Thanks CD for permission to translate Variation into Russian. The translation will be guided by his brother Alexander, a follower of Darwin,
whose articles on the affinity of ascidians and vertebrates he forwards.
Answers VOK’s questions regarding the size of forthcoming Variation and gives his consent to a translation.
But if Origin has not yet been translated into Russian, CD thinks it would be a better book to undertake.
On whether to make woodcuts for Variation in Russia or use Murray’s stereotypes. He has similar advance publication agreements with Carl Vogt, E. A. Rossmässler and Theodor Billroth.
The Russian version of Origin is translated from Bronn’s German edition.
Agrees to use Murray’s stereotypes.
Offers to send rug made from a black Russian bear he shot.
CD has sent some revised proof-sheets and ordered the stereotypes [for Russian translation of Variation]. First volume is dull, but he hopes second is more interesting.
The proofs CD sent seem to have been lost in the post. Asks him to send another set by ordinary letter post.
Lost proofs have arrived.
Proposes to append the woodcuts of dog and cat varieties from Brehm [Illustrirtes Thierleben (1864–7)], which he has also translated, to the Russian edition of Variation.
Sends proof-sheets [of Variation]. Will not charge VOK for right of translation.
CD is sorry proof-sheets were lost; hopes clean sheets will have arrived.
Repeats details of his previous letter [5537] as he was unsure whether CD received it.
Sends a sheet of proofs. Will hold four others until he hears from VOK, because of expensive postage. Thinks illustrating Russian translation [of Variation] with woodcuts from A. E. Brehm’s work [Illustrirtes Thierleben, 4 vols. (1864–7)] is an excellent idea.
Thanks VOK for the present of A. E. Brehm’s Illustrirtes Thierleben [1864–7].
The woodcuts will do admirably [for Variation].
His translation and printing of Variation will be completed in two months.
His work on a relief committee for Russia’s agricultural distress has forced him to travel 1000 miles in the last week.
Plans to visit CD in July.
Sends sheets with alterations to be made [in Russian translation of Variation]. VOK should consider adding to the title-page that CD is a Corresponding Member of the Imperial Academy of Sciences (St Petersburg).
The first half of vol. 2 of Variation is printed.
News of his marriage.
Sends portraits of Russian scientists.
Hopes CD will write his book on man and asks permission to translate it.
Moving to Germany for two or three years.
Has written to Moscow about translations of Origin. Wishes to translate additions to the fifth English edition and print them as a supplement.
Pleased by CD’s high opinion of Alexander Kovalevsky.
Since March has been living in Heidelberg, where his wife is studying mathematics and physics.
The Russian translation of Variation has been printed in his absence; he will bring a copy to Down if he receives one from Russia.
Moritz Wagner is going to attack selection theory in his new book on his travels in America [Naturwissenschaftliche Reisen im tropischen Amerika (1870)].
K. G. Semper may attack CD’s theory of coral islands.
"I have received a very large box full of beautiful tea from Russia yesterday … my life is as regular & monotonous as a clock.
I make sure, but wofully slow progress, with my new book."
Describes his brother Alexander’s discovery of male of Bonellia, a striking example of dimorphism. Encloses a plate with notes on his brother’s work.
The difficulty his wife, Sofya Kovalevsky, has had as a woman in being admitted to Berlin University. Kirchow [Gustav Robert Kirchhoff], at Heidelberg, has taken an interest in her.