Discusses checks on growth of species population; use of term "mutation" in his species theory. His belief in species mutability.
Discusses checks on growth of species population; use of term "mutation" in his species theory. His belief in species mutability.
Has written down what he gathered from HF on Tibetan dogs. Would welcome a few more details at any time, as he knows of nothing parallel to it.
CD has heard from Lyell that JM is inclined to publish a second edition of Journal of researches. His agreement with Henry Colburn leaves CD free to publish with anyone. Will have no further relations with Colburn. Discusses details of proposed revisions.
Would like to borrow the pamphlet on variation [Frédéric Gérard, "De l’espèce dans les corps organisés" (1844), extract from Dictionnaire universel d’histoire naturelle, ed. C. D. d’Orbigny].
Glad to hear Humboldt’s views on migration. CD believes we cannot "put any limit to the possible and even probable migration of plants".
Wants good book on plant morphology.
Thanks for note; encloses copy of FitzRoy’s agreement with Henry Colburn [see 379], to the effect that after sale of first edition of Narrative, CD is at liberty to publish his Journal of researches in any manner he chooses.
Cannot doubt that Atlantic dust comes from Africa. Could Gulf Stream have brought South American organisms to African coast?
Has come to same conclusion as CGE on volcanic origin of Patagonian stone. Formation extends 550 miles.
Could CGE examine Pampas mud to see if Infusoria are freshwater or salt-water? Results would be important.
Has received pamphlet from JDH [John Murray, Strictures on morphology (1845)].
Hopes JDH will enjoy Edinburgh.
Has just finished Isidore Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire on animal monsters [Anomalies de l’organisation chez l’homme et les animaux (1832–7)], "and a nasty curious subject it is".
Thanks for note. Believes agreement with Henry Colburn does not cover 2d ed. of Journal of researches. Regrets Murray’s Colonial Library series will require one-fifth reduction of text; will consult Lyell on how to reduce scientific part. Prefers that JM consult with Colburn, but in case he declines, encloses draft of letter he would send to Colburn. Anticipates co-operation of Colburn, as he has paid CD nothing for 1st ed. of Journal.
With thanks for ED’s publication. "I consider your having made my work known in Germany a full & ample recompense to such exertions as I made during our Voyage".
Thanks ED for copy of German edition of Journal of researches. Asks him to write and ask German publisher to return plates and MS.
Is certain he never signed any paper with Henry Colburn or he would have kept a copy as he did of FitzRoy’s agreement. Wishes JM success in his negotiations with Colburn; asks him to remind Colburn that the copperplate has been left with editor of German edition.
CD clarifies his relationship with Henry Colburn with regard to a 2d ed. of the Journal of researches. "I never signed any agreement of any kind; but the separate sale of my Journal in the first edition was with my verbal consent & approval."
Thanks for information about books.
Murray is publishing CD’s Journal of researches. Would be grateful for a sentence on Galapagos plants.
Apologises that the house is full this weekend, but next weekend would be good.
Pleased to hear that Colburn has behaved more liberally than CD anticipated. Three numbers of the Colonial Library, each of 171 pages, will hold his Journal of researches. Accepts financial arrangements for its publication offered by JM.
Sends small specimens for CGE to examine if he wishes.
Thanks CGE for his letter on Atlantic Dust: CD hopes to send a little paper to the Geological Society of London.
If CGE should examine Pampæan mud, CD would like to know the result.
Has lost a week’s work on Journal of researches owing to poor health. Has copperplate of map, and favours inclusion. Thinks book should be called a "Journal".
Murray will publish a second edition of the Journal [of researches].
CD has finished first version of South America.
A strange book, The vestiges [of creation (1844)] has appeared and some have attributed it to CD. He is "flattered and unflattered".
Asks for Gabriel Bibron’s address. He has two questions about snakes in S. America for which he wants answers, as he is preparing a new edition of his Journal of researches.