Discusses error in CD’s calculation of natural increase of elephants.
Includes extract from Origin.
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Discusses error in CD’s calculation of natural increase of elephants.
Includes extract from Origin.
HCFJ’s review of the Origin was the wittiest and in some respects the best written.
Thanks him for his Electricity and magnetism [1873].
Hopes that Charles Lyell has enjoyed his excursion.
Comments on SB’s book [The fair haven (1873)]. CD is struck by SB’s dramatic power – thinks he could write "a really good novel". Surprised at strength of case SB makes that Jesus did not die on the cross. SB’s identity will soon be universally known: Leslie Stephen knows he is the author.
Having now read Expression, WM repeats his criticism of "antithesis". Explains his theory of up-and-down-tending lines.
The impossibility of conceiving that the universe arose through chance is the chief argument for the existence of God, but CD has never been able to decide whether this is an argument of real value. Safest to believe that the subject is beyond man’s intellect, "but man can do his duty".
Comments on article ["Perception and instinct in lower animals", Nature 7 (1871): 377–8].
Explains his contention that "many of the most wonderful instincts have been acquired, independently of habit, through the preservation of useful variations of pre-existing instincts". Cites examples: sterile workers of several species of social insects have acquired different instincts; movements of tumbler pigeons. Speculates that "many instincts have originated from modification or variations in the brain".
Anxious to have GHD come home because of his poor health. Recommends Huxley’s physician (Andrew Clark) – an advocate of milk diet.
Has sent JDH’s letter to Nature ["Perception in ants", Nature 7 (1873): 443–4].
Sons recall kindness received from JDH and others in America.
Debates the existence of God.
Wants to discuss raising a testimonial fund for Huxley and whether Huxley would stand this.
Sends photograph of a diseased roebuck shot by Prince Frederick Charles of Prussia.
Thanks TD for catalogue of his Cretacean fossils.
Regrets he cannot visit Brighton.
Thinks the Huxley fund should be done. Difficulty will be getting him to accept it.
Sends his 6th volume.
Sends to Pantlludw [North Wales] bottle of formic acid. FD and Amy [Darwin] can search for spawn. If found, keep in two basins and add 6 drops of acid to one and look for differences.
William Spottiswoode was not at home, but JT sought out Herbert Spencer. Spencer will come with JT to see CD [about the Huxley fund].
CD will write to William Spottiswoode about the fund for Huxley. CD is raising his subscription to £300. "We have done a good day’s work … [it] gives me a higher opinion of human nature than I had before, though I am not one of those who think lowly of mankind."
Discusses the arrangements being made to present a gift to Huxley [see 8872].
Is convinced that the "brotherly spirit of the transaction" will cause Huxley not to raise objections.