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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: 23 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
  • of the false accusation’. Other friends rallied round. Francis Balfour translated Krauses account
  • was another source of pleasure in the early months of 1881. This book had been a major undertaking
  • making 2000’ ( letter to H. E. Litchfield, 4 January 1881 ). Unlike Darwins other books, …
  • case is to me’ (letters to W. E. Darwin, 31 January [1881] and 19 February [1881] ). On 7
  • individual experience ( letter from G. J. Romanes, 7 March 1881 ). The difficulty with earthworms
  • of their behaviour were trustworthy ( letter to Francis Galton, 8 March [1881] ). Although results
  • … ‘a game of chance’ ( letter to R. F. Cooke, 12 April 1881 ). On 18 May he described his work on
  • 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
  • annuals ( letter to W. T. Thiselton-Dyer, 21 March [1881] ). Darwin thought flowers of the semi- …
  • sulky in a day or two’ ( letter to R. F. Cooke, 29 July 1881 ). The degree of Darwins distress
  • period of the season’ ( letter from R. F. Cooke, 30 July 1881 ). Darwin gave in. ‘I am now uneasy
  • Cambridge Scientific Instrument Company led Darwin to chide Francis for giving a klinostat designed

Volume 29 (1881) is published!

Summary

In October 1881, Darwin published his last book, The formation of vegetable mould through the action of worms: with observations on their habits. A slim volume on a subject that many people could understand and on which they had their own opinions, it went…

Matches: 10 hits

  • From the start of 1881, Darwin had his demise on his mind. He increasingly relied on his son William
  • 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
  • with which the book has been received.    Letter t o Francis Darwin, 9 November [1881] …
  • …              Letter to ABBuckley, 4 January 1881 In January, Darwin heard that
  • Arabella Burton Buckley had suggested the possibility, and Darwin, with her help, wrote a memorial
  • do.            Letter to JDHooker, 15 June 1881 The Darwins spent June in the
  • …                             Letter to WEDarwin, 4 August [1881] In early August, …
  • …               Letter to THFarrer, 28 August 1881 Darwins elder brother, …
  • …          Letter t o BJSulivan, 1 December 1881         …

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: 27 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
  • in Down, where his brother Erasmus had been interred in 1881. But some of his scientific friends
  • Botanical observation and experiment had long been Darwins greatest scientific pleasure. The year
  • to Fritz Müller, 4 January 1882 ). These were topics that Darwin had been investigating for years, …
  • working at the effects of Carbonate of Ammonia on roots,’ Darwin wrote, ‘the chief result being that
  • for some hours in a weak solution of C. of Ammonia’. Darwins interest in root response and the
  • London on 6 and 16 March, respectively. In January, Darwin corresponded with George John
  • vol. 29, letter from Arthur de Souza Corrêa, 28 December 1881 ). Darwin had a long-running
  • experiments had been conducted to lend support to Darwins theory of pangenesis (see
  • last book, Earthworms , had been published in October 1881. It proved to be very popular, with
  • vol. 29, letter from J. F. Simpson, 8 November 1881 ). He remarked on thefar reaching
  • Correspondence vol. 29, letter to Emily Talbot, 19 July 1881 ) was also published in the
  • American, Caroline Kennard, had written on 26 December 1881 (see Correspondence vol. 29) to
  • on the topic of science and art. He had sat for Collier in 1881 for a portrait commissioned by the
  • letter from John Collier, 22 February 1882 ; T. H. Huxley 1881, pp. 199245). Huxley used
  • discoverer of tidal evolution’ ( Nature , 24 November 1881, p. 81). Darwin boasted to Rich: …
  • the birth of his first child (Erasmus Darwin) on 7 December 1881. Finally, Darwin had a second
  • at an early age was encouraged by Darwin. He wrote to Francis: ‘I say nothing about the loss to
  • a small tribute of respect’ (letter from John Lubbock to Francis Darwin, 20 April 1882 (DAR 215: 10n
  • of ice dams causing glacial lakes was presented by Thomas Francis Jamieson in a paper to the
  • by Lyells sister-in-law Katherine (see K. M. Lyell ed. 1881, 2: 4456). A complete draft and
  • Darwins views on eugenics, a term coined by his cousin Francis Galton, were mixed, partly owing to
  • years of Darwins life show his increasing attachment to Francis, as father and son worked together
  • no one to talk to, I scribble this to you’ ( letter to Francis Darwin, [1 August 1878] ). …
  • from Charlotte Papé, 16 July 1875 ). She now addressed Francis, who could best appreciate the
  • and nothing too small’ (letter from Charlotte Papé to Francis Darwin, 21 April 1882, DAR 215: 7k). …

