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![Letter from Charles Darwin to [H. W. Bates] 11848](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/1ab1261efc696d51cde1011e0e1771fa.jpg?itok=0InCjVHz&pid=ksl:ditalldar00064&iic=true)
Show moreDarwin states that it would be a real pleasure to propose Bates for [F.] Royal Society. Darwin also asks that Bates send him the necessary information for the certificate as well as a list of men he would like to sign it. Darwin should not be disappointed if Bates is not elected first time. Transcription: "Jan 26' 79 Down, Beckenham, Kent. Railway Station Orpington.S.E.R. My dear Bates It will give me real pleasure to purpose you for this object. You will see that you surely must not [] the [],- not that there can be the least impropriety in you asking any of your friends.- Will you therefore full up all the necessary particulars, giving a [] full hit of your publication + return the paper to me. At the same time give me a hit with addresses of [] men as you wd like to sign, + I will then write a forward certificate to each.- I do not know who [] to Council + it is a confounded bore that some of the best men, to whom I shd naturally apply, such is [] + [] are excluded. This makes it the more necessary that I shd have some sort of hit from you. Ever yours sincerely Ch. Darwin you must not be [] if you are not elected the first time, for hardly anybody is thus elected." 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 Charles Darwin to [H. W. Bates] 12952](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/97c1208b151dc756ff17a69cfbd984c2.jpg?itok=GLUfIpy-&pid=ksl:ditalldar00067&iic=true)
Show moreTranscription: "Huxley thinks that the presidents had better sign in a body, so that the memorial should be sent to you afterward for your signature with an envelope addressed to Sir J. Hooker if you will forward it without delay- C.D."
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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![Letter from Charles Darwin to [H. W. Bates] 2993](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/f7021a821c952d97eb73a0a36781c059.jpg?itok=hIZr-U8A&pid=ksl:ditalldar00037&iic=true)
Show moreDarwin writes to Bates to thank him for an interesting letter. Darwin notes that his belief is that a good observer is also a good theorist. He is also enthused in H. W. Bates writing on 'equatorial refrigeration'. Transcription: "My dear Sir, I thank you sincerely for writing to me and for your very interesting letter. Your name has for very long been familiar to me, and I have heard of your zealous exertions in the cause of Natural History. But I did not know that you had worked with high philosophical questions before your mind. I have an old belief that a good observer really means a good theorist and I fully expect to find your observations most valuable. I am very sorry to hear that your health is shattered; but I trust under a healthy climate it may be restored. I can sympathise with you fully on this score, for I have had bad health for many years and fear I shall ever remain a confirmed invalid. I am delighted to hear that you, with all your large practical knowledge of Nat. History, anticipated me in many respects and concur with me. As you say I have been thoroughily well attacked and reviled, (especially by entomologists, [J. O.] Westwood, [T. V.] Wollaston, and [Andrew] Murray have all reviewed and sneered at me to their hearts' content) but I care nothing about their attacks; several really good judges go a long way with me, and I observe that all those who go some little way tend to go somewhat further. What a fine philosophical mind your friend, Mr Wallace has, and he has acted in relation to me, like a true man with a noble spirit. I see by your letter that you have grappled with several of the most difficult problems, as it seems to me, in natural History— such as the distinctions between the different kinds of varieties, representative species Perhaps I shall find some facts in your paper on intermediate varieties in intermediate regions, on which subject I have found remarkably little information. I cannot tell you how glad I am to hear that you have attended to the curious point of Equatorial refrigeration. I quite agree that it must have been small; yet the more I go into that question the more convinced I feel that there was during the Glacial period some migration from N. to S. The sketch in the Origin gives a very meagre account of my fuller M.S. Essay on this subject. I shall be particularly obliged for a copy of your paper when published; and if any suggestions occur to me (not that you require any) or questions I will write and ask. Pray believe me, with respect and good wishes, My dear Sir, Yours sincerely, C. Darwin I have at once to prepare a new Edit of the Origin, and I will do myself the pleasure of sending you a copy; but it will be only very slightly altered. Cases of neuter ants, divided into castes, with intermediate gradations. (which I imagine are rare) interest me much. V. Origin on the Driver Ants p.—241.— (please look at the passage)" 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 Charles Darwin to [H. W. Bates] 3100](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/b6804ef140cc11300a7186792da88cea.jpg?itok=j4xV81kO&pid=ksl:ditalldar00035&iic=true)
