Sent last sheet [of second part of Journal of researches] to printer yesterday. Will send half of MS for next part in four or five days.
Showing 61–80 of 92 items
Sent last sheet [of second part of Journal of researches] to printer yesterday. Will send half of MS for next part in four or five days.
Comments extensively on CL’s book [Travels in North America (1845)]. Lyell’s views on slavery, the clergy, education, and coalfields. Has difficulty in tracing Lyell’s course. Comments on geological portions, especially CL’s comparisons of living and fossil organisms to those of South America and Tasmania; animal formation of carbonic acid and effects of vegetable decay; Indians’ use of lumber. Discusses water-borne transportation of wood, fruit, and seeds. Notes distribution of Arctic flora.
Sorry to hear about condition of JDH’s grandfather.
Sends proofs of Galapagos chapter of Journal of researches.
Grieves to hear labels are displaced on his plants.
May he annotate [F. Gérard’s] L’espèce [(1844), extracted from Dictionnaire universel d’histoire naturelle, ed. C. D. d’Orbigny (1839–49)]?
Has again overrun his limits [in MS of third part of Journal of researches]. Sends JM a proof sheet of his account of Cape of Good Hope for decision whether to strike it out and save four pages.
Favourable notice of Journal has appeared in Gardeners’ Chronicle.
Will be pleased to provide a testimonial for J. D. Hooker, who is seeking the Chair in Botany at Edinburgh, but fears he himself is so little known that it could only be of the smallest service. Has asked Lyell to write to J. F. W. Herschel giving an opinion of J. D. Hooker.
Discusses the power of land covered with snow to radiate heat.
Criticises CL’s discussion of slavery [in Travels in North America (1845)]. A review of CL’s book is in Gardeners’ Chronicle.
Mentions John Lindley’s views on carbonic acid gas and extinction;
refers to the discussion of multiple and single creations in Humboldt’s Kosmos.
The origin of volcanic craters of elevation.
There is a popular demand for a new edition of Principles.
Praises palaeobotanical work of C. J. F. Bunbury.
Encloses a testimonial letter for J. D. Hooker [see 907]. If WJH thinks the letter could be improved CD will alter it. Feels it a disgrace that a professor should be appointed by men "who never heard of Humboldt & Brown".
A letter in support of J. D. Hooker as a candidate for Edinburgh Chair in Botany. No one better qualified. Wishes him success.
Has finished MS for second edition of Journal of researches. Instructs JM regarding author’s copies, and woodcuts; asks to be informed if volume sells well.
Anxious to hear of JDH’s prospects [at Edinburgh].
Has completed his Journal of researches.
Encloses signed receipt for promissory note for £150 from John Murray. Hopes to have pleasure of meeting him soon. Is particularly obliged for promise of information on success of volume.
Condolences on JDH’s grandfather’s death.
When his wife can move, they will go to Staffordshire.
Returns some books; would like to see copy of Kosmos [by Alexander von Humboldt]. Would be proud owner of JDH’s work [Flora Antarctica (1844–7)].
"All about household and money matters." The family is now living on about £1000 per annum. Plans a new walk and additions to the house.
Going to Shrewsbury on Monday.
Means to attempt the question of species: "though I shall get more kicks than half-pennies, I will, life serving, attempt my work".
Kosmos [by Alexander von Humboldt] has arrived safely.
CD acknowledges his presumption in speculating on variation without having worked out his due share of species, but "for nine years it has been anyhow the greatest amusement to me".
Discusses American Negroes and their parasitic lice. Henry Denny’s need for lice specimens.
Discusses effects of racial crosses in man.
Describes his trip to Yorkshire.
Comments on Sedgwick’s review [of Vestiges of creation].
Mentions Humboldt’s Kosmos. Criticises Humboldt’s geology.
Sorry to hear JDH did not get Edinburgh chair. Invites him to Down.
Comments on potato disease and its effects on the poor.
Describes visit to his Lincolnshire farm,
to York where he discussed hybrids with the Dean of Manchester [William Herbert],
his meeting with Charles Waterton, and his delight with Chatsworth.
Disappointed at Hooker’s failure to receive the Edinburgh chair; believes JDH will make a great botanist.
Would like to see JDH’s testimonials.
Disappointed with Kosmos.
Has visited Dean of Manchester, who is very heterodox on species.
Sends specimens. Asks for information about specimens from Rio Gallegos.
What does CGE mean by the term "Fluthgebiete"?
French translation gives impression that Ehrenberg attributes Pampas deposit to debacle.