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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: 23 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 …
- … promotes the sale’ ( letter from J. D. Hooker, 26 March 1871 ). The profits for Darwin were …
- … first two printings, Darwin wrote to Murray on 20 March 1871 , ‘It is quite a grand trade to be a …
- … liking, ‘to keep in memory of the book’ ( letter to H. E. Darwin, 20 March 1871 ). Reaction …
- … to read it ( letter from James Crichton-Browne, 19 February 1871 ). The African explorer and …
- … to be the truth, whether pleasant or not’ (letter from W. W. Reade, 21 February 1871). The geologist …
- … Oldham … They club together to buy them’ ( letter from W. B. Dawkins, 23 February 1871 ). Thomas …
- … tide-marks!’ ( letter from T. H. Huxley, 20 February 1871 ). Asa Gray remarked, somewhat …
- … and pointed ears” (letter from Asa Gray, 14 April 1871) Like his previous book, …
- … arms and legs ( letter from C. L. Bernays, 25 February 1871 ). Samples of hair arrived from …
- … to make it darker than the hair on his head ( letter from W. B. Tegetmeier, [before 25 April 1871] …
- … a high aesthetic appreciation of beauty ( letter from E. J. Pfeiffer, [before 26 April 1871] ). …
- … most deep and tender religious feeling’ ( letter from F. E. Abbot, 20 August 1871 ). The Anglican …
- … year, but he was sympathetic about the venture: ‘it w d be almost superhuman virtue to give it up …
- … who was ‘as good as twice refined gold’ ( letter to H. E. Litchfield, 4 September [1871] ). …
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: 26 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?” Darwin’s questionnaire was an extension of …
- … was also carefully devised so as to prevent the feelings of Darwin’s 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 …
- … Blair, R.H. 11 July 1871 Worcester College for the …
- … Brooke, C.A.J. 30 April 1871 Sarawak, Borneo …
- … Chaumont, F.S.B.F. de 11 March 1871 Woolston, …
- … Crichton-Browne, James 3 April 1871 West Riding …
- … pouting Darwin, W.E. [after 29 March 1868] …
- … in blind students Darwin, W.E. [7? April …
- … blushing Darwin, W.E. [22? April 1868] …
- … Donders, F.C. 28 March 1871 Utrecht, Netherlands …
- … 13 June 1870 Portman Square, London W., England (about Auracania, Peru) …
- … Foster, Michael 4 June [1871] Trinity College, …
- … (about Puget’s Sound, Oregon,USA) N. W. Indians …
- … Gray, Asa 14 April 1871 Cambridge, Massachusetts, …
- … Gray, Asa 10 & 14 March [1871] Cambridge, …
- … aborigines Lubbock, E.F. [1867-8?] …
- … 32 Queen Anne St. Cavendish Square W, London, England Enclosed letter from Dr. …
- … Mivart, G.J. 26 Jan 1871 North Bank, London, England …
- … Reade, Winwood W. 1 Feb 1871 11 St Mary Abbot's …
- … Rejlander, O.G. [1871] Victoria Street, London, …
Cross and self fertilisation
Summary
The effects of cross and self fertilisation in the vegetable kingdom, published on 10 November 1876, was the result of a decade-long project to provide evidence for Darwin’s belief that ‘‘Nature thus tells us, in the most emphatic manner, that she abhors…
Matches: 30 hits
- … the result of a decade-long project to provide evidence for Darwin’s belief that ‘‘Nature thus tells …
- … on plants with two or three different forms of flowers, Darwin had focused on the anatomical and …
- … of different forms of pollen. Although many plants that Darwin observed had flowers with adaptations …
- … rates, growth, and constitutional vigour. Although Darwin was no stranger to long months and years …
- … … is highly remarkable’ In September 1866, Darwin announced to the American botanist …
- … several years ( To Édouard Bornet, 1 December 1866 ). Darwin began a series of experiments, …
- … ). It was only after a new season of experiments that Darwin would confirm that this poppy shed its …
- … access to flowers was only the tip of the iceberg. Darwin next focused on the California …
