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The Charles Darwin Collection
The Darwin Correspondence Project is publishing letters written by and to the naturalist Charles Darwin (1809–1882). Complete transcripts of letters are being made available through the Project’s website (www.darwinproject.ac.uk) after publication in the ongoing print edition of The Correspondence of Charles Darwin (Cambridge University Press 1985–). Metadata and summaries of all known letters (c. 15,000) appear in Ɛpsilon, and the full texts of available letters can also be searched, with links to the full texts.
Gives CD a reference to one of his papers ["Remarks on the modes of variation of nearly affined species or races of birds", J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal 19 (1850): 221–9]
and discusses moulting in birds.
Quotes instance of an action by an elephant that apparently displays considerable intelligence.
Feels there is little he could say as a testimonial for HMJ.
Observations on lateral spots on coats of two specimens of deer. PS on habits of wild and domestic turkeys.
Bibliographical references on [stridulation in] Coleoptera. Finds no idea of sex has occurred to authors [i.e., they do not find the stridulating organs differing according to sex; cf. Descent 1: 378–85].
Encloses copy of H. Barkly’s answer to JDH’s inquiry on the Seychelles Island crocodile.
Replies to CD’s questions on sexual differences in birds.
Sexual differences in coloration. Sexual selection versus natural selection as explanations. ARW continues to argue against sexual selection, saying that natural selection, in keeping the female dull for protection, would account for differences in sexual colouring more effectively than inheritance and partial transmission of sexually selected male colours. Colours of female birds of paradise. Protective coloration. Disagrees with CD on coincidence of hidden nests and bright colours of females.
A sermon.
Note identifying insects and remarking on stridulation.
Sexual selection, protection.
Asks JT to distribute some circulars about the work of Gustavus Hinrichs of Iowa, whom CD wishes to help.
Admires JT’s Norwich address [to Mathematics and Physics Section, BAAS meeting, Rep. BAAS 38: 1–6] and his Fortnightly Review paper on scientific discovery [7 (1867): 645–60].
Pleased HM says good words for Pangenesis.
Gustavus Hinrichs is also a [not highly regarded] correspondent of JT’s; he will put GH’s papers on the table at Royal Institution to ease CD’s conscience.
Dined with the Asa Grays at Hooker’s. Told Mrs Gray that CD’s ill health was a benefit because it caused him to ponder a great deal.
Thanks CD for letter of 3 Oct [missing] about LB’s publication.
C[harles?] P[arker?] says he has made a "fearful mistake", and the marriage cannot be; EAD hopes to come to CD next week.
J. J. Sylvester reports George’s fellowship "the most enviable position on earth".
Charles [Parker?] "appears to be ruined".
Wants seeds of Passiflora gracilis.
Congratulates CD on election of his son [George] as a Fellow of Trinity College.
Describes his ill health.
Invites CD to visit Cambridge.
[Letter dated November in error.]
Will finish translation of Für Darwin in a week.
Asks CD to use his influence to get him appointed Assistant Secretary of the Geological Society [London].
Thanks AS for congratulations on George Darwin’s Trinity fellowship.
Reminiscence of his geological tour of North Wales with AS and the encouraging messages received during the Beagle voyage.