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The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
Show moreRecollections of Charles Darwin, written by John Brodie Innes. Transcription: "My acquaintance with Mr. Darwin commenced when he took up his residence at Downe. I was then Curator of the adjoining Parish of Faraborough. In 1846 I became Vicar of Downe, and we became friends and so continued to his death. His kindness to me and my family was unvarying and we repaid it with warm affection. The charm of his manners, the heartiness of his friendship, the bullioning of his conversation were such that as a relation of mine who lived near him for a short time observed, no one really knew him did not love him. In all Parish matters he was a most valuable supporter. In Schools, and Charities his liberal subscriptions and help were always ready and in the disputed questions which arose in that, as in all Parishes I was always sure of Mr Darwin's support as he held that where there was no real objection he ought to support the Clergyman as being most responsive. As I have always endeavour to be first of all a Churchman, these relations could not have been maintained if M' Darwin had been the [stalwart?] unbeliever and opponent of religion that was supported by many who did not know him, did not study his work, and supposed to be his own the deductions which others drew from them, and the sentiments others supposed him to hold. Before I knew Mr Darwin I had adopted, and publicly expressed the opinion that Natural history, geology and Science in general should be studied without reference to the Bible. That the Book of Nature and Religion proceeded from the same source and that properly understood they proceeded on parallel lines and would never [crop]. [] sermon. Mr. Darwin from his own side held the same views of course any conversations we had on [] religious matters are as sacredly private now as in his life, but the quaint conclusion of one may be recorded. We had been speaking of the apparent diversity between some supposed discoveries and the Book of Genesis. He said "you are a theologian, I am a Naturalist. I pursue my investigations without considering how they affect Scripture, I do not attack [] and I think [] can take care of himself. Later he wrote. I do not think I [] directly attacked religion or the Clergy and reformed to an abusive pamphlet by a clergyman which I should laugh at, and which might have given him cause for bitterness. So we never attacked each other. He wrote that you are one of the rare mortals with whom one can differ and just feel no shade of bitterness, and he would be proud if any one could say the same of him. The queietness with which he received attacks is shown by his saying I should laugh at the abusive pamphlet, and another instance is that when the Bishop of Oxford's review of Origin of Species appeared in the Quarterly he wrote a postscript in a letter to me "If you have not seen the Quarterly do get it, the Bp of Oxford has made such capital fun of me and my Grandfather. I was at [] with the Bp when I got the letter, and showed it to him, he said I am glad he takes it in this way he is such a capital fellow". Notice his most remarkable accuracy in all observations. The [] of years to ascertain the reversion of kinds of pigeons to the original type. Of bees which I [] him to observe and in which, and other matters he always sug- gested doubts when I thought facts were proved and required further observation. This remarkable thoughtfulness shown in all his conversation. On one occasion after a discussion on a Parish matter he came to me at night to say what he had said was really accurate but it had occurred to him that I might have drawn an erroneous inference and he would not sleep till he had explained it. I feel sure that if any day he had discovered some facts which would uproot his theories he would have placed them on record for publication at once. His bad health prevented his conversing for above half an hour at a time and he was obliged to break off and lie down because he felt sick. His quotes, to carry pebbels in hand and drop one at the end of each second of the plantation walk to be sure he had accomplished the distance at [] 6 months resolve to keep the box in the cellar and key in the []. Another 6 months, only to take a pinch where from home when he would to get one in my study. On my Cast [] B.I. + I have been fast friends for 30 years, he never [] afreed on any subject but one and then we looked hard at each other and thought one of us must be very ill. for substance sent it of [] 20 years ISS with seven letters, some of which are referred to above"
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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Show moreCollection of over 175 manuscript letters by Darwin, his family, and his contemporaries detailing Darwin's daily life and the struggle of the Victorians to formulate and accept the theory of evolution. Any numbers that appear in the titles of individual collection objects refers to the Calendar of the Darwin Correspondence numbering system.