- … conditions’ ( From Fritz Müller, 1 December 1866 ). Darwin’s interest was piqued and he described …
- … when self-fertilised, although fewer than crossed plants. Darwin sent some of these seeds to Müller, …
- … [1868] ). Müller, in turn, sent seeds from his plants to Darwin and both men continued to …
- … Müller remarked, on receiving a new batch of seeds from Darwin, ‘that it was ‘curious to see, on …
- … ( From Fritz Müller, 15 June 1869 ). By May 1870, Darwin reported that he was ‘rearing crossed …
- … From a fairly early stage in his experimental programme, Darwin began to pay more attention to the …
- … lately ascertained, & about which I dont know whether you w d care, is that a great excess of …
- … the sweet pea ( Lathyrus odoratus ), and in October 1867, Darwin wrote to James Moggridge to ask …
- … of the year ( To J. T. Moggridge, 1 October [1867] ). Darwin was beginning to suspect that the …
- … simply did not exist in Britain. During a visit to Darwin in May 1866, Robert Caspary, a …
- … by the former ( From Robert Caspary, 18 February 1868 ). Darwin eagerly requested seed from both …
- … was published on 30 January 1868. In April 1868, Darwin informed George Bentham, ‘I am …
- … ‘I always supposed until lately that no evil effects w d be visible until after several …
- … to elongate when the pollen touches the stigmatic surface. Darwin was able to discern that …
- … plant sexual relations, Müller, who sent the publication to Darwin, reported that he was surprised …
- … the fertility of the offspring (F. Müller 1868b, p. 629). Darwin urged further experimentation. ‘I …
- … the Abutilon sterile with some individuals is remarkable’, Darwin replied, adding that he had sown …
- … of self-fertilisation’ ( To J. D. Hooker, 23 July [1871] ). Darwin also informed Müller of this …
- … in his hothouse ( To Fritz Müller, 2 August [1871] ). By late 1871, Darwin was already …
- … generations’ ( To Federico Delpino, 22 November 1871 ). Delpino replied that he looked forward to …
- … and horticulture ( From Federico Delpino, 5 December 1871 ). When Darwin began writing in February …
- … populations of rye and wheat that he had studied ( From A. W. Rimpau, 10 December 1877 ). By the …
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: 23 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 …
- … British Museum or some other learned place’ (letter from E. A. Darwin, 18 August [1832] ). …
- … sort of scene I never ought to think about—’ (letter to W. D. Fox, [9–12 August] 1835 ). Darwin’s …
- … from the late 1830s, and in correspondence with his fiancée, Emma Wedgwood, in 1838 and 1839, as can …
- … within six years of his return from the Beagle voyage, Darwin moved to Down House, in the …
- … where their children Mary and Charles were buried; later Darwin’s brother Erasmus, Emma’s sister …
- … of Emma, whose religious scruples are discussed here. But Darwin’s correspondence reveals his own …
- … Although he was not the principal landowner in Down, Darwin was a gentleman of means, and clearly …
- … an excellent Guardian [of the Poor Fund]’ (letter to J. W. Lubbock, 28 March [1854] ). Despite …
- … [1850] and n. 6; and letter to J. B. Innes, 29 May [1871] ). Their true friendship does …
- … request favourably—’ (letter from J. B. Innes, 26 May 1871 ). Indeed Innes had such a high …
- … school and organ funds (letter to J. B. Innes, 13 January 1871 ). Down’s next clergyman …
- … very dull sermons’ (letter to J. B. Innes, 18 January [1871] ). Mr Powell was happy to take up …
- … qualifications’ (letter from J. B. Innes, 5 June 1871 ). Particularly in the early days of …
- … is an interesting letter from Darwin to the evangelist J. W. C. Fegan. Darwin whole-heartedly …
- … Victorian clergy. London: Croom Helm. Keppel, T. E. 1887. The country parson as he was, and as …
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: 11 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] …
