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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.
Entirely sympathises with CD about Mivart’s attack on George. THH has had a letter from Mivart in which he pleads guilty, but THH has decided there is no patching the matter up. Advises against doing anything unless Mivart takes initiative.
Playfair "disgusted at our pronunciamentos against the Bill". Burdon Sanderson and William Sharpey agreed to it. THH feels he must serve on Vivisection Commission.
Encloses an invitation to give evidence to Vivisection Commission. Satisfied with way things were going, but E. E. Klein’s evidence that he is utterly indifferent to pain of animals has done great mischief.
Arrangements for CD’s appearance before Vivisection Commission.
A Dr Sarazin offers services as translator.
Will read CD’s letter about Robert Swinhoe to Royal Society Council and see what can be done for him.
Agrees with CD that Charles Voysey’s "Protest" would not do any good.
Has less sympathy with half-hearted sentimental school than with thorough-going orthodoxy. On theological dogmas, benevolence of the Creator.
[Encloses copy of his letter to Voysey.]
He said nothing in his tribute to CD that was not strictly accurate. Has written out a version as well as he can recollect it and will send CD a copy.
Sends article on "Evolution" [Encyclopaedia Britannica, 9th ed.]. CD will be interested in Lamarck’s opinions in 1794.
Is working on crayfish and their distribution.
Othniel Marsh of Yale would like to visit CD.
Describes Anthony Rich, whom he has visited.
Refers to "Devonshire Man"’s attack on him ["Professor Huxley’s last new theory", Pall Mall Gaz. 18 Jan 1870, p. 6]. His intention to answer – a waste, except for political bearing of Celt question ["Professor Huxley on Celts and Teutons", Pall Mall Gaz. 21 Jan 1870, p. 6].
Reports "shindy" at Oxford over persons proposed for doctorate. Pusey assented to CD’s being "doctored" to keep out seven worse devils.
Thanks for new book [Descent].
Shocked at Lyell’s appearance and speech.
Family news.
Sends proof of article for Contemporary Review [18 (1871): 443–76].
Is grieved to hear that Mivart is author of Quarterly Review article. THH thought better of him than that.
Compares the Origin to Plato’s Republic: "it will remain fresh for two thousand years".
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.
Personal affairs – the move to Marlborough Place.
Forwards Matthew Arnold’s Literature and dogma [1873].
Hopes they can secure Hooker for President of Royal Society.
Is overwhelmed by generosity of his friends. Admits he felt morally beaten and without energy for first time in his life. Someday wants the names of the friends.
Concern for Lady Lyell;
will clear away work and set off for holiday in June.
Sends Critiques and addresses.
A life of J. D. Forbes [by J. C. Shairp, P. J. Tait, and A. A. Reilly (1873)] suggests that THH and Tyndall conspired to keep JDF from getting the Copley Medal. THH feels obliged to correct this.