Showing 81–100 of 5849 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.
Idea has struck him that might be of use to CD: that rapid changes during growth as in some plants and in insect metamorphosis may bear analogy to the slower changes resulting in the formation of new varieties.
Encloses Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club, with account of a fungus that exhales chlorine;
relates his discovery in 1852 of a flowering plant that had "perfectly formed beetles" in the place of anthers.
Forwards a copy of the Student’s Magazine, which contains the first of a series of articles on CD and his work.
Has been discussing spontaneous generation with William Robinson of the Garden. Reports having found grubs that developed in an undamaged, hard-boiled egg. Has similarly treated eggs if CD wants to investigate.
Sends set of illustrations for Expression marked to show those that could be improved for a future edition.
Thinks flowers of Hottonia project from the stem nearly horizontally, perhaps slightly upwards.
Sorry that he cannot help with Pulmonaria angustifolia.
Asks for information about alleged regeneration of amputated human fingers and toes. Mentions observations on regeneration of salamander extremities.
Thanks for reference concerning regeneration of human fingers and toes.
Sends lecture on language.
Asks for information about animal communication by vocal sounds.
Has been told CD wants photo of him; sends one. Requests a portrait photo of CD for his album. KEvB apologises for his English and his shaky hand; he is 88 years old.
Has noticed citation of his observations in CD’s latest books; writes to add some notes on fertilisation and forms of flowers.
Encloses flowers. Long-styled form may be a sport.
Rereading Journal of researches, particularly on Buenos Aires and varieties of cattle observed there [pp. 145–6]. Reports a case of a cow in which the characters of the niata and two other breeds were combined.
Calls CD’s attention to the fact that Huxley’s view [in Lessons in elementary physiology (1866)] of lymphatic fluid as overflow from blood supports CD’s view of secretion of tears in Expression.
CD’s photographs have been sent to [J. W. A.] McDonald, the sculptor, who will make a marble bust for the Liberal Club of New York and a bronze or plaster one for sale; CD will receive a copy. CD has been elected an Honorary Member of the Club, and
CB asks whether he could give them a few words of advice on a practical method of biological study for beginners.
Has studied CD’s books and accepts evolution without giving up belief in creation of first forms.
On theory in Descent, suggests offspring of the original [human] progenitor dispersed before a human stage arrived at; this would account for races and languages with no discernible common origin.
Suggests raising money to help Anton Dohrn complete the Naples Zoological Station, which is in danger of remaining unfinished.
Gives Carl Claus’s identifications of the organisms sent by CD.
Asks CD to renew his former offer to propose him for the Royal Society, as Michael Foster, now on the Council, is unable to do so.
Michael Foster approves of names FMB suggested CD apply to [in proposing FMB to the Royal Society] and adds George Allman, Foster, W. H. Flower, and P. M. Duncan, the only biologists on the Council.
Lists his chief publications and suggests names of biologists in the Royal Society whom CD might ask to sign his nomination certificate.
