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![Letter from Charles Darwin to [H. W. Bates] 3816](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/64c659159908c0470b124cb7a7712583.jpg?itok=UFgmGls1&pid=ksl:ditalldar00036&iic=true)
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.
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![Letter from Charles Darwin to [H. W. Bates] 3861](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/c03ec8bee7b11ac1814d83de4ecf943d.jpg?itok=OCeABUIV&pid=ksl:ditalldar00050&iic=true)
Show moreTranscription: "Dear Bates Many thanks for the paper & references on pairing of vars, -a subject which interests me much. If I do not hear to contrary I will keep the paper sent, though I do not see in it much on pairing of varieties. I would not on any account give you trouble to copy the passages out of Zoologist; when I come to subject I can consult the volume in London. I am sorry for all your trouble & delay about artists &c; but it is a law of nature that they will give trouble & it is of no use fighting against a law of nature. Good luck to you. Yours very sincerely, C. Darwin By any chance did you ever come across Indians, hardly pressed by famine, who were thus compelled to cook in new ways & try new vegetable productions? If by any odd chance, you have, I shd be glad to hear; otherwise do not write to say that you do not know." Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England.
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![Letter from Charles Darwin to [H. W. Bates] 3911](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/c136f968da75bb1803d789d103c994c7.jpg?itok=9dDLYYWx&pid=ksl:ditalldar00053&iic=true)
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.
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![Letter from Charles Darwin to [H. W. Bates] 3945](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/ce024447b41624f55d2a5613cfed9892.jpg?itok=pdjQZt9D&pid=ksl:ditalldar00054&iic=true)
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.
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![Letter from Charles Darwin to [H. W. Bates] 4022](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/5040e456f6d1ca8914036dbadfb86502.jpg?itok=3fuc6ysp&pid=ksl:ditalldar00055&iic=true)
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.
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![Letter from Charles Darwin to [H. W. Bates] 4107](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/6002f6359969919428c258de64b3c0f5.jpg?itok=R7anMTBt&pid=ksl:ditalldar00056&iic=true)
Show moreTranscription: "Dear Bates I have finished vol. I. My criticisms may be condensed into a single sentence, namely that it is the best book of Natural History Travels ever published in England. Your style seems to me admirable. Nothing can be better than the discussion on the struggle for existence & nothing better than the descriptions on the Forest scenery. It is a grand book, & whether or not it sells quickly it will last. You have spoken out boldly on Species; & boldness on this subject seems to get rarer & rarer. How beautifully illustrated it is. The cut on the back is most tasteful. I heartily congratulate you on its publication. The Athen;aelig;um was rather cold, as it always is, & insolent in highest degree about your bending facts. Have you seen the "Reader": I can send it you, if you have not seen it. I have got spare copies of my article in N. Hist Review, which I will send you on Monday & you can use or burn them as you like. I look forward with real pleasure to vol. 2. Yours very sincerely, Ch. Darwin I will keep copies of Review till I know your London address." Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England.
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![Letter from Charles Darwin to [H. W. Bates] 4132](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/f184a7e98a26678b3df0af9ac9d65673.jpg?itok=qXLhpf4V&pid=ksl:ditalldar00057&iic=true)
Show moreTranscription: "Dear Bates You will have received before this the note which I addressed to Leicester, after finishing vol. I, & you will have received copies of my little Review of your paper. By the way I heard yesterday from Asa Gray that his article on same is delayed till next number in Silliman's Journal. I have now finished vol. 2. & my opinion remains the same; that you have written a truly admirable work, with capital original remarks, first-rate descriptions, & the whole in a style which could not be improved. My family are now reading the book & admire it extremely; & as my wife remarks, it has so strong an air of truthfulness. I had a letter from a person the other day, unknown to you, full of praise of the book. I do hope it may get extensively heard of & circulated; but to a certain extent this, I think, always depends on chance. I suppose the clicking noise of surprise made by the Indian, is that which end of tongue applied to palate of mouth & suddenly withdrawn makes? I have not written since receiving your note of April 20th, in which you confide in me & tell me your prospects- I heartily wish they were better & especially more certain; but with your abilities & powers of writing it will be strange if you cannot add what little you require for your income. I am glad that you have got a retired & semi-rural situation. What a grand ending you give to your book contrasting civilisation & wild life! I quite regret that I have finished it: every evening it was a real treat to me to have my half hour in the grand Amazonian forest, & picture to myself your vivid descriptions. There are heaps of facts of value to me in a Nat. Hist. point of view- It is a great misfortune that you were prevented giving the discussion on species. But you will, I hope, be able to give your views & facts somewhere else. Once again I congratulate you & believe me, Yours very sincerely, C. Darwin We shall stay here till Wednesday & then move for a week to J. Wedgwood's Esqr Leith Hill Place Dorking Surrey We have come for change for my Boy & own health-sake" Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England.
