Darwin, [15 March 1868] and 8 April …
… screaming in patients undergoing vaccination ( letter from W. E. Darwin, [7 April 1868] ). Francis …
… veins, and the action of his platysma muscle ( letter from W. E. Darwin, [15 April 1868] ). The …
… of everlasting woe?’ I am not sure whether it w d not be wisest for scientific men …
… at Leonards success’, Darwin wrote to his youngest son, Horace , on 26 July , ‘is it not splendid? …

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 …
… 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 …
… suggestions of such plants, especially annuals ( letter to W. T. Thiselton-Dyer, 21 March [1881] ) …
… 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 …
… of the nature & capabilities of the Fuegians’ ( letter to W. P. Snow, 22 November 1881 ). …
… was the progress of his sons’ careers. The success of Horace ’s recently established Cambridge …
… ‘not 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] ). …
… the help of Lord Rayleigh, George Darwin, and Horace Darwin—the task of defending Darwin’s arguments …
… grandson, was born in Cambridge. His parents, Ida and Horace Darwin, named him Erasmus in honour of …

The death of Anne Elizabeth Darwin

Summary

Charles and Emma Darwin’s eldest daughter, Annie, died at the age of ten in 1851. Emma was heavily pregnant with their fifth son, Horace, at the time and could not go with Charles when he took Annie to Malvern to consult the hydrotherapist, Dr Gully.…

Matches: 12 hits

… lost the joy of the Household Charles and Emma Darwin’s eldest daughter, Annie, died at …
… her own reactions in a poignant set of notes, which Emma Darwin kept. Links to a longer …
… and illness follow the transcriptions. Charles Darwin’s memorial of Anne Elizabeth …
… ‘y. 4 An interlineation in pencil in Emma Darwin’s hand reads: ‘Mamma: what shall we do …
… to me looking very much distressed in the afternoon E. Mamma what can I do to be a good girl? …
… she had better pray to God to help her to be good: E. Shall I pray to God now? She …
… made her so unhappy when she thought of being good E. I am afraid of going to hell. I …
… Come to me & I will try to help you as much as I can. E. But you are always with somebody …
… Progress as I had suspected which had alarmed her. E. Do you think you shall come to Heaven …
… & happy. & I hope her fears are passed. Feb. 1852. E’s mind seems to have developed …
… Letters related to Annie's illness and death To W. D. Fox, [ 27 March 1851 ] To …
… ] From Emma Darwin, [ 19 April 1851 ] To E. A. Darwin, 19 April 1851 To …

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: 26 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 …
… of correcting’ ( Correspondence vol. 16, letter to W. D. Fox, 12 December [1868] ). He may …
… 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 …
… ‘purely morphological’. The modern reader may well share Darwin’s uncertainty, but Nägeli evidently …
… pp. 28–9). In further letters, Hooker tried to provide Darwin with botanical examples he could use …
… problems of heredity Another important criticism that Darwin sought to address in the fifth …
… prevailing theory of blending inheritance that Jenkin and Darwin both shared, would tend to be lost …
… ( Origin 5th ed., pp. 103–4). The terminology that Darwin and others employed in these matters ( …
… ‘I must have expressed myself atrociously’, Darwin wrote to Alfred Russel Wallace on 2 February , …
… of Origin was the result of correspondence between Darwin and the geologist James Croll. In the …
… but it was his theory of alternate ice ages that piqued Darwin’s interest the most. He wrote, ‘this …
… ( letter to James Croll, 31 January [1869] ). Darwin had argued ( Origin , pp. 377–8) that plant …
… would always exist. In Origin 5th ed., pp. 450–61, Darwin accounted for the survival of tropical …
… James Croll, 31 January [1869] ). Croll could not supply Darwin with an estimate of the age of the …
… ( letter from James Croll, 4 February 1869 ). Darwin did not directly challenge Thomson’s …
… 19 March [1869] ). Towards Descent Once Darwin had completed revisions of the …
… and overseas. The dog-breeder George Cupples worked hard on Darwin’s behalf, sending a steady stream …
… ability to recognise the different varieties ( letter to W. B. Tegetmeier, 25 February [1869] ). …
… ( letter from T. H. Huxley, 7 May 1869 , letter from W. B. Dawkins, 17 July 1869 ). He …

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: 24 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 …
… meticulous correction of errors in the German editions made Darwin less anxious about correcting the …
… to Carus. ( Letter to J. V. Carus, 24 April 1876. ) Darwin focused instead on the second …
… concentrated on the ‘means of crossing’, was seen by Darwin as the companion to Cross and self …
… return to old work than part of the future work outlined by Darwin in his ‘little Autobiography’ ( …
… been cast by the ‘poorest curs in London’ ( letter to W. T. Thiselton-Dyer, [4 February 1876] ). …
… for the real machine.’ It was the mechanically minded Horace , however, who was the first to type a …
… it is. ’ After describing how you ‘ play on keys ’, Horace pointed out that in less than a day he …
… to present it to the Royal Society. He was pleased that Horace was off to Birmingham to lecture to …
… of illness & misery there is in the world’ ( letter to W. D. Fox, 26 May [1876] ). A …
… 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 …

