Showing 81–100 of 3818 items
Asks CD to look at the "special phylogonies" on pp. 138 and 152 of his book [Forms of animal life (1870)]. His comments are based on reading Haeckel, who is highly speculative and quite wrong.
Italian translation [of Variation] is delayed, but printing should begin soon.
Will send CD one of his writings in which he defends the natural descent of man [Origin dell’uomo, 2d ed. (1870)].
CD’s theory is making great progress in Italy and daily gains supporters.
On amount of modification and lines of descent in determining the position in man.
Reference to StGJM’s article "On the appendicular skeleton of the primates" Phil. Trans. R. Soc. [157 (1867): 299–430],
and his [and James Murie’s] article on lemurs ["On the anatomy of Lemuroidea"] Trans. Zool. Soc. [7 (1872): 1–114].
Is not prepared to express an opinion on man’s origin. On pure anatomical grounds he would form a family of the higher division of the primates, but if man’s intellectual, moral, and religious nature is considered, then "he differs more from an Anthropoid Ape than such an Ape differs from a lump of granite".
Sends insect that carries dead ants, dead leaves, etc., on its back, as protective imitation.
Apologises for saying more than was necessary in his previous letter. Although he feels gratitude and esteem for CD, he execrates those who use natural selection to oppose man’s higher interests and impede his advance. Has seen Huxley’s Man’s place in nature for sale among a crowd of obscenities at most Italian railway stations.
Aggressive behaviour of dogs and horses.
Rabbits still running true; hopes to increase alien blood to 30%.
Is much obliged for information [about rabbits?].
Will send deerhound puppy.
Is critical of Herbert Spencer.
Sends drawings of atypical Geranium and honeysuckle pollen-grains. Would they produce variation in seedlings?
Expression in horses.
Crying in babies.
Sends his "Charles Darwin, eine biographische Skizze" [Das Ausland 2 Apr 1870].
About the insertion of a column on marriage of cousins in the census form.
Good news: one little rabbit has a white forefoot.
Answers to CD’s queries on expression; observations on the facial expressions of the insane.
Comments on WP’s biographical article on CD. Asks him to thank O. F. Peschel for his present of the publication [Das Ausland 2 Apr 1870].
The illness and death of his daughter have delayed his answers to CD’s queries. He has, however, worked on the circulation of the eye and has almost finished a paper on it, which he will send to CD. In general, the views of Charles Bell are confirmed.
As for CD’s second query, he doubts that the relationship exists, but will answer fully in next letter.
On death of his wife. Botany a solace.
Asks CD to review Wallace’s recent book of essays [Natural selection (1870)], particularly the new essay, which questions the applicability of natural selection to man.
