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.
Sends some historical data to illustrate the elevation of the coast at Valparaiso in recent times.
Gives details of his observations which lend support to the view that Chile is rising with respect to the sea. Reports some observations and opinions with regard to earthquakes and volcanic action in the area.
Reports on the insect specimens [collected by CD] from Australia, New Zealand, and Tierra del Fuego. Has not completed descriptions.
Their Lordships communicate their entire approval of the proposal in CD’s letter of 20 September 1837. [See 378a.]
Believes he has found a "savant" for FitzRoy in CD, whom he describes as grandson of Erasmus Darwin and "full of zeal and enterprize".
Has been commanded to supply CD with a copy of the plan of Ascension Island to be engraved for the natural history of the Beagle’s voyage. Suggests that a lithographer be sent to the [Hydrographic] office to take a transfer proof.
Sends congratulations on CD’s forthcoming marriage.
Has received some of the reptiles back from G. Bibron, who has named them. TB will get "some subjects in readiness for figuring" by CD’s date.
A newly-elected Fellow returns the obligation to be signed upon entering the Geological Society.
Recommends CD’s paper on "Formation of mould" [Collected papers 1: 49–53; read 1 Nov 1837] be printed in Transactions. Praises it as establishing a new "geological power".
Acknowledges receipt of Journal of researches.
Introduces CD to Alexander Berry of Sydney.
The Royal College of Surgeons’ Board of Curators approve the terms and conditions under which CD has offered his S. American fossil bones to the College, and have sent their recommendation to the Council.
In view of the charges directed by Edward Blyth against George R. Gray for gross incivility and discourtesy in discharging his duties as assistant in the zoological department at the British Museum, CD is asked by the Trustees to comment upon his own experience with Gray and to offer his judgment of these charges.
Suggestions and information helpful to CD in preparation for Beagle voyage. David Brewster’s meteorological papers. Suggests an oyster-trawl for collecting marine animals. Recommends CD see R. E. Grant. For meteorological observations suggests F. W. Beechey’s Voyage to the Pacific [1831] and an interview with J. F. Daniell of King’s College.
Greatly enjoyed CD’s company; has worried about his health. Adds some European and English news.
Passes on news from England and some Shrewsbury papers.
Spent three weeks in London with Erasmus.
Entomologised with Hope, Stephens, and G. R. Waterhouse.
Cambridge is very quiet, men reading at a wonderful pace. Dined with Sir J. Mackintosh.
Has ordered a cabinet for his insects; hopes WDF will soon come to Cambridge to see his collection. Has exchanged specimens with Leonard Jenyns.
CD has passed his "Little Go".
CD will remain in Cambridge during the whole vacation.
J. F. Stephens has been ill; hence no recent publications.
Has seen a good deal of J. S. Henslow.