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Darwin, C. R. in correspondent 
Wallace, A. R. in correspondent 
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From:
Charles Robert Darwin
To:
Alfred Russel Wallace
Date:
1 May 1857
Source of text:
The British Library (Add MS 46434)
Summary:

Reports long preparation of work on how species and varieties differ. Agreement with Wallace’s conclusions as reported in Annals and Magazine of Natural History and in his letter to CD of 10 0ct [1856]. On distinction between domestic varieties and those in "a state of nature".

On mating of jaguars and leopards, the breeding of poultry, pigeons, etc.

Requests help for his experimenting on means of distribution of organic beings on oceanic islands.

Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
Alfred Russel Wallace
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
[27 Sept 1857]
Source of text:
DAR 47: 145
Summary:

Refers to CD’s letter of "May last". ARW’s views on order of succession of species are in accordance with CD’s.

Disappointed that his paper ["On the law which has regulated the introduction of new species", Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. 2d ser. 16 (1855): 184–96] elicited no discussion; now ARW is trying to prove it. Paper merely states the theory.

On black jaguars breeding inter se: ARW has never heard of a parti-coloured one.

Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
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From:
Charles Robert Darwin
To:
Alfred Russel Wallace
Date:
22 Dec 1857
Source of text:
The British Library (Add MS 46434)
Summary:

Comments on agreement of their respective views on distribution.

Reference to differences on subsidence.

Reports on progress of his work and praises ARW’s investigations.

Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
Charles Robert Darwin
To:
Alfred Russel Wallace
Date:
25 Jan [1859]
Source of text:
The British Library (Add MS 46434)
Summary:

Expresses pleasure and relief at ARW’s response to joint publication of their pieces about natural selection.

Plans for the "abstract" [Origin].

Birds’ nests as evidence of variation of instincts.

Their collection of bees’ combs.

Praises ARW’s article.

Lyell’s and Hooker’s views [of species issue].

Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
Charles Robert Darwin
To:
Alfred Russel Wallace
Date:
6 Apr 1859
Source of text:
The British Library (Add MS 46434)
Summary:

First part of Origin MS is with Murray;

CD hopes he has noticed ARW’s work fairly.

ARW is right in thinking that CD was led to believe that selection was the principle of change from studying domesticated productions and that after reading Malthus he "saw at once how to apply this principle". Geographical distribution and geological relations of extinct and recent inhabitants of S. America first led him to the subject, "Especially case of Galapagos Islds". Hooker and Lubbock are full converts and Huxley now believes in species mutation. "We shall live to see all the younger men converts."

Praises ARW’s work and spirit.

CD had actually written a letter to ARW stating he would not publish before him but was persuaded by Lyell and Hooker to allow them to act "as they thought fair & honourably".

Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
Charles Robert Darwin
To:
Alfred Russel Wallace
Date:
9 Aug 1859
Source of text:
The British Library (Add MS 46434)
Summary:

Will forward ARW’s "admirable" paper to Linnean Society ["On the zoological geography of the Malay Archipelago", J. Linn. Soc. Lond. (Zool.) 4 (1860): 172–84].

Discusses geographical distribution of animals in the Malay Archipelago; relation of distribution to depth of sea between islands.

Relation of Celebes to Africa almost passes belief.

Differs wholly from ARW on colonisation of oceanic islands; does not believe in Forbes’s great continental extensions.

Anticipates Owen’s opposition to their views, but "he is a poor reasoner & deeply considers the good opinion of the world, especially the aristocratic world".

Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
Charles Robert Darwin
To:
Alfred Russel Wallace
Date:
13 Nov 1859
Source of text:
The British Library (Add MS 46434)
Summary:

A copy of CD’s book [Origin] has been sent to ARW; invites his comments. "God knows what the public will think". Hooker believes Lyell is a convert, but CD does not think so, although he is "deeply interested". If he can convert Huxley, CD will be content.

Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project