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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: 19 hits

  • I cannot bear to think of the future The year 1876 started out sedately enough with
  • games. ‘I have won, hurrah, hurrah, 2795 games’, Darwin boasted; ‘my wifepoor creature, has won
  • regarding the ailments that were so much a feature of Darwin family life. But the calm was not to
  • the first member of the next generation of the family, with Francis and Amys child expected in
  • 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
  • in him fornew matter’ (letter to Asa Gray, 28 January 1876). The preparation of the second edition
  • Climbing plants ( letter from R. F. Cooke, 23 February 1876 ). When Smith, Elder and Company
  • observed to Carus. ( Letter to J. V. Carus, 24 April 1876. ) Darwin focused instead on the
  • … ‘advantages of crossing’ (letter to Asa Gray, 28 January 1876). Revising Orchids was less a
  • with his new research in mind: ‘During this autumn of 1876 I shall publish on theEffects of Cross
  • pamphlet, Darwin confounded (C. OShaughnessy 1876), which, he informed Darwin, ‘completely
  • and it is the correct one’ ( letter from Nemo, [1876?] ). Combatting enemies... …
  • disguised his views as to the bestiality of man’ (Mivart 1876, p. 144). Not only was the comment
  • Darwin reassured his close friend Joseph Hooker that he and Francis would attend the meeting. Darwin
  • subject takes an opposite line’. Although he conceded that Francis had the best of an argument with
  • to propose the young rising star of Cambridge morphology, Francis Maitland Balfour, for fellowship
  • of the earliest available commercial models of typewriter. Francis Darwin and his wife, Amy, …
  • point, and he was reliant on his son George and cousin Francis Galton for the calculations. ‘I have

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: 24 hits

  • in the vegetable kingdom , published on 10 November 1876, was the result of a decade-long project
  • 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 remarkableIn 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 ). Darwins 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
  • the self-fertilised’ ( To GHDarwin, 8 January [1876] ). George explained the difficulties of
  • equal value.’ ( From GHDarwin, [after 8 January 1876] ). It was his cousin, the statistician
  • to publish the report in the introduction to the book ( To Francis Galton, 13 January [1876] ). …
  • on yet another experimental aspect of his work. In February 1876, he wrote to the agricultural
  • in a state of nature’ ( To J. H. Gilbert, 16 February 1876 ). Darwin wanted to try to remove all
  • soil to remove nutrients ( From JHGilbert, 4 March 1876 ). In June 1876, Darwin had supposedly
  • samples differed ( To Edward Frankland, [before 6 June 1876] ). The project proved to be too
  • am convinced that the book is of valueBy August 1876, the book had gone to press and
  • shall ever do on this subject’ ( To Asa Gray, 9 August 1876 ). As Darwin began correcting
  • birth of Darwins first grandchild, a son born to Amy and Francis Darwin on 7 September, suddenly
  • if, as I expect, you find it too much for you’ ( To Francis Darwin, 16 September [1876] ). Francis
  • have accepted all, though some slightly modified’ ( To Francis Darwin, 20 September [1876] ). …
  • … ‘Your corrections are very good & very useful’ ( To Francis Darwin   25 September [1876] ). …

Darwin's 1876 letters online

Summary

Birth, tragic death . . . and cardigan jackets. To mark the 211th anniversary of Darwin's birth, we have released online the transcripts and footnotes of over 460 letters written to and from him in 1876 and a supplement of 180 letters written before…

Matches: 10 hits

  • … . . . and cardigan jackets. To mark the 211th anniversary of Darwin's birth, we have released
  • was devoted to the means of crossing. The year 1876 started energetically, with Darwin
  • in August and the book was published by John Murray, Darwins usual publisher, in November; he
  • quantity of work left in me for new matter. Darwin had to be disciplined about his urge
  • of Variation under domestication appeared early in 1876. Reprints of Origin, Climbing plants
  • second edition of Orchids was published in January 1877; Darwin had been working on it since May
  • Annies death, though not so grievous to me. Darwins daughter-in-law, Amy, died a few
  • his parents; Emma and Charles took on the care of the baby. Francis too took refuge in work, …
  • letters written or conjectured to have been written before 1876, which have been discovered or
  • to a span of years, but that were probably written before 1876. Many of these are from a recently

Darwin in letters, 1879: Tracing roots

Summary

Darwin spent a considerable part of 1879 in the eighteenth century. His journey back in time started when he decided to publish a biographical account of his grandfather Erasmus Darwin to accompany a translation of an essay on Erasmus’s evolutionary ideas…