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: 21 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
  • into deciphering plant carnivory. On 28 May 1876, Francis wrote to his father that he had
  • 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
  • feeding on solid particles of decaying insects. ’ Francis  consulted with William Thiselton
  • for the rest of the summer. Although it can be surmised that Francis privately carried on with his
  • would weaken his will to pursue scientific endeavours, Darwin gently yet consistently  encouraged
  • Wales. Having suffered through the deaths of two children, Darwin deeply believed in the value of
  • again, for I am sure that it is worth it.’  As late as 1881, less than a year before his death, …

Movement in Plants

Summary

The power of movement in plants, published on 7 November 1880, was the final large botanical work that Darwin wrote. It was the only work in which the assistance of one of his children, Francis Darwin, is mentioned on the title page. The research for this…

Matches: 24 hits

  • 7 November 1880was the final large botanical work that Darwin wrote. It was the only work in which
  • about their research while he was away from home. Although Darwin lacked a state of the art research
  • research being pursued by other naturalists who, like Francis, had come to this centre for the study
  • methods and use the most advanced laboratory equipment. Darwin also benefitted from the instrument
  • copied but also improved on some of the apparatuses that Francis had been introduced to at Würzburg. …
  • plant physiology, but it was at its core informed by Darwins theory of evolution, particularly by
  • early 1860s, at a time when his health was especially bad, Darwin had taken up the study of climbing
  • reproduced as a small book, giving it a much wider audience. Darwin was not the first naturalist to
  • which eventually appeared in 1875. In the same year, Darwin published a much longer work,  …
  • about the nature of movement, so much so, that at one point Darwin had considered combining the
  • digestive processes. With his final great botanical work, Darwin would attemptto bring all the
  • emotions had their origins in non-human animal expression. Darwin had not done experimental work in
  • viewed the division between animals and plants as absolute, Darwin was interested in similarities. …
  • from all over Europe and beyond. When Darwins son Francis worked in this laboratory in the summers
  • had also asked Horace to discuss the point with his friend Francis Balfour(258). Darwin promised to
  • of any success. '. Just two months later, Darwin put Francis in charge of this aspect of the
  • more familiar with the research in Sachss laboratory as Franciss departure for Würzburg was
  • to Wurzburg, & work by myself will be dull work’ . Francis was in Würzburg until early August. …
  • good instruments were never far from Darwins thinking. Francis viewed the new instruments he was
  • design an improved version of the instrument, a klinostat; Francis later described and illustrated
  • of a klinostat. Journal of the Linnean Society. Botany . 1881. Vol. XVIII, p450.   …
  • was the relationship between bending movement and growth. Francis described the disagreements about
  • and would later spend three months there from May 1881. While on holiday in the Lake District
  • a book-length critique of Darwins work (Wiesner 1881). Francis would later respond to Wiesners

