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Origin: the lost changes for the second German edition

Summary

Darwin sent a list of changes made uniquely to the second German edition of Origin to its translator, Heinrich Georg Bronn.  That lost list is recreated here.

Matches: 14 hits

  • In March 1862, Heinrich Georg Bronn wrote to Darwin stating his intention to prepare a second German
  • of 25 April [1862 ], he mentioned that he was sending a set of sheets of the third English edition, …
  • has not been found, although they were returned to Darwin for possible use in a new American edition
  • … (see Freeman 1977, pp. 856).) However, we have compiled a list of the changes that are incorporated
  • should correspond to the additional alterations sent by Darwin to Bronn. Many of these additions and
  • we shall immediately see)’.    Page xiv, n., line 11, deletein the years 17945’.    …
  • 4                    A well-known French botanist, MLecoq, writes in 1854 (‘Etudes sur
  • passages scattered through MLecoqs large work, make it a little doubtful how far he extends his
  • …  Von Baer, towards whom all zoologists feel so profound a respect, expressed about the year 1859
  • that forms now perfectly distinct have descended from a single parent-form.    Page xix, par. …
  • crossed them, and examined their skeletons, I have come to a similar conclusion, \emm the grounds of
  • …  Almost every year, as I am informed by Mr. EV. Harcourt, many European and African birds are
  • sentence also appears in Origin 4th ed., p20. 11.  p56. This whole paragraph was
  • in Origin 4th ed., p449. 47.  p40911. This passage also appears, with slight

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: 21 hits

  • 1874 was one of consolidation, reflection, and turmoil for Darwin. He spent the early months working
  • mostly devoted to further research on insectivorous plants. A vicious dispute over an anonymous
  • and traveller Alexander von Humboldts 105th birthday, Darwin obliged with a reflection on his debt
  • one of the greatest men the world has ever produced. He gave a wonderful impetus to science by
  • to D. T. Gardner, [ c . 27 August 1874] ). The death of a Cambridge friend, Albert Way, caused
  • from W. D. Fox, 8 May [1874] ).  Such reminiscences led Darwin to the self-assessment, ‘as for one
  • backwards much more than forwards’ ( letter to W. D. Fox, 11 May [1874] ). I feel
  • world. While Darwin was in London, his son George organised a séance at Erasmuss house. The event
  • William Henry Myers, and Thomas Henry Huxley, who sent a long report to Darwin with the spirit
  • all the horrid bother of correction’ ( letter to H. E. Litchfield, 21 [March 1874] ). The book
  • review me in a hostile spirit’ ( letter to John Murray, 11 August 1874 ). Darwin was
  • Correspondence  vol. 20, letter to St G. J. Mivart, 11 January [1872] ). To Darwins relief, …
  • the moment of being hatched ( letter to  Nature , 7 and 11 May [1874] ; Spalding 1872a). …
  • … & that must be enough for me’ ( letter to W. D. Fox, 11 May [1874] ). Plants that eat . …
  • cartilage, bone & meat &c. &c.’ ( letter to W. D. Fox,  11 May [1874] ). His research
  • artificial gastric juice  for about a week ( letter from E. E. Klein, 14 May 1874 ). John Burdon
  • Correspondence  vol. 21, letter from Francis Darwin,  [11 October 1873] ). Darwin wasted
  • the photograph he sent highly ( letter from D. F. Nevill, [11 September 1874] ). At the
  • 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. Schweizerbartsche Verlagsbuchhandlung, …

Darwin in letters, 1862: A multiplicity of experiments

Summary

1862 was a particularly productive year for Darwin. This was not only the case in his published output (two botanical papers and a book on the pollination mechanisms of orchids), but more particularly in the extent and breadth of the botanical experiments…