Matches: 20 hits

  • There are summaries of all Darwin's letters from the year 1879 on this website.  The full texts
  • 27 of the print edition of The correspondence of Charles Darwin , published by Cambridge
  • to publish a biographical account of his grandfather Erasmus Darwin to accompany a translation of an
  • the sensitivity of the tips. Despite this breakthrough, when Darwin first mentioned the book to his
  • 1879 ). He was also unsatisfied with his account of Erasmus Darwin, declaring, ‘My little biography
  • W. T. Thiselton-Dyer, [after 26] July [1879] ). From July, Darwin had an additional worry: the
  • that his grandfather had felt the same way. In 1792, Erasmus Darwin had written: ‘The worst thing I
  • contained a warmer note and the promise of future happiness: Darwin learned he was to be visited by
  • Hacon, 31 December 1879 ). Seventy years old Darwins seventieth birthday on 12
  • the veteran of Modern Zoology’, but it was in Germany that Darwin was most fêted. A German
  • with Charles Darwin and Ernst Haeckel. Kosmos was, as Francis Darwin reported from Germany that
  • the children correctly’, mentioning in particular that Francis Galton was the son of one of Erasmus
  • to contradict false statements that had been published by Francis Galtons aunt, Mary Anne
  • for Captain Robert FitzRoy on the Beagle voyage, Francis Beaufort of the Admiralty described the
  • and poet’ ( Correspondence vol. 1, letter from Francis Beaufort to Robert FitzRoy, 1 September
  • perplexed than ever about life of D r . D’ ( letter to Francis Darwin, 12 July [1879] ). It was
  • in plants. Over the previous two years, he and his son Francis had worked together on the
  • of radicles, the embryonic roots of seedlings ( letter to Francis Darwin, 16 June [1879] ). …
  • to continue experiments on the sensitivity of radicles. Francis experienced obstacles from the start
  • self- and cross-fertilisation, had first contacted Darwin in 1876. By 1878, Darwin was sufficiently

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: 25 hits

  • … lessen injury to leaves from radiation In 1878, Darwin devoted most of his attention to …
  • … organs in this process. Working closely with his son Francis, Darwin devised a series of experiments …
  • … of most advanced plant laboratories in Europe. While Francis was away, Darwin delighted in …
  • … from botanical research was provided by potatoes, as Darwin took up the cause of an Irish …
  • … would rid Ireland of famine. Several correspondents pressed Darwin for his views on religion, …
  • … closed with remarkable news of a large legacy bequeathed to Darwin by a stranger as a reward for his …
  • … 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 …
  • … Movement in plants In the spring of 1878, Darwin started to focus on the first shoots and …
  • … 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 …
  • … on one side, then another, to produce movement in the stalk. Darwin compared adult and young leaves …
  • … (see Movement in plants , pp. 112–13). He explained to Francis on 2 July : ‘I go on maundering …
  • … 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 …
  • … out that he missed sensitiveness of apex’ ( letter to Francis Darwin, [11 May 1878] ). …
  • … the bassoon & apparently more by a high than a low note.’ Francis apparently played the musical …
  • … on plant movement were intensely collaborative, with Francis playing a more active role than ever. …
  • … exchanged when they were apart. At the start of June, Francis left to work at Sach’s laboratory in …
  • … ( letter to W. T. Thiselton-Dyer, 18 June [1878] ). While Francis was away, Darwin sent regular …
  • … to talk to, about my work, I scribble to you ( letter to Francis Darwin, 7 [July 1878] ). Two …
  • … is horrid not having you to discuss it with’ ( letter to Francis Darwin, 20 [July 1878] ). …
  • … topics and dictating experimental method and design. Francis seems to have been allowed to work more …
  • … Correspondence vol. 24, letter to T. C. Eyton, 22 April 1876 ). ‘When I first read your note’, …
  • … business to raise different varieties on a large scale. In 1876, he had gone so far as to send …

Darwin in letters, 1881: Old friends and new admirers

Summary

In May 1881, Darwin, one of the best-known celebrities in England if not the world, began writing about all the eminent men he had met. He embarked on this task, which formed an addition to his autobiography, because he had nothing else to do. He had…