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: 28 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 , ‘ …
… German language: Sachs is very kind to him’ ( letter to W. T. Thiselton-Dyer, 18 June [1878] ). …
… 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 …
… not easily be obtained at Down House, but Francis thought Horace ’s abilities were a match for German …
… we must have’, Francis wrote ( letter from Francis Darwin, [before 17 July 1878] ), ‘a strong …
… the one here is far from well made.’ (Jemmy or Jim was Horace ’s nickname.) Francis was …
… me to jump to conclusions rather’ ( letter from Francis Darwin, [before 3 August 1878] ). One day …
… him of the soundness of London property ( letter from W. E. Darwin, 13 December [1878] ). ‘This is …

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 …
… 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). …
… of seeds, using an instrument designed by his brother Horace , who was doing an apprenticeship at an …
… by the device, remarking to Hooker on 13 October : ‘Horace has made a hygrometer with a bit of …
… plants (Carus trans. 1876a). The German publisher E. Schweizerbart’sche Verlagshandlung began to …
… agreed to see him at Down with Thiselton-Dyer ( letter to W. T. Thiselton-Dyer, 7 July 1875 ). It …

Darwin in letters,1870: Human evolution

Summary

The year 1870 is aptly summarised by the brief entry Darwin made in his journal: ‘The whole of the year at work on the Descent of Man & Selection in relation to Sex’. Descent was the culmination of over three decades of observations and reflections on…

Matches: 21 hits

… The year 1870 is aptly summarised by the brief entry Darwin made in his journal: ‘The whole of the …
… in relation to Sex’. Always precise in his accounting, Darwin reckoned that he had started writing …
… gathered on each of these topics was far more extensive than Darwin had anticipated. As a result, …
… and St George Jackson Mivart, and heated debates sparked by Darwin’s proposed election to the French …
… Finishing Descent; postponing Expression Darwin began receiving proofs of some of the …
… ( letter to Albert Günther, 13 January [1870] ). Darwin was still working hard on parts of the …
… style, the more grateful I shall be’ ( letter to H. E. Darwin, [8 February 1870] ). She had …
… , the latter when she was just eighteen years of age. Darwin clearly expected her to make a …
… have thought that I shd. turn parson?’ ( letter to H. E. Darwin, [8 February 1870] ). Henrietta …
… so unimportant as the mind of man!’ ( letter from H. E. Darwin, [after 8 February 1870] ). …
… philanthropist Frances Power Cobbe. At Cobbe’s suggestion, Darwin read some of Immanuel Kant’s …
… ( letter to F. P. Cobbe, 23 March [1870?] ). Cobbe accused Darwin of smiling in his beard with …
… as animals: ears Despite Cobbe’s plea, most of Darwin’s scientific attention in 1870 was …
… fairy in Shakespeare’s A midsummer night’s dream. Darwin obtained a sketch of a human ear from …
… belief that all demons and spirits were white ( letter from W. W. Reade, 9 November 1870 ). …
… to criticise them? No one but yourself’ ( letter from H. W. Bates, 20 May 1870 ). Darwin very …
… to say that I never write reviews’ ( letter to H. W. Bates, [22 May 1870] ). St George …
… wasted if I once began to answer objectors’ ( letter to W. H. Flower, 25 March [1870] ). In his …
… go on to the last of my uncomfortable days’ ( letter to W. D. Fox, 18 February [1870] ). But he …
… it is puzzle enough in every case whatever; & what our Boy Horace is to do, I know no more than …
… him to have private instruction in mathematics. He wrote to Horace ’s tutor at Trinity to request …