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…

Matches: 21 hits

  • heart & soul care for worms & nothing else in this world,’ Darwin wrote to his old
  • to adapt to varying conditions. The implications of Darwins work for the boundary between animals
  • studies of animal instincts by George John Romanes drew upon Darwins 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. …
  • Charles Harrison Tindal, sent a cache of letters from two of Darwins grandfathers clerical friends
  • divines to see a pigs body opened is very amusing’, Darwin replied, ‘& that about my
  • registry offices, and produced a twenty-page history of the Darwin family reaching back to the
  • the world’ ( letter from J. L. Chester, 3 March 1880 ). Darwins sons George and Leonard also
  • and conciliate a few whose ancestors had not featured in Darwins Life . ‘In an endeavour to
  • think I must pay a round of visits.’ One cousin, Reginald Darwin, warmed to George: ‘he had been
  • an ordinary mortal who could laugh’ ( letter from W. E. Darwin to Charles and Emma Darwin, 22 July
  • from scientific debate. The matter spilled over into January 1881. With Henriettas aid, the advice
  • of the nervous system, and the nature ofsensitivity’. Francis Balfour described Movement in
  • the intake of stones and flints to aid digestion. He asked Francis to check for castings on old
  • bags ( letter from G. J. Romanes, [6, 13, or 20] March 1881 ). Romanes was at work on a lengthy
  • rightly thought thequeer subjectof interest to Francis Galton, who had already taken thumb
  • extending the study to public-school pupils ( letter to Francis Galton, 7 April 1880 , and
  • memorial was eventually submitted to Gladstone in January 1881 and was successful. For a copy of the
  • Williams interest in geology, and longed to see Francis elected fellow of the Royal Society. He

Casting about: Darwin on worms

Summary

Earthworms were the subject of a citizen science project to map the distribution of earthworms across Britain (BBC Today programme, 26 May 2014). The general understanding of the role earthworms play in improving soils and providing nutrients for plants to…

Matches: 12 hits

  • for plants to flourish can be traced back to the last book Darwin wrote, snappily-titled The
  • … , with observations on their habits, which was published in 1881. Despite Darwins fears that a book
  • out in his Natural History of Selborne of 1789 (a book Darwin claimed hadmuch influence on my
  • a new field in natural history, and almost a century later Darwin argued that all fields had passed
  • variety of strange things he persuaded people to do. Darwin concluded that worms had no sense
  • of a metal whistle and to being shouted at, but also to Francis Darwin playing the bassoon, and to
  • made calculations about larger castings on poorer soils, and Francis helped with calculations
  • … . After a while, looking for earthworm casts became a habit; Francis noticed worm casts in fir woods
  • existence of worms at that altitude. By the 1870s, Darwin was also drawing on the work of
  • him. Soon worm excrement was trusted to postal services, and Darwin acquired casts from India and
  • observations he had gathered to write a book on the subject. Darwin brought to the topic the
  • bigger souls than anyone wd suppose’ ( letter to W. E. Darwin, 31 January [1881] (CUL DAR 210.6: …

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: 25 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 Darwins 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 Darwins 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 Darwins 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 Darwins aim of  showing kinship with animals
  • he istorn to piecesby people wanting copies’, Darwin wrote to his son Francis on 28 February
  • letter from J. D. Hooker, 26 March 1871 ). The profits for Darwin were considerable. After
  • man.’ Promoting the book As usual, Darwin did his best to obtain a wide and favourable
  • … (see Correspondence vol. 19Appendix IV). Four of Darwins five sons received a copy, and his
  • received a special acknowledgment in the form of a gift. Darwin credited her for whatever he had
  • … ‘to keep in memory of the book’ ( letter to H. E. Darwin, 20 March 1871 ). Reaction
  • 1871). The geologist William Boyd Dawkins remarked on Darwins booksreception amongstartisans
  • liberal or orthodox. The American philosopher and journalist Francis Ellingwood Abbot incorporated
  • man & we were the best of friends’, he wrote to his son Francis on 28 February . However, …
  • Darwin had been receiving regular reports from his cousin Francis Galton on the progress of
  • in order to facilitate cross-circulation ( letter from Francis Galton, 13 September 1871 ). …
  • science ( letter to Horace Darwin, [15 December 1871] ). Francis was now studying medicine at St
  • of Trinity College, planned a trip to America, and invited Francis and two Cambridge friends. Darwin
  • …  be almost superhuman virtue to give it up’ ( letter to Francis Darwin, 16 May [1871] ). Darwin

