Thinks W. P. Garrison’s book [extracts from Journal of researches for juvenile readers] would serve as an advertisement for the Journal.
Disappointed at sale of Erasmus Darwin.
Showing 21–40 of 48 items
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.
Thinks W. P. Garrison’s book [extracts from Journal of researches for juvenile readers] would serve as an advertisement for the Journal.
Disappointed at sale of Erasmus Darwin.
His family shake heads in dismal manner at his proposed title for his MS: "The Circumnutating Movements of Plants". Makes several other suggestions [none of which was adopted].
CD had intended to pay costs of publishing Movement in plants because he did not think it fair that Murray should risk publishing a purely scientific work. He would certainly prefer publishing on the usual terms if JM decided to do so. The book contains much new and curious matter, but there are very few persons in England interested in physiological botany.
CD will take the risk and the loss of Movement in plants on his own shoulders. He will have 1000 copies printed and, on RC’s advice, will charge 15s.
C. Reinwald wishes to publish a French translation [of Movement in plants] but is doubtful on account of cost. CD wants to supply him with stereotypes of the 195 cuts at prime cost.
CD promised Reinwald the clichés [for Movement in plants] at cost, so he is to be charged £10. Eduard Koch should be charged £25, since CD’s books sell well in Germany – but Koch must not know the French have them for £10.
Thanks RC for telling him about sale of 600 copies [of Movement in plants]. He had expected less, so loss will not be as heavy as he feared. Asks whether he should not have 250 more copies printed and what it would cost to have the type kept up.
Instructions for presentation copies.
The index is the worst ever published.
Likes appearance [of Movement in plants].
The Times review should sell a few more copies.
Thanks Murray for present of volumes by Charles St John [A tour in Sutherlandshire, 2 vols. (1849?)].
Asks for quick decision on publication [of Earthworms]. Does not care whether it is published on commission or on usual terms, but wants it published in a hurry. Cannot guess at sales.
Agrees that new book [Earthworms] be published on old terms. Hopes it will not fail.
CD is curious to read an essay on evolution by a Hindu, which is being sent to Murray from India.
CD thought it was understood that he wanted to publish [Earthworms] at once, but as Murray "has the risk" CD must yield, though it destroys all his satisfaction in the book to have the publication hanging over him.
CD obliged to Murray for yielding to his wish for prompt publication [of Earthworms] but now uneasy about the risk. If Murray feels it will sell badly at this season he is unwilling to bear the responsibility. Murray should decide as he sees fit. CD is no longer so sulky as when he last wrote.
Assumes Murray will give permission for French translation of Orchids; asks that stereotypes of woodcuts be supplied at cost, since if expensive the work will not appear.
More discussion of the illustrations for Expression.
A Swedish naturalist [G. Lindström] has asked to translate the Journal of researches.
Has completed corrections for Origin [6th ed.], but has received no proofs. Hopes it will be published without delay.
Has been reflecting on Murray’s suggestion to stereotype the Origin. Sees advantage in that it will make him stop additions and changes in style. Inquires whether each separate sheet is stereotyped and can be altered.
Asks whether any copies of C. Wright’s pamphlet have been sold.
Agrees to stereotyping Origin [6th ed.].
Asks that 500 or 1000 more copies of Descent be printed. Will make no corrections except the number of thousands on title page. Would like to revise [Descent] if it goes on selling.
Has decided that 1000 copies of Descent should be printed. Will make no alterations. "If it goes on selling it will shew that it is worth a thorough revision."
The U. S. sale of Descent (10000 copies) is larger than in England.
Queries and suggestions for arrangements about foreign editions of Expression.
CD must see proofs for lettering on the plates [for Expression] to ensure that it matches the text.
Asks whether he can tell Appleton that Murray will supply clichés and stereotypes [for Expression] at only a small profit. Will make same offer to other foreign editors. Prefers that W. S. Dallas prepare the index.
On arrangements for paying for stereotyped plates for Expression. D. Appleton will be told not to publish "an hour before" Murray.