From:
Charles Robert Darwin
To:
William Darwin Fox
Date:
[23 Aug 1841]
Source of text:
Christ’s College Library, Cambridge (MS 53 Fox 61)
Summary:
Consents to be godfather to WDF’s child.
Sends family news.
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
Consents to be godfather to WDF’s child.
Sends family news.
Reports detailed observations on humble-bees boring holes in flowers to extract nectar instead of brushing over the stamens and pistils. Some hive-bees seem to use the holes made by the humble-bees; speculates that this would be a case of acquired knowledge in insects.
Sends elephant tooth from Africa. Suggests it may be interesting in light of his [mistaken] memory of Cuvier’s opinion about tusk brought from Peru by Humboldt.
No summary available.
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Thinks that there should be more definite instructions for the Directors of the Magnetical Observatories. Has drawn up a paper, which if JH agrees with, can be signed and printed for distribution. Points out the significant parts. There should be a common nomenclature for the weather.
Hears with pleasure of the peace reigning at the Cape between the Caffres. The Boers are a different proposition and JH agrees with GN's policy. J. R. Innes called in on his way to Scotland. Weather in England is gloomy, like the political events.
Reliability of measuring instruments used in scientific and public surveys. Approves George Peacock's suggestion to revise survey tables for use by non-scientist surveyors. Schools should teach only legalized systems of weights, measures, and money.
Replies to [?]'s questions about 'Mr. Bethune's suggestions' concerning terminology to be used for standards of weight and measure. Agrees with G. B. Airy that term 'land' should be used with 'land chain' unit.
Outlines suggestions from [Drinkwater-]Bethune for improving 'Report of Standards.' Bethune distinguished Exchequer, Local, and Parliamentary (or National) standards, and preserved unit called 'land chain' equal to twenty yards.
Requests JH's opinion on five specific points in 'Report on Standards.'
Asks for JH's comments on George Peacock's assessment that the Report of the Standards Commission [see GA's 1841-7-27] is directed too much to scientific men, and others will not understand it; suggests an appendix to show the relationship between the proposed measures.
Presents best wishes to Lady Herschel. Regrets not having met on account of meeting with [G. B.] Airy at Greenwich. Is keeping four pictures of JH and has offered 2 additional ones to Prince Albert.
Has received JH's 'Report' proof regarding JH's description of specific gravity. Captive balloons. Would JH refer him to D. F. J. Arago's experiments on the shadow of a disk.
Comments on the report [see GA's 1841-8-11]; wants the standards legislation to be demanding of rigor in application.
Comments specifically on the accuracy of surveyors' chains [see JH's 1841-8-13], together with brief comments on a few other matters.
Further comments on the Standards Commission Report [see GA's 1841-7-27].
Encloses catalogue of 1677 stars. Has sent his own report on star nomenclature to Plymouth. Will call at his house later in the week.