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![Letter from Charles Darwin to [H. W. Bates] 5066](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/095c8cf1f2f7ce8c8461f569ada02e47.jpg?itok=A2sI4ziu&pid=ksl:ditalldar00066&iic=true)
Show moreDarwin asks Bates for the information he needs for the German translation [of the Coral reefs], including correct titles of reference books and the name of a voyager. Transcription: "April 20" c1866 My dear Bates I shd be greatly obliged to you if you could answer 4 questions.- Perhaps [] be so vy kind as to [] [] you or undertake the task. Prof. Victor came in translating with German my book on Coral Reefs + says he cannot find the paper title + date of publication of some books to which I + which I ame 30-40 years ago at the Geographical For or at the []. I refer to a "Memoir on the Pacific, appendix "1835 by Adm []" It is clear that I here refer in English to some book what is real Title?- Secondly, I frequently refer to "[] Hydrographical Memoir," + V[] asks "is this, Vol 8th of his Voyage [] in made [] "[][et la []?" I cannot remember, but rather think there is a separate Hydrographical work by [].- Thirdly I refer to the charts of the [] + [], [] published in the "[] of the []," + V. [] asks whether I refer to La Place's "Voyage de la Favorite"? Do you know of any voyage of the Favourite: I think that I remember [] La Place. Fourthly + Lastly was there a voyager of the name of [] I refer to such in reforma to the []. [] thinks, L it is [] for D. [], which I do not believe. Can you forgive me + aid me? yours most truly Ch. Darwin" Letter, signed by sender to [Henry Walter Bates]. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England.
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![Letter from Charles Darwin to [H. W. Bates] 5312](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/02bb5ed62590663ac393e41d9766df6b.jpg?itok=fxgTLTkB&pid=ksl:ditalldar00058&iic=true)
Show moreTranscription: "Dear Bates Will you kindly do me a favour? Mr Blyth tells me that in 23d vol. of your R. G. Journal, there is a letter from Commander [R/B?]utakoft to Sir R. Murchison, in which the tameness of the deer on recently visited Isld. in Lake Aral is mentioned. Now if passage is quite short, will you have it copied for me, with man's name—proper volume, date, of vol. & page. If passage is long, can you send me Vol. by Post & it shall soon be returned, as I want it soon. Forgive me troubling you & believe me, Dear Bates, Yours very sincerely, Ch. Darwin" Letter, signed by sender to [Henry Walter Bates. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England.
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![Letter from Charles Darwin to [H. W. Bates] 5476](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/ce062d778a3e1b2452603de28cfde753.jpg?itok=h8oMnFvr&pid=ksl:ditalldar00047&iic=true)
Show moreDarwin requests from Bates the tabulation of horned beetles, or in the least some general remarks. Also mentions other species mocking Heliconidae, and if full coloured [sic.] were mocked. Darwin asserts his believe in H. W. bates theory. He also encloses a copy of a letter from A. R. Wallace, which requests the observations of what type of catapillar birds devour. Transcription: "March 30 1867 Down. Bromley. Kent. S.C. Dear Bates Would not the tabulating the Horned Beetles be very troublesome if not I certainly [] like to hear the result. But in truth it would be a pity for you to waste or take up much time over the job, for some general remarks, would do very well for my object. Your remarks in answer to my lady-friend(Miss [] daughter of [] of Berkley Hall) are interesting + fairly satisfactory; but it would have been better if it could have been stated what "other objects" [] fruit masked; or if it could be shown the same species masked dull-coloured [], for there are the [] gained their splendid colours [] would the markers. Not that I feel a shadow of doubt about the truth of your theory-it must be true. Wallace told me in a letter of the [] case of the white moth + the [] []. I suppose you have, of course, seen his letter to to []; but I enclose a couple of copies.- May [] about [] whenever I go to B. []. I will ask to see the [] + will look at the [] + similarities in the sexes. It [] a capital case. You have [] givem me most valuable information: Dear Bates yours very sincerely Ch. Darwin I have just finished [] read aloud your []. [], + liked it better 2nd time even than 1st time. I shd read your letter to [] as she begged me to do." Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England.
