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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: 10 hits

… Below is a list of Darwin's correspondents with the number of letters for each one. …
… (1) Berliner Gesellschaft für Anthropologie, Ethnologie und Urgeschichte …
… Dareste, Camille (9) Darwin family (1) …
… Elizabeth (9) Darwin, Emma (191) …
… Hermenegildo (1) Gisborne, Emma (1) …
… J.-B. P. (1) Gärtner, Emma (2) …
… Niven, James (1) Nixon, Emma (1) …
… Peel, Jonathan (5) Pender, Emma (1) …
… Elizabeth (11) Wedgwood, Emma (191) …
… Wrigley, Alfred (8) Wuttke, Emma (1) …

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: 19 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 …
… plants in her garden. Letter 4523 - Wedgwood, L. C. to Darwin, [6 June 1864] …
… a trip to Egypt. Letter 7223 - Darwin to Wedgwood, L. C., [8 June 1867 - 72] …
… Darwin's daughter, Henrietta. Letter 7179 - Wedgwood, L. C. to Darwin, [5 …
… her observations on the expression of emotion in dogs with Emma Darwin. Letter 8676 …
… New Zealand. Letter 6453 - Langton, E. to Wedgwood, S. E., [9 November 1868] …
… the wallpaper. Letter 5756 - Langton, E. & C. to Wedgwood S. E., [after 9 …
… Letter 1701 - Morris, M. H. to Prior, R. C. A., [17 June 1855] Margaretta Hare Morris …
… Lychnis diurna. Letter 8168 - Ruck, A. R . to Darwin, H., [20 January 1872] …
… lawn. Letter 8224 - Darwin to Ruck, A. R., [24 February 1872] Darwin …
… Wedgwood, S. E. & J. to Darwin, [10 November 1837] Emma ’s sister, Sarah, passes on …
… Letter 1701 - Morris, M. H. to Prior, R. C. A., [17 June 1855] Margaretta Hare Morris …
… E. to Darwin, W. E., [January 23rd 1887]: Emma Darwin tells her eldest son, William, …
… garden ”. Letter 6083 - Casparay, J. X. R. to Darwin, [2 April 1868] …
… E. to Darwin, W. E. , (March, 1862 - DAR 219.1:49) Emma Darwin updates her son, William, …
… is a great critic”, thought the article worth reprinting, Emma was less convinced. Letter …

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: 11 hits

… Charles Darwin’s 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. Darwin’s letters in 1870 and 1871 ( …
… scepticism; many of her arguments are reminiscent of Darwin’s own discussion of religious belief in …
… on a discussion with her cousin, Frances Julia (Snow) Wedgwood, about religion and free will in …
… written one of Descent (see letter from Charles and Emma Darwin to F. J. Wedgwood, [March 1871?] …
… period of their courtship. We are grateful to William Darwin for permission to publish the …
… amongst whom of course was Lena had any knowledge of it. M r . W. spoke or preached as u like to …
… Father who w d be waiting for her—when down came M r . W. on his knees between them & said, …
… worship of humanity—this I hope is only in its bud— I c d conceive a life wh. was filled & …
… 6 Laura May Forster . 7 Frances Julia Wedgwood (Snow) and George Eliot. The …

The "wicked book": Origin at 157

Summary

Origin is 157 years old. (Probably) the most famous book in science was published on 24 November 1859. To celebrate we have uploaded hundreds of new images of letters, bringing the total number you can look at here to over 9000 representing more than…