Matches: 20 hits

  • the sheer volume of his correspondence indicates, 1862 was a particularly productive year for Darwin
  • promotion of his theory of natural selection also continued: Darwins own works expanded on it, …
  • not think you are conceited, but really I do think you have a good right to be so’ ( letter from J. …
  • such view will ultimately prevail Still taking a keen interest in the progress of his
  • condition in  Primulaand  Orchids ; it suffered a further setback when illness struck the
  • of the Scottish press hissed). Huxley, while advocating Darwins theory, had again espoused the view
  • experimental production of newphysiologicalspecies. Darwin attempted to dissuade him from this
  • delivered a series of lectures to working men that reviewed Darwins theory, and sent copies to
  • about the vars. of Tobacco.' At the end of the year, Darwin seemed resigned to their
  • gave him the commission ( see letter to John Scott, 11 December [1862] ). Darwin was altogether
  • on  Linum  ‘at once’ ( letter to John Scott, 11 December [1862] ), writing up his experiments in
  • son, William, his language was more blunt ( letter to W. E. Darwin, 14 February [1862] ): ‘whether
  • French Translation will appear very soon’ ( letter to C. E. Brown-Séquard, 2 January [1862] ). …
  • of Natural History’ ( letter to Armand de Quatrefages, 11 July [1862] ). She had had assistance
  • for a second edition ( letter from H. G. Bronn, [before 11 March 1862] ), Darwin asked him to use
  • Bronn died suddenly from a heart attack ( see letter from E. Schweizerbartsche Verlagsbuchhandlung
  • and Emmaperplexed to death what to do’ ( letter to W. E. Darwin, [23 August 1862] ). They
  • interest. He told Hooker ( letter to J. D. Hooker, 11 September [1862] ): ‘This is a nice, but
  • work would make his lifemuch happier’ ( letter to W. E. Darwin, 14 February [1862] ). Darwin
  • from one parent’ ( letter to Armand de Quatrefages, 11 July [1862] ). really good

Darwin in letters, 1863: Quarrels at home, honours abroad

Summary

At the start of 1863, Charles Darwin was actively working on the manuscript of The variation of animals and plants under domestication, anticipating with excitement the construction of a hothouse to accommodate his increasingly varied botanical experiments…

Matches: 21 hits

  • At the start of 1863, Charles Darwin was actively working on the manuscript of  The variation of
  • … , anticipating with excitement the construction of a hothouse to accommodate his increasingly varied
  • briefly’ ( letter to John Scott, 31 May [1863] ), and in a letter of 23 [June 1863] he wrote
  • am languid & bedeviled … & hate everybody’. Although Darwin did continue his botanical
  • letter-writing dwindled considerably. The correspondence and Darwins scientific work diminished
  • the correspondence from the year. These letters illustrate Darwins preoccupation with the
  • Evidence as to mans place in nature  both had a direct bearing on Darwins species theory and on
  • fromsome Quadrumanum animal’, as he put it in a letter to J. D. Hooker of 24[–5] February [1863] …
  • detailed anatomical similarities between humans and apes, Darwin was full of praise. He especially
  • in expressing any judgment on Species or origin of man’. Darwins concern about the popular
  • regarding species change ( letter from Charles Lyell, 11 March 1863 ). The botanist Asa Gray, …
  • by descent put himinto despair’ ( letter to Asa Gray, 11 May [1863] ). In the same letter, he
  • seen how indignant all Owens lies and mean conduct about E. Columbi made me… . The case is come to
  • bottom of seas, lakes, and rivers ( Correspondence vol. 11, Appendix VII). Quarrels at
  • Academy of Sciences, Berlin (see Correspondence vol. 11, Appendix III), and of the Société des
  • Copley Medal had been unsuccessful ( see letter from E. A. Darwin to Emma Darwin, 11 November [1863
  • … [9 May 1863] , and memorandum from G. H. Darwin, [before 11 May 1863]) . As he struggled
  • to drive the quietest man mad’ ( letter to Asa Gray, 11 May [1863] ). Hooker and Gray agreed
  • tropical plants than before (see Correspondence vol. 11, Appendix VI). He was fascinated with
  • pistils mature at different times ( see letter to Asa Gray, 11 May [1863] ). The fertility of
  • the bookcase and around the head of the sofa ( letter to W. E. Darwin, [25 July 1863], and