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The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
![Letter from [Charles Darwin] to Alfred Neafie](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/d6a3276636869570f54cf08dd5c182ef.jpg?itok=BA9YF4X7&pid=ksl:ditalldar00119&iic=true)
Show moreLetter to Alfred Neafie concerning a Christmas gift of a silver knife, and a brief discussion of theory. Transcription: "England, Dec.23;1872 Col Alfred Neafri: My dear Sir: While it gives me much pleasure to hear that you are a convert to my theories, I am in constant terror and anxiety, sir, lest you showed retrograde to your original condition. For, my dear sir, I have heard,(and I say this not in anger but in sorrow of heart,) that you are quite given to "growls" about things in general and some alas in []. Now, Col, if you have read my books all week, you must know that nothing is more indicative of a savage slate than growling. And in my anxiety and distress, lest you should furnish a case of entire reversion, I have counseled your wife to present you this silver fruit knife for your Chistmas Gift. [] Chat if your semi savage slate should increase upon you. This timely and appropriate gift may incline you to use your hands, and thus keep out of sight the claws that generally are well developed in growling animals. It is fair, my dear sid, to assure you that your wife is not privy to these fears of mine, but gives this knife to you because she believes it in a measure [] holical of your wedded union-strong but not sharp: solid but not heavy: both useful and ornamental, brilliant and precious. I am, dear sir, with the Compliments of the Season your true friend Charles Darwin Col. Alfred Neafir Ellenville [] N.Y. U.S. America Darwin A Darwin Letter 1872 Purchased 1946 Was laid in "Animals+Plants under Domestication" Am. ed" Letter, signed by sender [written for Charles Darwin?]. Envelope included. Sent from Ellenville, Ulster County, New York.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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![Letter from Charles Darwin to Lord [?], 12237](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/a651eb71b5447a1cbeb53c00a4bb5350.jpg?itok=mJUNYpRd&pid=ksl:ditalldar00162&iic=true)
Show moreLetter pasted on page from a scrapbook which on the other side has autographs of various persons. Requests information on the character of G. Sleigh, and "Whether he is likely to prove a useful gardener". Letter sent from Down, Beckenham, Kent Transcription: "Sept. 26 1879 Down, Beckenham, Kent Railway Station Orpington.S.E.R. My friend I should be much obliged if you would be so good as to inform me with [] to the character of G. Sleight, who has been in your [] service. I wish to learn whether he is sober, honest + industrious, + whether he is likely to [] a useful [], as far as you may [] [] to form an opinion. My name, as a fellow [] in natural science will perhaps be known to your []; + I have the [] to remain your obediant servant Charles Darwin"
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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Show moreLetter to autograph collector. Written in pencil: 'F6102 $49.50' Letter from Down, Beckenham, Kent. Transcription: "Dec 21. 1876 Down, Beckenham, Kent. Railway Station Orpington.S.E.R. Dear Sir As you have been so considerate as to send me an addressed envelope, I have the pleasure to send you my signature Dear Sir yours faithfully Charles Darwin"
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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Show moreLetter from Charles Darwin to unknown. [From East Brent] Transcription: "[] Dec 26. 67 My dear Sir Thank you much for your kind letter and its enclosure. I should have thought that I might have known what "advice" I should give without [you] telling him. We are in a [] minority. The right always is. I have long been [] [] something in [], even here, my unconformism [] on principle, committed to over [] + keeping y very []. Dear sir, [] J Brodie Innes"
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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Show moreLetter from Charles Darwin to unknown. [From East Brent] Transcription: "[] Dec 18. 67 My dear Sir I have to thank you much for yr kind letter and for all the information which it contains. I do not see [] and did not know [] I think that I can take no solace of it- It is enough to [fight] the home battle as first we may. Do not be angry with me if I say that the whole problem in Scotland is so anoma- -lous that I should do nothing to make an authority of it. We are [judging?] what the world calls "a losing game". If I thought that it was really fresh I should not be fighting it, nor would you. yrs always very kind C Darwin I enclose a paper [] the [] of 20 years consideration of practical [appearance] of this []. I think the facts you state in yr letter are an answer to [] to be known. Perhaps the meeting proposed in the paper enclosed may provide an opportunity. [] is not to be depended upon except for what [] it's own indifferention and it has a special [] []; not perhaps without cause."