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… book appeared. You can now see examples of letters to Darwin from nearly 250 different people, and …
… Lyell , and Joseph Hooker , the two men who arranged for Darwin’s and Wallace’s ideas to be made …
… Asa Gray who was an important sounding board for Darwin’s emerging ideas, and Thomas Huxley …
… scrap from 1857 comparing his views on species to Darwin’s. Others, like Hugh Falconer , …
… the less well-known scientific collaborators who became Darwin's correspondents, Mary Treat …
… and friends, including letters between Charles and his wife Emma , and several of their children: …
… Amy Ruck, was co-opted as an observer in Wales. Lucy Wedgwood , Darwin’s neice, was one of …
… of Down in Kent, and a lifelong friend of both Charles and Emma , sent information on pigeons …
… of water thrown over me on rising William Darwin Fox , Charles’s cousin and another …
… W. T. Thiselton-Dyer George Cupples H. C. Watson J. J. Weir H. W. Bates …
… Frederick Smith A. G. Butler John Lubbock R. I. Lynch J. B. Burdon Sanderson …

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…

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… 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. …
… character is of much value to me’ ( letter to C. H. Tindal, 5 January 1880 ). Darwin had employed …
… Darwin’s Life . ‘In an endeavour to explain away y r . treatment of [William Alvey Darwin],’ …
… could laugh’ ( letter from W. E. Darwin to Charles and Emma Darwin, 22 July 1880 ). Sales …
… by anticipation the position I have taken as regards D r Erasmus Darwin in my book Evolution old …
… Butler, 3 January 1880 ). At the top of Butler’s letter, Emma Darwin wrote: ‘it means war we think’ …
… to the end’, added her husband Richard ( letter from R. B. Litchfield, 1 February 1880 ). Even the …
… shake their heads in the same dismal manner as you & M r . Murray did, when I told them my …
… in a book about beetles the impressive words “captured by C. Darwin”. … This seemed to me glory …
… ‘but the subject has amused me’ ( letter to W. C. McIntosh, 18 June 1880 ). Members of the family …
… my excitement’ ( letter from Horace Darwin to Emma Darwin, [18 September 1880] ). Darwin’s …
… We find that the light frightens them’ ( letter to Sophy Wedgwood, 8 October [1880] ). The …
… October 1880 ). The president of the society explained to Emma that the members of the union wished …
… great doctrines …“Come of Age”‘ ( letter from W. C. Williamson to Emma Darwin, 2 September 1880 ). …
… year was marked by the loss of several close family members. Emma ’s brother Josiah Wedgwood III died …
… Surrey, which became a regular destination for Charles and Emma , and also a site of scientific …
… his voice as clearly as if he were present’ (letters to C. W. Fox, 29 March 1880 and 10 [April …

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: 24 hits

… In 1882, Darwin reached his 74th year Earthworms had been published the previous …
… for scientific colleagues or their widows facing hardship. Darwin had suffered from poor health …
… of his scientific friends quickly organised a campaign for Darwin to have greater public recognition …
… Botanical observation and experiment had long been Darwin’s 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 …
… contents, if immersed for some hours in a weak solution of C. of Ammonia’. Darwin’s interest in root …
… London on 6 and 16 March, respectively. In January, Darwin corresponded with George John …
… letter from Arthur de Souza Corrêa, 28 December 1881 ). Darwin had a long-running interest in such …
… experiments had been conducted to lend support to Darwin’s theory of pangenesis (see …
… our homes, would in this case greatly suffer’ ( letter to C. A. Kennard, 9 January 1882 ). Kennard …
… judged, intellectually his inferior, please ( letter from C. A. Kennard, 28 January 1882 ). …
… and was no longer able to take his daily strolls (Henrietta Emma Litchfield, ‘Charles Darwin’s death …
… E. Litchfield to G. H. Darwin, 17 March 1882 (DAR 245: 319)) Emma wrote ten days later: ‘You will …
… been a good deal plagued with dull aching in the chest’ (Emma Darwin to G. H. Darwin, [ c . 28 …
… benefit & he escaped pain entirely yesterday’ (letter from Emma Darwin to G. H. Darwin, 6 April …
… wrote to George, who had visited Down on 11 April (Emma Darwin’s diary (DAR 242)). ‘Father was taken …
… H. Darwin, [19 April 1882] (DAR 245: 320)). It was left to Emma to convey the sorrowful news to his …
… which I hope were never very violent’ ( letter from Emma Darwin to J. D. Hooker, [20 April 1882 …
… were not wanting to tell me how you felt for me— Hope [Wedgwood] expresses a feeling that I should …
… they were the most overflowing in tenderness’ (letter from Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin, 10 May 1882 …
… to some Estancia,’ wrote Hughes, ‘as the scenery &c. will amply repay your trouble’ ( letter …
… where he had witnessed an earthquake in 1835 ( letter from R. E. Alison, [March–July 1835 ]). …
… will be months before I am able to work’ ( letter to A. R. Wallace, [ c . 10 April 1864] ). To …

