From:
Hewett Cottrell Watson
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
3 Jan 1858
Source of text:
DAR 98: A19–20
Summary:
Discusses the ranges and distribution of varieties relative to the type species.
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
Hewett Cottrell Watson
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
23 Feb [1858]
Source of text:
DAR 98: A21–2
Summary:
Believes that botanists tend to mark more varieties in large than in small genera, but notes that where many varieties of a species exist these varieties may well be passed over, whereas similar varieties of another species which are fewer in number may well be recorded.
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
Hewett Cottrell Watson
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
23 Mar 1858
Source of text:
DAR 98: A23–4
Summary:
Discusses the ranges of species in large and small genera; difficulties involved in limiting the discussion to Britain.
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
Hewett Cottrell Watson
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
[after 23 Mar 1858]
Source of text:
DAR 45: 16–17
Summary:
Extracts from MS of vol. 4 of HCW’s Cybele Britannica [1847–59] showing the diversity of views on species among botanists.
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
Hewett Cottrell Watson
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
21 Nov [1859]
Source of text:
DAR 98: B9–10
Summary:
Believes natural selection will become recognised as an established truth in science, though it will shock the ideas of many men.
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
Hewett Cottrell Watson
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
30 Nov [1859]
Source of text:
DAR 181: 37
Summary:
Sends a correction for Origin reprint.
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
Hewett Cottrell Watson
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
[3? Jan 1860]
Source of text:
DAR 47: 135–8
Summary:
Notes by HCW on the Origin dealing especially with divergence and convergence. Believes there is some natural tendency to converge into groups in opposition to divergence generated by natural selection.
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
Hewett Cottrell Watson
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
10 May 1860
Source of text:
DAR 47: 160–1
Summary:
Returns reviews of Origin.
F. J. Pictet [Arch. Sci. Phys. & Nat. n.s. 7 (1860): 231–55] goes further than he himself realises.
Naturalists will resist CD’s views until faith in certain "impassable" barriers between existent species is shaken.
Gives CD an instance of convergence.
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
Hewett Cottrell Watson
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
24 July 1861
Source of text:
DAR 181: 38
Summary:
Distribution of varieties and subspecies.
George Maw’s review of the Origin [Zoologist 19 (1861): 7577–611].
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
Hewett Cottrell Watson
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
[after 24 July 1861]
Source of text:
DAR 47: 162
Summary:
Gives CD an instance of facts that can be read either way as to whether a plant (Veronica humifusa) is a species or a variety.
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
Hewett Cottrell Watson
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
20 Sept 1861
Source of text:
DAR 181: 39
Summary:
The Primula experiments of J. Sidebotham; HCW’s distrust of the results [see J. Sidebotham, "Specific identity of the cowslip and the primrose", Phytologist 3 (1849): 703–5].
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
Hewett Cottrell Watson
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
[16 May 1864]
Source of text:
DAR 142: 94
Summary:
Cover containing some seeds mentioned in the letter to H. C. Watson, 28 May [1864], f.2 (S 4512).
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
Hewett Cottrell Watson
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
[20 May 1864]
Source of text:
DAR 142: 95
Summary:
Taeas [?] allied to L. hyssopifolia. [Cover containing packets of seed specimens.] Mentioned in the letter to H. C. Watson, 28 May [1864], f.2 (fS 4512).
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project