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: 29 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 …
… assisted his father’s research on movement and bloom, and Darwin in turn encouraged his son’s own …
… 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 …
… sites for possible earthworm activity. Now in his 69th year, Darwin remained remarkably productive, …
… no controversy. In his autobiographical reflections, Darwin remarked: ‘no little discovery of …
… (‘Recollections’, p. 419). During the winter and spring, Darwin was busy preparing the manuscript of …
… and presented to the Linnean Society of London. In the book, Darwin adopted the more recent term …
… as dimorphic without comparing pollen-grains & stigmas’, Darwin remarked to Joseph Dalton …
… measurements of the size and number of pollen-grains, Darwin compared the fertility of individual …
… primrose and purple loosestrife. In the course of his work, Darwin found a number of other …
… dreadful work making out anything about dried flowers’, Darwin complained to Asa Gray on 8 March …
… which include heterstyled species. This pleases me.’. Darwin dedicated the book to Gray, ‘as a small …
… separate publications together into a larger whole enabled Darwin to advance more speculative views …
… value, it is not likely that more than a few hundred copies w d . be sold’. His publisher knew …
… to Down if it lay in my power and you thought it w d . help you.’ ‘I declare had it not been for …
… Hooker’s suspicion of ambitious gardeners ( letter from W. T. Thiselton-Dyer, 25 August 1877 ). …
… copies of Kosmos covering the German debate (letters to W. E. Gladstone, 2 October 1877 and …
… of form and of motion was exact and lively’ ( letter from W. E. Gladstone, 23 October 1877 ). …
… found him as soft & smooth as butter’ ( letter to C. E. Norton, 16 March 1877 ). Hooker was …
… the gospel of dirt the order of the day’ ( letter from E. A. Darwin, 27 January [1877] ). Carlyle …
… study of medical monstrosity ( letter from C. T. E. Siebold, 10 October 1877 ). An American banker …
… blood and thus keep back our civilization’ ( letter from W. B. Bowles, 17 May 1877 ). Bowles …
… to hide the absence of humanity beneath’ ( letter from W. B. Bowles, 18 May 1877 ). More …
… exhibit is in many cases purely physical’ ( letter from W. M. Moorsom, 10 September 1877 ). Darwin …
… made the journey along with Emma. George, Francis, and Horace also attended. The ceremony was held …
… that had gradually sunk from the burrowing of worms. Horace started building a ‘wormograph’ to …
… buried ( letter from Francis Darwin, [28 October 1877?] ). Horace went with Francis to examine the …

Casting about: Darwin on worms

Summary

Earthworms were the subject of a citizen science project to map the distribution of earthworms across Britain (BBC Today programme, 26 May 2014). The general understanding of the role earthworms play in improving soils and providing nutrients for plants to…

Matches: 13 hits

… for plants to flourish can be traced back to the last book Darwin wrote, snappily-titled The …
… on their habits, which was published in 1881. Despite Darwin’s fears that a book on earthworms might …
… out in his Natural History of Selborne of 1789 (a book Darwin claimed had ‘much influence on my …
… a new field in natural history, and almost a century later Darwin argued that all fields had passed …
… variety of strange things he persuaded people to do. Darwin concluded that worms had no sense …
… a metal whistle and to being shouted at, but also to Francis Darwin playing the bassoon, and to Emma …
… traces of earthworm activity at Stonehenge , and Horace was later charged with making sure that 18 …
… realising that this negative evidence was also valuable to Darwin. Thomas Henry Farrer , …
… existence of worms at that altitude. By the 1870s, Darwin was also drawing on the work of …
… him. Soon worm excrement was trusted to postal services, and Darwin acquired casts from India and …
… observations he had gathered to write a book on the subject. Darwin brought to the topic the …
… soul is absorbed with worms just at present!’ ( letter to W. T. Thiselton Dyer, 23 November [1880] …
… much bigger souls than anyone wd suppose’ ( letter to W. E. Darwin, 31 January [1881] (CUL DAR …

Darwin’s student booklist

Summary

In October 1825 Charles Darwin and his older brother, Erasmus, went to study medicine in Edinburgh, where their father, Robert Waring Darwin, had trained as a doctor in the 1780’s. Erasmus had already graduated from Cambridge and was continuing his studies…

Matches: 16 hits

… In October 1825 Charles Darwin and his older brother, Erasmus, went to study medicine in Edinburgh, …
… on to London for further medical training (see letter from E. A. Darwin, [29 September 1826] ). …
… of England. This list is difficult to date precisely. Darwin mentions reading Granby in a …
… The position of Granby on the list would suggest that Darwin was very busy reading in January …
… of chemistry in 1801. Other books illustrate Darwin’s wider scientific interests, and also …
… , which was edited by David Brewster; and Robert Grant took Darwin to meetings of the Wernerian …
… university. There are several books of travel, and Darwin seems to have been particularly …
… arctic zoology. Two titles are closely connected with Darwin’s family. Zoonomia was …
… a week between March 1750 and March 1752. Both he and Dr Darwin had Lichfield connections, but the …
… Almack’s , Granby and Brambletye House. Darwin wrote to his sister Susan on 29 January …
… <Ni>tric Oxide? (DAR 19: 3–4) Darwin’s student booklist - the text …
… Henry Chemistry 17 2 Vols 8 Vo Sewards memoirs of Darwin 18 1 Vol 8 Vo. Several …
… 3 Abernethy 1822. There is a lightly annotated copy in the Darwin Library–CUL, bound with Abernethy …
… Lister 1826 as an ‘entertaining book’ (see letter to S. E. Darwin, 29 January [1826] ). The …
… 3 vols. London: A. Strahan and T. Cadell; Edinburgh: W. Creech. Bostock, John. 1824–7. An …
… the life of Dr. Darwin . London: J. Johnson. Smith, Horace . 1826. Brambletye House: or, …

Darwin Correspondence Project

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