Darwin’s queries on expression

Summary

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

Matches: 25 hits

  • When Darwin resumed systematic research on emotions around 1866, he began to collect
  • ease of distribution sometime in late 1867 or early 1868. Darwin went over his questions, refining
  • was the collection of observations on a global scale. Darwin was especially interested in peoples
  • cultural and conventional, or instinctive and universal. Darwin used his existing correspondence
  • and with the mouth a little drawn back at the corners?” Darwins questionnaire was an extension of
  • was also carefully devised so as to prevent the feelings of Darwins remote observers from colouring
  • and not the susceptibilities of a moral nature.” Darwin did not typically countenance such
  • the collection of information to its display in print. After Darwin received all of the replies to
  • exceptyesorno.” “The same state of mindDarwin would later assert in Expression of the
  • uniformity.” Table of Correspondence about Darwins Questionnaire (click on the letter
  • could available online ahead of schedule as part of theDarwin and Human Natureproject, funded by
  • Blair, R.H. 11 July 1871 Worcester College for the
  • Fuegians Brooke, C.A.J. 30 Nov 1870
  • Dyaks Brooke, C.A.J. 30 April 1871
  • Chaumont, F.S.B.F. de 11 March 1871 Woolston, …
  • blushing Darwin, Francis 20 June 1867
  • pouting Darwin, W.E. [after 29 March 1868] …
  • aborigines Lubbock, E.F. [1867-8?] …
  • from Dr. C. Browne Meyer, A.B. 25 April
  • 9 Nov 1870 11 St Mary Abbot's Terrace, London, England
  • 1 Feb 1871 11 St Mary Abbot's Terrace, London, England   …
  • 7 Sept 1872 11 St Mary Abbot's Terrace, London, England
  • 1 Feb. 1871 11 Saint Mary Abbot's Terrace, Kensington. W., London, …
  • Sulivan, B.J. 11 Jan 1867 Bournemouth, England
  • Wallace, A. R. 11 March [1867] 9 St. Marks Crescent

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: 24 hits

  • … ‘My career’, Darwin wrote towards the end of 1872, ‘is so nearly closed. . .  What little
  • the year is one of wistful reminiscence, coupled with a keen eye to the crafting of his legacy.  …
  • of   On the origin of   species , intended to be Darwins last, and of  Expression of the
  • in relation to sex , published in 1871, these books brought a strong if deceptive sense of a job
  • himself without writing anything more on 'so difficult a subject, as evolution’ ( letter to A. …
  • earthworms in shaping the environmentThe former led to a series of books and papers, and the
  • worms , published in the year before his deathDespite Darwins 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, …
  • June the previous yearHe intended the edition to be a popular one that would bring his most
  • on 30 January , shortly after correcting the proofs, and Darwins concern for the consolidation of
  • should be affordable: ‘do you not think 6s is too dear for a cheap Edit? Would not 5s be better? . . …
  • and sixth editions were costly to incorporate, and despite Darwins best efforts, set the final
  • closely involved in every stage of publication of his books, Darwin was keen to ensure that this
  • translations of both  Descent  and  Origin   was a particular frustration: `I naturally desire
  • St George Jackson Mivart ( letter to St GJMivart,  11 January [1872] ). A worsening
  • Mivart not to acknowledge it ( letter to St GJMivart, 11 January [1872] ). 'I hate
  • selection is somewhat under a cloud’, he wrote to JETaylor on 13 January , and he complained
  • attacks on Darwin became notorious, had written on 11 May expressing concern that his recently, …
  • by her husband, Richard Buckley Litchfield ( letter to HELitchfield, 13 May 1872 ). Delivery
  • … 'I know that I am half-killed myself’ ( letter to HELitchfield, 25 July 1872 ). A
  • well informed: `The die is cast’, he wrote excitedly on 11 May , when the matter was first raised
  • a week later ( enclosure to letter from John Lubbock to WEGladstone, 20 June 1872 ).  Darwin
  • than usual. One such old friend was Sarah Haliburton, née Owen, to whose sister, Fanny, Darwin had