- … readers. Letter 7124 - Darwin to Darwin, H. E., [8 February 1870] Darwin …
- … Letter 7624 - Bathoe, M . B. to Darwin, [25 March 1871] Mary Bathoe responds …
- … Letter 7644 - Barnard, A. to Darwin, [30 March 1871] J. S. Henslow’s daughter, …
- … Letter 7651 - Wedgwood, F. J. to Darwin, H. E., [1 April 1871] Frances Wedgwood …
- … might be suitable. Letter 7411 - Pfeiffer, E. J. to Darwin, [before 26 April 1871] …
- … Letter 8055 - Hennell, S. S. to Darwin, [7 November 1871] Sarah Hennell writes to Darwin …
Moral Nature
Summary
In Descent of Man, Darwin argued that human morality had evolved from the social instincts of animals, especially the bonds of sympathy and love. Darwin gathered observations over many decades on animal behavior: the heroic sacrifices of social insects,…
Matches: 16 hits
- … | Selected Readings In Descent of Man , Darwin argued that human morality had …
- … (Barrett et al. eds. 1987, p. 619) Darwin gathered observations over many decades on …
- … Though rooted in instinctive sympathy, moral behavior for Darwin was not purely automatic or …
- … the social instincts that humans shared with animals. Darwin's moral theory was the most …
- … obligation, compassion, guilt, and the pangs of conscience. Darwin's theory was condemned by …
- … female members of their hive in order to protect the queen. Darwin engaged with his critics in …
- … Letters Letter 7048 : Darwin, W. E., to Darwin, C. R., [April? 1871] In …
- … of ideas, rather than as evolving from animal instinct. Darwin got clarification on this point from …
- … the whole subject" Letter 7645 : Morley, John to Darwin, 30 March 1871 …
- … of Descent of Man in the Pall Mall Gazette (Morley 1871). Darwin admired the review, and …
- … Letter 7685 : Darwin to Morley, John, 14 April [1871] "When I speak of intellectual …
- … Letter 7691 , Morley, John, to Darwin, 17 April 1871 "I don't think Mr. Mill& …
- … 7470 : Wedgwood, Hensleigh to Darwin, [before 3 March 1871] Darwin exchanged long letters …
- … Letter 7537 : Darwin, C. R. to Wenslow, Hensleigh, 3 March [1871] Using the example of …
- … H. 1974. 'Early writings of Charles Darwin', in Gruber, H. E., Darwin on man. A …
- … 3. [ available at Darwinonline ] Cobbe, F. P. 1871. 'Darwinism in morals'. …
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: 21 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 …
- … garden. Letter 4523 - Wedgwood, L. C. to Darwin, [6 June 1864] Darwin’s …
- … 6535 - Vaughan Williams , M. S. to Darwin, H. E., [after 14 October 1869] Darwin’s …
- … Letter 8611 - Cupples, A. J. to Darwin, E., [8 November1872] Anne Jane Cupples, …
- … her niece’s ears. Letter 8701 - Lubbock, E. F . to Darwin, [1873] Ellen …
- … 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 …
- … Himalaya and Tibet. Letter 4139 - Darwin, W. E. to Darwin, [4 May 1863] …
- … Letter 7433 - Wedgwood, F. to Darwin, [9 January 1871] Darwin’s brother-in-law, …
- … Letter 8113 - Treat, M. to Darwin, [20 December 1871] Mary Treat describes her …
- … detail. Family letter: Darwin, E. to Darwin, W. E., [January 23rd 1887]: Emma …
- … of his garden. Letter 4233 - Tegetmeier, W. B. to Darwin, [29 June - 7 July 1863] …
- … and edited by “a lady”. Darwin, E. to Darwin, W. E. , (March, 1862 - DAR 219.1:49) …
- … Letter 7605 - Darwin to Darwin, H. E., [20 March 1871] Darwin reports to …
- … Letter 7858 - Darwin to Wa llace, A. R., [12 July 1871] Darwin tells Wallace that …
- … 8089 - Darwin to Litc hfield, H. E., [2 December 1871] Darwin sends a chapter on …
- … over. Letter 8153 - Darwin to Darwin, W. E., [9 January 1872] Darwin …
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: 16 hits
- … Charles Darwin’s daughter Henrietta wrote the following journal entries in March and July 1871 in a …
- … 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 …
- … missions due to take place between 26 February and 5 March 1871 in four towns within the deanery of …
- … 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 …