Show moreDarwin writes about variations in species, particularly commenting on the female variety. Also acknowledges his belief in the glacial period and its affects on the tropics, though he does not agree with H. W. Bates arguments on the subject. Darwin also poses questions concerning natural selection towards the end of the letter. Transcription: "March 26 1861 Down [] [Have you [united] copy of his edit of Origin?] Dear Sir. I have read your papers with extreme interest + I have carefully read every word of them. They seem to me to be far richer in facts or variation, + especially on the distribution of varieties + subspecies, than anything which I have read. Hereafter I shall reread them, + hope in my future work to [] them + make use of them. The amount of variation has much [] me. The analogous variation of distinct species in the [] region strikes me as particularly curious. The [quota?] variability of female sex is new to me. Your Guiana case seems in some degree analogous, as far as plants are concerned, with the modern [] of La Plata, which seems to have been colonized from the north, but the species have been hardly mobilized. I have been particularly struck with you remarks on the Glacial period. You seem to me to have put the case with [] [] clearly + with everything [force?]. I am quite staggered with the [] + do not know what to think. Of late several facts have turned up leading me to believe more living that the glacial period did affect the [] []; but I can make no answer to your argument; + am completely in a [] []. By an odd chance I had only a few days [] been discussing this subject. in relation to plants, with Dr. [Hooke] who believes to a certain extent; but [] [] the [] apparent [] in the [] regions. I state in a letter some days ago to him that the [] of S. America seems to have suffered less than the Old World. There are very perplexing points, [] plants seem to have migrated far more than animals. [] species may have been formed more [] within [] than one would have expected. I freely confess that you have confounded me: but I cannot yet give up my belief that the glacial period did to certain extent affect the []. [Would] you kindly answer me 2 or 3 questions if in your power.- Where species (A) becomes modified in another region into a wide marked form (C). but is connected with it by one(or more) [] forms(B), inhabiting an intermediate region: does this form (B) generally [] in equal numbers with (A) + (C), [+] inhabit an equally large area?- The probability is that you cannot answer this question: things are of your cases seem to bear in it. Has [] Baby [] [] []: if 10 ,or when he does, would you give him [reference] to his paper? [] Butterflies, in which the sexes are differently colored, is the male or female most beautiful in our eyes? Do you know in [] any strictly nocturnal moths with gaudy colours? As with birds, have you ever noticed the female butterflies make any selection of the male which they copulate? Do several males pursue same female? Are butterflies attracted by gay colours, as it has been [] Dragon-flies are. Any authentic facts on the [] of Butterflies would be most thankfully [received] + [] by []. But I can see how [] [] if is that anything [] have been observed. You will, I think, be glad to hear that I now often hear of naturalists accepting my views more or less fully; but some are curiously cautious in [] milk of any [] [] in [] their belief. [] [candid?] [] + [perfect?] My dear sir [] yours truly 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
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![Letter from Charles Darwin to [H. W. Bates] 3109](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/3f8b0628be14bca55e2f5861867c2d5f.jpg?itok=rFU_MTyk&pid=ksl:ditalldar00052&iic=true)
Show moreTranscription: "My dear Sir I have been unwell, so have delayed thanking you for your admirable letter. I hope you will not think me presumptuous in saying how much I have been struck with your varied knowledge, & with the decisive manner in which you bring it to bear on each point,- a rare & most high quality, as far as my experience goes. I earnestly hope you will find time to publish largely: before the Linn. Soc. you might bring boldly out your views on Species. Have you ever thought of publishing your travels & working in them the less abstruse parts of your Nat. History? I believe it would sell, & be a very valuable contribution to Nat. History. You must, also, have seen a good deal of the natives. I know well it would be quite unreasonable to ask for any further information from you; but I will just mention that I am now & shall be for a long time writing on Domestic variation of all animals. Any facts would be useful; especially