1.18 John Collier, oil in Linnean

Summary

< Back to Introduction By 1881 it was clear to Darwin’s intimates that he was increasingly frail, and that, as he approached death, he had finally escaped from religious controversy to become a heroic figure, loved and venerated for his achievements…

Matches: 21 hits

  • … &lt; Back to Introduction By 1881 it was clear to Darwins intimates that he was
  • worthy likeness. While there were numerous photographs of Darwin in these last years, they lacked
  • to a commemorative function. Oulesss characterisation of Darwin as an introspective and melancholy
  • as a thinker.   George Romanes and other members of Darwins circle therefore gained his
  • by subscription, and donated to the Linnean Society. Darwins evolutionary theory had first been
  • Society in 1858. Moreover, the Society was now, in May 1881, dominated by Darwinians. Its President
  • as his recent portrait of Joseph Hooker testified. Moreover, Darwin wouldmost particularly
  • made him a member of the Darwinian set, with sympathy for Darwins ideas, and an informed interest
  • of an Artist (1926), shows him entirely attuned to Darwins theories on the origins of the human
  • with his intellectual sitters. Like the photographs taken by Darwins son Leonard, Colliers
  • later to a Singaporean newspaper, the sittings took place in Darwins study at Down Housethe
  • work and any other subject that cropped up.’ On 7 August 1881 Darwin was able to report to Romanes
  • far as I can judge, this seems true’ – Romanes agreed. Darwin added that Collierwas the most
  • As a further sign of their rapport, Collier later gave Darwin a copy of his newly published Primer
  • reviewerand he turned out to be the perfect choice. Darwin is seen in frontal view, with light
  • to distract from the benign but penetrating expression of Darwins eyes, with a highlighted wisp of
  • of image John Collier 
 date of creation 1881 
 computer-readable date
  • archive, manuscript letter LL/8, Darwin to Romanes, 27 May 1881. Correspondence between Darwin and
  • Letter from Darwin to his son George, 23 July 1881, telling him the picture was finished (DCP-LETT
  • A Manual of Oil Painting (London etc.: Cassell, 1886). Francis Darwin (ed.), The Life and
  • pp. 118121, correspondence between Romanes and Darwin in 1881 (DCP-LETT-13173, 13229, 13282). …

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: 21 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 &amp;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
  • organised defence. To bring more solidarity to the field, Darwins son Francis, and a number of his
  • … ( letter from T. L. Brunton, 12 February 1882 ). Darwin declined the offer to be honorary

3.20 Elliott and Fry, c.1880-1, verandah

Summary

< Back to Introduction In photographs of Darwin taken c.1880-1, the expression of energetic thought conveyed by photographs of earlier years gives way to the pathos of evident physical frailty. While Collier’s oil portrait of this time emphasises…

Matches: 10 hits

  • … &lt; Back to Introduction In photographs of Darwin taken c.1880-1, the expression of
  • While Colliers oil portrait of this time emphasises Darwins benign but penetrating gaze, the
  • photographs taken by the firm of Elliott and Fry, showing Darwin on the verandah of Down House - …
  • of the image. How far these qualities truly represent Darwins prevailing mood, or are, rather, a
  • by Gustav Kruell to serve as the frontispiece to volume 3 of Francis Darwins Life and Letters
  • dating, and it is not clear on what basis the photograph of Darwin seated on the verandah is dated
  • All these Elliott and Fry photographs were reissued after Darwins death ascartesandcabinet’ …
  • of Elliott and Fry 
 date of creation c.1880-1881 
 computer-readable date c
  • references and bibliography letters from Darwin to Hooker, 15 June 1881 (DCP-LETT-13207) and to B
  • Sciences de la Bibliothèque Universelle , 7 (May 1882). Francis Darwin (ed.), The Life and

