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Butler, Samuel (b) in correspondent 
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From:
Samuel Butler
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
11 May 1872
Source of text:
DAR 106: A3–5
Summary:

His chapter on machines in Erewhon has been misunderstood as laughing at the Origin. He was only trying to show how an absurd proposition can be defended with a little ingenuity, distortion, and departure from strict scientific method. Will explain in a second edition, if one is called for.

Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
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From:
Samuel Butler
To:
Francis Darwin
Date:
[before 30 May 1872]
Source of text:
DAR 106: A6–7
Summary:

Sends drawings of dogs in different attitudes, drawn by his friend A. May. FD should not trouble CD unless he thinks the drawings will please him. [See Expression, pp. 54–5.]

Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
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From:
Samuel Butler
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
30 May 1872
Source of text:
DAR 106: A8–10
Summary:

Thanks CD for his note and cheque for young May.

Will send copy of second edition of Erewhon, in which he has set himself straight about "having intended no villainy by the machines". [See 8318.]

Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
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From:
Charles Robert Darwin
To:
Samuel Butler
Date:
1 Apr [1873]
Source of text:
The British Library (Add MS 34486 D: 60–1)
Summary:

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.

Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
Samuel Butler
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
15 Apr 1873
Source of text:
DAR 106: A11–12
Summary:

Thanks CD for his kind letter about The fair haven [1873]. Encouraged by its reception. All he wants is to compel "an attitude of fixed attention in the place of cowardly shrinking from examination". Says he will try "a novel pure and simple with little ""purpose"" next".

Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
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From:
Samuel Butler
To:
Francis Darwin
Date:
24 Sept 1877
Source of text:
DAR 199.5: 100
Summary:

Offers to send MS of part of his new book [Life and habit] which gently pokes fun at CD. His book will offer an alternative to Pangenesis.

Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
Samuel Butler
To:
Francis Darwin
Date:
25 Nov 1877
Source of text:
DAR 160: 393
Summary:

SB’s book [Life and habit (1878)] will be bound shortly. He will send two copies, one of which can be given to CD. To SB’s surprise it has turned out to be an attack on CD’s views and a defence of Lamarck; describes how he was brought to the opinions expressed in it.

Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
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