Matches: 24 hits

  • In May 1881, Darwin, one of the best-known celebrities in England if not the world, began
  • a very old man, who probably will not last much longer.’ Darwins biggest fear was not death, but
  • sweetest place on this earth’. From the start of the year, Darwin had his demise on his mind. He
  • provision for the dividing of his wealth after his death. Darwins gloominess was compounded by the
  • and new admirers got in touch, and, for all his fears, Darwin found several scientific topics to
  • Evolution old and new when revising his essay on Erasmus Darwins scientific work, and that Darwin
  • memory in November 1880 and in an abusive letter about Darwin in the St Jamess Gazette on 8
  • in a review of Unconscious memory in Kosmos and sent Darwin a separate letter for
  • of the false accusation’. Other friends rallied round. Francis Balfour translated Krauses account
  • had been a major undertaking for both Darwin and his son Francis, who assisted in the many
  • of their behaviour were trustworthy ( letter to Francis Galton, 8 March [1881] ). Although results
  • July, sending the pages to Germany for further checks by Francis Darwin, who was spending the summer
  • Ruskin, who lived there. Sending the last two chapters to Francis on 27 May , Darwin wrote, …
  • to begin any new subject requiring much work’, he told Francis Darwin on 30 May . ‘I have been
  • case.’ An additional motivation may have been to support Francis Darwins published research on
  • Darwin tried a variety of plants and reagents, telling Francis on 17 October , ‘I have wasted
  • up the job; but I cannot endure to do this’, Darwin told Francis on 9 Novemberand writing
  • Cambridge Scientific Instrument Company led Darwin to chide Francis for giving a klinostat designed
  • supporters, and rejoiced in his election. Promoting Franciss own botanical research was as
  • on 27 January for not commending papers presented by Francis at the Linnean Society the previous
  • realised wasincumbentupon him), Darwin, certain that Francis had not been offended, stated, ‘I
  • letter to Asa Gray, 29 January 1881 ). While Francis was working in de Barys
  • him contained not only botanical matters but also news about Franciss 5-year-old son, Bernard. Just
  • … ‘absurd and wicked prosecutionunder the terms of the 1876 Cruelty to Animals Act ( letter to T. L

Francis Darwin

Summary

Known to his family as ‘Frank’, Charles Darwin’s seventh child himself became a distinguished scientist. He was an undergraduate at Trinity College, Cambridge, initially studying mathematics, but then transferring to natural sciences.  Francis completed…

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  • Known to his family asFrank’, Charles Darwins seventh child himself became a distinguished
  • but then transferring to natural sciencesFrancis completed his studies at Cambridge, …
  • into debt and had kept the matter secret for some months. Darwin was very stern in his advice: ‘I
  • an old fellow as I daresay I appear to you’ (letter to Francis Darwin18 October [1870] ). …
  • engaged to Amy Ruck in 1872; the couple married in 1874. Francis was already living in Down. and
  • a laboratory run by Julius von Sachs in WurzburgFrancis Darwin was elected to the Royal
  • his father had not been knighted, although in 1877 Charles Darwin was awarded an honorary degree
  • … ( The Power of Movement in Plants, 1880). Perhaps Francis Darwin, whom the family regarded as a

Power of movement in plants

Summary

Sources|Discussion Questions|Experiment Family experiments Darwin was an active and engaged father during his children's youth, involving them in his experiments and even occasionally using them as observational subjects. When his children…

Matches: 10 hits

  • … | Experiment Family experiments Darwin was an active and engaged father during
  • Man (1872). This teaching module focuses on work done by Darwin with his son Francis on
  • and his role as an attentive and affectionate father. Darwin's letters to Francis mix advice on
  • notice that although they come from the last decade of Darwins life, he is still interested in his
  • move In The Power of movement in plants Darwin continued his experiments with and
  • in behavioral responses. In the conclusion of the book Darwin argues that gradual modifications in
  • SOURCES Books Darwin, C.R. The power of movement in plants. 1880. London: …
  • of movement in plants Letter 7346 - Darwin to Francis Darwin, 18 October 1870
  • compromising their character. Letter 10517 - Darwin to Francis Darwin, 29 May 1876
  • they would be worth making. Letter 11628 - Francis Darwin to Darwin, 24 July 1878

Dipsacus and Drosera: Frank’s favourite carnivores

Summary

In Autumn of 1875, Francis Darwin was busy researching aggregation in the tentacles of Drosera rotundifolia (F. Darwin 1876). This phenomenon occurs when coloured particles within either protoplasm or the fluid in the cell vacuole (the cell sap) cluster…