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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Show moreLetter from Charles Darwin to unknown. Letter about Hollyhocks, describing the results of an experiment. Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down, Bromley, Kent. Transcription: "My dear Sir, I am extremely much obliged to you for so kindly writing to me & offering me information. I have long been curious about Hollyhocks.— The Dean of Manchester told me that some kinds came true, even when growing near others. This surprised me greatly, as it can be shown to be almost certain that every flower must be fertilised by the pollen of a distinct flower. Hence I bought some good seed, & several kinds came up very true; the black-coloured kind came up absolutely true, & I saved its seed, & though a dozen different varieties were growing close, again all the seedlings were true. It can hardly be, judging from my extremely limited experience, that the flower always inherits its mother's colour, for I castrated & crossed a dark purple with pollen of yellow kind, & there was great variability in the seedlings, but one seedling alone showed plainly the yellow colour of its father. In case of most plants pollen of another variety seems to have a prepotent effect over a plant's own pollen, (as experiments made by myself have convinced me); & it has occurred to me whether in some very fixed vars. of Hollyhocks exactly the reverse was the case,— that is whether the pollen of a plant's own variety was not prepotent over that of other varieties. The facts which I wish to know, are whether some or many of the variations of Hollyhock come true by seed. And secondly whether the great raisers of Hollyhock seed, who sell named kinds, whether they grow the varieties far apart to prevent crossing. And thirdly, whether when vars. of Hollyhocks are artificially crossed & castrated, whether the colours of the seedlings are generally intermediate. I should be extremely much obliged for any information on these points or on the progress of your work of selection.— I have not much time for reading, & have not yet seen your work, but must see it & your account of the vars. of Cassia.— I yesterday sent off another letter to Cot. Gardener: but I begin greatly to doubt the great Mr. Beaton.— He makes, I am sure, plenty of mistakes in his late discussions, & is dogmatic in highest degree My dear Sir, your sincerely obliged, Charles Darwin
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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Show moreOrders a sheet of gold-beater’s skin for plant experiments. Letter sent from Down, Beckenham, Kent. Transcription: "Jan. 23rd c1880 Down, Beckenham, Kent. Railway Station Orpington.S.E.R. Dear Sir I [] (I believe from you) many years ago a small sheet of "Superior Gold-Beaters Skin: Writings Patent." It is used like [] [], but I want a sheet for [] []. If any other similar sheets are sold which are transparent + thinner + more [], they wd be [] more useful to me. When you send me the sheet of Gold-beaters skin, will you kindly look + see if any sheet is more flexible + thinner than the others, for it has to be [] [] [] [] stem of plants. Dear sir yours faithfully Ch. Darwin"
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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Show moreWill not require assistance of correspondent’s cousin in correcting his MS [2d ed. of Descent]. His son [George] will undertake it. Letter from Down, Beckenham, Kent Transcription: "Nov. 28" c.1874 My dear Sir You will remember my consulting you about some one to correct my M.S. + you recommending your []. When I got him, I thought of my second son, who is quite capable of undertaking the work + would like to do 10, 10 [] I shall have no occasion to ask for the [] of your []. Pray excuse the [] + [] yours vy faithfully Ch. Darwin"
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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Show moreDarwin states that he has no objection to having his name appear as an honorary member. Letter from Down, Beckenham, Kent Transcription: "Jan 3. 74 Dear Sir, I can of course have us objection, if the committee think fit, for my name to appear as an honorary member; but as I do not pay any subscription, it ought not appear as an ordinary member, in as much as this would imply that I knew something of the affairs of the Club. I have the honour to remain Dear Sir yours faithfully + obliged Ch. Darwin"
