Suggests aesthetic sense in animals is merely secondary to sexual selection.
Suggests aesthetic sense in animals is merely secondary to sexual selection.
Sends CD a ptarmigan.
Extract from Robert Knox on hermaphroditism [Lond. Med. Gaz. 12 Jan 1844].
Instances of sexual differences in viviparous fishes, suggested by reading chapters on sexual selection [in Descent] and by Mivart’s Genesis of species.
Notes on echinoderms.
Observations on expression.
Verses on the Origin and Descent.
Expressions in attitudes of prayer and adoration.
Responds to Mivart’s Genesis of species. "I complain of his incessently speaking as if I trusted exclusively to natural selection … Mivart speaks in many places as if I entirely ignored the direct action of external conditions". Answers some of Mivart’s particular criticisms. Suggests FD read the letter to Marlborough Robert Pryor, as Pryor will never be able to read it himself.
Will observe old furrowed fields for CD in the early spring. Suggests locations in Scotland and Rugby with ridge and furrowing in old pastures.
Is infinitely obliged for a correction. "You men who do only or chiefly original work have an immense advantage over compilers like myself, as you can know what to trust." Wishes he had consulted PLS before using A. E. Brehm’s Thierleben woodcuts [for Descent]. PLS’s assistance has saved him from "endless blunders"; he now feels safe.
Depth of furrows in old field.
On sexual selection and the sense of beauty among the W. African Negroes.
Sends his new work, Ulteriori osservazioni sulla dicogomia pt 2, fasc. 1.
Has found no nectar in Orchis morio or O. maculata in Italy and has seen no insects visiting the plants.
Gives his observations on cross- and self-fertilisation in cereals.
More speculations [see 5811] on the evolutionary development of man, relating progress to the consumption of better food and the availability of moist air.
Definite results have been delayed, but he is optimistic.
Appearance and depth of furrows in old field.
Sends quotation about Lycurgus and Spartan exposure of infants who were deemed defective.
Bibliographic references on sense of beauty and morals.
Sends title-page of Descent for approval. Asks whether CD has any idea of size of index.
Sends diploma of election to the Royal Belgian Academy.
Has no idea about length of index [for Descent]. W. S. Dallas wrote it would take ten days more. Asks how many presentation copies he may have. Lists journals to receive review copies.