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: 17 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 wifepoor creature, has won
  • and cosseting regarding the ailments that were so much a feature of Darwin family life. But the calm
  • Cross and self fertilisation , that the family suffered a devastating loss. The Darwins must have
  • expected in September. Their joy at the safe delivery of a healthy boy was soon replaced by anguish
  • his anxiety about Francis. By the end of the year there was a different order at Down House with
  • Year's resolutions Darwin began the year by making a resolution. He would in future
  • Origin for the very last time, and made minor changes to a reprint of the second edition of
  • voyage, Volcanic islands and South America , in a new single-volume edition titled
  • naturalist Thomas Edward ( letter from F. M. Balfour, 11 December 1876 ; letter to Samuel Smiles
  • who died at the age of 10 in 1851, but William, who was 11 years old at the time of her death, would
  • we have & you are one of the best of all’ ( letter to W. E. Darwin, 11 September [1876] ). …
  • she confided to Henrietta (letter from Emma Darwin to H. E. Litchfield, [31 August 1876] (DAR 219.9: …
  • herself & is so tender’ (letter from Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin, [13 September 1876] (DAR 210.6
  • completed autobiography (letter from Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin, [13 September 1876] (DAR 210.6: …
  • do I cannot conceive’, Darwin wrote anxiously to Hooker on 11 September. By the time Darwin
  • horticulturists and agriculturists in France ( letter from E. M. Heckel, 27 December 1876 ). In

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: 26 hits

  • Ever since the publication of Expression , Darwins research had centred firmly on botany. The
  • spent completing Forms of flowers , his fifth book on a botanical topic. He then turned to the
  • of bloom, each of these projects would culminate in a major publication. Darwins botany was
  • assisted his fathers research on movement and bloom, and Darwin in turn encouraged his sons own
  • by his engagement to Sara Sedgwick, an American from a family that the Darwins had befriended. The
  • 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
  • the fertility of individual flowers and plants across a range of common species, such as the
  • pleases me.’. Darwin dedicated the book to Gray, ‘as a small tribute of respect and affection’. He
  • to you.’ Drawing his separate publications together into a larger whole enabled Darwin to advance
  • measure: ‘it might then be highly beneficial to [a plant] that the same flower or the same
  • the popularity of his book, writing to Robert Cooke on 11 April , ‘though I believe it is of
  • for extended periods. In a letter to Thiselton-Dyer of 11 October , Darwin described how the
  • of Kosmos covering the German debate (letters to W. E. Gladstone, 2 October 1877 and 25
  • form and of motion was exact and lively’ ( letter from W. E. Gladstone, 23 October 1877 ). …
  • Charles Darwin and Ernst Haeckel). Writing to Darwin on 11 March 1877 , Krause declared the
  • visits from distinguished persons. Gladstone came to Down on 11 March. ‘I expected a stern, …
  • 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
  • not been a difficulty to me,’ he replied to Romanes on 11 June , ‘as I have never believed in a
  • that they become quite tipsy’ ( letter to W. M. Moorsom, 11 September [1877] ). Moorsom replied

Race, Civilization, and Progress

Summary

Darwin's first reflections on human progress were prompted by his experiences in the slave-owning colony of Brazil, and by his encounters with the Yahgan peoples of Tierra del Fuego. Harsh conditions, privation, poor climate, bondage and servitude,…

