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Letter from Charles Darwin to [H.G. Bronn], 2940

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Dear & much respected Sir I ought to apologise for troubling you; but I have at last carefully read your excellent criticisms on my Book. I agree with
Show moreDear & much respected Sir I ought to apologise for troubling you; but I have at last carefully read your excellent criticisms on my Book. I agree with much of them, & wholly with your final sentence. The objections & difficulties, which may be urged against my view, are indeed heavy enough almost to break my back; but it is not yet broken! You put very well & very fairly that I can in no one instance explain the course of modification in any particular instance. I could make some sort of answer to your case of the two Rats; & might I not turn round, & ask him, who believes in the separate creation of each species, why one Rat has a longer tail or shorter ears than another? I presume that most people would say that these characters were of some use or stood in some connection with other parts; & if so, natural selection could act on them. But as you put the case, it tells well against me. You argue most justly against my question, whether the many species were created as eggs or as mature; I certainly had no right to ask that question. I fully agree that there might have been as well 100,000 creations as 8 or 10, or only one. But then on the view of 8 or 10 creations, (i.e. as many as there are distinct types of structure) we can on my view understand the homological & embryological resemblances of all the organisms of each type; & on this ground almost alone I disbelieve in the innumerable acts of creation. There are only two points on which, I think, you have misunderstood me: I refer only to one Glacial period as affecting the distribution of organic beings: I did not wish even to allude to the doubtful evidence of Glacial action in the Permian & Carboniferous periods. Secondly, I do not believe that the process of development has always been carried on at the same rate in all different parts of the world. Australia is opposed to such belief. The nearly contemporaneous equal development in past periods I attribute to the slow migration of the higher & more dominant forms over the whole world; & not to independent acts of development in different parts. Lastly, permit me to add that I cannot see the force of your objection, that nothing is effected until the origin of life is explained: surely it is worth while to attempt to follow out the action of Electricity, though we know not what electricity is. If you should at any time do me the favour of writing to me, I should be very much obliged if you would inform me, whether you have yourself examined Brehm’s sub-species of Birds; for I have looked through some of his writings, but have never met an Ornithologist who believed in his works. Are these sub-species really characteristic of certain different regions of Germany? Should you write, I should much like to hear how the German Edition sells. With my once more sincerely expressed gratitude & with entire respect I beg leave to remain Dear & Honoured Sir Yours sincerely & respectfully Charles Darwin Letter from Down, Beckenham, Kent.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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Darwin, Charles, 1809-1882

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http://hdl.handle.net/2186/ksl:ditalldar00175

Letter from Charles Darwin to J. B. Innes [7776]

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Transcription: "My dear Innes, I have been very glad to receive your pleasant letter; for to tell you the truth, I have sometimes wondered whether you
Show moreTranscription: "My dear Innes, I have been very glad to receive your pleasant letter; for to tell you the truth, I have sometimes wondered whether you would not think me an outcast and a reprobate after the publication of my last book. I do not wonder at all at your not agreeing with me, for a good many professed naturalists do not. Yet when I see in how extraordinary a manner the judgment of naturalists has changed since I published the Origin, I feel convinced that there will be in ten years quite as much unanimity about man, as far as his corporeal frame is concerned. Anyhow my views do not lead me to such conclusions about negros and slavery as yours do: I consider myself a good way ahead of you, as far as this goes. Thanks for the very curious story about the dog and mutton chops. They are wonderful animals, and deserve to be loved with all one's heart, even when they do steal mutton-chops. I am very sorry that you have been compelled to give up your farm, for I am sure it must have been a great amusement, and that you would have managed it very well. I have seen no one for a long time and heard no news of Mr Powell. The Friendly Club, which flourishes, meets tomorrow and I shall read aloud the accounts on my lawn in the usual way. You proved right about Mr. Horsman, and I never heard a word more from or about him; so I return all the documents, which you were so very kind as to send me, and which I shd. think it would be worth while to keep for some years, in case the scamp shd. again turn up. With hearty thanks for your letter with all its interesting details. Believe me, Dear Innes, Your's very sincerely, Ch. Darwin" Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England.
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Darwin, Charles, 1809-1882

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http://hdl.handle.net/2186/ksl:ditalldar00038

Letter from Charles Darwin to John Brodie Innes [1141]

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Transcription:"My dear Mr Innes I am extremely sorry to hear of your toothache. You must not put, I think more than one drop of Chloroform on the toot
Show moreTranscription:"My dear Mr Innes I am extremely sorry to hear of your toothache. You must not put, I think more than one drop of Chloroform on the tooth. I send Tincture of Arnica which smarts the skin (deadly Poison) to put outside. Mrs Darwin finds hot fomentations do best. Many find cold water applications best. I have found two or three drops of Alum & Swt Spirits of Nitre (in bottle with a label) sometimes do my teeth great good. I was not in when your note came. Yours, C. Darwin I send my bottles which you can return afterwards I send Creosote, some find a drop of this do much good" Letter, signed by sender.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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Darwin, Charles, 1809-1882