any showing that savages take any care in breeding their animals; or in rejecting the bad & preserving the good- or any fancies which they may have that one coloured or marked dog &c is better than another. I have already collected much on this head, but am greedy for facts. You will at once see their bearing on Variation under Domestication. Your observations on Carabus, with respect to Glacial period, seem very important. I daresay you know that some geologists have speculated on a Permian & even on a Challk Glacial period. When considering plants of Australia, a suspicion crossed me that there must have been an ancient migration from N. temperate to S. temperate regions. I feel sure that if you saw lists of plants in T. del Fuego—on isolated mountains of India, Java, Borneo, Abyssinia, S.E. Australia, Fernando Po, you would see that there must have been a very recent migration. This view is largely supported by plain geological facts. I have a rather long M.S. discussion, well copied out, which Hooker has read, & which if you thought it worth your while, you might with welcome read; but I doubt whether it would be worth your while. Hereafter when I come to Geograph. Distrib. (& God knows when that will be) I will deeply consider all your most valuable remarks. Thank you for facts on intermediate vars. in intermediate regions; I can see how complex the case is; & I hope before I come to that subject you will have largely published. But the case you give is excellent. Hardly anything in your letter has pleased me more than about sexual selection. In my large M.S (& indeed in Origin with respect to tuft of hairs—on breast of Cock-Turkey) I have guarded myself against going too far; but I did not at all know that male & female butterflies haunted rather different sites. If I had to cut up myself in a Review, I would have worked & quizzed Sexual selection; therefore, though I am fully convinced that it is largely true, you may imagine how pleased I am at what you say on your belief. This part of your letter to me is a quintessence of richness. The fact about Butterflies attracted by coloured sepals is another good fact, worth its weight in Gold. It would have delighted the heart of old Christian C. Sprengel, now many years in his grave. I am glad to hear that you have specially attended to "mimetic" analogies- a most curious subject. I hope you will publish on it. I have for a long time wished to know whether what Dr. Collingwood asserts, is true, that the most striking cases generally occur between insects inhabiting the same country. Believe me, Yours most truly obliged, Ch. Darwin" Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England.
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![Letter from Charles Darwin to [H. W. Bates] 3266](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/d52492cc1857eaae847854cf9b44ad70.jpg?itok=WLY9HXyr&pid=ksl:ditalldar00039&iic=true)
Show moreTranscription: "My dear Sir, Your letter, like every one that I have received from you, has been a mine of wealth and has interested me greatly. But first for the most important point, viz your Book of Travels, and I hearily rejoice that you intend publishing. I shd. think that you could not have a more respectable or pleasanter publisher than Mr Van Voorst. At the same time, I apprehend, there can be no doubt that Murray has much greater power of getting large distribution. Murray has the character of being a very liberal paymaster and I am sure I have found him most liberal and pleasant to deal with. Of course every publisher will be cautious with a new author. If your Book should turn out popular (and there is some little mere luck in this) it would be a thousand pities that it shd. not be in hands that could press its sale. I cannot remember that Mr V. Voorst has ever had very large sale for any of his Books. On other hand Mr V. V. would better appreciate your scientific character than Mr Murray. This is all the advice I can give; except that I rejoice I went to Murray with the Origin. By the way here is case in point! Colburn did not value my Journal of Researches and would never, I am sure, have published a second Edit. I took it from Colburn and sold it to Murray and it has long and great sale up to present day. If you shd. decide on Mr Murray, and if you would so like I shall be most happy to write to Mr. Murray and can most truly tell him how much I appreciate the force of intellect and knowledge and style of your letters to me. What terms he would offer you I cannot conjecture: he would, no doubt, wish to see some M.S. As an old hackneyed author let me give you a bit of advice, viz to strike out every word, which is not quite necessary to connect subjects and which would not interest a stranger. I constantly asked myself, would a stranger care for this? and struck out or left in accordingly. I think too much pains cannot be taken in making style transparently clear and throwing eloquence to the dogs. I hope that you will not think these few words impertinent. (I would sell only 1st. Edition.) Now