Sends plant and directions to his home so that CD’s gardener may call for another plant.
Sends plant and directions to his home so that CD’s gardener may call for another plant.
Response to ARW’s papers on Papilionidae ["On the phenomena of variation and geographical distribution", Trans. Linn. Soc. Lond. 25 (1866): 1–71; abstract in Reader 3 (1864): 491–3],
and man ["The origin of human races", J. Anthropol. Soc. Lond. 2 (1864): clviii–clxxxvi].
The former is "really admirable" and will be influential.
The idea of the man paper is striking and new. Minor points of difference. Conjectures regarding racial differences; the possible correlation between complexion and constitution. His Query to Army surgeons to determine this point. Offers ARW his notes on man, which CD doubts he will be able to use.
On sexual selection in "our aristocracy"; primogeniture is a scheme for destroying natural selection.
[Letter incorrectly dated March by CD.]
Is slowly writing Lythrum paper [Collected papers 2: 106–31].
Thanks for [Charles?] Wright’s observations on orchids
– could he note what attracts insects to Begonia and Melastoma? H. Crüger, who was going to observe Melastomataceae, has died.
Describes the climbing habits of Bignonia capreolata and Eccremocarpus scaber.
How does AG know the perfect flowers of Voandzeia are quite sterile?
He has a case of dimorphism in holly; asks AG to report on American hollies.
Thanks HCW for Lythrum specimens.
CD has at last finished his Lythrum paper. ["Three forms of Lythrum", Collected papers 2: 106–31.]
Discusses the negative testimonial provided him by James McNab.
Sends testimonial from J. H. Balfour.
Would be glad if offered the sort of colonial opportunity Hooker suggests.
Argues the antiquity of the human species because natural selection acts differently with respect to men. Changes in man are largely confined to head and brain. Warfare and sex are very uncertain as means of selection.
Gives CD complete credit for theory of natural selection.
Is beginning his narrative of his travels.
Lyell argues against tracing man as far back as Miocene times. R. I. Murchison’s argument that Africa is the oldest existing land implies that Africa is the place to look for early man.
Forwards two character references for John Scott, for position JDH is arranging in India.
Request for climbing plants.
Acknowledges receipt of £242 11s. 10d.
Thanks JH for his kind enquiries about CD’s illness.
Thanks WL for his MS on coral and suggests that it be sent to the Geological Society for printing or preserving in the archives.
Comments on his and WL’s bad health and recalls WL’s past kindness to him.
Writes of dimorphic plants.
Mentions WED’s extraordinary discovery of some pollen-grains of different sizes. The observations must be followed up.
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