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Show moreNote from Charles Darwin which reads "a big bottle of distilled water 2 oz of [] spirits. Please fill Bottle with same [perfume?] 10th C. Darwin"
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscr
Show morePhotograph of Charles Darwin, in looseleaf folder. Collier Photograph of engraving
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
Show moreRecollections of Charles Darwin, written by John Brodie Innes. Transcription: "My acquaintance with Mr. Darwin commenced when he took up his residence at Downe. I was then Curator of the adjoining Parish of Faraborough. In 1846 I became Vicar of Downe, and we became friends and so continued to his death. His kindness to me and my family was unvarying and we repaid it with warm affection. The charm of his manners, the heartiness of his friendship, the bullioning of his conversation were such that as a relation of mine who lived near him for a short time observed, no one really knew him did not love him. In all Parish matters he was a most valuable supporter. In Schools, and Charities his liberal subscriptions and help were always ready and in the disputed questions which arose in that, as in all Parishes I was always sure of Mr Darwin's support as he held that where there was no real objection he ought to support the Clergyman as being most responsive. As I have always endeavour to be first of all a Churchman, these relations could not have been maintained if M' Darwin had been the [stalwart?] unbeliever and opponent of religion that was supported by many who did not know him, did not study his work, and supposed to be his own the deductions which others drew from them, and the sentiments others supposed him to hold. Before I knew Mr Darwin I had adopted, and publicly expressed the opinion that Natural history, geology and Science in general should be studied without reference to the Bible. That the Book of Nature and Religion proceeded from the same source and that properly understood they proceeded on parallel lines and would never [crop]. [] sermon. Mr. Darwin from his own side held the same views of course any conversations we had on [] religious matters are as sacredly private now as in his life, but the quaint conclusion of one may be recorded. We had been speaking of the apparent diversity between some supposed discoveries and the Book of Genesis. He said "you are a theologian, I am a Naturalist. I pursue my investigations without considering how they affect Scripture, I do not attack [] and I think [] can take care of himself. Later he wrote. I do not think I [] directly attacked religion or the Clergy and reformed to an abusive pamphlet by a clergyman which I should laugh at, and which might have given him cause for bitterness. So we never attacked each other. He wrote that you are one of the rare mortals with whom one can differ and just feel no shade of bitterness, and he would be proud if any one could say the same of him. The queietness with which he received attacks is shown by his saying I should laugh at the abusive pamphlet, and another instance is that when the Bishop of Oxford's review of Origin of Species appeared in the Quarterly he wrote a postscript in a letter to me "If you have not seen the Quarterly do get it, the Bp of Oxford has made such capital fun of me and my Grandfather. I was at [] with the Bp when I got the letter, and showed it to him, he said I am glad he takes it in this way he is such a capital fellow". Notice his most remarkable accuracy in all observations. The [] of years to ascertain the reversion of kinds of pigeons to the original type. Of bees which I [] him to observe and in which, and other matters he always sug- gested doubts when I thought facts were proved and required further observation. This remarkable thoughtfulness shown in all his conversation. On one occasion after a discussion on a Parish matter he came to me at night to say what he had said was really accurate but it had occurred to him that I might have drawn an erroneous inference and he would not sleep till he had explained it. I feel sure that if any day he had discovered some facts which would uproot his theories he would have placed them on record for publication at once. His bad health prevented his conversing for above half an hour at a time and he was obliged to break off and lie down because he felt sick. His quotes, to carry pebbels in hand and drop one at the end of each second of the plantation walk to be sure he had accomplished the distance at [] 6 months resolve to keep the box in the cellar and key in the []. Another 6 months, only to take a pinch where from home when he would to get one in my study. On my Cast [] B.I. + I have been fast friends for 30 years, he never [] afreed on any subject but one and then we looked hard at each other and thought one of us must be very ill. for substance sent it of [] 20 years ISS with seven letters, some of which are referred to above"
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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Show moreCollection of over 175 manuscript letters by Darwin, his family, and his contemporaries detailing Darwin's daily life and the struggle of the Victorians to formulate and accept the theory of evolution. Any numbers that appear in the titles of individual collection objects refers to the Calendar of the Darwin Correspondence numbering system.
