Ɛpsilon

From G. G. Bianconi1   1 February 1875

Monsieur!

Une observation trés-juste qu’on m’a adressée sur la raison mécanique du type articulé m’a conduit à une addition que j’ai àjoutée á la traduction italienne de mon livre.2 Une telle addition n’étant enfin qu’une ampliation de l’argument même auquel vos célèbres travaux ont donné occasion, j’ai vu que sans manquer à un dévoir je ne pouvais me dispenser de vous en faire hommage; et j’ai conçu l’espérance que vous voudrez aussi accueillir avec bonté l’adresse que j’ai l’honneur de vous faire aujourd’hui.

J’avais espéré recevoir vos savantes observations, ainsi que me l’annonçait votre honorée lettre 31. Oct. 1873;3 certes elles m’auraient fourni le moyen de rectifier et d’éclaircir quelques parties de mon travail. Elles pourraient cépendant m’être précieuses encore, car je tacherais de les utiliser dans une seconde édition francaise à la quelle je travaille à présent.4

J’aime à croire que dans cette nouvelle circonstance vous ne trouverez pas trop mal la discussion que j’ai dû suivre, car elle est, je crois, entiérement et uniquement scientifique. Comme je l’ai dit a pag. 3. = Voi cercate la verità in buona fede: e anch’io la cerco sinceramente. Sopra questo terreno potremo intenderci5 = Cette disposition à nous nous entendre est sans doute bien assurée, car outre la recherche de la verité, j’ai de mon coté pour guide encore la haute et sincére estime que je vous professe, et le respect avec le quel je suis | Monsieur! | votre très devoué serr | J. Jos. Bianconi.

Bologne 1. Febr. 1875

1
For a translation of this letter, see Appendix I.
2
La teoria Darwiniana e la creazione detta indipendente. Lettera al signor Carlo Darwin (The Darwinian theory and the independent creation. Letter to Mr Charles Darwin; Bianconi 1875) is a translation of the original French version of Bianconi’s work (Bianconi 1874). CD’s annotated copy of Bianconi 1874 is in the Darwin Library–CUL (see Marginalia 1: 58–9). His copy of Bianconi 1875 is in the Darwin Library–Down. Bianconi added a new section to the Italian edition, ‘Gli animali articolati e la dottrina teleologica’ (articulated animals and the doctrine of teleology; Bianconi 1875, pp. 363–434).
3
CD’s letter has not been found, but see Correspondence vol 21, letter from G. G. Bianconi, 28 November 1873.
4
The second edition of Bianconi’s work was published in Italian (Bianconi 1879).
5
You seek the truth in good faith: and I too seek it sincerely. On this ground we can understand one another. (Italian.)

From G. G. Bianconi1   1 February 1875

Sir!

A very just observation I was sent concerning the mechanical reason for the articulated type has led me to an addition which I have made to the Italian translation of my book.2 This addition being in the end no more than an expansion of the same argument to which your famous works have given rise, I saw that without failing in my duty I could not do without paying tribute to you; and I conceived the hope that you might thus welcome the approach I am honoured to be making today.

I had hoped to receive your learned observations, as announced in your honoured letter 31. Oct. 1873;3 they would, to be sure, have supplied me with the means to correct and clarify certain parts of my work. However, they could still be precious for me, since I would try to use them in a second French edition on which I am currently working.4

I like to hope that under this new circumstance you would not find the argument that I must follow too bad, for it is, I believe, entirely and uniquely scientific. As I say on pag. 3 = Voi cercate la verità in buona fede: e anch’io la cerco sinceramente. Sopra questo terreno potremo intenderci5 = This disposition to understand one another is assured without a doubt, for besides the pursuit of truth, I have on my part, as an additional guide, the high and sincere esteem I profess for you, and the respect with which I am | Sir! | your very humble servt | J. Jos. Bianconi.

Bologna 1. Febr. 1875

1
For a transcription of this letter in its original French, see pp. 47–8.
2
La teoria Darwiniana e la creazione detta indipendente. Lettera al signor Carlo Darwin (The Darwinian theory and the independent creation. Letter to Mr Charles Darwin; Bianconi 1875) is a translation of the original French version of Bianconi’s work (Bianconi 1874). CD’s annotated copy of Bianconi 1874 is in the Darwin Library–CUL (see Marginalia 1: 58–9). His copy of Bianconi 1875 is in the Darwin Library–Down. Bianconi added a new section to the Italian edition, ‘Gli animali articolati e la dottrina teleologica’ (articulated animals and the doctrine of teleology; Bianconi 1875, pp. 363–434).
3
CD’s letter has not been found, but see Correspondence vol 21, letter from G. G. Bianconi, 28 November 1873.
4
The second edition of Bianconi’s work was published in Italian (Bianconi 1879).
5
You seek the truth in good faith: and I too seek it sincerely. On this ground we can understand one another. (Italian.)

Please cite as “DCP-LETT-9838,” in Ɛpsilon: The Charles Darwin Collection accessed on 5 June 2025, https://epsilon.ac.uk/view/dcp-data/letters/DCP-LETT-9838