for a few words on Science. Many thanks for facts on Neuters. You cannot tell how I rejoice that you do not think what I have said on subject absurd. Only 2 persons have ever noticed it to me! Viz the bitter sneers of Owen in Eding. Review, and my good friend and supporter Sir C. Lyell, who could only screw up courage to say "well you have manfully faced the difficulty". What a wonderful case of Volucella, of which I had never heard; I had no idea such a case occurred in nature: I must get and see specimens in Brit. Museum.1 I hope and suppose you will give a good deal of Nat. History in your Travels; everyone cares about Ants— more notice has been taken of Slave Ants in the Origin that of any other passage. I fully expect to delight in your Travels. Keep to simple style as in your excellent letters, but I beg pardon I am again advising. What a capital paper yours will be on mimetic resemblances. You will make quite a new subject of it. I had thought of such cases as a difficulty, and once when corresponding with Dr. Collingwood, I thought of your explanation; but I drove it from my mind, for I felt that I had not knowledge to judge one way or the other. Dr. C., I think, states that the mimetic forms inhabit same country; but I did not know whether to believe him. What wonderful cases yours seem to be. Could you not give a few woodcuts in your Travels to illustrate this? I am tired with hard's day's work— so no more, except to give my sincere thanks and hearty wishes for the success of your Travels. My dear Sir, Yours sincerely, C. Darwin" Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England.
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![Letter from Charles Darwin to [H. W. Bates] 3338](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/8ee7dbb6b6422a12cfbbf5ea9c99e4df.jpg?itok=wVPquvUh&pid=ksl:ditalldar00049&iic=true)
Show moreTranscription: "My dear Sir I thank you for your extremely interesting letter, & valuable references, though God knows when I shall come again to this part of my subject. One cannot of course judge of style when one merely hears a paper, but yours seemed to me very clear & good. Believe me that I estimate its value most highly. Under a general point of view, I am quite convinced (Hooker & Huxley took same view some months ago) that a philosophic view of nature can solely be driven into naturalists by treating special subjects as you have here done. Under a special point of view I think you have solved one of the most perplexing problems which could be given to solve. I am glad to hear from Hooker that Linn. Soc. will give Plates, if you can get drawings; but I suppose they might be drawn on to stone or copper. Pray excuse me for again saying if ever you want £10 or £20, I shall be pleased to send it, for any aid in Natural History. Do not complain of want of advice during your Travels; I daresay part of your great originality of views may be due to the necessity of self exertion of thought. I can understand that your reception at B. Museum would damp you; they are a very good set of men, but not the sort to appreciate your work. In fact I have long thought that too much systematic work of description somehow blunts the faculties. The general public appreciates a good dose of reasoning, or generalisation with new & curious remarks on habits, final causes &c &c, far more than do the regular naturalists. I am extremely glad to hear that you have begun your Travels. (I thought your Glacial Letter admirably written); I am very busy, but I shall be truly glad to render any aid which I can by reading your 1st Chapter or two. I do not think I shall be able to correct style, for this reason, that after repeated trials I find I cannot correct my own style till I see the M.S. in type. Some are born with a power of good writing, like Wallace; others like myself & Lyell have to labour very hard & slowly at every sentence. I find it very good plan, when I cannot get a difficult discussion to please me, to fancy that some one comes into the room, & asks me what I am doing; & then try at once & explain to the imaginary person what it is all about. I have done this for one paragraph to myself several times; & sometimes to Mrs. Darwin, till I see how the subject ought to go. It is, I think, good to read one's M.S. aloud. But style to me is a great difficulty; yet some good judges think I have succeeded, & I say this to encourage you. What I think I can do will be to tell you whether parts had better be shortened. It is good I think to dash "in medias res", & work in later any descriptions of country or any historical details which may be necessary. Murray likes lots of woodcuts- give some by all means of Ants. The public appreciate Monkeys, our poor cousins. What sexual differences are there in monkeys? Have you kept them tame? if so about their expression. I fear that you will hardly read my vile handwriting, but I cannot without killing trouble, write better. You shall have my candid opinion on your M.S., but remember it is hard to judge from M.S.