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: 26 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 …
… period but in far less detail. By September 1844, Henrietta Emma was one year old, and there are a …
… 1850; and Horace, born 18 May 1851. It appears to have been Emma who resumed the observations on the …
… the notebook and, with the exception of two brief entries by Emma , made all the notes until July …
… certainly during first fortnight at sudden sounds. & at Emma ’s moving 3 [11] When …
… of muscles, without a corresponding sensation. D r . Holland[12] informs me children do not …
… & inwards as in sleep.[14] Six weeks old & 3 days, Emma saw him smile—not only with …
… his eyes becoming fixed & the movements of his arms ceasing. Emma argues that his smiles were …
… made in the little noises he was uttering that he recognized Emma by sight when she came close to …
… been caused by the novelty of the situation producing fear. Emma thinks that when he was vaccinated …
… whole expression appearing pleased.— Recognizes Emma Anne & myself perfectly— does not find …
… was called.— 29 th . Cried at the sight of Allen Wedgwood[32] Is able to catch hold of a …
… trowsers. Emma one morning put on an unconspicuous bonnet of C. Langton,[52] W. instantly observed …
… she added an s to the end of every word “Ettis & Bettis &c afterwards all the ws were turned …
… goed dawn to the willage”. Fish for Smith. Kaw for cow. &c. Lenny[61] 2 years old speaks …
… any thing with my egg. Miss Th. Shall I cut up y r meat? L. I don’t care whether you do or …
… “But I could not help it”— I said “Lenny you c d help it, don’t say that”. “I could not help it a …
… [6] Correspondence vol. 2, letter from Emma Wedgwood, [23 January 1839] . [7] …

Natural Science and Femininity

Summary

Discussion Questions|Letters A conflation of masculine intellect and feminine thoughts, habits and feelings, male naturalists like Darwin inhabited an uncertain gendered identity. Working from the private domestic comfort of their homes and exercising…

Matches: 12 hits

… thoughts, habits and feelings, male naturalists like Darwin inhabited an uncertain gendered identity …
… feminine powers of feeling and aesthetic appreciation, Darwin and his male colleagues struggled to …
… Letters Letter 109 - Wedgwood, J. to Darwin, R. W., [31 August 1831] Darwin …
… professional work on his return. Letter 158 - Darwin to Darwin, R. W., [8 & 26 …
… and taking in the aesthetic beauty of the world around him. Darwin describes the “striking” colour …
… made up of meals, family time and walks into town with Emma . Letter 555 - Darwin to …
… an Infant ’. Letter 2781 - Doubleday, H. to Darwin, [3 May 1860] Doubleday …
… borders of his garden. Letter 2864 - Darwin to Hooker, J. D., [12 July 1860] …
… saw anything so beautiful”. Letter 4230 - Darwin to Gardeners’ Chronicle, [2 July 1863] …
… microscopical spherical bodies found on flowers which Emma had gathered and brought into the house …
… in his home. Letter 6453 - Langton, E. to Wedgwood, S. E., [9 November 1868] …
… on the bedroom wallpaper. Letter 10821 - Graham C. C. to Darwin, [30 January 1877] …

