To F. J. Pictet de la Rive 23 February [1860]
Summary
Is extremely pleased by what FJP says of his book [Origin]. Recalls how slowly he changed his own opinion; does not think anyone "could at once undergo so great a revolution in opinion". Thanks FJP for his intended notice of the work [Bibl. Univers. Arch. Sci. Phys. & Nat. 7 (1860)].
Recommends an "excellent Review by that admirable Botanist Asa Gray" [Am. J. Sci. 2d ser. 29 (1860): 153–84].
L. Agassiz is very bitter against CD’s book but H. G. Bronn, although very much opposed, "with noble liberality of sentiment" is going to superintend a German translation.
As FJP’s studies lead him to reflect on "Geological Succession, Geographical Distribution, Classification, Homology & Embryology", CD expects that he will go a little further with him because "these facts … are inexplicable on the theory of creation".
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | François Jules Pictet de la Rive |
Date: | 23 Feb [1860] |
Classmark: | Bibliothèque de Genève (MS. fr. 1651, ff. 8–9) |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-2709 |
To F. J. Pictet de la Rive 1 April [1860]
Summary
Thanks FJP for his review which CD has received and read. There have been many reviews in England opposed to CD but FJP’s is "the single one which seems … perfectly fair & just & candid". The only difference between them is that CD "attaches much more weight to the explanation of facts, & somewhat less weight to the difficulties" than FJP. "I always jump at any theory which groups & explains facts".
Would be proud to send FJP a copy of his Journal of researches.
Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
Addressee: | François Jules Pictet de la Rive |
Date: | 1 Apr [1860] |
Classmark: | Bibliothèque de Genève (MS. fr. 1651, ff. 10–11) |
Letter no: | DCP-LETT-2741 |