- one reads slowly & heavy parts seem much heavier. A first rate judge thought my Journal very poor; now that it is in print, I happen to know, he likes it. I am sure you will understand why I am so egotistical. I was a little disappointed in Wallace's Book on the Amazon; hardly facts enough. On other hand in Gosse's books there is not reasoning enough to my taste. Heaven knows whether you will care to read all this scribbling M.S. can be sent by Book Post, if marked to be printed. Had you not better register it? Many thanks for Wallace's letter; he rates me much too highly & himself much too lowly. That was an admirable paper of his in Linn. Journal. But what strikes me most about Mr Wallace is the absence of jealousy towards me: he must have a really good honest & noble disposition. A far higher merit than mere intellect. With cordial good wishes & thanks, Yours sincerely, C. Darwin I am glad you had pleasant day with Hooker: he is an admirably good man in every sense. Endorsement: Endorsement: 1861" Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England.
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![Letter from Charles Darwin to [H. W. Bates] 3382](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/3930384b8e3395b7b66d633936d45052.jpg?itok=Q_5Vzmyt&pid=ksl:ditalldar00040&iic=true)
Show moreTranscription: "My dear Sir, I have been very bad for fortnight and could not read your M.S. before today and yesterday. It is, in my opinion excellent—style perfect—description first-rate (I quite enjoyed rambling in forests) and good dashes of original reflexions. I must write very briefly. Remember that large sale of a Book depends much on chance, on whether public mind occupied—other books coming out to [illegible], but I feel assured that your Book will be a permanently good one, and that your friends will always feel a satisfaction at its publication. I will write when you like to Murray. Could you add a notion by simile to kind of mysterious sounds heard in forest? but be vague and very brief in any simile. for description as it now stands is grand. Did the native look round and shrink or hide when he trembled and heard sound? This is capital. Matador very good- Better than very good.— at p. 9. ought you not to enlarge one sentence to show why the diversity of classes of Lianas interested you? Is it because as to showing that many Families have thus become modified—something in same way as Marsupials, Edentata, Carnivora, Rodentata, and Quadrumana have here in another manner become "climbers". How are moths and sphinxes in Tropics. Did you sugar? Is the little Heron insectivorous? State somewhere for me, whether any of the Mammals and Birds often and long kept in confinement in native home, breed?f9 I like much discussion on Burmeister. I like all. I am very weak and tired. Do not think you have anything to thank me for— it has been pleasure. Go on as you have begun and you will surely succeed. Yours very sincerely, C. Darwin Hooker is much interested by what I told him about your conclusion of colours. of Butterflies and Tropics. M.S. returned by the Post." Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England.
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![Letter from Charles Darwin to [H. W. Bates] 3424](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/c58db8ecc6eac7ccbd729921deac45be.jpg?itok=opL4iUcW&pid=ksl:ditalldar00046&iic=true)
Show moreTranscription: "My dear Sir, I hope the enclosed note will be satisfactory to you, as far as it goes. You see that he wishes to see as much M.S. as you can let him have. When it comes to negotiation, remember my advice about disposing only of 1st. Edit. He will probably offer to take risk and give you a certain share of profit of sales. I believe it is universally thought that Mr Murray can be quite trusted. You must remember that as yet your name is not known to the general public, which necessarily always makes a Publisher cautious. I heartily wish you all the success, which I am sure you deserve. If I can do anything whatever for you, it will give me real pleasure. In Haste. Yours very sincerely, C. Darwin" Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England to [Henry Walter Bates]
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![Letter from Charles Darwin to [H. W. Bates] 3460](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/40dd7c9bc67f4fc907d2df5f586fde50.jpg?itok=008Pk-rW&pid=ksl:ditalldar00051&iic=true)
Show moreTranscription: "My dear Sir I will write again; but I do not want to lose a post to say that the terms are very favourable: I never heard of such terms being offered for first work. You may depend he thinks very highly of your Book. I have always agreed for each edition separately, (except for my Journal which I disposed of all at once for much worse terms); but I think the terms are so good, I would let Murray do as he likes. You might say you should prefer agreeing for only one Edition. I am heartily glad. Yours, C Darwin" Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England.