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: 27 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 …
… and the heavy use of their arms and legs ( letter from C. L. Bernays, 25 February 1871 ). Samples …
… is a thing which I sh d feel very proud of, if anyone c d . say of me.’ After the publication …
… was achieved through ‘the medium of opinion, positive law &c’, and transmitted by culture, not …
… his own family circle, especially his cousin Hensleigh Wedgwood, whom Darwin had cited on the origin …
… passing temptation of hunting it’ ( Descent 2: 392). Wedgwood, however, denied that a simple …
… or remorse. The true essence of conscience, according to Wedgwood, was shame, and he went so far as …
… by the presence of its master. ( Letter from Hensleigh Wedgwood, [3–9 March 1871] .) Some …
… Morley. George and Henrietta remarked upon his dispute with Wedgwood. Darwin’s theory of the moral …
… and morally bound. In one particularly long letter to Wedgwood, Darwin alluded to the pain of …
… agreement is a satisfaction to me’ ( letter to Hensleigh Wedgwood, 9 March 1871 ). A …
… in the world except. laughing. crying grinning pouting &c. &c’, he wrote to Hooker on 21 …
… so giddy I can hardly sit up, so no more’ ( letter to A. R. Wallace, 4 August [1871] ). On 23 …
… annually on an acre of land at 16 tons (letter from L. C. Wedgwood, [20 November 1871] ). He also …
… ( letter to Asa Gray, 16 July [1871] , letter to S. R. S. Norton, 23 November [1871] ). …
… & sherry’ ( letter from H. E. Litchfield to Charles and Emma Darwin, [5 November 1871] ). Her …

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: 9 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 …
… much as possible. A number of correspondents tried to draw Darwin out on his own religious views, …
… 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, …
… Origin . The second is a single letter from naturalist A. R. Wallace to Darwin on design and …
… members of his own family. Letter 441 — Wedgwood, Emma to Darwin, C. R., [21–22 Nov …
… conscientious doubts”. Letter 471 — Darwin, Emma to Darwin, C. R., [c. Feb 1839] …

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: 24 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 …
… during prolonged intervals’ ( letter to D. T. Gardner, [ c . 27 August 1874] ). The death of a …
… from W. D. Fox, 8 May [1874] ). Such reminiscences led Darwin to the self-assessment, ‘as for one …
… I feel very old & helpless The year started for Darwin with a week’s visit to …
… 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 …
… by George Henry Lewes and Marian Evans (George Eliot), but Darwin excused himself, finding it too …
… the month, another Williams séance was held at the home of Darwin’s cousin Hensleigh Wedgwood. Those …
… Descent was published in November 1874 ( letter from R. F. Cooke, 12 November 1874 ). Though …
… on subsequent print runs would be very good ( letter from R. F. Cooke, 12 November 1874 ). …
… satisfaction. Assisted in the wording by his wife, Emma , and daughter Henrietta, he finally wrote a …
… a comfortable cabin ( see letter from Leonard Darwin to Emma Darwin, [after 26 June -- 28 September …
… to become Darwin’s secretary. They rented Down Lodge and Emma Darwin wrote, ‘They have . . . made …
… the average in prettiness & snugness’ ( letter from Emma Darwin to J. B. Innes, 12 October …
… letter to Down School Board, [after 29 November 1873] ). Emma saw a ‘great blessing’ in the rumour …
… dead uncle’s position of vicar of Deptford ( letter from Emma Darwin to J. B. Innes, 12 October …
… in a few hours dissolve the hardest cartilage, bone & meat &c. &c.’ ( letter to W. D. …
… whether at the ‘close of the putrefaction of flesh, skin &c, any substance is produced before …
… details of an Australian variety of sundew ( letter from T. C. Copland, 23 June 1874 ). …
… Sharpe for promotion at the British Museum ( letter to R. B. Sharpe, 24 November [1874] ). He …
… head that M r Spencer’s terms of equilibration &c always bother me & make everything less …

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 …
… a broad variety of women had access to, and engaged with, Darwin's published works. A set of …
… women a target audience? Letter 2447 - Darwin to Murray, J., [5 April 1859] …
… 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] …
… typically-male readers. Letter 7124 - Darwin to Darwin, H. E., [8 February 1870] …
… to Darwin, E., [8 November 1872] Ann Cupples asks Emma to pass on thanks to Darwin for …

Science: A Man’s World?

