Is glad to hear that his health is improving. Has been preparing the wording of a tablet to be erected in memory of Richard Sheepshanks. Sends a proof of one of his theorems.
No summary available.
No summary available.
No summary available.
No summary available.
Thanks for engraving of Saturn; comments on other aspects of observing that planet. JH notes he is confined to a wheelchair.
Forwards two specimens of beans found on north coast of Norway.
No summary available.
No summary available.
Further instructions from Melbourne about the transfer of funds [see JH's 1855-7-8]; will be happy to get rid of this problem.
Attests to JN's competence at Mint and in superintending copper coinage at Birmingham.
No summary available.
The end of the Melbourne University business seems happily now at hand [see JH's 1855-9-27].
No summary available.
No summary available.
Responds to THH’s questioning of his observations on cirripede anatomy with extensive discussion of what he observed. Admits his elementary knowledge of microscopical structures but seriously doubts he has erred. Cement glands, ovarian tubes, etc.
No summary available.
Origin of domestic varieties. EB ascribes "abnormal" variations to man’s propagation of casual monstrosities; believes "normal" variations, e.g. European races of cattle, are a consequence of man’s selecting the choicest specimens. Gives examples of "abnormal" variations; they give rise to features that have no counterpart among possible wild progenitors. Divides domestic animals into those whose origin is known and those whose origin is unknown. Considers that the wild progenitors of nearly all domestic birds are known. Fowls and pigeons show many varieties but if propagated abnormalities are ignored each group can be seen to be variations of a single species, the ancestors of which can be recognised without difficulty. Discusses varieties and ancestry of the domestic fowl. Variation in the wild; the ruff shows exceptional variability; other species of birds show variability in size of individuals. Remarks that markings sometimes vary on different sides of the same animal. Comments on the want of regularity in leaf and petal patterns of some plants. Discusses domestic varieties of reindeer and camels. Origin of humped cattle. Reports the rapid spread of a snail in lower Bengal that was introduced as a single pair five or six years previously.
[CD’s notes are an abstract of part of this memorandum. Memorandum originally enclosed with 1760.]
