From A. R. Wallace 2 January 1864
Summary
Remarks on ARW’s review of Samuel Haughton’s paper on bees’ cells
and Origin.
Agassiz’s strength as geologist and weakness in natural history theory.
Work problems.
His butterfly collection.
Problems with book on Malay journey.
Recommends Herbert Spencer and his Social statics.
Spencer’s "masterly" nebular hypothesis.
Author: | Alfred Russel Wallace |
Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Date: | 2 Jan 1864 |
Classmark: | DAR 106: B8–11 |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-4378 |
From A. R. Wallace 10 May 1864
Summary
On the Borneo cave exploration.
ARW will send his contribution to theory of origin of man. The vast mental and cranial differences between man and apes, whereas structural differences in other parts of body are small. The problem of explaining diversity of human races along with the stability of man’s form during all historical epochs. Discussion with "Anthropologicals" [following reading of ARW’s paper, "The origin of human races", before the Anthropological Society, 1 Mar 1864].
Author: | Alfred Russel Wallace |
Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Date: | 10 May 1864 |
Classmark: | DAR 106: B12–13 |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-4490 |
From A. R. Wallace 29 May [1864]
Summary
Argues the antiquity of the human species because natural selection acts differently with respect to men. Changes in man are largely confined to head and brain. Warfare and sex are very uncertain as means of selection.
Gives CD complete credit for theory of natural selection.
Is beginning his narrative of his travels.
Lyell argues against tracing man as far back as Miocene times. R. I. Murchison’s argument that Africa is the oldest existing land implies that Africa is the place to look for early man.
Author: | Alfred Russel Wallace |
Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Date: | 29 May [1864] |
Classmark: | DAR 106: B14–19 |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-4514 |