Summary

Discussion Questions|Letters Darwin's correspondence show that many nineteenth-century women participated in the world of science, be it as experimenters, observers, editors, critics, producers, or consumers. Despite this, much of the…

Matches: 14 hits

… Discussion Questions | Letters Darwin's correspondence show that many nineteenth …
… Letters Darwin’s Notes On Marriage [April - July 1838] In these notes, …
… of family, home and sociability. Letter 489 - Darwin to Wedgwood, E., [20 January 1839] …
… theories, & accumulating facts in silence & solitude”. Darwin also comments that he has …
… sitting by”. Letter 3715 - Claparède, J. L. R. A. E. to Darwin, [6 September 1862] …
… are not those of her sex”. Letter 4038 - Darwin to Lyell, C., [12-13 March 1863] …
… critic”. Letter 4377 - Haeckel, E. P. A. to Darwin, [2 January 1864] Haeckel …
… works”. Letter 4441 - Becker, L. E. to Darwin, [30 March 1864] Lydia Becker …
… to study nature. Letter 4940 - Cresy, E. to Darwin, E., [20 November 1865] …
… of physiology at Bedford College for girls. Appealing to Emma ’s “feminine sympathies”, Cresy is keen …
… masculine nor pedantic”. Letter 6976 - Darwin to Blackwell, A. B., [8 November 1869] …
… , (1829). Letter 7329 - Murray, J. to Darwin, [28 September 1870] Written …
… natural thinking”. Letter 8079 - Norton, S. R. to Darwin, [20 November 1871] …
… patience. Letter 13607 – Darwin to Kennard, C. A., [9 January 1882] Darwin …

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: 20 hits

… The year 1876 started out sedately enough with Darwin working on the first draft of his book on the …
… life in Down House measured by the ongoing tally of his and Emma ’s backgammon games. ‘I have 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 …
… of the second edition of Climbing plants ( letter from R. F. Cooke, 23 February 1876 ). When …
… effected by his forthcoming pamphlet, Darwin confounded (C. O’Shaughnessy 1876), which, he …
… and who had succeeded in giving him pain ( letter to A. R. Wallace, 17 June 1876 ). Although …
… year’s experiments’ ( letter from G. J. Romanes, [ c . 19 March 1876] ). A less welcome reaction …
… was never far away in the Darwin family. In April, while Emma was suffering from a feverish cold, …
… In the same month, Darwin heard that his sister Caroline Wedgwood continued to languish in …
… associated with a happy event. On 7 September, Charles and Emma became grandparents for the first …
… have heart to go on again . . . I cannot conceive Emma and Charles exhibited a practical …
… August to be with her daughter at the time of the birth, and Emma was unimpressed by her. ‘The more …
… word she says’, she confided to Henrietta (letter from Emma Darwin to H. E. Litchfield, [31 August …
… ability to console Francis after Amy’s death gained Emma ’s respect. ‘She is always able to speak’, …
… of Darwin’s recently completed autobiography (letter from Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin, [13 September …
… & his wife (very pleasing) & a Prof. Romer came to lunch’, Emma Darwin reported to Leonard …
… in harmony with yours’ ( letter from George Henslow, [ c. 7 December 1876] ). A more typical …

Darwin in letters, 1837–1843: The London years to 'natural selection'

Summary

The seven-year period following Darwin's return to England from the Beagle voyage was one of extraordinary activity and productivity in which he became recognised as a naturalist of outstanding ability, as an author and editor, and as a professional…