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The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
![Letter from [Charles Darwin] to Alfred Neafie](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/d6a3276636869570f54cf08dd5c182ef.jpg?itok=BA9YF4X7&pid=ksl:ditalldar00119&iic=true)
Show moreLetter to Alfred Neafie concerning a Christmas gift of a silver knife, and a brief discussion of theory. Transcription: "England, Dec.23;1872 Col Alfred Neafri: My dear Sir: While it gives me much pleasure to hear that you are a convert to my theories, I am in constant terror and anxiety, sir, lest you showed retrograde to your original condition. For, my dear sir, I have heard,(and I say this not in anger but in sorrow of heart,) that you are quite given to "growls" about things in general and some alas in []. Now, Col, if you have read my books all week, you must know that nothing is more indicative of a savage slate than growling. And in my anxiety and distress, lest you should furnish a case of entire reversion, I have counseled your wife to present you this silver fruit knife for your Chistmas Gift. [] Chat if your semi savage slate should increase upon you. This timely and appropriate gift may incline you to use your hands, and thus keep out of sight the claws that generally are well developed in growling animals. It is fair, my dear sid, to assure you that your wife is not privy to these fears of mine, but gives this knife to you because she believes it in a measure [] holical of your wedded union-strong but not sharp: solid but not heavy: both useful and ornamental, brilliant and precious. I am, dear sir, with the Compliments of the Season your true friend Charles Darwin Col. Alfred Neafir Ellenville [] N.Y. U.S. America Darwin A Darwin Letter 1872 Purchased 1946 Was laid in "Animals+Plants under Domestication" Am. ed" Letter, signed by sender [written for Charles Darwin?]. Envelope included. Sent from Ellenville, Ulster County, New York.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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Show moreLetter from Charles Darwin to unknown. Letter shows appreciation for a copy of a translation of his 'Variation under domestication'. Letter marked Dec 20. FG117- $150.00 Transcription: "Dec. 20th F6117 $150.00 Down, Beckenham, Kent. Dear Sir I am very much obliged for the copy of the beautifully got translation of my variation [under?] Domestication, received a few days ago; + for your present of this admirable work on a microscopical [] of [works?]. Dear Sir yours very faithfully Ch. Darwin" Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down, Beckenham, Kent.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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Show moreLetter to autograph collector. Written in pencil: 'F6102 $49.50' Letter from Down, Beckenham, Kent. Transcription: "Dec 21. 1876 Down, Beckenham, Kent. Railway Station Orpington.S.E.R. Dear Sir As you have been so considerate as to send me an addressed envelope, I have the pleasure to send you my signature Dear Sir yours faithfully Charles Darwin"
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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Show moreLetter from Charles Darwin to unknown. [From East Brent] Transcription: "[] Dec 26. 67 My dear Sir Thank you much for your kind letter and its enclosure. I should have thought that I might have known what "advice" I should give without [you] telling him. We are in a [] minority. The right always is. I have long been [] [] something in [], even here, my unconformism [] on principle, committed to over [] + keeping y very []. Dear sir, [] J Brodie Innes"
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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Show moreLetter from Charles Darwin to unknown. [From East Brent] Transcription: "[] Dec 18. 67 My dear Sir I have to thank you much for yr kind letter and for all the information which it contains. I do not see [] and did not know [] I think that I can take no solace of it- It is enough to [fight] the home battle as first we may. Do not be angry with me if I say that the whole problem in Scotland is so anoma- -lous that I should do nothing to make an authority of it. We are [judging?] what the world calls "a losing game". If I thought that it was really fresh I should not be fighting it, nor would you. yrs always very kind C Darwin I enclose a paper [] the [] of 20 years consideration of practical [appearance] of this []. I think the facts you state in yr letter are an answer to [] to be known. Perhaps the meeting proposed in the paper enclosed may provide an opportunity. [] is not to be depended upon except for what [] it's own indifferention and it has a special [] []; not perhaps without cause."