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![Letter from Charles Darwin to [H. W. Bates] 5895](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/2cda9fe46b6a58419c91fcd8845dcc05.jpg?itok=0YWa_NQv&pid=ksl:ditalldar00048&iic=true)
Show moreDarwin is in "utter confusion" on the differences on the division of certain insects between J. O. Westwood and H. W. Bates. Darwin requests Bates if he will homoligise certain insect families for him, using terms that would be generally understood. Transcription: "Feb 19th c1862 1868 Down. Bromley. Kent.S.C. My dear Bates I am in utter confusion; will you kindly clarify my mind - Westwood divides [] []([] []) with []=? []=? []=? Now you speak([]) of [], [] + []. - Now with your [] families [] + 18th which terms will be most generally understood, which I care more about than which are most strictly correct. Again, + more important for me, you say that(p.252) in the [] (I suppose of Westwood likewise) "the []-cases are symmetrical but have edges....... a distinct position is not set apart...for sound-producing"..... Now how can I reconcile this with Westwood (p.440) who [] drawing of the two wings which are not strictly symmetrical, + one of which is furnished "with a distinct position" for sound producing. So if the same species of crickets but both wings similar? I shd be grateful if you would kindly aid me as far as you can, + excuse me troubling you. yours vy sincerely C. Darwin Harris places [] [] , the "Katysis", in the [], is this the [] of Westwood? I suppose the "Field cricket" belongs to [] of all []. Your [] cannot belong to the [] of Westwood, but I suppose to his []" Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England.
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![Letter from Charles Darwin to [H. W. Bates] 6022](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/a0f9d97b1b9a3f7c708b07983d013a4e.jpg?itok=ZWprTcSo&pid=ksl:ditalldar00062&iic=true)
Show moreDarwin requests information on the standard of beauty of 'savages', and on whether the female has any influence in selecting a male. Transcription: "4 Charter Place March 16 c1864 B. Park. N.W My dear Bates It has occurred to me that you must occasionally come to accept [] or Dealers who have lay lived intimately with savages: in this case, if you can, oblige me by leading [] to the notion of savages about the beauty of women, + secondly + more especially how far the women have any indirect influence in getting men, whom they prefer or admire to court them or [] them from their parents. Your will at once see my object.- I have many facts but am greedy for more.- I most thoroughly enjoyed my morning's talk with you.- This [] requires no answer Most sincerely yours C. Darwin" Letter, signed by sender.
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![Letter from Charles Darwin to [H. W. Bates] 6120](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/a79e2bbe83574e76df1dcc55d1057eb7.jpg?itok=BvpHB8X0&pid=ksl:ditalldar00060&iic=true)
Show moreDarwin has questions for Bates related to colour differences in the sexes of butterflies, particularly in relation to HWB's paper, "On variation in sexes of Argynnis diana". Also mentions that his manuscript on Lepidoptera is longer than he intended and the information is four-fifths owed to H.W. Bates. Transcription: "April 15 c1862 1868 Down. Bromley. Kent.S.C. My dear Bates Will you looks at p.2 of enclosed note (which please return for it has been + is precious to me), at [] with two blue lines, + [] me in the name of the one Papilio, in which there is no difference in colour in the two sexes. Also should you call this one species a beautiful or [] one, either relating to [] other Butterflies as to the genus Papilio?- As I am writing I will ask another question: in your communication to W.H. Edwards in [] of Philadelphia, you speak of the females of [] Diana, Sagona, Paphia, Papilio [], as departing from the type of their family.- Now are there more [] than their males? The [] female of P. [] cannot be considered 10. Will [] as the above females []? I suppose you do not know whether in the case of their species the males or females appear most numerous. I hear from Walsh + Edwards that with P. [] the males are as 4 to 1 to the females. H. Doubleday has [] me up to good way of estimating number of sexes, [] by priced German [] + the results are striking: there with Butterflies out of 114 sp. + [], in which the sexes differ in [] (of causes there is no difference in very common species) the males in every case but one are cheapest; that according to the standard on an average, there ought to be for every 100 females 143 males.- So return to the female Butterflies, Wallace things in the [] that in all cases when the female is most beautiful she is mimetic. My [] has [] to greater length than I like, but has interested me much; + I owe 4/5 of my information to your great + [] kindness. yours very sincerely Ch. Darwin" Letter, signed by sender to [Henry Walter Bates]. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England.
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![Letter from Charles Darwin to [H. W. Bates] 6135](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/3827155482c4c5e148737d965b57cded.jpg?itok=6e7KvFzV&pid=ksl:ditalldar00061&iic=true)
Show moreDarwin thanks Bates for answering his questions. The manuscript on Lepidoptera is almost finished and Darwin is glad to have Bates read his writing, as he is fearful of mistakes since he is not as familiar with the subject. Transcription: "Ap. 22nd c1862 1868 Down. Bromley. Kent.S.C. My dear Bates. Hearty thanks.- you are the man to answer a question fully + clearly.- I return the drawing which + to [] can [] capital for me.- I have nearly finished my [] on [] + will then have it copied by a man who writes an excellent hand.- Your most kind offer of reading it has made all the difference to me: if I had not known that I shd have been tormented to which time with []. I have tried to be cautious + to avoid blunders, but when one writes on a subject, with which one is not familiar, mistakes almost [] occur. yours vy sincerely C. Darwin Two-thirds of the M.S. relates to fact communicated by you to me. or published by you." Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England.