Matches: 23 hits

… The seven-year period following Darwin's return to England from the Beagle voyage was one …
… a family Busy as he was with scientific activities, Darwin found time to re-establish family …
… close contact. In November 1838, two years after his return, Darwin became engaged to his cousin, …
… daughter, Anne Elizabeth, moved to Down House in Kent, where Darwin was to spend the rest of his …
… his greatest theoretical achievement, the most important of Darwin’s activities during the years …
… identifications of his bird and fossil mammal specimens, Darwin arrived at the daring and momentous …
… ideas on a wide range of topics. Then, in September 1838, T. R. Malthus’ An essay on the principle …
… in species. With this new theoretical point of departure Darwin continued to make notes and explore …
… present in the version of 1859. Young author Darwin’s investigation of the species …
… the Beagle had returned to England, news of some of Darwin’s findings had been spread by the …
… great excitement. The fuller account of the voyage and Darwin’s discoveries was therefore eagerly …
… suitable categories for individual experts to work upon, Darwin applied himself to the revision of …
… by Darwin from a suggestion made by his uncle, Josiah Wedgwood II, during one of Darwin’s visits to …
… Fossil Mammalia , by Richard Owen; Mammalia , by G. R. Waterhouse; Birds , by John Gould; …
… publications. The beetles were described by F. W. Hope, G. R. Waterhouse, and C. C. Babington; the …
… all crosses between all domestic birds & animals dogs, cats &c &c very valuable—' …
… the practice of systematists. As the correspondence with G. R. Waterhouse during the 1840s shows, …
… same, though I know what I am looking for' ( Letter to G. R. Waterhouse, [26 July 1843] ). …
… (Simpson 1961, p. 53). Marriage Darwin married Emma Wedgwood in January 1839. His …
… ( Correspondence vol. 2, Appendix III). The letters that Emma and Darwin subsequently exchanged …
… correspondence is that Darwin had evidently communicated to Emma that he had doubts about religion, …
… as she was, from marrying him. Just after their marriage, Emma states that she has the impression …
… were no doubts as to how one ought to act’ ( Letter from Emma Darwin, [ c. February 1839] ). …

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: 23 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 …
… 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 …
… blank’ ( letter from W. S. Dallas, 8 January 1868 ). Darwin sympathised, replying on 14 January …
… it was by Gray himself, but Darwin corrected him: ‘D r Gray would strike me in the face, but not …
… . It is a disgrace to the paper’ ( letter from A. R. Wallace, 24 February [1868] ). The review was …
… April 1868 . The letter was addressed to ‘the Rev d C. Darwin M.d’; Binstead evidently assumed …
… I did not see this, or rather I saw it only obs[c]urely, & have kept only a few references.’ …
… as life he wd find the odour sexual!’ ( letter to A . R. Wallace, 16 September [1868] ). Francis …
… at Cambridge, George Robert Crotch, writing to his mother Emma in a letter dated [after 16 October …
… Langton wrote from the south of France to Sarah Elizabeth Wedgwood on 9 Novembe r, describing …
… question of the “Origin of Species”’ ( letter from A. R. Wallace, 4 October 1868 ). …
… and received a number of reports from family members. Emma Darwin’s niece, Cicely Mary Hawkshaw, …
… rest mostly on faith, and on accumulation of adaptations, &c) … Of course I understand your …
… other national papers, and within a few days Darwin and Emma were receiving letters of …

Darwin and the Church

Summary

The story of Charles Darwin’s involvement with the church is one that is told far too rarely. It shows another side of the man who is more often remembered for his personal struggles with faith, or for his role in large-scale controversies over the…

