[Responding to HS's 1859-12-31,] JH presents additional problems in the nebular hypothesis, critiques in detail HS's views of the distribution of cometary orbits, and argues against HS's theory of sunspot formation.
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[Responding to HS's 1859-12-31,] JH presents additional problems in the nebular hypothesis, critiques in detail HS's views of the distribution of cometary orbits, and argues against HS's theory of sunspot formation.
[Responding to JH's 1860}-1-12,] HS admits some of JH's objections to HS's views on distribution of cometary orbits, but attempts to salvage HS's cyclonic theory of sunspot formation.
Has prepared a historical sketch [of writers on origin of species] for foreign editions of Origin. It includes HS. He was too ill to provide it for the 1st ed.
Sorry Murray has not sent HS his copy of Origin, as he was instructed.
Huxley will put CD and E. A. Darwin down for HS’s gigantic [publishing] programme. Suggests Dr Drysdale be approached about it.
CD has caused a great change in HS’s views, in showing how a great proportion of adaptation should be explained by natural selection not direct adaptation to changing conditions. HS had remarked on the survival of the best individuals as a cause of improvement in man, but he "& every one" overlooked selection of spontaneous variation. Believes so many kinds of indirect evidence must add up to a conclusive demonstration of the doctrine.
HS put the case of selection strikingly and clearly in his article [Anonymous, "A theory of population, deduced from the general law of animal fertility", Westminster Rev. 57 (1852): 468–501]. Of CD’s numerous private critics only HS has rendered the philosophy fairly: his argument is an hypothesis that explains groups of facts.
Asks JH to become a subscriber to a work that HS is bringing out. Lists prominent persons who have already done so.
Thanks JH for agreeing [1860-3-17] to be a subscriber to HS's project and for JH's critique of HS's use of the term 'Absolute.' Admits that it has difficulties.
Recalls JH having written that an 'annulus of stars might be in equilibrium.' Asks where this claim appears in JH's writings.
Thanks JH for sending HS a copy of JH's dialogue ['On Atoms']. Comments on it.
Doubts the claim that Auguste Comte has significantly influenced English scientists. Asks whether JH believes Comte has influenced JH or others. Asks whether it is more difficult to calculate the moon's motion or the motion of a projectile through a resisting medium.
In response to HS's query [1864-3-1] about the influence of Auguste Comte on English scientists, JH refers HS to JH's 1845 B.A.A.S. presidential address. States that calculating the motion of a projectile through a resisting medium is extremely difficult.
No summary available.
No summary available.
Recounts efforts to establish The Reader as a respected weekly journal of science. Asks that JH submit material for publication in it.
The Reader does not plan to publish a list of contributors, but would welcome letters by JH, which would imply JH's support for the new weekly journal of science.
Wonders whether CD might contribute, if possible, an occasional letter to the Reader to help in their effort to establish the journal.
Will subscribe to HS's work as requested [see HS's 1860-3-5], but dissents 'from very large portions' of HS's views. Especially objects to HS's adoption of the 'Shibboleth of the Hegel & Schelling School of German Philosophy—"the Absolute."' [This letter misdated; correct date: 1860-3-17.]
Asks whether CD will add his name to a list supporting them in the "[Edward John] Eyre prosecution matter".
No summary available.
No summary available.