Matches: 21 hits

  • Letters | Selected Readings Darwin's first reflections on human progress were
  • human progress or cause degeneration. In the "Fuegians", Darwin thought he had witnessed
  • homeland by Robert FitzRoy several years earlier as part of a missionary enterprise. Darwin was
  • been returned to their native land. After the voyage, Darwin began to question the
  • toward increased complexity and variety, he suggested, was a bi-product of the abundance of life; …
  • After the publication of Origin of Species , many of Darwin's supporters continued to
  • or extermination of other peoples and cultures. When Darwin wrote about the human races and
  • on human and animal behavior accumulated over three decades. Darwin argued forcefully for the unity
  • moral powers. The "grade of civilization", he wrote, "seems a most important element
  • and beyond. Letters Darwins first observations of the peoples
  • Cambridge, John Stevens Henslow. Letter 204 : Darwin to Henslow, J. S., 11 April 1833
  • Charles wrote to his sister, Emily Catherine Darwin, about witnessing slavery in the Portuguese
  • effect in the following year. Letter 206 : Darwin to Darwin, E. C., 22 May [– 14 July] …
  • shown at elections, has been rising against Slavery.— What a proud thing for England, if she is the
  • be altered; the only alteration I am aware of is forming a much higher estimate of the Negros
  • descent. Letter 4933 : Farrar, F. W. to Darwin, 6 November 1865 "so
  • have remained unaltered for say 5000 yearsis not this a very strong argument for the Polygenist? …
  • questionnaire on expression in the Cape Colony, and received a set of replies from the South African
  • 98). Letter 2503 : Darwin, C. R. to Lyell, C., 11 October [1859] "the
  • Letter 2503 : Darwin, C. R. to Lyell, C., 11 October [1859] I suppose that you do not
  • Primary Charles Darwin, Notebooks, B 18-29; E 95-7 [ available at Darwinonline ] …

Darwin in letters, 1864: Failing health

Summary

On receiving a photograph from Charles Darwin, the American botanist Asa Gray wrote on 11 July 1864: ‘the venerable beard gives the look of your having suffered, and … of having grown older’.  Because of poor health, Because of poor health, Darwin…

Matches: 20 hits

  • On receiving a photograph from Charles Darwin, the American botanist Asa Gray wrote on 11 July
  • … … of having grown older’. This portrait, the first of Darwin with his now famous beard, had been
  • of dimorphic plants with Williams help; he also ordered a selection of new climbing plants for his
  • 52 hours without vomiting!! In the same month, Darwin began to consult William Jenner, …
  • physician-in-ordinary to Queen Victoria. Jenner prescribed a variety of antacids and purgatives, and
  • the dimorphic aquatic cut-grass  Leersia . In May, Darwin finished his paper on  Lythrum
  • continued throughout the summer. When he finished a preliminary draft of his paper on climbing
  • he had set aside the previous summer. In October, Darwin let his friends know that on his
  • and he received more letters of advice from Jenner. In a letter of 15 December [1864] to the
  • November and December were also marked by the award to Darwin of the Royal Societys Copley Medal; …
  • As Darwin explained to his cousin William Darwin Fox in a letter of 30 November [1864] , ‘the
  • arose over the grounds on which it was conferred, brought a dramatic conclusion to the year. Darwin
  • continue his observations indoors ( Correspondence  vol. 11). In a letter of [27 January 1864] …
  • However, the queries that Darwin, describing himself asa broken-down brother-naturalist’, sent to
  • for another specimen: ‘I want it fearfully for it is a leaf climber & therefore sacred’ ( …
  • Menyanthes  ( letter from Emma and Charles Darwin to W. E. Darwin, [20 May 1864] ), or his
  • two letters to the  Athenæum  ( Correspondence  vol. 11). Darwins anxiety about the matter was
  • circulating with the 1864 subscription fund ( letter from E. A. Darwin, 1 February [1864] ). …
  • and the question of human origins ( Correspondence vol. 11). Wallace, however, traced a possible
  • … … & too light to turn into candlesticks’ ( letter from E. A. Darwin, 1 December 1864 ). …

