Opinions on the Origin: AG thinks it masterly; Agassiz considers it very poor.
Opinions on the Origin: AG thinks it masterly; Agassiz considers it very poor.
Is grateful for JH's opinion. Can hardly imagine that such a simple contrivance should answer the purpose. Saw the patent agent who has offered to send a list of all the writings on the subject. Also brought the matter before B. C. Brodie (the elder), who now seems totally blind.
Queries on expression among Fuegians and Patagonians.
WBC’s review [of Origin, Natl Rev. 10 (1860): 188–214] will do great good. It "turns the flanks of theological opposers" capitally.
Asks for information about cuckoo eggs and West Indian sheep.
No summary available.
Regarding increasing the payment to the Secretaries of the R.S.L. Would like JH's comments.
Sends a copy of his Ventriculidae [of the Chalk (1848)]. This group, he feels, is well represented by CD’s plate of graduating species [Origin, ch. 4].
Comments on AG’s memoir on Japanese plants [see 2599]; relationship of Japanese flora to N. American.
Thanks LJ for his letter on Origin. Finds LJ agrees with him more than CD had expected.
Discusses problems of geological record, single primordial form, and man.
A letter of great sadness: someone is at death's door; not much hope is held out. [This letter may refer to the imminent death of daughter Margaret Louisa, because of its reference to poor Reginald, which was the name of MLH's husband].
Gratitude for sending [John] Taylor's book. Believes dimensions of Great Pyramid exhibit knowledge of geometry but not of calculus among ancient Egyptians. Suggests way to modify British standard of length to produce 'perfect metrical system' superior to that of French.
Agrees with BB that the honorarium paid to the secretaries should be increased. Further comments on this point.
Sends back manuscript of WH's [Elements of Quaternions] with comments. Says it's excellent but somewhat distracting to a beginner.
Sends W. H. Smyth's history of R.S.L. Club [Sketch of the Rise and Progress of the Royal Society Club, 1860]. Mentions W. H. Smyth's retiring from visiting R.S.L. Club.
Sends ticket to pigeon show.
A quotation from Erasmus Darwin’s Zoonomia [1794, 1796] shows that he anticipated Lamarck.
G. Grote impressed by Times review [26 Dec 1859, p. 8].
No summary available.
Would like to dedicate his 'Elements of musical science' to JH.
No summary available.
Agassiz denounces Origin as "atheistical";
AG is currently reviewing it [in Am. J. Sci. 2d ser. 29 (1860): 153–84].
Jeffries Wyman praises it, though not a convert.
Comments on corrections [in Origin, 2d ed. (1860)], especially on use of Wallace’s name.
Discusses human evolution with respect to CL’s work. Cites expression as a source of evidence.
Andrew Murray’s criticisms of the Origin involving blind insects in caves [Edinburgh New Philos. J. n.s. 11 (1860): 141–51].
Humorously describes human ancestors.