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![Letter from Charles Darwin to [H. W. Bates] 3507](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/a3c89bb480fd7399dcad22532581af36.jpg?itok=-1l2GXBb&pid=ksl:ditalldar00065&iic=true)
Show moreTranscription: "My dear Mr Bates Dr. Hooker is coming here tomorrow night to stay till Monday, is there any chance of your being able to spare time to come here during this time: it would give me great pleasure if you could. If you can spare the time or want a little rest, come without writing. You must come to Bromley Kent, by Railway; but I [am] sorry to say Bromley is six miles from this House. On Monday I could send you back to Bromley with Hooker. I hope to get Mr. Lubbock over on Sunday or Saturday evening I only heard this morning when Hooker was coming or I would have given you longer notice. A bit of rest would do you good. Yours very sincerely, C. Darwin Bromley is 10 miles from London & you can start from the Victoria Station Pimlico, or from London Bridge. Do not get out at "Shortlands for Bromley", but at the proper Bromley Station." Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England.
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Show moreTranscription: "My dear Mr Bates, Hearty thanks for your most interesting letter and three very valuable extracts. I am very glad that you have been looking at the S. temperate insects. I wish that the materials in B. Museum had been richer, but I should think the case of the S. American Carabi, supported by some other case, would be worth a paper. To us who theorise I am sure the case is very important. Do the S. American Carabi differ more from the other species, than do, for instance, the Siberian and European and N. American and Himalayan (if the genus exists there); if they do, I entirely agree with you that the difference would be too great to account for by the recent Glacial period. I agree, also, with you in utterly rejecting an independent origin for these Carabi. There is a difficulty, as far as I know, in our ignorance whether insects change quickly in time; you could judge of this by knowing how far closely allied Coleoptera generally have much restricted ranges, for this almost implies rapid change. What a curious case is offered by Land-Shells, which become modified in every sub-district, and have yet retained the same general structure from very remote geological periods. When working at glacial period, I remember feeling much suprise how few Birds, no mammals and very few sea-mollusca seemed to have crossed, or deeply entered, the intertropical regions during the cold period. Insects, from what you say, seem to come under the same category. Plants seem to migrate more readily than animals. Do not underrate the length of Glacial period; Forbes used to argue that it was equivalent to the whole of the pleistocene period in the warmer latitudes. I believe with you that we shall be driven to an older Glacial period. I am very sorry to hear about B. Museum; it would be hopeless to contend against any one supported by Owen. Perhaps another chance might occur before very long. How would it be to speak to Owen, as soon as your own mind is made up? From what I have heard, since talking to you, I fear strongest personal interest with Minister is requisite for Pension. Farewell and may success attend the "acerrimo propugnatori", Yours very sincerely, C. Darwin I deeply wish you could find some situation in which you could give your time to Science; it would be a great thing for science and for yourself." 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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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.
