Transcription: "Dear Bates, I have been talking in London with Sir C. Lyell and he told me facts showing that there almost certainly must have been a Show moreTranscription: "Dear Bates, I have been talking in London with Sir C. Lyell and he told me facts showing that there almost certainly must have been a Glacial Miocene period! In N. Italy he has seen huge boulders embedded with Miocene shells! I saw at B. Museum the admirable mimetic case of Philippine Longicorn and Curculia— Really wonderful. The gentlemen at the Museum sucked in your doctrine in explanation as easily as mother's milk. I saw, also, there Mr [Baily] and he showed me the generative organs of closely allied Chrysomelæ on my word it is a very curious and unpleasant case, for he vows that these parts never vary. Dr. Günther, I find, is the candidate for place in B. Museum, and I apprehend no one would have a chance against him. I hear also with much surprise that a candidate would have to pass a civil-service examination. Good Night, I am tired. Yours sincerely, C. Darwin" Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England. The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts Show less
