Describes the coral formations of the island of Rodriguez [Indian Ocean].
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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.
Describes the coral formations of the island of Rodriguez [Indian Ocean].
Forwards a letter reporting on a blow-fly trapped by a leaf of Dionaea; decomposition of fly has also decomposed the leaf. JDH has written asking for a strong plant, and explaining the case [of surfeit].
Sends his book [On protoplasm (1874)], which defends CD’s theory.
Suggests why the lips are closed and the teeth clenched in the expression of determination: it originated as a means of protecting jaw-bone and teeth against a strong blow.
Comments on Tyndall’s [Presidential] Address at Belfast meeting [of BAAS] and praise of CD’s work there. Mentions criticism of Belfast clergy.
CL saw some crustacean footprints while in Ireland.
Will prepare experiments with the fatty acids on digestion of gluten. Has found it is digested slowly, but entirely, with pepsin and hydrochloric acid.
Writes at length on the origins and meanings of particular head movements as used to express assent or disagreement, especially the sideways movements of the head as an expression of consideration or contemplation.
Also discusses space and colour perception.
Observations of effect of pepsin and hydrochloric acid on urea indicate that it is not digested [by Drosera].
Sends Pinguicula vulgaris leaves with seeds on them, together with his observations on proportion of leaves with insects on them.
Observations on flotation of Utricularia vulgaris.
An anonymous letter praising the Origin.
He has physical peculiarities that support CD’s theories: e.g., ability to dilate nostrils like a rabbit and to spread out the toes of both feet.
Sends copy of one of his books.
Asks for drawing of CD’s right foot.
Thiselton-Dyer’s announcement of his inability to continue as JDH’s private secretary is a blow. He will now be doing original work. JDH is glad of that but the loss of his help is great.
Utricularia has broken into pieces and appears to be decaying.
Describes the coral formations of Zanzibar and east coast of Africa.
Has translated Origin into Serbian and wants CD’s authorisation to publish.
States his admiration for CD’s views and their progress in the U. S.
Sends papers and references.
Reports his microscopic observations on Drosera and other plants.
Sends CD his photo
and a copy of his address at Hartford ["Change by gradual modification not the universal law", Proc. Am. Assoc. Adv. Sci. (1874) pt 2: 7–12]. Does not believe his observations are unfavourable to natural selection but feels there are other factors involved in the origin of form.
Discusses further his work on colour and sex in plants; the linking of high colour and maleness.
CD’s Utricularia findings – bladders, subterranean roots, and insects decomposing in them – a grand discovery.