Showing 41–60 of 92 items
The Charles Darwin Collection
The Darwin Correspondence Project is publishing letters written by and to the naturalist Charles Darwin (1809–1882). Complete transcripts of letters are being made available through the Project’s website (www.darwinproject.ac.uk) after publication in the ongoing print edition of The Correspondence of Charles Darwin (Cambridge University Press 1985–). Metadata and summaries of all known letters (c. 15,000) appear in Ɛpsilon, and the full texts of available letters can also be searched, with links to the full texts.
Discusses classification of animals. Degree of affinity different for different taxonomic groups. Discusses affinity of Ornithorhynchus or Echidna to reptiles.
Brain of whale is highly developed; on differences among brains of Quadrumana.
Calls CD’s attention to an article about William Herbert’s hybrid Narcissus.
Declines invitation to ride because he is "so very subject to headache".
Explains what he means when he attempts a "natural classification", defining his words and using man as a standard; gives examples. Classification of Aptera and Diptera.
Discusses his discharge from the Zoological Society. Is to see Robert Brown about the British Museum position.
CD sends off his notes [corrections and additions to his Journal of researches] which he hopes ED will introduce [in German translation].
Much interested in CD’s communication [about W. Kemp] and seeds sent; does not know the species; has sent seeds to Henslow.
Describes a monstrous plant found near Ely.
Tells how W. Kemp found the seeds of Atriplex, which Lindley sent to JSH for identification.
Asks about monstrous plant mentioned by Lindley [see 690].
Comments on his visit to N. Wales and the evidence of glaciation, of which he feels certain.
His marine theory [of the parallel roads of Glen Roy] has revived after Louis Agassiz’s "ice work" knocked it on the head.
Seeds sent by Kemp have germinated and been identified by Lindley as Rumex acetosella and an Atriplex which has been sent on to J. S. Henslow.
Thanks him for specimens collected.
Comments on JED’s voyage [on H.M.S. Terror, 1839–43].
Mentions activities of old Beagle crew.
Mentions expected birth of child [Henrietta Emma].
BAAS meeting.
Comments on letters from G. R. Waterhouse and William Lonsdale.
Describes survival of apparently "fossil" seeds sent by W. Kemp.
Is at work on MS [of Volcanic islands].
Discusses poor impression of plates [for Reptiles by Thomas Bell].
Says he will call tomorrow to examine indicated specimens and books at Geological Society.
On ED’s planned edition [German] of CD’s Journal of researches.
Informs him of his forthcoming volume, Volcanic islands.
"I am well acquainted with your paper on Chatham Island ["An account of the Chatham Islands", J. R. Geogr. Soc. 11: 195–215], & … those passages on the very curious fact of the apparent specific differences of the birds there & at New Zealand".
Thanks ED for recognition of his "small labours in Natural History… . praise from men, like yourself, is the only, though quite sufficient, reward I ever expect or wish to obtain for my works. – I have lately had the extreme satisfaction of hearing that Hooker speaks highly of the accuracy … of my statements". Refers to Humboldt and Owen.
Describes germination of seeds found in sand-pit and the geological setting of the sand-pit.
Postulates existence of ancient lake along the course of the River Tweed. Notes evidence of glaciation.
Has seen fields of clover near Down affected with clover dodder.
A new ear trumpet has been sent to SC as a present.
Sends news of his publications, health, and other developments since SC left for Australia.
Thinks W. Kemp’s specimens are all common varieties of living species of Atriplex.
WK’s paper has reached him safely.
Says he is forwarding the Smith, Elder & Co. account to the Treasury. Discusses advertisements of Zoology and Coral reefs. Volcanic islands "is almost ready for press".