Matches: 20 hits

  • By John SchaeferHarvard University* Charles Darwins enthusiasm for carnivorous plants -- …
  • …  than the origin of all the species in the world. ’ Darwins rigorous experimentation with these
  • plants in the scientific and public imagination. Darwins son, Francis, carried on his father
  • experience with his father's thorough experiments, Francis sought to elaborate on the books
  • fluid in the cell vacuole (the cell sap) cluster together. Darwin senior had theorized in
  • protoplasm . Inspired by his investigation of  Drosera , Francis set out to examine the cup-like
  • The Loves of the Plants  (1789) his grandfather, Erasmus Darwin, wrote that each dew-filled cup
  • to prevent insects from creeping up to devour its seed.’ Francis, however, expected to find that the
  • sent to his father from Kew Gardens by Joseph Dalton Hooker, Francis began growing his own specimens
  • emphatically exclaimingHooray theory. Blow facts. ’ Francis drew comparisons tothe absorption
  • article on aggregation in  D. rotundifolia  tentacles, Francis had to  delay further examinations
  • investigation and suggested further observations, imploring FrancisI would work at this subject
  • … ‘Seed-bearingexperiments with  Dipsacus . While Darwin wascurious if the movements of the
  • golden eggs. ’ With his father's encouragement, Francis recordedsplendid
  • After witnessing thisgrand discoveryhimselfDarwin excitedly described the protoplasmic
  • William Thiselton-Dyer  at Kew Gardens by early July, and Darwin wrote to his second son, George
  • his observations.          On 7 September 1876, Francis welcomed his son Bernard into the
  • on the nature and function of aggregation. Francis1876 paper on aggregation sought explicitly to
  • protoplasm, rather than condensations of cell-sap (F. Darwin 1876, p. 312). Cohns comments on  …
  • by Francis Darwin. London: John Murray. Darwin, F. 1876. The Process of Aggregation in the

Darwin's in letters, 1873: Animal or vegetable?

Summary

Having laboured for nearly five years on human evolution, sexual selection, and the expression of emotions, Darwin was able to devote 1873 almost exclusively to his beloved plants. He resumed work on the digestive powers of sundews and Venus fly traps, and…

Matches: 23 hits

  • evolution, sexual selection, and the expression of emotions, Darwin was able to devote 1873 almost
  • plants  (1875) and  Cross and self fertilisation  (1876). Darwins son Francis became
  • career to become his fathers scientific secretary. Darwin had always relied on assistance from
  • the previous year. As was typical, readers wrote to Darwin personally to offer suggestions, …
  • some of which were incorporated in a later edition. Darwin also contributed to discussions in the
  • in animals. The subject was brought closer to home by Francis Galtons work on inherited talent, …
  • Station at Naples. Plants that eat and feel? Darwin had resumed experiments on the
  • 12 January [1873] ).  Drosera  was the main focus of Darwins study of insectivorous plants, a
  • and alkaloids, and even electrical stimulation. On sending Darwin a specimen of the carnivorous  …
  • … ( letter from J. D. Hooker, 12 January 1873 ). Darwin found that the glandular hairs on the
  • to bend inward, so that the plant closed like a fist. Darwin was fascinated by this transmission of
  • plants , p. 63). The plants secreted a viscid fluid, which Darwin suspected attracted insects by
  • … ., p. 17). Through a series of painstaking experiments, Darwin determined that the secretions
  • Poisons and electrocution . . . His son Francis was assisting the histologist Edward Emanuel
  • of medical research in London. On the advice of Klein, Francis obtained a new microscope for his
  • on botany, he drew more on assistance from his son Francis. While visiting his fiancée, Amy Ruck, in
  • notes and take tracings of their burrows” ( letter from Francis Darwin, 14 August [1873] ). …
  • … [1873] ).  Shortly afterwards, it was arranged for Francis to rent a house in the village (Down
  • to H. E. Litchfield, 20 February 1873 ). The surgeon Francis Stephen Bennet Francois de Chaumont, …
  • of instinct and inheritance when he was asked by his cousin Francis Galton to participate in a study
  • aims but regarded the project asutopian” ( letter to Francis Galton, 4 January [1873] ). …
  • and investing money very well” ( letter to Francis Galton, 28 May 1873 ). Among character traits, …
  • his own character, he asked his sons to complete the list. Francis added to his fathers virtues: …

George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans)

