To H. W. Bates 4 May [1862]
Summary
Thanks for letter and "valuable" extracts.
If S. American Carabi differ more from other species than do those from other distant locations (e.g., Siberia, Europe, etc.), CD agrees that difference would be too great to have occurred in the recent glacial age; CD also rejects independent origin. Plants seem to migrate more readily than animals. HWB should not underrate length of glacial period; CD also believes they will be driven to an older glacial period.
Sorry about news of British Museum – hopeless to contend against anyone supported by Owen.
CD dearly wishes HWB could find a situation in which he could give time to science.
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | Henry Walter Bates |
| Date: | 4 May [1862] |
| Classmark: | Cleveland Health Sciences Library (Robert M. Stecher collection) |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-3532 |
To H. W. Bates 9 May [1862]
Summary
Referring to conversation with Lyell, CD is certain that there was a Miocene glacial period.
Compliments HWB on the mimetic display at the British Museum. Those at the Museum readily accepted HWB’s "doctrine".
Was shown genital organs of closely allied Chrysomelidae.
Albert Günther is candidate for position at Museum.
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | Henry Walter Bates |
| Date: | 9 May [1862] |
| Classmark: | Cleveland Health Sciences Library (Robert M. Stecher collection) |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-3540 |
