Showing 1–12 of 12 items
Leaves home on 6th for a rest.
Will commence writing Erasmus Darwin.
Apologises for keeping RD’s various books for so long a time.
Asks GHD to look in Cambridge University Library for Monthly Magazine articles containing a malicious calumny concerning Dr [Erasmus] D[arwin] [see Erasmus Darwin, pp. 65–70].
Was it Lady Charlemont or Charleville who remarked how agreeable their grandfather was?
Asks her to confirm story about Robert Darwin (father of Dr Erasmus).
Asks GHD to look for a life of Sir Henry Rayburn [Raeburn] "who is spoken of as famous and who painted Charles Darwin [1758–1778] when dead". Asks why he painted the corpse.
A big book arrived for GHD before CD left Down. Hopes it is Thomson and Tait [Treatise on natural philosophy, 2 vols., 2d ed. (1869)]. It shows what they think of GHD.
Thinks it grand if GHD has made a correction about "such an old sinner as the Sun" and hopes his arithmetic on his old subject will turn out right.
Believes it absurd to doubt that a man may be an ardent theist and evolutionist; gives the examples of Kingsley and Asa Gray. As regards CD’s own views, his judgement often fluctuates but "I have never been an Atheist in the sense of denying the existence of God". Thinks that "generally (and more and more as I grow older) … an Agnostic would be the most correct description of my state of mind".
CD is particularly obliged for the copy of Maria Edgeworth’s letter.
Appreciates award of the Baly Medal and hopes to attend ceremony on 26 June.
Sends some queries connected with his writing of the biographical preface to Erasmus Darwin.
Try to find and read [a German] account of the fir-trees affected by some fungus which produces upright shoots. CD wants to know whether the case is same as what he has observed in the silver fir. Includes diagram.
Encloses a family document [another letter from F. S. Darwin to R. W. Darwin?].
Asks whether RD has ever heard a story about their grandfather and a highway robber.
Sends a letter [missing] on the chance that GHD might give the writer information about tides.
Rejoices at GHD’s friendship with Sir W. Thomson and grand vein of research he has struck on.
First draft of life of Dr [Erasmus] D[arwin] is nearly finished.