Summary

George Eliot was the pen name of celebrated Victorian novelist Mary Ann Evans (1819-1880). She was born on the outskirts of Nuneaton in Warwickshire and was educated at boarding schools from the age of five until she was 16. Her education ended when she…

Matches: 4 hits

  • novels, under her pen name, achieved great acclaim. Darwin and his family were keen readers
  • Allen, [26 March 1873], DAR 219.11: 14). A few days later Darwin asked if his daughter and son-in
  • to lunch but there is no evidence that this happened (Emma Darwin to Horace Darwin, [14 October 1873
  • started ( letter to J. D. Hooker, 18 January [1874] ). Darwin took Emma to a Sunday afternoon at

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: 13 hits

  • … |  Editors and critics  |  Assistants Darwins 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] Darwins
  • … . Letter 5745 - Barber, M. E. to Darwin, [after February 1867] Mary Barber
  • Letter 10439 - Treat, M. to Darwin, [3 April 1876] Mary Treat describes a field trip
  • Darwin, [9 January 1871] Darwins brother-in-law, Francis, reports on the appearance and
  • 10390 - Herrick, S. M. B . to Darwin, [12 February 1876] Sophia Herrick asks
  • tells her eldest son, William, that her third eldest son, Francis, is receiving help with his plant
  • February 1857] Darwins nephew, Edmund, writes to Francis with the results of his
  • in his home. Letter 10517  - Darwin to Francis, F., [29 May 1876] Darwin
  • Letter 10517  - Darwin t o Francis, F., [29 May 1876] Darwin gives his son, Francis

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: 9 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] …
  • … 10390 - Herrick, S. M. B. to Darwin, [12 February 1876] Sophia Herrick responds …
  • … Letter 10415 - Darwin to Herrick, S. M. B., [6 March 1876] Darwin responds to a …
  • … Letter 10508 - Treat, M. to Darwin, [15 May 1876] Mary Treat thanks Darwin for …

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
  • of these projects would culminate in a major publication. Darwins botany was increasingly a
  • assisted his fathers research on movement and bloom, and Darwin in turn encouraged his sons own
  • The year 1877 was more than usually full of honours. Darwin received two elaborate photograph albums
  • 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
  • measurements of the size and number of pollen-grains, Darwin compared the fertility of individual
  • primrose and purple loosestrife. In the course of his work, Darwin found a number of other
  • dreadful work making out anything about dried flowers’, Darwin complained to Asa Gray on 8 March
  • which include heterstyled species. This pleases me.’. Darwin dedicated the book to Gray, ‘as a small
  • separate publications together into a larger whole enabled Darwin to advance more speculative views
  • In the end, Darwin did not publish on the subject, but Francis later reported some of the results of
  • 25 August 1877 ). At Down House, Darwin and Francis devised a method of recording leaf
  • with thread, card, and bits of glass. Encouraging Francis Darwin greatly enjoyed
  • eminent German botanist Ferdinand Julius Cohn, who confirmed Franciss observations: ‘the most
  • Infusoria’ ( letter from F. J. Cohn, 5 August 1877 ). Franciss paper eventually appeared in the
  • had visited Down House and become friendly with George and Francis. He wrote to Francis on 24
  • … ‘As fornatural selection”’, he wrote to Francis on 25 November , ‘frankly to me it now seems a
  • for he began to receive petitions from strangers. The writer Francis Lloyd, who was in poor health
  • for his further work. Lloyd had written a critique of Francis Galtons theory of heredity in 1876, …
  • will allow me to send you a cheque for £10’ ( letter to [Francis Lloyd], 1 May [1877] ). Another
  • In the end, Darwin made the journey along with Emma. George, Francis, and Horace also attended. The

Animals, ethics, and the progress of science

Summary

Darwin’s view on the kinship between humans and animals had important ethical implications. In Descent, he argued that some animals exhibited moral behaviour and had evolved mental powers analogous to conscience. He gave examples of cooperation, even…

