From:
Charles Robert Darwin
To:
Charles Lyell, 1st baronet
Date:
[10 Dec 1859]
Source of text:
American Philosophical Society (Mss.B.D25.184)
Summary:
Discuss CL’s suggestions for revisions to the chapter on the geological record [Origin, ch. 9].
Henry Holland’s reaction to the book.
Comments on CL’s work on flint tools of early men.
Describes at length a conversation with Owen concerning Origin. Notes "that at bottom he goes immense way with us", but emphasises Owen’s unfriendly manner. Remarks that Owen accepted a relationship between bears and whales. "By Jove I believe he thinks a sort of Bear was the grandpapa of Whales!"
Has heard Herschel considered his book "the law of higgledy-piggledy".
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project