From:
John Herschel
To:
Mary Somerville
Date:
14 Mar 1869
Source of text:
HS 16.378, RS
Summary:
No summary available.
Contributor:
Brigitte Stenhouse
No summary available.
No summary available.
Translation of Für Darwin has been published [Facts and arguments for Darwin (1869)].
Discusses dimorphic plants, commenting on FM’s observations on Oxalis.
Is greatly interested in Eschscholzia, which seems somewhat more self-sterile in Brazil than in England.
Thinks FM’s grass is "most wonderful".
Describes experiments with sterility in Abutilon.
Describes hermaphroditism in a wild Begonia in Brazil.
Has been observing humble bees on Salvia.
Commentary on manuscript [Personal Recollections?] that [MS] sent to JH one month ago. Career of scientific learning and domestic happiness will inspire future generations. Suggests publishing it posthumously for greater impact. Corrects passages about Charles Babbage. Gives purpose, history, and membership of each of two Standards committees, one of 1819 and one of 1838. Suggests avoiding topic of bitter controversy over invention of electric telegraph.