- … University Library. Henrietta Darwin | March 1871 1871 March— Sea Grove …
- … whom of course was Lena had any knowledge of it. M r . W. spoke or preached as u like to call it …
- … & of course everybody was unrevived, but Lena describes Mr. W. as having a definite physical …
- … but as for any ennobling effect I think in her heart she w d allow he had none. Mr. Maclagan on …
- … of the excitement— There was a special service which began w a hymn sung kneeling. Screaming was …
- … an agitated manner that she must go home to her Father who w d be waiting for her—when down came …
- … this but how many misunderstandings & wounded feelings w d . be prevented if it was realised …
- … of words. March 26th/71 Had a long talk w Sno on education first in which Sno quoted G …
- … individual. Free will she has to give up in many regions & w d be prepared to give it up …
- … away what they have no equivalent for. July 4th 1871. How hard it is to wait—the …
Diagrams and drawings in letters
Summary
Over 850 illustrations from the printed volumes of The Correspondence of Charles Darwin have been added to the online transcripts of the letters. The contents include maps, diagrams, drawings, sketches and photographs, covering geological, botanical,…
Have you read the one about....
Summary
... the atheistical cats, or the old fogies in Cambridge? We've suggested a few - some funny, some serious - but all letters you can read here.
Matches: 1 hits
- … ... the atheistical cats, or the old fogies in Cambridge? We've suggested a few - some funny, some …
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: 23 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 …
- … for some hours in a weak solution of C. of Ammonia’. Darwin’s interest in root response and the …
- … 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 …
- … He was eager to write up the results on Brazilian cane, with Darwin providing a detailed outline: ‘I …
- … the flowers & experimentising on them’ ( letter to J. E. Todd, 10 April 1882 ). While …
- … and a ‘Glycerin 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 …
- … 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, [March–July 1835 ]). …
- … without any mercy’ ( letter from Emma Wedgwood to F. E. E. Wedgwood, [28 October 1836] , letter …
- … pains)… would be very interesting to me’ ( letter to E. W. V. Harcourt, 24 June [1856] ). In a …
- … steps’ ( letter to Alexander Agassiz, 28 August [1871] ; see also Correspondence vol. 19, …
- … names to appear’ ( letter to Louisa Stevenson, 8 April 1871 ). It was Darwin’s name that was …
- … who had undertaken observations years earlier. In 1871, he had asked Henry Johnson to observe the …
- … vol. 19, letter to Henry Johnson, 23 December 1871 , and Earthworms , pp. 221–8). Darwin …
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 …
- … 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] …
- … “first rate critic”. Letter 4377 - Haeckel, E. P. A. to Darwin, [2 January 1864] …
- … of feminine works”. Letter 4441 - Becker, L. E. to Darwin, [30 March 1864] …
- … ladies, to study nature. Letter 4940 - Cresy, E. to Darwin, E., [20 November 1865] …
- … masculine nor pedantic”. Letter 6976 - Darwin to Blackwell, A. B., [8 November 1869] …
- … Letter 8055 - Hennell, S. S. to Darwin, [7 November 1871] Sarah Hennell writes to Darwin …
- … Letter 8079 - Norton, S. R. to Darwin, [20 November 1871] Sarah Norton passes on to …
- … read the pamphlet herself. Letter 8335 - Reade, W. W. to Darwin, [16 May 1872] …
- … to women. Letter 10746 – Darwin to Dicey, E. M., [1877] Darwin gives his …
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: 18 hits
- … Darwin’s views on race and gender are intertwined, and mingled also with …
- … in beetles. The unity of human species Darwin believed that the same process of sexual …
- … gradually increase those features over long periods of time. Darwin’s theory was based partly on the …
