On St G. J. Mivart’s Genesis of species and Chauncey Wright’s review of it [North Am. Rev. (July 1871)].
On St G. J. Mivart’s Genesis of species and Chauncey Wright’s review of it [North Am. Rev. (July 1871)].
Offers his services for the future.
Working hard at establishing physiology at Cambridge.
Lists [with prices] four birds that he has forwarded to CD.
Promises to answer questions about ducks next week when he has a specimen.
Recently met Capt. Arthur Mellersh.
Is enjoying Descent. Sends corroborating facts on heredity, concerning race of people from the Seychelles known for their tall stature, courage, and vigour.
The pamphlet [Chauncey Wright’s review of Mivart, see 7940] has been distributed to friends and to the press.
Sends CD a sketch of goat with maxillary appendages and notes the dimensions of the structures.
Sees his ideas on conscious and non-conscious intelligence are already in Murphy [J. J. Murphy, Habit and intelligence (1869)].
Encloses an extract from S. W. Baker’s The Albert N’yanza [1866] on the behaviour of the giraffe [See Origin, 6th ed., p. 178], and some references to Baker’s Nile tributaries [1867].
Thanks CD for autograph and photograph.
The Origin destroys philosophical foundations of religion.
Has seen an article by Chauncey Wright ["Darwinism", North Am. Rev. 113 (1871): 63–103] and has heard it has been enlarged and reprinted [1871]. As CD has been distributing copies StGM wonders whether he might have one.
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".
Thanks for CD’s praise of his book [Primitive culture (1871)], wonders if he should abridge part into a small popular volume.
Sends CD £100 as requested. Gives information on bonds purchased on CD’s behalf.