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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Show moreFragment of a letter from Charles Darwin to unknown, about paleontology. Transcription: "Little light which I have attempted to [thaw?] as the subject in Chapt. IX. But to respect if my views are in the main (including no doubt much error) right them [] shall [] have to give up our first + natural [] that paleontology gives a fair picture of the forms which have perplexed this earth. We shall have to look at all our paleontological colections as a mere chance gathering of a few forms. Therefore I fully admit that the almost universally [] opinion of one large class facts in geology is diametrically opposed to such views as mine. This part of geology does not [] also support me. On the contrary if the views of Nat. Selections is in main connect, geological view portion of a letter from Charles Darwin, [] leather of the "The Origin of Species."
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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Show moreAppreciation for a copy of a translation of his 'Variation under domestication'. Written in pencil is 'F6117, $150.00'. Written on December 20th, no year given. Letter from Down, Beckenham, Kent. Transcription: "Dec 20th F6117 $150.00 Down, Beckenham,Kent Dear Sir I am very much obliged for the copy of the beautifully [set?] translation of my variation when Domestication, received a few days ago; + for your present of the admirable work on the microscopical interaction of [mites?]. Dear Sir yours very faithfully Ch. Darwin"
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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Show moreLetter from Charles Darwin to unknown. Letter about Hollyhocks, describing the results of an experiment. Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down, Bromley, Kent. Transcription: "My dear Sir, I am extremely much obliged to you for so kindly writing to me & offering me information. I have long been curious about Hollyhocks.— The Dean of Manchester told me that some kinds came true, even when growing near others. This surprised me greatly, as it can be shown to be almost certain that every flower must be fertilised by the pollen of a distinct flower. Hence I bought some good seed, & several kinds came up very true; the black-coloured kind came up absolutely true, & I saved its seed, & though a dozen different varieties were growing close, again all the seedlings were true. It can hardly be, judging from my extremely limited experience, that the flower always inherits its mother's colour, for I castrated & crossed a dark purple with pollen of yellow kind, & there was great variability in the seedlings, but one seedling alone showed plainly the yellow colour of its father. In case of most plants pollen of another variety seems to have a prepotent effect over a plant's own pollen, (as experiments made by myself have convinced me); & it has occurred to me whether in some very fixed vars. of Hollyhocks exactly the reverse was the case,— that is whether the pollen of a plant's own variety was not prepotent over that of other varieties. The facts which I wish to know, are whether some or many of the variations of Hollyhock come true by seed. And secondly whether the great raisers of Hollyhock seed, who sell named kinds, whether they grow the varieties far apart to prevent crossing. And thirdly, whether when vars. of Hollyhocks are artificially crossed & castrated, whether the colours of the seedlings are generally intermediate. I should be extremely much obliged for any information on these points or on the progress of your work of selection.— I have not much time for reading, & have not yet seen your work, but must see it & your account of the vars. of Cassia.— I yesterday sent off another letter to Cot. Gardener: but I begin greatly to doubt the great Mr. Beaton.— He makes, I am sure, plenty of mistakes in his late discussions, & is dogmatic in highest degree My dear Sir, your sincerely obliged, Charles Darwin
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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![Letter from Darwin to Camilla [Patrick]](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/07c9b92db046fd23a26bacc7286affeb.jpg?itok=GUV7P4Qv&pid=ksl:ditalldar00137&iic=true)