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Show moreTranscription: "My dear Mr Bates, I want to hear a little news of you and your Book, and how you and it go on. We have had a wretched summer and have returned home about a fortnight. One of my poor Boys, Leonard, was fearfully ill for two months from effect of Scarlet fever and on our journey to sea-side, Mrs Darwin sickened with the fever and we were detained 3 weeks at Southampton. My health has suffered considerably, but I am now slowly at work again. When at leisure pray let me have a line, telling me what you have been doing. By the way the other day a Mr Edwin Brown of Burton sent me Procs. of N. Ent. Soc. with a letter, in which he tells me that he is working at a genealogical classification of genus Carabus. In answer I told him that you had thought of something of the kind. Pray believe me, Yours very 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
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Show moreTranscription: "My dear Mr Bates, Many thanks for your very friendly note. I am not at all surprised at the time which your Book has taken. Everyone finds the same thing. It is dull work, but must be borne. People differ about being hurried by Proofs: I hate it, so shd recommend you not to be in too great a hurry. Murray would be an excellent adviser when you had better begin. After M.S. sent in, proofs seldom arrive for first fortnight, and then the flow is steady. I am most anxious that yours shd be a real good Book; so do not hurry over proofs—; yet I have known some very few men correct too much, and flatten their style. I find it good to correct in pencil and read aloud, and if it sounds well, not to plague more over it. But you write a capital style. I am very glad you have finished paper for Linn. Soc. When I go to London, I must enquire for the Part; for it is not sent till enquired for. You need not ask me to read it carefully; I shall be sure to do that.- not having been in London I have not seen a paper which you told me would appear in Annals. I am glad to hear about Mr Brown: I thought he was something remarkable! Mrs Darwin and my Boy are well; but my children are cause of never ending anxiety to me. This is a stupid note, but I am tired with a long day's work. With hearty good wishes for your work through the press— Dear Bates, Yours very 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
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Show moreDarwin writes to Bates after reading H. W. Bates paper, 'Contributions to an insect fauna of the Amazon Valley'. Darwin states that the paper is "one of the most remarkable" papers that he has read. Darwin noted in particular that the mimetic cases and the connection between facts most interesting. Transcription: "Dear Bates, I have just finished after several reads your Paper. In my opinion it is one of the most remarkable and admirable papers I ever read in my life. The mimetic cases are truly marvellous and you connect excellently a host of analogous facts. The illustrations are beautiful and seem very well chosen; but it would have saved the reader not a little trouble, if the name of each had been engraved below each separate figure; no doubt this would have put the engraver into fits, as it would have destroyed beauty of Plate. I am not at all surprised at such a paper having consumed much time. I rejoice that I passed over whole subject in the Origin, for I shd. have made a precious mess of it. You have most clearly stated and solved a wonderful problem. No doubt with most people this will be the cream of the paper; but I am not sure that all your facts and reasoning on variation and on the segregation of complete and semi-complete species is not really more, or at least as valuable a part. I never conceived the process nearly so clearly before; one feels present at the creation of new forms. I wish, however, you had enlarged a little more on the pairing of similar varieties; a rather more numerous body of facts seems here wanted. Then again what a host of curious miscellaneous observations there are, as on related sexual and individual variability you give; these will some day, if I live, be a treasure to me. With respect to mimetic resemblance being so common with insects; do you not think it may be connected with their small size; they cannot defend themselves; they cannot escape by flight at least from Birds; therefore they escape by trickery and deception? I have one serious criticism to make and that is about title of paper; I cannot but think that you ought to have called prominent attention in it to the mimetic resemblances. Your paper is too good to be largely appreciated by the mob of naturalists without souls; but rely on it, that it will have lasting value, and I cordially congratulate you on your first great work. You will find, I shd. think, that Wallace will fully appreciate it. How gets on your Book? Keep your spirits up. A Book is no light labour. I have been better lately and working hard; but my health is very indifferent. How is your health? Believe me Dear Bates, Yours very sincerely, Ch. Darwin Excuse my poor M.S. paper." 