- … seemed to prevail across the globe. In Descent , Darwin also addressed widely held beliefs …
- … of ‘species’, ‘varieties’, and ‘races’. 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 their ‘civilization’. Here Darwin drew on contemporary anthropology, …
- … colonial conquests and expansion abroad. Thus, while Darwin’s views on race differed widely …
- … in the success of nations’ ( Descent 1: 239). For Darwin, the civilising process was essentially …
- … men, and of non-European peoples becoming ‘civilized’ (i.e. European). Of the three Yahgans who had …
- … Kingsley, 6 February [1862] Letter from F. W. Farrar, 6 November 1865 Letter …
- … Press. Desmond, Adrian and James Moore. 2009. Darwin's sacred cause . London: Allen …
- … of Science 6: 9–23 [in a special issue on ‘Descent of Darwin: race, sex, and human nature’]. …
- … . New York: The Free Press. Voss, Julia. 2007, Darwin’s pictures: views of evolutionary …
- … with women Key letters : Letter to H. E. Darwin, [8 February 1870] …
- … 28 January 1882 Further Reading: Darwin, Descent of man (1871), 2: 326–9. …
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: 11 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, …
- … second is a single letter from naturalist A. R. Wallace to Darwin on design and natural selection. …
- … of each fragment at the base of my precipice”. Darwin and Wallace Letter 5140 …
- … 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 1536 — Darwin, C. R. to Lubbock, J. W. (b), 11 Oct [1853] Darwin gives his opinion to …
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
- … with his scientific theorising and experimenting, even Darwin had some bad days. These times when …
Referencing women’s work
Summary
Darwin's correspondence shows that women made significant contributions to Darwin's work, but whether and how they were acknowledged in print involved complex considerations of social standing, professional standing, and personal preference.…
Matches: 16 hits
- … Darwin's correspondence shows that women made significant contributions to Darwin's work, …
- … set of selected letters is followed by letters relating to Darwin's 1881 publication …
- … throughout Variation . Letter 2395 - Darwin to Holland, Miss, [April 1860] …
- … anonymised and masculinised. Letter 3316 - Darwin to Nevill, D. F., [12 November …
- … Nevill is referenced by name for her “kindness” in Darwin’s Fertilisation of Orchids . …
- … critic. Letter 4370 - Wedgwood, L. C. to Darwin, [April - May 1865] Darwin …
- … as “friends in Surrey”. Letter 4794 - Darwin to Lyell, C., [25 March 1865] …
- … B”. Letter 7060 - Wedgwood, F. J. to Darwin, [1867 - 72] Darwin’s …
- … in the final publication. Letter 7223 - Darwin to Wedgwood, L. C., [9 June 1867 - …
- … in Expression . Letter 5817 - Darwin to Huxley, T. H., [30 January 1868 …
- … baby in Mary Barton. Letter 8321 - Darwin to Litchfield, H. E., [13 May …
- … at him. Letter 7345 - Wedgwood, L. C. to Darwin, [15 June 1872] Darwin’s …
- … Letter 8427 - Darwin to Litchfield H. E., [25 July 1872] Darwin thanks Henrietta for …
- … Letter 7428 - Wedgwood, F. to Darwin, [4 January 1871] Darwin’s brother-in-law, …
- … . Letter 12745 - Darwin to Wedgwood, K. E. S., [8 October 1880] Darwin …
- … Letter 13037 - Darwin to Darwin, W. E., [5 February 1881] Darwin discusses …
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: 22 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 …
- … ). The death of a Cambridge friend, Albert Way, caused Darwin’s cousin, William Darwin Fox, to …
- … pleasures of shooting and collecting beetles ( letter from W. D. Fox, 8 May [1874] ). Such …
- … one looks backwards much more than forwards’ ( letter to W. D. Fox, 11 May [1874] ). …
- … 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 …
- … the month, another Williams séance was held at the home of Darwin’s cousin Hensleigh Wedgwood. Those …
- … imposter’ ( letter from T. H. Huxley, 27 January 1874 ). Darwin agreed that it was ‘all imposture’ …