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: 16 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 …
  • … the mental faculties of the two-year-old with those of a monkey. Another diversion from botanical …
  • … agent of progress. The year closed with remarkable news of a large legacy bequeathed to Darwin by a …
  • … 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 …
  • … position assumed by leaves at night (nyctitropism) was a protection against heat loss. ‘I think we …
  • … me much & has cost us great labour, as it has been a problem since the time of Linnaus. But we …
  • … 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 …
  • … 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 …
  • … sensitiveness of apex’ ( letter to Francis Darwin, [11 May 1878] ). Having found plants …
  • … to expertise. ‘It is funny’, he wrote to Huxley on 11 August , ‘the Academy having elected a man …
  • … whatever he earnestly desires’ ( letter to James Grant, 11 March 1878 ). The question of …

Women as a scientific audience

Summary

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

Matches: 7 hits

  • … Female readership | Reading Variation Darwin's letters, in particular those …
  • … that his views are original and will appeal to the public. Darwin asks Murray to forward the …
  • … and criticisms of style. Letter 2461 - Darwin to Hooker, J. D., [11 May 1859] …
  • … obscure, even after it had been proofread and edited by “a lady”. Darwin, E. to Darwin, W …
  • … asks his son, Francis, to check his Latin translation of a passage of Descent . Evidence …
  • … work. Letter 5861 - Blyth, E. to Darwin, [11 February 1868] Zoologist …
  • … Letter 9633 - Nevill, D. F. to Darwin, [11 September 1874] Dorothy Nevill tells …

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: 10 hits

  • Charles Darwins 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. Darwins letters in 1870 and 1871 ( …
  • scepticism; many of her arguments are reminiscent of Darwins 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
  • period of their courtship. We are grateful to William Darwin for permission to publish the
  • be a good wife I have indeed neglected my 10 talents. 11 July 5th. A beautiful day
  • mind. And yet I dont feel in such a fever & I slept this a.m. I believe what he says is the
  • … . 10 Bradshaws railway guide . 11 For the biblical parable of the talents

Darwin on race and gender

Summary

Darwin’s views on race and gender are intertwined, and mingled also with those of class. In Descent of man, he tried to explain the origin of human races, and many of the differences between the sexes, with a single theory: sexual selection. Sexual…

Matches: 21 hits

  • Darwins views on race and gender are intertwined, and mingled also with
  • races, and many of the differences between the sexes, with a single theory: sexual selection. Sexual
  • in beetles. The unity of human species Darwin believed that the same process of sexual
  • gradually increase those features over long periods of time. Darwins theory was based partly on the
  • seemed to prevail across the globe. In Descent , Darwin also addressed widely held beliefs
  • in effect separate species), and the fixity of racial types. A leading factor in disputes about
  • ofspecies’, ‘varieties’, andraces’. Darwin argued forcefully for the unity of the human species, …
  • Gender and civilisation In his early notebooks, Darwin remarked that survival value or
  • … , B74). In his later writings on plants and animals, Darwin remained consistent on this point, and
  • improvement, or design. However, when it came to humans, Darwin reintroduced the structure of
  • and present, on the basis of theircivilization’. Here Darwin drew on contemporary anthropology, …
  • colonial conquests and expansion abroad. Thus, while Darwins views on race differed widely
  • men, and of non-European peoples becomingcivilized’ (i.e. European). Of the three Yahgans who had
  • … ( Beagle diary , p. 143). He was delighted to receive a letter from an African correspondent
  • Gaika as an authoritative observer in Expression . He had a number of women correspondents who
  • Key letters: Letter to J. S. Henslow, 11 April 1833 Letter to C. R. Lyell, 11
  • Press. Desmond, Adrian and James Moore. 2009. Darwin's sacred cause . London: Allen
  • British Journal of the History of Science 6: 923 [in a special issue onDescent of Darwin: race, …
  • … . New York: The Free Press. Voss, Julia. 2007, Darwins pictures: views of evolutionary
  • with women Key letters : Letter to H. E. Darwin, [8 February 1870] …
  • Letter to [E. M. Dicey?], [1877] Letter to C. A. Kennard, 9 January 1882

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

  • … Despite being a prolific worker who had many successes with his scientific theorising and …