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: 23 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 Darwins son George dominated the second
  • and traveller Alexander von Humboldts 105th birthday, Darwin obliged with a reflection on his debt
  • … ). The death of a Cambridge friend, Albert Way, caused Darwins cousin, William Darwin Fox, to
  • from W. D. Fox, 8 May [1874] ).  Such reminiscences led Darwin to the self-assessment, ‘as for one
  • I feel very old &amp; helpless The year started for Darwin with a weeks 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 Darwins cousin Hensleigh Wedgwood. Those
  • imposter’ ( letter from T. H. Huxley, 27 January 1874 ). Darwin agreed that it wasall imposture’ …
  • stop word getting to America of thestrange newsthat Darwin had alloweda spirit séanceat his
  • the first three months of the year and, like many of Darwins enterprises in the 1870s, were family
  • had cost twenty-four shillings.) Murrays partner, Robert Francis Cooke, informed Darwin that the
  • failure of observations in New Zealand (see G. B. Airy ed. 1881). Darwins third son Francis
  • work on insectivorous plants. Amy drew a plant and Francis was disappointed that they seemed not to
  • from Cornwall, but Darwin was unwell when it arrived, so Francis worked on the tiny bladders under
  • 1874 , and  Correspondence  vol. 21, letter from Francis Darwin,  [11 October 1873] ). …
  • work’ ( letter to D. F. Nevill, 18 September [1874] ).Franciss new wife, Amy, drew the plant ( …
  • After his wife read  Expression , the military surgeon Francis François de Chaumont sent
  • a donation of £100, and £10 each from his sons George and Francis ( letter to Anton Dohrn, 7 March
  • a photograph of the station to be sent to Darwin by Francis Maitland Balfour; Darwin offered to try

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: 15 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 herkindnessin Darwins Fertilisation of Orchids . …
  • critic. Letter 4370 - Wedgwood, L. C. to Darwin, [April - May 1865] Darwin
  • asfriends in Surrey”. Letter 4794 - Darwin to Lyell, C., [25 March 1865] …
  • B”. Letter 7060 - Wedgwood, F. J. to Darwin, [1867 - 72] Darwins
  • 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] Darwins
  • Darwin, [4 January 1871] Darwins brother-in-law, Francis Wedgwood, sends the results of
  • … [1 November 1877] Darwin asks his sons, Horace and Francis, to observe earthworm activity
  • 13037 - Darwin to Darwin, W. E., [5 February 1881] Darwin discusses Williams

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] …
  • … 13547 - Tanner, M. H. to Darwin, [12 December 1881] Mary Tanner tells Darwin that …

3.18 Elliott and Fry photos, c.1869-1871

Summary

< Back to Introduction The leading photographic firm of Elliott and Fry seems to have portrayed Darwin at Down House on several occasions. In November 1869 Darwin told A. B. Meyer, who wanted photographs of both him and Wallace for a German…

