Summary

Comments on JC’s paper ["On the tidal retardation argument for the age of the earth", Rep. BAAS (1876): 88–9].

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Discusses papers by JC dealing with erosion. Comments on papers on the subject by J. B. Jukes, A. C. Ramsay, and William Whitaker. Formerly believed in power of the sea. Never fully realised the truth until reading JC’s papers.

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Comments on glaciers in North America.

Asks if glacial periods have occurred alternately in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Relevant to his glacial discoveries in South America: "it would have been an immense relief to my mind if I could have assumed … this". CD wishes to discuss subject in new edition of Origin [5th].

Summary

Acknowledges receipt of book and manuscript.

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Apologises for having kept JC’s book so long; would like to keep it about ten days more.

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Returns book with thanks. "Joyfully accepts" idea of the warming of Southern Hemisphere during glacial period in the Northern. Lyell is unwilling.

Mentions H. N. Moseley’s study of descent of glaciers [Proc. R. Soc. Lond. 17 (1869): 202–8].

CD greatly troubled by problem of age of the earth and calculations of Sir William Thomson. Asks about changes in the form of the globe.

Summary

Consoling to CD that JC gives "a little more age to the world".

Cites article by Henry Moseley ["On the mechanical possibility of the descent of glaciers", Proc. R. Soc. Lond. 17 (1869): 202–8].

Mentions article by A. R. Clarke on shape of the globe.

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Thanks JC for his proofs of article on the movement of glaciers.

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Introduces E. L. Youmans to correspondent. Youmans is seeking small monographs by the most competent English authors [for his International Scientific Series].

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Thanks for presentation copy of Earthworms.

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Sends two papers; glad CD appreciates two he has already sent. Cannot send two others on glaciers (Philosophical Magazine, 1866 and 1867).

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Sends abstract of his views on change of climate and a copy of a paper.

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Glacial climates.

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Argues for great age of earth before the Cambrian period. Opposes measuring age from secular cooling. Opposes Sir William Thomson. Lyell’s error on secular cooling.

Thanks for Moseley citation ["On the mechanical possibility of the descent of glaciers", Proc. R. Soc. Lond. 17 (1869): 202–8].

In Edinburgh he feels out of touch with latest developments.

Summary

Thanks for abstract of Moseley’s paper on motion of glaciers [see 6599]. Reading it convinced him that Tyndall’s received view is wrong. Has formed a new view, which he has sent to Philosophical Magazine [4th ser. 37 (1869): 201–6].

Summary

Thanks for presentation copy of Origin [5th ed.].

Clarifies his point on north and south glacial periods. Supports CD’s view that temperate plants will move up mountains during the alternation.

Summary

Refused to write a treatise on geological time.

His paper on W. B. Carpenter’s theory of ocean currents is appearing soon.