To John Murray 21 January [1861]
Summary
Thinks third edition of Origin should advertise "additions and corrections", for the additions are important. They will add 30 pages to the book; there will also be a short historical sketch. Asks for some copies for friends.
Also curious to know how Journal of researches has sold. The new issue seemed a rash venture to him.
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | John Murray |
Date: | 21 Jan [1861] |
Classmark: | National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42152 ff.98–99) |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-3048 |
To John Murray 24 February [1861]
Summary
If JM disapproves of inserting CD’s geological works on back of title-page [of Origin, 3d ed.], he should strike them out. CD cares little. Reminds him to insert "additions and corrections" in advertisements. Sends list for presentation copies.
Asks whether his Journal of researches has sold at all satisfactorily.
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | John Murray |
Date: | 24 Feb [1861] |
Classmark: | National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42152 f. 100) |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-3069 |
To John Murray 3 March [1861]
Summary
Making slow progress with Variation.
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | John Murray |
Date: | 3 Mar [1861] |
Classmark: | National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42152 f. 101) |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-3078 |
To John Murray 30 April [1861]
Summary
Thanks JM for bill for £480 and sends receipt. Number of copies differs in note and in receipt (2500 and 2000, respectively). Not surprised sale is slackening; number printed was bold. Reminds JM to advertise "with additions and corrections".
Will consult JM on illustrations for Variation.
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | John Murray |
Date: | 30 Apr [1861] |
Classmark: | National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42153 f. 27) |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-3129 |
To John Murray 3 May [1861]
Summary
Regrets the error in the bill and receipt. CD is surprised at so large a reduction in profit in the last edition.
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | John Murray |
Date: | 3 May [1861] |
Classmark: | National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42152 f. 103) |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-3136 |
To John Murray 8 May [1861]
Summary
Acknowledges receipt of promissory note for £372 from JM for third edition of Origin.
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | John Murray |
Date: | 8 May [1861] |
Classmark: | National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42153 f. 26) |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-3143 |
To John Murray 10 September [1861]
Summary
Asks that a copy of Origin [3d ed.] be sent to Mlle Clémence-Auguste Royer; she has arranged with a publisher for a French translation.
Origin is exciting much attention in Germany.
Surprised to receive a Dutch translation.
Has never seen an advertisement [of 3d ed.], which is a pity. Hopes "Bishop of Oxford & Co." have not made JM sorry he published it.
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | John Murray |
Date: | 10 Sept [1861] |
Classmark: | National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42152 ff. 104–105) |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-3250 |
To John Murray 21 September [1861]
Summary
Asks JM’s opinion on publishing his MS on orchids. It has new facts, and resembles a Bridgewater Treatise, but only those who care for natural history would be interested. Would share the risk.
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | John Murray |
Date: | 21 Sept [1861] |
Classmark: | National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42152 ff. 106–107) |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-3259 |
To John Murray 24 September [1861]
Summary
Thanks JM for his liberal offer [to publish Orchids]. CD fears the public will not be interested, but thinks it will "do good to the Origin as it will show that I worked hard on details and it will perhaps serve [to] illustrate how Natural History may be worked under the belief of the modification of Species".
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | John Murray |
Date: | 24 Sept [1861] |
Classmark: | National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42152 ff. 108–109B) |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-3264 |
To John Murray 3 October [1861]
Summary
Would JM object to size of Orchids being same as W. N. Hutchinson, Dog breeding [1850]? Prefers little book, not to look pretentious.
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | John Murray |
Date: | 3 Oct [1861] |
Classmark: | National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42152 ff. 110–111) |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-3275 |
To John Murray 5 October [1861]
Summary
Likes the idea of matching Orchids with Origin. Begs for large print and spacing so that the book will not look "ridiculously small".
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | John Murray |
Date: | 5 Oct [1861] |
Classmark: | Private collection |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-3276A |
To John Murray 21 October [1861]
Summary
G. B. Sowerby, Jr has done the drawings for Orchids woodcuts. Calls JM’s attention to the fact that a first-rate cutter must be employed.
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | John Murray |
Date: | 21 Oct [1861] |
Classmark: | National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42152 ff. 112–113) |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-3292 |