Discusses possible case of inherited memory involving Pompilus. Cites similar example of electric eel.
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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.
Discusses possible case of inherited memory involving Pompilus. Cites similar example of electric eel.
Asks him to visit.
Describes difficulty of obtaining pigs for experiment.
Has read with interest GJR’s review [of Samuel Butler, Unconscious memory (1880)] in Nature [23 (1880–1): 285–7]. Heroic of GJR to call down [Butler’s] revenge on his own head. Ernst Krause’s letter [Nature 23 (1880–1): 288] very good.
As magistrate, CD must enforce rules regarding infection in pigs.
Thanks GJR for his second letter replying to Butler [Nature 23 (1880–1): 335–6].
Intends experiment to see if cats released in country can find their way back.
Comments on the meaning of his definition of the term, "animal intelligence". Encloses further discussion from his forthcoming book [Earthworms].
Responds to MS of Earthworms. An objective but arbitrary test of intelligence in animals is the ability to learn from experience. Earthworms fall on the border of intelligence. They could justly be called intelligent if they could learn by experience to manipulate some unknown, exotic leaf. CD should make clear that intelligence does not imply self-consciousness.
Comments on GJR’s view of animal consciousness. Mentions experiment on learning among worms.
Suggests transplanting plant ovaries to test Pangenesis.
None of the cats released in experiment found its way back.
Discusses difficulties involved in plant experiment designed to test Pangenesis.
Discusses concept of intelligence in his Earthworms manuscript.
Remarks on GJR’s work on echinoderms.
Comments on Wilhelm Roux [Der Kampf der Theile im Organismus (1881)].
Discusses animal instincts, citing Fabre’s description of sand-wasps.
Looks forward to reading CD’s Earthworms.
Agrees that habits of sand-wasp are determined by natural selection.
Experiment of exposing plants to flashing light gives uncertain result.
Discusses GJR’s experiments on heliotropism in plants; views of Philippe van Tieghem and Julius von Wiesner. Describes his own experiments.
Mentions his letter on vivisection [to Frithiof Holmgren, see 13115] in the Times [18 Apr 1881].
Only more sensitive seedlings respond to flashing light.
CD’s letter to Times ["On vivisection", 22 Apr 1881] in every way admirable.
GJR to be Zoological Secretary of Linnean Society.
Has decided on arrangement of material for his books Animal intelligence [1882]
and Mental evolution in animals [1883].
Comments on GJR’s letter in the Times [25 Apr 1881] concerning vivisection. Mentions activity of anti-vivisectionists, G. R. Jesse and F. P. Cobbe.
Suggests CD delay arrangements for his Linnean Society portrait. GJR thinks John Collier would be willing to paint it.
Agrees to sit for portrait. Thinks John Collier is a good artist, an opinion based on his portrait of Hooker.
CD is glad the portrait [of CD by John Collier] has been arranged; suggests dates, but feels he should have no say in the subscriptions or remuneration.
Thinks the Lakes are beautiful.
Is reading W. Graham’s The creed of science.
Has told John Collier to write to CD to arrange for portrait.
Will read [W. Graham’s] Creed of science.
Has got into row with W. B. Carpenter over thought-reading.