Doubts whether an experiment to test the durability of human bones would be worth while. Absence of such bones in post-glacial river-bed deposits does not weigh in the least on CD.
Showing 21–40 of 68 items
The Charles Darwin Collection
The Darwin Correspondence Project is publishing letters written by and to the naturalist Charles Darwin (1809–1882). Complete transcripts of letters are being made available through the Project’s website (www.darwinproject.ac.uk) after publication in the ongoing print edition of The Correspondence of Charles Darwin (Cambridge University Press 1985–). Metadata and summaries of all known letters (c. 15,000) appear in Ɛpsilon, and the full texts of available letters can also be searched, with links to the full texts.
Doubts whether an experiment to test the durability of human bones would be worth while. Absence of such bones in post-glacial river-bed deposits does not weigh in the least on CD.
Answers CD on transitional forms. Has no doubt Zeuglodon is transitional form between Carnivora and Cetacea.
Met Mivart in Manchester. Some doubt that he was the author of Quarterly Review article.
Encloses notes [missing] that he has made for CD on looking through his dried skins of American Anatidae.
Thanks CD for copies of the pamphlet [Darwinism (1871)].
His memoir on phyllotaxy [Mem. Am. Acad. Arts & Sci. n.s. 9 (1867–73): 379–415] will soon be printed.
Has met CD’s sons.
Sends photograph of himself for a proposed memoir in correspondent’s Review.
Has seen CD’s sons.
On structure and function of the cetacean larynx.
CD appreciates the great trouble OS has taken in providing a bundle of observations. [See 8001.] They are useful and will save CD from at least one blunder.
The structure of the beak of the shoveller "filled me with admiration".
CD has omitted in all his works one of the most interesting causes of variation, domestic or wild – i.e., frightening of a pregnant animal; quotes case of eight-footed horse from a French translation of G. S. W. von Adler.
First six chapters [of Origin, 6th ed.] sent to printer.
Will strike out passage on larynx in cetaceans from his MS [of Origin, 6th ed.].
Is glad his notes on ducks are useful; would like them back when CD has finished with them as they might help him to put the South American Anatidae in order.
Asks for information on feeding habits of Egyptian goose.
Replies on how Egyptian geese feed in the water; they do not move heads laterally like ducks sifting water; they tear herbage like common geese.
Thanks for note received.
Returns CD’s MS [for Origin 6th ed.] on the defensive organs of the Polyzoa, with his comments.
Cannot accept JJW’s invitation to a party. His health has been worse than usual for some months – can see no one nor can he go anywhere.
Is preparing a cheap edition of the Origin [6th] and will answer Mivart’s objections.
CD is pleased JJW likes C. Wright’s "Darwinism" [see 7940]. Huxley will publish a splendid review of it in Contemporary Review [Nov 1871].
Thanks RFA for extracts.
Does not believe resemblances can be produced as RFA suggests, but would not deny that a strong mental shock may cause arrest of embryonic development and thus give rise to monstrosities.
On visit to Boston was told by N. S. Shaler how habits of rattlesnake are consistent with natural selection. Informs CD, as rattlesnake is considered by some a difficult case for his theory.
Comments on lamellae in Prion. Offers to send specimen for CD to examine.