Matches: 22 hits

  • Darwins view on the kinship between humans and animals had important ethical
  • a live worm on a hook (‘Recollections’, pp. 358, 388). Darwins concern for animals aligned with
  • and an integral part of medical and veterinary training. Darwin was clearly disturbed by the
  • to E. R. Lankester, 22 March [1871] ). In Descent , Darwin described an animal enduring a
  • to the last hour of his life’ ( Descent 1: 40). Darwins closest encounter with
  • of different breeds together. Galton reported regularly to Darwin on the results (all negative). He
  • Society, calling into question the theory of pangenesis. Darwin was taken aback, and swiftly replied
  • no longer look after the rabbits (many died from the cold), Darwin offered to give the poor
  • further cross-circulation andSiamesing’ ( letter from Francis Galton, 13 September 1871 ). …
  • more influenced by experiments on animals than on plants’, Darwin conceded. ‘I think a large number
  • … ( letter to G. J. Romanes, 18 July 1875 ). Darwin was concerned that the method be painless, …
  • 1874 ). In the previous sections, we have traced Darwins growing interest in physiology and
  • were analogous to those performed on dogs and other animals. Darwins work on insectivorous plants
  • an acquaintance of the Darwins, and had corresponded with Darwin cordially about his moral theory, …
  • … ( letter to F. B. Cobbe, [14 January 1875] ). Darwins involvement in the vivisection
  • in regard to health &c, I look at as puerile. Darwin saw a need for regulation (licensing
  • with costly equipment, a supply of animals, etc.. Darwin was concerned thatprivate menwould be
  • … ( letter to H. E. Litchfield, 4 January [1875] ) Darwin worked closely with Burdon
  • the total abolition of the practice. ‘It seems to me’, Darwin remarked to George Romanes, ‘that
  • religious sect’ ( letter to G. J. Romanes, 4 June [1876] ). Experimenters and a portion of the
  • … ( letter from T. L. Brunton, 12 February 1882 ). Darwin declined the offer to be honorary
  • had its first meeting on 20 April 1882, the day after Darwins death. While Darwin was

Jane Gray

Summary

Jane Loring Gray, the daughter of a Boston lawyer, married the Harvard botanist Asa Gray in 1848 and evidence suggests that she took an active interest in the scientific pursuits of her husband and his friends. Although she is only known to have…

Matches: 11 hits

  • pursuits of her husband and his friends. Just as Emma Darwin helped Charles with his
  • in her own name with botanists such as George Bentham and Francis BoottIn one letter Bentham
  • she is only known to have corresponded directly with Darwin once, sending him observations about the
  • through her husband, and is one of few women cited in Darwins  Expression of Emotions. …
  • Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals  (1872) Darwin thankedProfessor and Mrs. Asa Gray’ …
  • the Darwins). Jane had taken away with her a copy of DarwinsExpressionquestionnaire, and was
  • makes  the different expressions in facesDarwins interest in expression had taken
  • Asa Gray and J. L. Gray, 8 and 9 May 1869 ) Darwin cited Grays observations ongrief
  • Africa in 1868 to 1869, the Grays visited Charles and Emma Darwin twice, spending several days as
  • hurrah, 2795 games. (letter to Asa Gray, 28 January 1876 ) And an entry in Jane
  • leaving Down. Two of the Darwinssons, George and Francis, saw the Grays when they toured

3.16 Oscar Rejlander, photos

Summary

< Back to Introduction Darwin’s plans for the illustration of his book The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals (1872) led him to the Swedish-born painter and photographer, Oscar Gustaf Rejlander. Rejlander gave Darwin the notes that he had…

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  • … &lt; Back to Introduction Darwins plans for the illustration of his book The
  • and photographer, Oscar Gustaf Rejlander. Rejlander gave Darwin the notes that he had himself made
  • in the early 1870s (he died in January 1875), and Darwin assisted him financially on at least one
  • The Expression of the Emotions. In April of that year, Darwin wrote to the London firm of Elliott
  • to any purchasers’. Phillip Prodger has suggested that Darwin agreed to be photographed by Rejlander
  • Expression of the Emotions. Open sale of any portraits of Darwin was likely to be highly
  • Library contains photographs by him of Richard Litchfield (Darwins son in law), and another man, …
  • this was the wedding day of Litchfield and Henrietta Darwin, which Rejlander thus commemorated. …
  • plans for purveying a fanciful or dramatised portrayal of Darwin, he was evidently thwarted, as
  • transition from pathognomy to portraiture in his work for Darwin must have raised interesting
  • and on one side. Of the five or so known photographs of Darwin, evidently taken at more than one
  • photographs. In this way they communicate a sense of Darwins commanding intellect and physical
  • However, they may have seemed too dramatic to please the Darwin family, and were evidently not
  • 1871, and reproduced in the London Journal in June 1872. Darwin also sent it to various contacts
  • Dresser. However, it was a fourth photograph, showing just Darwins head and shoulders in profile, …
  • press.   On 11 November 1871, Rejlander sent Darwina bundle of cards’, which were probably
  • with different titling, in The Garden in January 1876. Rejlanders photograph was re-interpreted
  • was published in Nature in 1874, and was included in Francis Darwins list of canonical
  • also appeared in Neue Illustrierte Zeitung (1 October 1876); LUnivers Illustré (29 April
  • Wood engraving in a supplement to The Garden (1 Jan. 1876), serving as frontispiece to an
  • accompanying a laudatory article by Revd R.A. Armstrong. Francis Darwins catalogue of portraits of

