From Hubert Airy 31 May 1872
Summary
A review and criticism of Chauncey Wright’s paper on phyllotaxy [Mem. Am. Acad. Arts & Sci. n.s. 9 (1867–73): 379–415]. Does not believe that the "distributive" and "cyclical" properties, which CW claims characterise the existing spiral orders of leaf arrangement, can be shown to be advantageous to plants. CW’s speculations on the origins of the spiral arrangement of leaves are purely hypothetical.
| Author: | Hubert Airy |
| Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Date: | 31 May 1872 |
| Classmark: | DAR 159: 15 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-8362 |
From Hubert Airy [before 15] July 1872
Summary
Outlines his theory on the origin of existing orders of leaf arrangement. Believes spiral and whorled orders have evolved from a primitive distichous arrangement. These arrangements permit a compact bud form of small surface area that can withstand external changes in temperature, and in particular can tolerate frost.
| Author: | Hubert Airy |
| Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Date: | [before 15] July 1872 |
| Classmark: | DAR 159: 16 |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-8412 |