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http://hdl.handle.net/2186/ksl:ditalldar00003

Letter from Charles Darwin to John Brodie Innes [11763]

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Transcription: "My dear Innes Many thanks for your most kind letter & for sending me Dr Pusey's sermon, which I have been glad to see, but I am a litt
Show moreTranscription: "My dear Innes Many thanks for your most kind letter & for sending me Dr Pusey's sermon, which I have been glad to see, but I am a little disappointed in it, as I expected more vigour & less verbiage. I hardly see how religion & science can be kept as distinct as he desires, as geology has to to treat of the history of the Earth & Biology that of man. But I most wholly agree with you that there is no reason why the disciples of either school should attack each other with bitterness, though each upholding strictly their beliefs. You, I am sure, have always practically acted in this manner in your conduct towards me & I do not doubt to all others. Nor can I remember that I have ever published a word directly against religion or the clergy. But if you were to read a little pamphlet which I received a couple of days ago by a clergyman, you would laugh & admit that I had some excuse for bitterness; after abusing me for 2 or 3 pages in language sufficiently plain & emphatic to have satisfied any reasonable man, he sums up by saying that he has vainly searched the English language to find terms to express his contempt of me & all Darwinians. We have just returned from a week in London, where we went as I wanted rest, but I am now tired, so will write no more. I suppose that the misery from that wicked Glasgow bank is something inconceivably great in Scotland. Believe me, My dear Innes, Yours very 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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Darwin, Charles, 1809-1882

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http://hdl.handle.net/2186/ksl:ditalldar00022

Letter from Charles Darwin to John Brodie Innes [12696]

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Darwin writes to Innes about the lichens found on the Scottish mountains. He also has news about the Hooles and mentions the burglary of High-Elms. Tr
Show moreDarwin writes to Innes about the lichens found on the Scottish mountains. He also has news about the Hooles and mentions the burglary of High-Elms. Transcription: "Aug 23 1880 Down, Beckenham, Kent Railway Station Orpington.S.E.R. My dear Innes The discovery of Barnacles of Scotlant on the [] on the mountains wd have been an extraordinary + vy interesting one, but I am sorry to say that the objects sent are not barnacles but vy hard Lichens. I do not remember to have seen any of the same kind, but I have never studied Lichens, _ they are vy perplexing bodies.- We returned on Saturday for [] where we staid a week with Horace + his charming little wife; + we enjoyed ourselves much, admiring the grandeur of []. Chapel + the other old [] of my early life. My wife has not seen poor Mrs [], since her return, but I daresay you have had late news of her, as Mrs [] was tellins us what a comfort to him your letters were, + that he often wrote to you. We have first had a curious scene on our lawn, [] 67 half-reformed criminals + [] boys. who have come down here for a holiday, + to each of whom I gave sixpence. Some of them had vy good faces + some are atrociously bad faces. Did you see in paper an account of a burglar at High-Elms; it was a bad one, as the burglars tried to force their way into the Butlers' pantry; he being within with no arms.- I wish I had got you [] for this []- Ever yours of [] 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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Darwin, Charles, 1809-1882

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http://hdl.handle.net/2186/ksl:ditalldar00023

Letter from Charles Darwin to John Brodie Innes [13349]

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Darwin writes to Innes to tell him of the arrival of the wasps' nest. Also writes about how he believes that the queen wasp builds a hexagonal cell, b
Show moreDarwin writes to Innes to tell him of the arrival of the wasps' nest. Also writes about how he believes that the queen wasp builds a hexagonal cell, by straightening walls between several cells. Darwin goes further to say that the queen bee builds these at the same time. Transcription: "Sept. 22? Down My dear Innes The wasps' nest has arrived safe, except part of the outer walls, + was wonderfully well packed. The cells are not [filter entire line] [], as I expected to see them; as the outer walls, when not in contact with any other cell are [] [] or curved; + the [] or [] of the cells are also perfect. If a queen wish [] to move a single cell in to shape of a hexagon, the [] w? have been can [] one in my eyes. I believe that she builds up several cells at the same time + makes straight walls between the adjoining cells; + these intersecting [] between [tunneling?] [] produces the hexagon. - But the [] has gone out of my head, + I cannot harm them to force it into my old worn-out brains. Very-many thanks for your most kind letter [] 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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Darwin, Charles, 1809-1882

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http://hdl.handle.net/2186/ksl:ditalldar00025

Letter from Charles Darwin to John Brodie Innes [2870]