Darwin in letters,1866: Survival of the fittest

Summary

The year 1866 began well for Charles Darwin, as his health, after several years of illness, was now considerably improved. In February, Darwin received a request from his publisher, John Murray, for a new edition of  Origin. Darwin got the fourth…

Matches: 16 hits

  • The year 1866 began well for Charles Darwin, as his health, after several years of illness, was now
  • all but the concluding chapter of the work was submitted by Darwin to his publisher in December. …
  • hypothesis of hereditary transmission. Debate about Darwins theory of transmutation
  • of special creation on the basis of alleged evidence of a global ice age, while Asa Gray pressed
  • the details of Hookers proposed talk formed the basis of a lengthy and lively exchange of letters
  • responded philosophically to these deaths, regarding both as a merciful release from painful illness
  • after the startling apparition of your face at R.S. Soirèewhich I dreamed of 2 nights running. …
  • on those terms so you are in for it’ ( letter from H. E. Darwin, [  c . 10 May 1866] ). …
  • Haeckel. The German zoologist had written to Darwin on 11 January 1866 , ‘Every time I succeed in
  • Georg Bronn, had been published in 1860 and 1863 by the firm E. Schweizerbartsche
  • … (Correspondence vol. 9, letter from Asa Gray, 11 October 1861 ). Darwin wished to establish
  • wasmerely ordinaryly diœcious’ ( letter from W. E. Darwin, [7 May11 June 1866] ). On
  • a case of dimorphic becoming diœcious’ ( letter from W. E. Darwin, 20 June [1866] ). Darwin
  • I am well accustomed to such explosions’ ( letter to W. E. Darwin, 22 June [1866] ). He urged
  • … ‘I am glad to hear from Spencer’, Huxley wrote on 11 November , ‘that you are on the right (that
  • indeed at poor Susans loneliness’ ( letter from E. C. Langton to Emma and Charles Darwin, [6 and 7

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: 17 hits

  • … |  Editors and critics  |  Assistants Darwins correspondence helps bring to light a
  • 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] Darwins
  • officinalis . Letter 5745 - Barber, M. E. to Darwin, [after February 1867] …
  • home in South Africa. Letter 6736 - Gray, A. & J. L to Darwin, [8 & 9 May
  • to Darwins queries about Expression during a trip to Egypt. Letter 7223
  • January 1868] Darwin asks Thomas Huxley to pass on a questionnaire to his wife, Henrietta. …
  • 6535 - Vaughan Williams , M. S. to Darwin, H. E., [after 14 October 1869] Darwins
  • of wormholes. Letter 8611 - Cupples, A. J. to Darwin, E., [8 November1872] …
  • her nieces ears. Letter 8701 - Lubbock, E. F . to Darwin, [1873] Ellen
  • … [23 April 1874] Thereza Story-Maskelyne responds to a letter of Darwins which was
  • 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 the wallpaper. Letter 5756 - Langton, E. & C. to Wedgwood S. E., [after 9
  • Letter 4928  - Henslow, G. to Darwin, [11 November 1865] J. S. Henslows son, George, …
  • Letter 2461  - Darwin to Hooker, J. D., [11 May 1859] Darwin expresses anxiety over

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: 15 hits

  • …   On 6 March 1868, Darwin wrote to the entomologist and accountant John Jenner Weir, ‘If any
  • and sexual selection. In  Origin , pp. 8790, Darwin had briefly introduced the concept of
  • or in satisfying female preference in the mating process. In a letter to Alfred Russel Wallace in
  • 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
  • early as 1865, the two-volume work appeared in January 1868. A final delay caused by the indexing
  • the work in November 1867 and had expected to complete it in a fortnight. But at Darwins request, …
  • the text. This increased the amount of work substantially. Darwin asked Murray to intervene, …
  • prepared to throw the Index overboardthough it would be a great loss to the Book’. But Darwins
  • the enthusiastic breeder, who apologised in a letter of 1113 May 1868 for hisvoluminuous zeal
  • Weir, 30 May [1868] ). Sexual selection On 11 February , Darwin wrote to the
  • views differed. Of deer-hounds, Cupples wrote between 11 and 13 May , ‘much depends on the
  • and had himself watched elephants cry (letters to W. E. Darwin, [15 March 1868] and 8 April
  • … ( letter to J. D. Hooker, 1 September [1868], n. 11 ). ‘I am not sure’, Darwin reflected in a