Matches: 21 hits

… The story of Charles Darwin’s involvement with the church is one that is told far too rarely. It …
… unique window into this complicated relationship throughout Darwin’s life, as it reveals his …
… belief (and doubt) than many non-conformist denominations. Darwin’s parents attended a Unitarian …
… the necessary studies to be a clergyman. During Darwin’s lifetime, the vast majority of the …
… income was essential to enjoy a gentlemanly lifestyle. For Darwin, who could rely on the financial …
… compatible with the pursuit of scientific interests. Indeed, Darwin’s Cambridge mentor, John Stevens …
… (Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine (1887): 321). Darwin started on his journey around the world …
… it even through a grove of Palms.—’ (letter to Caroline Darwin, 25–6 April [1832] ). Darwin’s …
… Museum or some other learned place’ (letter from E. A. Darwin, 18 August [1832] ). Writing to Fox …
… about—’ (letter to W. D. Fox, [9–12 August] 1835 ). Darwin’s doubts about orthodox belief, and …
… the late 1830s, and in correspondence with his fiancée, Emma Wedgwood, in 1838 and 1839, as can be …
… of England. The whole family took the sacrament, although Emma used to make the children turn around …
… and Charles were buried; later Darwin’s brother Erasmus, Emma ’s sister Sarah, Emma herself, and …
… church involvement can be attributed to the influence of Emma , whose religious scruples are …
… letter of 1854 in which he said, From all I have seen of M r Innes’ conduct towards the poor &amp …
… Innes informed Darwin that though he ‘heard all good of M r . Ffinden’s moral character, his …
… Ffinden strongly disapproved of the Darwins. In his eyes, Emma ’s Unitarian leanings and Darwin’s …
… schools in this period, the Down school was Anglican. Emma wished it to be used as a reading room …
… an interesting letter from Darwin to the evangelist J. W. C. Fegan. Darwin whole-heartedly supported …
… even altered the habits of the household in order to allow Emma and the children to attend his …
… increase his desire to actually attend Sunday services with Emma and the children. Darwin’s life in …

Scientific Networks

Summary

Friendship|Mentors|Class|Gender In its broadest sense, a scientific network is a set of connections between people, places, and things that channel the communication of knowledge, and that substantially determine both its intellectual form and content,…

Matches: 12 hits

… activities for building and maintaining such connections. Darwin's networks extended from his …
… when strong institutional structures were largely absent. Darwin had a small circle of scientific …
… section contains two sets of letters. The first is between Darwin and his friend Kew botanist J. D. …
… about Hooker’s thoughts. Letter 729 — Darwin, C. R. to Hooker, J. D., [11 Jan 1844] …
… is like confessing a murder”. Letter 736 — Darwin, C. R. to Hooker, J. D., 23 Feb [1844 …
… of wide-ranging species to wide-ranging genera. Darwin and Gray Letter 1674 …
… species. Letter 1685 — Gray, Asa to Darwin, C. R., 22 May 1855 Gray recalled …
… flora in the USA. Letter 2125 — Darwin, C. R. to Gray, Asa, 20 July [1857] Darwin …
… information exchange. Letter 1202 — Darwin, C. R. to Hooker, J. D., 6 Oct [1848] …
… J. D. Hooker to take Scott on at Kew. Darwin notes that Emma begs him not to employ him at Down. He …
… Letter 1176 — Darwin, C. R. to Darwin, Emma , [20–1 May 1848] Darwin writes to his wife Emma . …
… Catherine’s and his own. He also notes that Hensleigh [Wedgwood] thinks he has settled the free-will …