- … stop word getting to America of the ‘strange news’ that Darwin had allowed ‘a spirit séance’ at his …
- … the first three months of the year and, like many of Darwin’s enterprises in the 1870s, were family …
- … all the horrid bother of correction’ ( letter to H. E. Litchfield, 21 [March 1874] ). The book …
- … fourth son, Leonard, who had joined the Royal Engineers in 1871, went to New Zealand as photographer …
- … the subject & that must be enough for me’ ( letter to W. D. Fox, 11 May [1874] ). …
- … the hardest cartilage, bone & meat &c. &c.’ ( letter to W. D. Fox, 11 May [1874] ). …
- … artificial gastric juice for about a week ( letter from E. E. Klein, 14 May 1874 ). John Burdon …
- … do when they are sitting at rest’ ( letter from S. W. Pennypacker, 14 September 1874 ). …
- … 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. Schweizerbart’sche Verlagsbuchhandlung, …
Darwin as mentor
Summary
Darwin provided advice, encouragement and praise to his fellow scientific 'labourers' of both sexes. Selected letters Letter 2234 - Darwin to Unidentified, [5 March 1858] Darwin advises that Professor C. P. Smyth’s observations are not…
Matches: 11 hits
- … Darwin provided advice, encouragement and praise to his fellow scientific …
- … Selected letters Letter 2234 - Darwin to Unidentified, [5 March 1858] Darwin …
- … on insufficient grounds. Letter 3934 - Darwin to Scott, J., [21 January 1863] …
- … material worthy of publication. Letter 4185 - Darwin to Scott, J., [25 & 28 May …
- … worker you are!”. Letter 7605 - Darwin to Darwin, H. E., [20 March 1871] …
- … “lucid vigorous style”. In consultation with Emma, Darwin offers Henrietta “some little memorial” in …
- … so many observations without aid. Letter 8146 - Darwin to Treat, M., [5 January 1872] …
- … scientific journal”. Letter 8171 - Darwin to Wedgwood, L., [21 January 1872] …
- … stooping over holes for hours which “tried my head”. Darwin notes that Lucy is worth her weight in …
- … he had repeated the experiment. Letter 9580 - Darwin to Darwin, G. H. D., [1 August …
- … be submitted to the publisher. Letter 9613 - Darwin to Hooker, J. D., [30 August 1874 …
Darwin in letters, 1875: Pulling strings
Summary
‘I am getting sick of insectivorous plants’, Darwin confessed in January 1875. He had worked on the subject intermittently since 1859, and had been steadily engaged on a book manuscript for nine months; January also saw the conclusion of a bitter dispute…
Matches: 26 hits
- … Editions Plants always held an important place in Darwin’s theorising about species, and …
- … his periods of severe illness. Yet on 15 January 1875 , Darwin confessed to his close friend …
- … way to continuous writing and revision, activities that Darwin found less gratifying: ‘I am slaving …
- … bad.’ The process was compounded by the fact that Darwin was also revising another manuscript …
- … coloured stamens.’ At intervals during the year, Darwin was diverted from the onerous task of …
- … zoologist St George Jackson Mivart. In April and early May, Darwin was occupied with a heated …
- … chapter of the controversy involved a slanderous attack upon Darwin’s son George, in an anonymous …
- … on 12 January , breaking off all future communication. Darwin had been supported during the affair …
- … Society of London, and a secretary of the Linnean Society, Darwin’s friends had to find ways of …
- … pp. 16–17). ‘How grandly you have defended me’, Darwin wrote on 6 January , ‘You have also …
- … in public. ‘Without cutting him direct’, he advised Darwin on 7 January , ‘I should avoid him, …
- … & again’ ( letter from J. D. Hooker, 16 January 1875 ). Darwin had also considered taking up …
- … , ‘I feel now like a pure forgiving Christian!’ Darwin’s ire was not fully spent, however, …
- … in the same Quarterly article that attacked George. Darwin raised the matter at the end of the …
