Showing 101–120 of 151 items
Has been reading Julius von Wiesner’s book [Das Bewegungsvermögen der Pflanzen (1881)]. Comments that it is "an excellent book, but he vivisects me in the most grievous terms, but most effectively".
Has been experimenting on aggregation of chlorophyll but with little success.
Thinks FD should review Julius von Wiesner’s book [Das Bewegungsvermögen der Pflanzen (1881)]. CD comforted that Wiesner’s experiments support their findings but finds it laughable how differently he has interpreted them.
Earthworms is selling well.
Discussed how to repeat some of their plant experiments while in Cambridge.
Comments on Julius Wiesner’s views on plant movement.
S. H. Vines was very much surprised at the action of carbonate of ammonia on the roots of Euphorbia.
Comments on two letters received from W. F. P. Pfeffer [13425, 13464] who thinks Julius Wiesner’s view that light, etc. acts directly on plants is wrong.
Is frantic over the number of letters received about worms; feels the enthusiasm of the reception of Earthworms is laughable.
Is confounded by Euphorbia rootlets and has re-examined the effect of carbonate of ammonia.
Has thought of three good experiments to oppose Wiesner.
Forwards a letter from W. F. P. Pfeffer, who opposes some of Julius Wiesner’s notions on plant movements.
Andrew Clark finds that CD’s heart is perfectly right.
Returns certificate he has signed with pleasure.
Emma Darwin will be interested to hear that Charles Bradlaugh was expelled from Parliament.
Sends [for CD’s possible use] his observations on spines of fir used by worms to block burrows.
Instructions on paying a bill.
Sends FD £5 for the loan of his microscope.
Asks for a specimen of Pinguicula.
A cheque written out for FD has never been presented to CD’s bankers.
Sends message to CD about development of horns in sheep.
Sends a cheque to clear FD’s debts. Hopes he will be more careful in the future.
Asks FD to check whether a Latin sentence is correct.
Sends a cheque to pay off FD’s debts. Warns him of the dangers of overspending his income and advises him strongly to keep accounts.
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.
Says Descent is "selling like Mad.––" Murray will print another 1500 or 2000 copies. Has received £630 for the 2500.
On Monday he visited Mivart, who is a charming man.
He seemed to be taken aback by CD’s points about the larynx and giraffe.
[See 7507 and 7519.]
He seemed to have forgotten CD’s argument regarding the formation of the greyhound.
Discussed the larynx and the silence of the Cetaceans.
If FD mentions any of this to [Marlborough Robert] Pryor, ask him not to mention it to anyone else "as it is perhaps rather a breach of confidence to repeat even to friends private conversation."
If FD gets the chance, will he observe whether the platysma contracts in a shivering fit? Wants much to know whether the platysma of frightened patients contracts before chloroform is given.
CD will take care of the eight little rabbits. FG outlines their future.