Religion

Summary

Design|Personal Belief|Beauty|The Church Perhaps the most notorious realm of controversy over evolution in Darwin's day was religion. The same can be said of the evolution controversy today; however the nature of the disputes and the manner in…

Matches: 13 hits

  • … the most notorious realm of controversy over evolution in Darwin's day was religion. The same …
  • … nineteenth century were different in important ways. Many of Darwin's leading supporters were …
  • … their religious beliefs with evolutionary theory. Darwin's own writing, both in print and …
  • … although he tended to avoid the subject as much as possible. A number of correspondents tried to …
  • … political contexts. Design Darwin was not the first to challenge …
  • … on the controversial topic of design. The first is between Darwin and Harvard botanist Asa Gray, …
  • … Gray and tells him Origin has “stirred up the mud with a vengeance”; Gray and three or four …
  • … for the attention now given to the subject. He poses Gray a question on design in nature, as he is …
  • … He also discusses his views on design. He shares a witty thought experiment about an angel. …
  • … Letter 5307 — Darwin, C. R. to Boole, M. E., 14 Dec 1866 Darwin believes he is unable to …
  • … Letter 8070 — Darwin, C. R. to Abbot, F. E., 16 Nov [1871] Darwin explains why he must …
  • … Letter 5004 — Darwin, C. R. to Shaw, James, 11 Feb [1866] Darwin thanks James Shaw for the …
  • … Letter 1536 — Darwin, C. R. to Lubbock, J. W. (b), 11 Oct [1853] Darwin gives his opinion to …

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: 22 hits

  • In 1882, Darwin reached his 74th year Earthworms had been published the previous
  • chlorophyll by examining thin slices of plant tissue under a microscope. When not experimenting, he
  • for scientific colleagues or their widows facing hardship. Darwin had suffered from poor health
  • more weak than usual. To Lawson Tait, he remarked, ‘I feel a very old man, & my course is nearly
  • early April, he was being carried upstairs with the aid of a special chair. The end came on 19 April
  • 1881. But some of his scientific friends quickly organised a campaign for Darwin to have greater
  • Botanical observation and experiment had long been Darwins 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
  • the nature of their contents, if immersed for some hours in a weak solution of C. of Ammonia’. …
  • London on 6 and 16 March, respectively. In January, Darwin corresponded with George John
  • vol. 28, letter from Arthur de Souza Corrêa, 20 October 1880 , and Correspondence vol. 29, …
  • the flowers & experimentising on them’ ( letter to J. E. Todd, 10 April 1882 ). While
  • rather the best of the fight’ ( letter from G. F. Crawte, 11 March 1882 ). The battle apparently
  • aGlycerin Pepsin mixture’ (letters to W. W. Baxter, 11 March 1882 and 18 March [1882 ]). …
  • he is a good deal depressed about himself’ (letter from H. E. Litchfield to G. H. Darwin, 17 March
  • immediately wrote to George, who had visited Down on 11 April (Emma Darwins diary (DAR 242)). …
  • is very calm but she has cried a little’ (letter from H. E. Litchfield to G. H. Darwin, [19 April
  • overflowing in tenderness’ (letter from Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin, 10 May 1882 (DAR 219.1: 150)). …
  • he had witnessed an earthquake in 1835 ( letter from R. E. Alison, [MarchJuly 1835 ]). …
  • without any mercy’ ( letter from Emma Wedgwood to F. E. E. Wedgwood, [28 October 1836] , letter
  • mans private property’ ( letter to George Warington, 11 October [1867] ). Respecting the
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