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Transcription:"Dear Innes, Thanks for Coal-bill which I will pay as soon as I get home in about 10 days time. I am sincerely sorry to hear so poor an
Show moreTranscription:"Dear Innes, Thanks for Coal-bill which I will pay as soon as I get home in about 10 days time. I am sincerely sorry to hear so poor an account of Mrs. Innes. We moved Etty here with much difficulty a fortnight ago, & she has improved very little, but thank God she has improved a little. She now can generally sit up for above 1⁄2 hour twice a day. I have been a good deal knocked up of late & have had to recur to Water-cure; but all our anxiety with Etty ill for 12 weeks has been enough to knock us up. But my wife has stood the incessant nursing wonderfully. Women are so good & unselfish, that helping others seems to do them good. Our plans are utterly Uncertain; we hope to take Etty to sea, whenever she is strong enough; but where & when are both quite unknown to us. What a wandering life you have been leading! We shall be very glad to see you at Down. I enquired (not alluding to you) about Mr Ainslie's house, but can hear nothing whatever. Parslow asked Mr Baxter, but he knew nothing. Farewell with our kind remembrances to Mrs. Innes— believe me, Dear Innes, Yours very sincerely, C. Darwin I hope from your note that Johnny is tolerably well." Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Miss Wedgwoods, Hartfield, Tonbridge Wells, England. Envelope included.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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Darwin, Charles, 1809-1882

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http://hdl.handle.net/2186/ksl:ditalldar00005

Letter from Charles Darwin to John Brodie Innes [2912]

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Transcription:"Dear Innes. I am very sorry to say that I fear we shall not see you when you come to Keston, for we have almost made up our minds to be
Show moreTranscription:"Dear Innes. I am very sorry to say that I fear we shall not see you when you come to Keston, for we have almost made up our minds to be off next week to sea-side for a month to see what the change will do for Etty, though I have not much hope. Your account of the Donkey has interested me much & would you be so kind as to have another look at it & observe whether its eyes are pink; but as you say it is rather cream-coloured than white, it probably is not an albino. Did the owner rear it; if so please ask him whether it was born of same colour & had then no stripes. Anytime will do for an answer. I am sorry to hear about your house difficulties. Dear Innes, Ever yours very 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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Darwin, Charles, 1809-1882

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http://hdl.handle.net/2186/ksl:ditalldar00006

Letter from Charles Darwin to John Brodie Innes [3032]

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Transcription:"Dear Innes Many thanks for your kind & pleasant letter. I cannot give a very good account of poor Etty, who had a relapse a week ago, w
Show moreTranscription:"Dear Innes Many thanks for your kind & pleasant letter. I cannot give a very good account of poor Etty, who had a relapse a week ago, which threw her a good deal back & she has hardly yet got up to her standard a fortnight ago & that was not high. It is enough to make one despair. I am very sorry that you have such poor success in building: I am sure you must miss a home of your own with your various animals & pets. I had heard that Ainslie wants £4000, which it is impossible to believe he will ever get. The rogue must be cleaned out some day & have to sell at fair price. As for news we have none. I daresay you heard that Christopher Osborne is dead— the third death this year in the Friendly Club! You will have heard of the new Doctor, next door to where Mr Edwards is now staying.f6 I have not seen him yet. What you say about my Book pleases me & I do look at it as high compliment. I never expected to convert people under 20 year, though firmly convinced now that I am in the main right. For a week hardly passes without my hearing of some good judge coming some little way with me. And those who go an inch will surely have to go a yard with me. By far the greater part of the opposition is just the same as that made when the sun was first said to stand still & the world to go round. I am now passing through the press a new Edition. Did you see the Quarterly Review, the B. of Oxford made really splendid fun of me & my grandfather. On account of Etty we lead a more retired life than ever, though this seems hardly possible. But to night Emma & some relations in the House are going to a Ball at the Lubbocks. I see John occasionally but have not seen any other member of the Family for an age. I am heartily glad that you can give a pretty good account of your son & Mrs. Innes, to whom pray give our very kind remembrances & Believe me Dear Innes, Yours very 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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Darwin, Charles, 1809-1882

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http://hdl.handle.net/2186/ksl:ditalldar00009

Letter from Charles Darwin to John Brodie Innes [3347]

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Transcription:"My dear Innes I hope Johnny's heart will not fail. We will take much care of Quiz. If he comes pray thank Johnny. If you will see that
Show moreTranscription:"My dear Innes I hope Johnny's heart will not fail. We will take much care of Quiz. If he comes pray thank Johnny. If you will see that the Dog is at London Bridge. S.E. Railway Station by one oclock, I will see that Snow, who is up as usual on Thursday, calls for him & brings him here safely. I had told Snow that he might be at Nag's Head this day & gave all sorts of Instructions in case he came later, after he had started. I suppose you will very soon be off to Scotland; most heartily do I hope you all happiness in your new career as Scotch Laird or Chieftain, as perhaps I ought to call it—f3 Pray give my very kind remembrances to Mrs. Innes & believe me. Dear Innes, Yours very sincerely, Charles 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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Darwin, Charles, 1809-1882

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http://hdl.handle.net/2186/ksl:ditalldar00010