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![Letter from Charles Darwin to [H. W. Bates] 6195](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/fe3aec5c77e5be9e8539bf4dd61daa43.jpg?itok=Wz1loklS&pid=ksl:ditalldar00059&iic=true)
Show moreDarwin lists specimens (beetles) that he would like from Mr Janson, emphasizing that he always wants male and female. Darwin also extends an invitation for a Sunday in early June. Transcription: "1867? May 21 My dear Bates Cordial Thanks.- You must not hurry yourself. You understand that I always want male + female. I shd like Tyrhaeus English species Copris (not English sp.) Geotrupes 2 sp. Onitis 4 or 5 or 6, other genera, some differing much, some differing little according to [] in systemal appearance I head in Chile Chiasognatus Grantu squeaking loudly so I wd gladly pay 1 [pound] for a [], if they can be bought: I brought home a dozen sp. but gave them all away. If the beetles do not come named, + they prove interesting, I dare say you'd put me up to getting them named. Will you pay Mr Janson for me? or ask him to send me a mem? any how I shd like his address so that I might apply for more specimens if the result proves interesting, which I don't expect. Should you be able to come down the early part of next month + spend the Sunday here; it wd give us very great pleasure to see you + it wd make it pleasant to Mr Jenner Weir who had been extraordinarily kind + whom I want to invite here. With many thanks yours very sincerely Charles Darwin" Letter, signed by sender to [Henry Walter Bates]. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England.
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Show moreDarwin thanks for assistance. He will write fully to Wallace tomorrow. Letter from Down, Beckenham, Kent. Transcription: "?29A Down, Beckenham, Kent. [] 16 My dear Bates Very many thanks your all your kind []. I will write [] in full detail to Wallace + I hope all will go smooethly. yours very sincerely Ch. Darwin"
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![Letter from Charles Darwin to [Henry Denny], 787](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/c065fe387041386bb884d79edbcfbaad.jpg?itok=vZp2G8mm&pid=ksl:ditalldar00185&iic=true)
Show moreTranscription: "Dear Sir I am much obliged for your note & have been greatly interested by the facts you mention of the identical parasites on the same species of birds at immensely remote stations. I am sorry to say I cannot think of any possible means of procuring the parasites of the S. American Mammifers to which you refer. Some surgeon, or officer, interested in Nat. Hist wd be the only means & I know none now there. Are you aware whether the same parasites are found on any of our land birds in this country & in N. America. Some of the birds of Europe & N. America appear certainly identical; many form very closely related species or as some would think races: What an interesting investigation wd be the comparison of the parasites of the closely allied & representative birds of the two countries. Should you chance to know anything of the parasites of the land-birds of North America, perhaps, sometime you kindly wd. take the trouble to send me a line, as I am deeply interested in everything connected with geographical distribution, & the differences between species & varieties. I hope you will turn in your mind the possibility of investigating closely the N. American land-bird-parasites. When the same bird in immensely remote countries, has the same parasite, do you never observe some slight difference in colour, size or proportions of such parasites? I have forgotten to answer your question, about the Aperea being identical with the guinea-pig, & I can only answer it by professing entire ignorance & doubt: I certainly shd disbelieve it, if you cd show the parasites were different. How is the parasite of the wolf with the dog, if the latter has one? I hope you will excuse this long note & believe me dear Sir Yours very faithfully C. Darwin" Letter sent from Down, Beckenham, Kent, England
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![Letter from Charles Darwin to [H.G. Bronn], 2940](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/4cd1555c6203c6cd8f42ef52ce9527f2.jpg?itok=4ELZETEx&pid=ksl:ditalldar00175&iic=true)
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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Show moreTranscription: "Gentlemen I see that Miss Meteyard is preparing a life of my grandfather Josiah Wedgwood. I have in my possession a good many letters to him from Dr Erasmus Darwin (also my grandfather) & if they would be likely to give any information, I shall be glad to send them to Miss Meteyard or to you. They are chiefly on semi-scientific subjects & probably would only be useful as shewing what subjects were occupying Mr Wedgwood’s mind & the dates of them. Perhaps you will forward this to Miss Meteyard I am Gentleman Yours faithfully Charles Darwin"
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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