Argues that [general variability] of species, not single variations or sports, is basis for modification and adaptation to new conditions.
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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.
Argues that [general variability] of species, not single variations or sports, is basis for modification and adaptation to new conditions.
DF’s opinion of Gustav Jenzsch’s book [Mikroskopische Flora und Fauna (1868)]. Encloses extract of a letter from Ferdinand Zirkel also mentioning Jenzsch’s work.
Returns book with thanks. "Joyfully accepts" idea of the warming of Southern Hemisphere during glacial period in the Northern. Lyell is unwilling.
Mentions H. N. Moseley’s study of descent of glaciers [Proc. R. Soc. Lond. 17 (1869): 202–8].
CD greatly troubled by problem of age of the earth and calculations of Sir William Thomson. Asks about changes in the form of the globe.
Requests authorisation to translate Journal of researches into French.
Statement of sum due from Rev. Robinson "On account of School".
Statement of sales of U. S. edition of Origin.
Corrects T. M. Brewer’s statement, cited in the Origin, that the American cuckoo never uses other birds’ nests. [See Origin, 5th ed., p. 266.]
A case of fighting in crabs (Portunus puber against Carcinus maenas) [see Descent 1: 332].
CD expressed himself badly. F. Jenkin’s argument was against single variations ever being perpetuated.
Sends translation of Mr Steiger’s letter responding to question CD had asked about growth of horns of merino rams.
Discusses case of tailless dogs.
Does not intend to follow up work on variation under domestication.
Asks for specimen of Drosophyllum from Portugal.
Lyell says CD is revising what he says about the Weald in the Origin. Asks CD to look at his subaerial denudation views in his book [Physical geology and geography of Great Britain, 2d ed. (1864)].
Asks JM to grant permission for a French translation of his "Naturalist’s voyage" [Journal of researches].
Gives consent, which is unnecessary because term of protection has expired, for French translation of Journal of researches.
Is at a loss to know how many copies of F. Müller’s Facts and arguments for Darwin to print.
The printer is ready for copy for a new "edition" of Variation. [Presumably another issue. 2d edition did not appear until 1875.]
Received and read ACR’s Physical geology. Places him at head of the subaeria denudationists. Unfortunately CD confounded William Whitaker’s article with ACR’s views and gave Whitaker credit for first producing the evidence. Will rectify it now. Has eliminated the rubbish he wrote on the Weald and will add a paragraph on importance of subaerial denudation.
Argues for great age of earth before the Cambrian period. Opposes measuring age from secular cooling. Opposes Sir William Thomson. Lyell’s error on secular cooling.
Thanks for Moseley citation ["On the mechanical possibility of the descent of glaciers", Proc. R. Soc. Lond. 17 (1869): 202–8].
In Edinburgh he feels out of touch with latest developments.
Repeats request for information on colours of plumage of poultry breeds and asks for WBT’s facts on proportions of sexes.
Thanks JVC for his information (from two correspondents) on the rate of growth of merino rams’ horns.
CD has been revising Origin [5th ed.]. Has found a good deal to alter.
Believes that species or genus may have originated more than once from separate ancestors, i.e., polyphyletically.
Discusses relation of CD’s theory to religion. Has written popular account of CD’s theory in Dutch [Darwin en de Godsdienst (1869)].
Consoling to CD that JC gives "a little more age to the world".
Cites article by Henry Moseley ["On the mechanical possibility of the descent of glaciers", Proc. R. Soc. Lond. 17 (1869): 202–8].
Mentions article by A. R. Clarke on shape of the globe.