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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.
Agrees not to receive his share of sales on Insectivorous plants until 750 or 800 copies are sold. 1250 to be printed.
Informs CD that Lyon Playfair would introduce the bill in the House of Commons, and that Lord Cardwell and Lord Shaftesbury had agreed to support it, the former introducing the bill in the House of Lords.
Writes about a white rabbit which is turning fawn-coloured,
and about Scottish education.
Hopes WDW will come to Down.
Further discussion of the introduction of a bill by Lyon Playfair on animal experimentation.
On colour changes in rabbits. Suspects JBI’s is of impure origin.
Is correcting proof of Insectivorous plants.
Notes absence of material on fossil coral reefs in CD’s 2d edition [Coral reefs (1874)]. Has been collecting specimens from a fossil reef near his home for four years; gave many to Oxford.
A letter introducing T. F. Burgers, President of the Transvaal Republic.
Would like to call on CD if convenient.
Proposes that TFB visit in about a week; at present CD is unwell.
Discusses Vivisection Bill.
Sends his paper to show his priority over John Le Couteur. Claims discovery of the "law of development" of cereals.
CD has misplaced the annual audited balance sheet for the Down Friendly Society and wonders whether he has sent it to his correspondent in error.
Thanks FFH for his note and enclosure [see 9982]. Quotes from Le Couteur [On … wheat (1836)?] to justify statements made in Variation [1868].
Lyon Playfair’s bill [on vivisection] is unacceptable to all teachers of physiology. It prohibits dissections for demonstrations to students. He will have to repudiate it. Asks CD’s advice.
CD believes Playfair’s bill would not restrict demonstrations under anaesthetic.
The Government has decided to hold a Royal Commission on vivisection with Lord Cardwell as chairman.
Insists that he, not Le Couteur, was the first to recognise and exploit variation within wheat varieties. Disturbed he was not acknowledged in Variation.
Believes Lyon Playfair has been led to compromise too far on bill about animal experimentation as a result of pressure from men wishing to suppress science. A full enquiry is to take place. [See 9987.] Suggests that CD send Playfair Huxley’s letter on the subject.
Thanks AD for his Ursprung [der Wirbelthiere (1875)], which astonished CD. AD’s views, if accepted by competent authorities, will show how much we have to learn about the history of every animal. Suggests caution on "degradation principle". Comments on other views in the work. Has long seen importance of the principle of "Functionswechsel" [transfer [change!?] of function], but never enunciated it as a distinct principle.