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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Show moreEmma requests Thomas Carlyle and Miss Aitken to come for lunch. Transcription: "Sep. 1875 Thursday Dear Mr Carlyle Mr Darwin + I are very glad to hear that you will be for some time in this neighbourhood. I wish we could persuade you + Miss [Aitken] to come + take luncheon with us at one o'clock tomorrow or Saturday. It would be a great pleasure to Mr Darwin to see you. I meant to have called on Miss [Aitken] this week but I am afraid I shall not be able to manage it, but I hope she will excuse this want of ceremony + come + see us first. I do not know whether you would like a long walk; but the way to Sown is somewhat shortened by coming through Holwood Park + we are a mile + a quarter from this end of the park. I suppose the distance would be rather more than 2 1/2 miles or probably 3 miles. With Mr Darwin's very kind regards + hopes that we may have the pleasure of seeing you believe me very truly yours Emma Darwin P.S. If I have mentioned too early a day I hope you will come any day next week except Tuesday when we have an engagement." Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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![Letter from Francis Darwin to [Mme. Jout]](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/b22f45e3d1739ceac527079c355c5be4.jpg?itok=cyBIw37t&pid=ksl:ditalldar00080&iic=true)
Show moreA letter to [Mme. Jout] with a list of novels recommended by Emma Darwin and includes a photograph of Charles Darwin. Transcription: "Strausburg July 16/81 Dear Mme Just. I am glad to be able to send you the most recent photograph of my father; it is I think a very good likeness. I also enclose a list of novels recommended by my mother; she has a good deal of ex= perience in novel reading as she reads alout to my father all the best ones that are published. The three American novels by Howell are extremely pleasant, the name of one which I have corrected so badly ought to be "The Lady of the Aroostook". Please let me thank you + Prof Just for the very pleasant day which I spend at [] yours very truly Francis Darwin"
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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![Letter from Francis Darwin to [unknown]](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/3bd010f325862a0d729fa6ecdefbd257.jpg?itok=EpmRv5WH&pid=ksl:ditalldar00089&iic=true)
Show moreA letter to unknown person to say that Charles Darwin first used the phrase "survival of the fittest" in 1868, and that Darwin had borrowed the phrase from Herbert Spencer. Transcription: "Oct 6-08 Dear Sir As far as I know my father first used the expression "survival of the fittest" in 1868. He borrowed it from Herbert Spencer; I do not at the moment remember where Spencer first used it yours faithfully Francis Darwin" Letter, signed by sender. Sent from 13 Madingley Road, Cambridge, England.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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![Letter from Francis Darwin to [unknown]](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/df7fcd2d6cecf60ba9bf631831b43b98.jpg?itok=LhJTT-Fg&pid=ksl:ditalldar00088&iic=true)
Show moreA letter to unknown person to inquire about his father's address at a particular time. Transcription: "Jan 14 07 Dear Sir If you will look at the Life + Letters [] p 281, 283, 291 you will see that his lodgings were 36 St Marl borough St At vol1 p299 I say that the house occupied by him after his marriage was 12 Upper Gower St. I imagine that Upper G St was part of what is now all called Gower St but I cannot say how that may be I see no reason for thinking that there is a mistake as to his address at that time yours faithfully Francis Darwin" Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Wychfield, Cambridge, England.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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![Letter from Leonard Darwin to [Unknown]](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/92cc3ddd302051e1929365423f80c88d.jpg?itok=uMhtcTre&pid=ksl:ditalldar00095&iic=true)
Show moreLetter to someone verifying a particular photograph as being his father, Charles Darwin. Transcription: "gift of Meredith Colbert April 23 1964 May 30. 1935 Cripps's Corner Forest Row Sussex Dear Sir I am glad to be able to say that the photo, which I return herewith, is certainly of my father. As to the signature, I am also as certain as I can be on such a matter that it is his writing. I see no reason to doubt it. I think it was probably taken somewhere about 1870; but this a mere guess. He always looked old for his age-It might be rather later. yours very truly Leonard Darwin" Letter with photograph, signed by sender. Sent from Cripp's Corner, Forest Row, Sussex.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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The Robert M. Stecher Colle
Show morePhotograph of Charles Darwin with attached note. "Charles Darwin, Down, Kent, Feb. 28, 1877. With Mr. Darwin's compliments"
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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