Matches: 22 hits

  • photographic firm of Elliott and Fry seems to have portrayed Darwin at Down House on several
  • Payments to the firm on 25 July 1869 and 5 April 1870 in Darwins banking account must relate to
  • to Wallace.   Elliott and Fry evidently approached Darwin again in the spring of 1871, with a
  • to Down again for a simpler portrayal. On 2 August 1871, Darwin wrote,  ‘Many thanks for the
  • which of Elliott and Frys widely disseminated images of Darwin were taken in summer 1869, and which
  • view, is not much help. However, two of the group now in the Darwin archive were dated by Darwins
  • the later 1870s are clearly wide of the mark. As regards Darwins appearance, he does not look older
  • this group of photographs, of which there is a print in the Darwin archive (DAR 225.117), shows a
  • and must therefore have been reissued commemoratively. Darwins daughter Henrietta owned this, and
  • to it. In another of Elliott and Frys photographs, Darwin sits sternly erect; in yet another he
  • to a profile or nearer to a frontal view. In all of them Darwin is wearing a distinctive waistcoat, …
  • the complexities, John van Wyhe, in hisIconographyof Darwin portraits, identifies some of the
  • the day, which were widely marketed. Thus the photographs of Darwin were frequently reissued in
  • in the National Portrait Gallery. An idealised version of Darwins head from one of the Elliott and
  • to the June 1882 issue, which had two obituary articles on Darwin. It had also appeared in another
  • engraving which seems almost to exaggerate the shagginess of Darwins hair, eyebrows and beard, …
  • lurid Illustrated Police News, accompanying a notice of Darwins death in 1882. A vignette
  • by Edmond Barbier and published in Paris by C. Reinwald in 1881. The frontispiece to Henry Alleyne
  • many more such usages of the Elliott and Fry images of Darwin, often at third hand or in reworked
  • Elliott and Frys rather unflattering portrayal of Darwin, especially of his blunt nose and untidy
  • 186971 Elliott and Fry photographs were mentioned by Francis Darwin in his catalogue of portraits
  • influence on horticulture (DAR 140.1.4) was reprinted in 1881 (DAR 140 1.33) and for an obituary

Fake Darwin: myths and misconceptions

Summary

Many myths have persisted about Darwin's life and work. Here are a few of the more pervasive ones, with full debunking below...

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  • … Many myths have persisted about Darwin's life and work. Here are a few of the more pervasive …

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…

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  • The story of Charles Darwins involvement with the church is one that is told far too rarely. It
  • unique window into this complicated relationship throughout Darwins life, as it reveals his
  • belief (and doubt) than many non-conformist denominations. Darwins parents attended a Unitarian
  • the necessary studies to be a clergyman. During Darwins 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, Darwins Cambridge mentorJohn Stevens
  • … (Blackwoods Edinburgh Magazine (1887): 321). Darwin started on his journey around the world
  • it even through a grove of Palms.—’ (letter to Caroline Darwin, 256 April [1832] ). Darwins
  • Museum or some other learned place’ (letter from E. A. Darwin, 18 August [1832] ). Writing to Fox
  • about—’ (letter to W. D. Fox, [912 August] 1835 ). Darwins doubts about orthodox belief, and
  • in 1838 and 1839, as can be read here. In the end, Darwin chose a middle coursea life of ease in
  • 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 Darwins brother Erasmus, Emmas sister
  • of Emma, whose religious scruples are discussed here. But Darwins correspondence reveals his own
  • Although he was not the principal landowner in Down, Darwin was a gentleman of means, and clearly
  • made inroads on Anglican authority in the countryside. The Darwin family took an interest in, and
  • Many of the letters highlighted in this section focus on Darwins long-standing relationship with
  • To the end of his life Innes refused to be persuaded by Darwins theory of evolution, but
  • cordial; in the first extant letter of the correspondence, Darwin wrote to Innes expressing concern
  • to 1869 (letter to J. B. Innes, [8 May 1848] and n. 2). Darwin praised Innes to John William
  • supported Fegans work in the village, writing in 1880 or 1881: ‘your services have done more for
  • … (letter to J. W. C. Fegan, [December 1880February 1881] ). Indeed, the Darwin family even
  • Darwin, including an autobiographical chapter . Edited by Francis Darwin. 3 vols. London: John

John Murray

Summary

Darwin's most famous book On the origin of species by means of natural selection (Origin) was published on 22 November 1859. The publisher was John Murray, who specialised in non-fiction, particularly politics, travel and science, and had published…