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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Show moreTranscription: "Dear Bates, I shd. think it was not necessary to get a written agreement. I have never had one from Murray. I suppose you have a letter with terms; if not, I shd. think you had better ask for one to prevent misunderstandings. I think Sir C. Lyell told me he had not any formal agreements. I am heartily glad to hear that your Book is progressing. Could you find some place, even foot-note (though these are in nine cases out of ten objectionable) where you could state, as fully as your materials permit, all the facts about similar varieties pairing, at a guess how many you caught, and how many now in your collection. I look at this fact as very important: if not in your book, put it somewhere else, or let me have cases. I entirely agree with you on enormous advantage of thoroughily studying one group. I shd. doubt Sir J. Herschel reading or reviewing nat. History; his address is "Collingwood Hawkhurst, Kent". I have already drawn Asa Gray's attention to your paper; but I fear it is out of his line, as he contributes only Bot. Reviews to N. American Journal. I will see whether a suggestion to one of Editors of Nat. Hist. R. will do any good; but as you are aware it is very unusual to review papers. I wish I had spare strength or time to review your paper; but in truth I have lost such months of time this whole summer that I must work on my own work when well enough. I really have no criticism to make; style seems to me very good and clear; but I much regret, that in title or opening passage that you did not blow loud trumpet about what you were going to show. Perhaps paper would have been better more divided into sections with Headings— Perhaps you might have given somewhere rather more of a summary on the process of segregation of varieties and not referred your readers to the descriptive part, excepting such readers as wanted minute detail. But these are trifles; I consider your paper as a most admirable production in every way. Whenever I come to variation under natural conditions (my head for months has been exclusively occupied with domestic varieties) I shall have to study and restudy your paper and no doubt shall then have to plague you with questions. I am heartily glad to hear that you are well. I have been compelled to write in a hurry, so excuse me, and believe me, Yours very 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
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Show moreTranscription: "Dear Bates One line to say that I have just heard from Asa Gray, that if he had a copy of your paper he would endeavour to get Prof. Haldeman to review in Sillimans Journal of Science. If you have a spare copy & think it worth chance, post by Book Post it to: Prof. Asa Gray Cambridge Massachusetts U. States I may as well tell you, as you will be sure to find out from resemblance to my letter that I have sent little Review of your Paper to N. Hist. Review. But I have reason to believe Editors will modify some part. If you send copy to Asa Gray, tell me; otherwise do not trouble yourself to write. By the way here is question sometime for you to answer, if you can, do Bees or Lepidoptera visit flowers of Melastomatads; if you shd. remember what genera of plants, please state; all a mere chance. whether you can answer, I know, I hope Book progresses. In Haste, Yours, 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
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Show moreTranscription: "Dear Bates I congratulate you very sincerely on your marriage. Judging from my own experience it is the best & almost only chance for what share of happiness this world affords. I hope you may succeed, for the sake of science, in getting fixed near London. I am heartily glad to hear that your great labours over your Book are drawing to a close: I know that I for one shall read it with real interest. Pray thank Wallace when you see him about Melastomas; I have in truth given more trouble on this, than case deserves, & am truly obliged to you. The fact is I cannot endure being beaten by a beggarly flower to the degree, which these confounded Melastomas have beaten me. I am pleased to hear of discussion on species at Zoolog. Soc. With my renewed congratulations & hopes for your happiness, believe me, Yours sincerely, Ch. Darwin" 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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Show moreTranscription: "Dear Bates I heard from Asa Gray a week ago, & must have the pleasure of sending you a copy of part of his letter. "The copy of Bates's paper addressed to me by the author has come. I am by no means clear that I shall pass it on to Haldimann, certainly not just yet. I have run thro' it. It is fascinating he at least is a full believer in Nat. Selection & the illustrations he brings to your aid are the prettiest possible. I keep it in pickle along with Decandolle on oaks & some other matters to make the subject of the evening for our Scientific Society which meets with me a fortnight hence, when I hope to torment Agassiz delightfully, and then I will myself draw up an abstract of the interesting matter for Silliman, but it is too late for the March number." I have been rather extra unwell for the last ten days so write this by dictation. Don't trouble yourself to acknowledge this. I hope Book goes on well. Yours sincerely, C. Darwin About Agassiz is of course private." 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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