Show moreFragment of a letter from [Horace] Darwin to Camilla [Pattrick], congratulating Camilla on her engagement to Mr. Pattrick. The letter is presumed to be written by one of the Darwin children, and is signed with the initials H.S.D. Transcription: "My dearest Camilla I am so very very glad to have this happy news. I was calmly strumming at the pi. when Mama walked in with a beaming face + yr. letter in her hand. I do congratulate you most heartily dear Camilla + hope you may be very happy - you deserve to be I'm sure + I think Mr. Patrick is a very fortunate man. It was not quite sur- prise to us for I was clever enough to guess it when you were here in November at wh. I daresay you'll be surprised. You know I'm un- strayminded enough to think that the [] view of women are better + happier married + of course for you separated from all home ties I can only rejoice entirely. Indeed I am so glad to think that now you can look forward to a home - + not the long vista of tossing about from me stronger to another. I think that having this in prospect will letters change your present life + make you content to wait until it is prudent for you to marry - I have always thought I shd like being engaged very much. I shd like uniting endless answers _ the happiness of resting ont eh feeling that gone are likes you the best in the world undisturbed by also the small worries of married life but it wd all depend on whether uniting letters to some on you are [] with is a pleasurable exercise. This is an incoherent letter but I hope you'll forgive it. I must say one coherent word at the end dear C. that I hope you don't take all my slapdash statements about clergy men to be my literal opinion. I am not so narrowminded as not to see that there are many really deep quite honest minds who can rest on this church. Not to say that my least be [heard] is one of them, at least far more than I shd have thought beforehand possible for such a powerful mind a's hers is brought up as she has been. I hope you will write us a fuller account of Mr. Patrick + yr. prospects. Ever dear C. yrs affectionately H.S.D."
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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Show moreEmma requests Thomas Carlyle and Miss Aitken to come for lunch. Transcription: "Sep. 1875 Thursday Dear Mr Carlyle Mr Darwin + I are very glad to hear that you will be for some time in this neighbourhood. I wish we could persuade you + Miss [Aitken] to come + take luncheon with us at one o'clock tomorrow or Saturday. It would be a great pleasure to Mr Darwin to see you. I meant to have called on Miss [Aitken] this week but I am afraid I shall not be able to manage it, but I hope she will excuse this want of ceremony + come + see us first. I do not know whether you would like a long walk; but the way to Sown is somewhat shortened by coming through Holwood Park + we are a mile + a quarter from this end of the park. I suppose the distance would be rather more than 2 1/2 miles or probably 3 miles. With Mr Darwin's very kind regards + hopes that we may have the pleasure of seeing you believe me very truly yours Emma Darwin P.S. If I have mentioned too early a day I hope you will come any day next week except Tuesday when we have an engagement." Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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![Letter from Francis Darwin to [Mme. Jout]](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/b22f45e3d1739ceac527079c355c5be4.jpg?itok=cyBIw37t&pid=ksl:ditalldar00080&iic=true)
Show moreA letter to [Mme. Jout] with a list of novels recommended by Emma Darwin and includes a photograph of Charles Darwin. Transcription: "Strausburg July 16/81 Dear Mme Just. I am glad to be able to send you the most recent photograph of my father; it is I think a very good likeness. I also enclose a list of novels recommended by my mother; she has a good deal of ex= perience in novel reading as she reads alout to my father all the best ones that are published. The three American novels by Howell are extremely pleasant, the name of one which I have corrected so badly ought to be "The Lady of the Aroostook". Please let me thank you + Prof Just for the very pleasant day which I spend at [] yours very truly Francis Darwin"
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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![Letter from Francis Darwin to [unknown]](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/3bd010f325862a0d729fa6ecdefbd257.jpg?itok=EpmRv5WH&pid=ksl:ditalldar00089&iic=true)
Show moreA letter to unknown person to say that Charles Darwin first used the phrase "survival of the fittest" in 1868, and that Darwin had borrowed the phrase from Herbert Spencer. Transcription: "Oct 6-08 Dear Sir As far as I know my father first used the expression "survival of the fittest" in 1868. He borrowed it from Herbert Spencer; I do not at the moment remember where Spencer first used it yours faithfully Francis Darwin" Letter, signed by sender. Sent from 13 Madingley Road, Cambridge, England.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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