- … to rest, another controversy was brewing. In December 1874, Darwin had been asked to sign a memorial …
- … Hensleigh and Frances Wedgwood. She had corresponded with Darwin about the evolution of the moral …
- … could not sign the paper sent me by Miss Cobbe.’ Darwin found Cobbe’s memorial inflammatory …
- … memorial had been read in the House of Lords (see ' Darwin and vivisection '). …
- … medical educators, and other interested parties. Darwin was summoned to testify on 3 November. It …
- … ( Report of the Royal Commission on vivisection , p. 183). Darwin learned of Klein’s testimony …
- … agree to any law, which should send him to the treadmill.’ Darwin had become acquainted with Klein …
- … in April 1874 (see Correspondence vol. 22, letters from E. E. Klein, 14 May 1874 and 10 …
- … day That ever you were born (letter from E. F. Lubbock, [after 2 July] 1875). …
- … under the authority of the Church. After becoming vicar in 1871, Ffinden had opposed their efforts, …
- … plants (Carus trans. 1876a). The German publisher E. Schweizerbart’sche Verlagshandlung began to …
- … agreed to see him at Down with Thiselton-Dyer ( letter to W. T. Thiselton-Dyer, 7 July 1875 ). It …
Darwin in letters, 1867: A civilised dispute
Summary
Charles Darwin’s major achievement in 1867 was the completion of his large work, The variation of animals and plants under domestication (Variation). The importance of Darwin’s network of correspondents becomes vividly apparent in his work on expression in…
Matches: 25 hits
- … Charles Darwin’s major achievement in 1867 was the completion of his large work, …
- … couple of months were needed to index the work, a task that Darwin handed over to someone else for …
- … selection in relation to sex ( Descent ), published in 1871, and the chapter on expression into …
- … and animals ( Expression ), published in 1872. Although Darwin had been collecting material and …
- … A global reputation The importance of Darwin’s network of correspondents becomes vividly …
- … who might best answer the questions, with the result that Darwin began to receive replies from …
- … Variation would be based on proof-sheets received as Darwin corrected them. Closer to home, two …
- … Charles Fleeming Jenkin, challenged different aspects of Darwin’s theory of transmutation as …
- … orchids are fertilised by insects ( Orchids ). While Darwin privately gave detailed opinions of …
- … capable hands of Alfred Russel Wallace. At the same time, Darwin was persuaded by some German …
- … were becoming counterproductive. Throughout the year, Darwin continued to discuss now …
- … in Germany, and Federico Delpino in Italy, who provided Darwin with the collegial support and …
- … tedious dull work’ Thomas Henry Huxley sent Darwin the New Year’s greeting, ‘may you be …
- … number of copies to be printed, and by the end of the month Darwin promised to send the revised …
- … to John Murray, 31 January [1867] ). A week later, Darwin had sent the manuscript to the …
- … Descent and Expression . In the same letter, Darwin revealed the conclusion to his newly …
- … As the year progressed, the book continued to consume Darwin’s time. The first proof-sheets arrived …
- … Russian, German, and French translations had been arranged. Darwin had now found sympathetic …
- … was made by a young naturalist equally devoted to Darwin’s work, Vladimir Onufrievich Kovalevsky. …
- … brother’s embryological papers with his first letter to Darwin of 15 March 1867 , although he …
- … concerned with finding a good translator for his book, Darwin was always on the lookout for evidence …
- … anyhow most ought to be introduced’ ( letter to W. S. Dallas, 8 November [1867] ). Dallas resisted …
- … & I cannot get on so quickly as I could wish’ (letter from W. S. Dallas, 20 November 1867). …
- … pooh-poohed her, & as it seems very unjustly’ ( letter to W. E. Darwin, 27 [March 1867] ). …
- … are excellent, excellent, excellent’ ( letter to H. E. Darwin, 26 July [1867] ). The year ended as …