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: 25 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 …
… 52 hours without vomiting!! In the same month, Darwin began to consult William Jenner, …
… prescribed a variety of antacids and purgatives, and limited Darwin’s fluid intake; this treatment …
… the dimorphic aquatic cut-grass Leersia . In May, Darwin finished his paper on Lythrum …
… he had set aside the previous summer. In October, Darwin let his friends know that on his …
… to the surgeon and naturalist Francis Trevelyan Buckland, Darwin described his symptoms in some …
… November and December were also marked by the award to Darwin of the Royal Society’s Copley Medal; …
… been unsuccessfully nominated the two previous years. As Darwin explained to his cousin William …
… it was conferred, brought a dramatic conclusion to the year. Darwin also wrote to Fox that he was …
… progress’ in Britain. Challenging convention Darwin’s concern about the acceptance of …
… vol. 11). In a letter of [27 January 1864] , Darwin wrote to Hooker: ‘The only approach to work …
… produce tendrils However, the queries that Darwin, describing himself as ‘a broken-down …
… tendrils’ ( letter to J. D. Hooker, [8 February 1864] ). Darwin’s excitement about his …
… ( letter to J. D. Hooker, 2 June [1864] ). When Darwin asked Oliver whether the tendrils of …
… for his teacherly tone, explaining that he had felt that Darwin had misunderstood some accepted …
… ( letter from Daniel Oliver, [17 March 1864] ). Though Darwin replied with his typical humility …
… habits of climbing plants’ (‘Climbing plants’), which Darwin submitted to the Linnean Society in …
… garden, taking notes by dictation. His niece Lucy Caroline Wedgwood sent observations of …
… household news, were sometimes written by Darwin’s wife, Emma , or by Henrietta. Darwin’s own replies …
… case of Dimorphism’ in Menyanthes ( letter from Emma and Charles Darwin to W. E. Darwin, [20 …
… 5 September 1864 ). Fritz Müeller sent his book, Für Darwin , and Darwin had it translated by a …
… but Lyell says when I read his discussion in the Elements [C. Lyell 1865] I shall recant for fifth …
… on intellectual & moral qualities’ ( letter to A. R. Wallace, 28 [May 1864] ). …
… he saw few people outside the family and, according to Emma Darwin’s diary and his own ‘Journal’, …

Darwin in letters, 1865: Delays and disappointments

Summary

The year was marked by three deaths of personal significance to Darwin: Hugh Falconer, a friend and supporter; Robert FitzRoy, captain of the Beagle; and William Jackson Hooker, director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and father of Darwin’s friend…

Matches: 18 hits

… In 1865, the chief work on Charles Darwin’s mind was the writing of The variation of animals and …
… letters on climbing plants to make another paper. Darwin also submitted a manuscript of his …
… protégé, John Scott, who was now working in India. Darwin’s transmutation theory continued to …
… Argyll, appeared in the religious weekly, Good Words . Darwin received news of an exchange of …
… Butler, and, according to Butler, the bishop of Wellington. Darwin’s theory was discussed at an …
… in the Gardeners’ Chronicle . At the end of the year, Darwin was elected an honorary member of …
… year was marked by three deaths of personal significance to Darwin: Hugh Falconer, a friend of …
… in August. There was also a serious dispute between two of Darwin’s friends, John Lubbock and …
… jolly’ ( letter to J. D. Hooker, 7 January [1865] ). Darwin was ready to submit his paper on …
… a sudden illness. Falconer was 56, almost the same age as Darwin himself. Falconer had seconded …
… supported his candidacy, and had tried hard to persuade Darwin to accept the award in person (see …
… Darwin had received a copy of Müller’s book, Fü r Darwin , a study of the Crustacea with reference …
… … inheritance, reversion, effects of use & disuse &c’, and which he intended to publish in …
… He wrote to Hooker, ‘I doubt whether you or I or any one c d do any good in healing this breach. …
… Hooker’s behalf, ‘He asks if you saw the article of M r . Croll in the last Reader on the …
… attending school, and spent some time travelling in Europe (Emma Darwin’s diary (DAR 242), Emma …
… people weren’t so foolish’;. In November, Darwin and Emma visited Erasmus in London ( …
… ‘As for your thinking that you do not deserve the C[opley] Medal,’ he rebuked Hooker, ‘that I …

Darwin Correspondence Project

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