All Darwin's letters from 1873 go online for the anniversary of Origin

Summary

To celebrate the 158th anniversary of the publication of Origin of species on 24 November, the full transcripts and footnotes of over 500 letters from and to Charles Darwin in 1873 are now available online. Read about Darwin's life in 1873 through his…

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  • … and footnotes of over 500 letters from and to Charles Darwin in 1873 are now available online. …
  • … father or an atheist. Here are some highlights from Darwin's correspondence in 1873: …
  • … to J. D. Hooker, 23 October [1873] ) In 1873, Darwin continued work on insectivorous …
  • … , published in 1875. Investigating the sundew's sensitivity, Darwin found that the glandular …
  • … to bend inward, so that the plant closed like a fist. Darwin was fascinated by this transmission of …
  • … appeared anonymously in the Edinburgh Review in April. Darwin asked one of his Scottish …
  • … to T. H. Huxley, 23 April 1873 ) Darwin wrote this to Thomas Henry Huxley, in the hope …
  • … some love of the new and marvellous  ( Letter to Francis Galton, 28 May 1873 ) …
  • … investing money very well; very methodical in my habits.' Francis added to his father's …

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…

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  • Editions Plants always held an important place in Darwins 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 Darwins 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, Darwins friends had to find ways of
  • pp. 1617). ‘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, …
  • … &amp; again’ ( letter from J. D. Hooker, 16 January 1875 ). Darwin had also considered taking up
  • … , ‘I feel now like a pure forgiving Christian!’ Darwins 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
  • Darwin had become acquainted with Klein when his son Francis was studying medicine in London. Klein
  • performed on animals in previous years by Darwins cousin Francis Galton. These had been
  • manuscripts and proofs, Darwin now relied heavily on his son Francis, who had made the decision in
  • wrote, ‘I beg ten thousand pardon &amp; more’ ( letter to Francis Darwin, [ c . February 1875?] …
  • plants , and moved on to Variation 2d ed., Francis signed himself, ‘Your affect sonthe
  • 219.1: 89). The most eminent of Darwins guests was Francis, duke of Teck, a German prince
  • Darwin could not keep up, and on 22 July , he had Francis reply: ‘My Father desires me to say
  • methods, and Darwin had to break the news to the author in 1876 that his Royal Society ambitions had
  • on 2 December, the same meeting at which Romanes and Francis Darwin were made fellows. But Thiselton
  • In the event, the election was postponed until February 1876, and Lankester was duly elected.   …

3.17 Lock and Whitfield, 'Men of Mark'

Summary

< Back to Introduction The ambitious series of photographs of Men of Mark, published by the firm of Lock and Whitfield between 1876 and 1883, was a successor to similar sets which had appeared in the 1850s and 1860s. This one was distinguished by its…

Matches: 10 hits

  • Mark , published by the firm of Lock and Whitfield between 1876 and 1883, was a successor to
  • monthly parts, as well as in the bound volumes.   Darwin appears at the end of the third
  • … . Thus more space is given in Thompson Coopers text to Darwins lineage, adventurous early life, …
  • the difference between commercial studio photographs of Darwin and the more subjective and
  • at Cambridge in 1909.   Like other photographs of Darwin, however, this one continued to be
  • It appeared as acabinetcard ofThe late Charles Darwin’, copyrighted by the art and print
  • celebrities. It formed the frontispiece to the booklet on Darwin in the series of Little Journeys
  • … – rendered so as to look like a spontaneous sketch, with Darwins earnest expression complementing
  • Monthly ; the editor, in a brief survey ofPortraits of Darwin’, suggested, ‘It gives perhaps a
  • and pp. 334-5, 413. Anon. [Geoffrey Belknap], ‘Darwins Photographic Portraitsat the Darwin
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