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  • Darwin's most famous book  On the origin of species by means of natural
  • Scotland : it contains more than two hundred letters from Darwin, from his first negotiations in
  • date from 1859, the year of the publication of  Origin . Darwins son Francis described how his
  • more interesting correspondence ( LL  1, p. v). Darwin returned from his voyage around the
  • …  This had been published in London by Henry Colburn, but Darwin felt that the arrangements had been
  • … ). Lyells talk with Murray must have been successful, for Darwin sold his copyright in the  …
  • a single volume. Returning to Murray the final proof sheets Darwin wrote, ‘I am much obliged for the
  • … ). Thus began the business relationship between Charles Darwin and John Murray. Darwins next
  • Murrays printers, and in the first copies some pages in Darwins chapter were transposed ( Letter
  • some present’ (12 June [1849] Letter 1245 ). Darwins next publications, his barnacle
  • would not have interested a commercial publisher. In 1854 Darwin had begun writing up his species
  • species was driven by natural selection. In order to ensure Darwins priority, his friends Charles
  • … ), who, without even reading the manuscript, offered Darwin two-thirds of the profit ( Letter 2443
  • the trade at 9 s .6 d . a copy ( Letter 2513a ). When Darwin first saw the finished volume, …
  • called for ( Letter 2549 ). In the end Murray paid Darwin £180 for the first edition of  Origin
  • plants (Movement in plants),  which he wrote with his son, Francis. It was extensively illustrated, …
  • an extra 500 to meet demand ( Letter 12862 ). In 1881 Darwin sent Murray the manuscript of  …
  • sale of my book and utterly astonished’ ([after 25 October 1881?] Letter 13433 ). …
  • his publisher, after Murrays annual sale in the autumn of 1881, Darwin expressed his satisfaction

4.52 'Wasp' caricature

Summary

< Back to Introduction Less than a fortnight after Darwin’s death, an irreverent portrayal of him appeared on the cover of a Californian satirical magazine. The Wasp, based in San Francisco, resembled the better-known New York magazine Puck in its…

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  • Back to Introduction Less than a fortnight after Darwins death, an irreverent portrayal
  • the modern Germanic idiom. However, while Puck treated Darwin as a hero, The Wasp was
  • or owls flying over the jungle add a touch of the sinister. Darwins supposedly intimate connections
  • the cartoon, The Wasps editor noted laconically, ‘Darwin and the link are both missing’, and in
  • element ofridiculein our portrait of the illustrious Darwin. We are surprised that your three
  • the others were lunatics.’  The Wasp even mocked Darwins burial in Westminster Abbey, and
  • War –  views which would have made it antagonistic to Darwins belief in human monogenesis from a
  • The Illustrated Wasp was a Czech political refugee, Francis Korbel. With his brothers, he had
  • to the representatives of the tycoon Charles Webb Howard in 1881. By that time it is said to have
  • references and bibliographyThe late Charles Darwin’, cover illustration in The Wasp , 8:300

Discussion Questions and Essay Questions

Summary

There are a wide range of possibilities for opening discussion and essay writing on Darwin’s correspondence.  We have provided a set of sample discussion questions and essay questions, each of which focuses on a particular topic or correspondent in depth.…

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  • of possibilities for opening discussion and essay writing on Darwins correspondence.  We have
  • start researching and writing an essay that centres on Darwins letters, narrowing the field to a
  • Why was correspondence so important for Darwin? How did Darwin encourage people he did not
  • material did letters contain? How much knowledge does Darwin assume when he writes to
  • and class, matter in scientific exchange? What does Darwin do when he wants to introduce a
  • internet today? Essay writing How was Darwins early species theory discussed
  • What ethical implications did readers draw from Darwins theories?[Mary Boole (1864), F. E. Abbot
  • Müller and the adaptations of insects to flowers (1867), Francis Galton on inheritance theory
  • Gray (1861-8), Wallace (1869-70), Mivart (1871-4)] Did Darwin believe in progress? [Lyell
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