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The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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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 Coll
Show morePhotograph of Charles Darwin. Back of photograph is written that the photograph was a gift to Dr. Stecher from Dave Kronick.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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Show moreCollection of over 175 manuscript letters by Darwin, his family, and his contemporaries detailing Darwin's daily life and the struggle of the Victorians to formulate and accept the theory of evolution. Any numbers that appear in the titles of individual collection objects refers to the Calendar of the Darwin Correspondence numbering system.
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The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
![Letter from [Charles Darwin] to Alfred Neafie](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/d6a3276636869570f54cf08dd5c182ef.jpg?itok=BA9YF4X7&pid=ksl:ditalldar00119&iic=true)
Show moreLetter to Alfred Neafie concerning a Christmas gift of a silver knife, and a brief discussion of theory. Transcription: "England, Dec.23;1872 Col Alfred Neafri: My dear Sir: While it gives me much pleasure to hear that you are a convert to my theories, I am in constant terror and anxiety, sir, lest you showed retrograde to your original condition. For, my dear sir, I have heard,(and I say this not in anger but in sorrow of heart,) that you are quite given to "growls" about things in general and some alas in []. Now, Col, if you have read my books all week, you must know that nothing is more indicative of a savage slate than growling. And in my anxiety and distress, lest you should furnish a case of entire reversion, I have counseled your wife to present you this silver fruit knife for your Chistmas Gift. [] Chat if your semi savage slate should increase upon you. This timely and appropriate gift may incline you to use your hands, and thus keep out of sight the claws that generally are well developed in growling animals. It is fair, my dear sid, to assure you that your wife is not privy to these fears of mine, but gives this knife to you because she believes it in a measure [] holical of your wedded union-strong but not sharp: solid but not heavy: both useful and ornamental, brilliant and precious. I am, dear sir, with the Compliments of the Season your true friend Charles Darwin Col. Alfred Neafir Ellenville [] N.Y. U.S. America Darwin A Darwin Letter 1872 Purchased 1946 Was laid in "Animals+Plants under Domestication" Am. ed" Letter, signed by sender [written for Charles Darwin?]. Envelope included. Sent from Ellenville, Ulster County, New York.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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![Letter from Charles Darwin to Lord [?], 12237](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/a651eb71b5447a1cbeb53c00a4bb5350.jpg?itok=mJUNYpRd&pid=ksl:ditalldar00162&iic=true)
Show moreLetter pasted on page from a scrapbook which on the other side has autographs of various persons. Requests information on the character of G. Sleigh, and "Whether he is likely to prove a useful gardener". Letter sent from Down, Beckenham, Kent Transcription: "Sept. 26 1879 Down, Beckenham, Kent Railway Station Orpington.S.E.R. My friend I should be much obliged if you would be so good as to inform me with [] to the character of G. Sleight, who has been in your [] service. I wish to learn whether he is sober, honest + industrious, + whether he is likely to [] a useful [], as far as you may [] [] to form an opinion. My name, as a fellow [] in natural science will perhaps be known to your []; + I have the [] to remain your obediant servant Charles Darwin"
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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Show moreLetter 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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Show moreOrders a sheet of gold-beater’s skin for plant experiments. Letter sent from Down, Beckenham, Kent. Transcription: "Jan. 23rd c1880 Down, Beckenham, Kent. Railway Station Orpington.S.E.R. Dear Sir I [] (I believe from you) many years ago a small sheet of "Superior Gold-Beaters Skin: Writings Patent." It is used like [] [], but I want a sheet for [] []. If any other similar sheets are sold which are transparent + thinner + more [], they wd be [] more useful to me. When you send me the sheet of Gold-beaters skin, will you kindly look + see if any sheet is more flexible + thinner than the others, for it has to be [] [] [] [] stem of plants. Dear sir yours faithfully Ch. Darwin"
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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Show moreWill not require assistance of correspondent’s cousin in correcting his MS [2d ed. of Descent]. His son [George] will undertake it. Letter from Down, Beckenham, Kent Transcription: "Nov. 28" c.1874 My dear Sir You will remember my consulting you about some one to correct my M.S. + you recommending your []. When I got him, I thought of my second son, who is quite capable of undertaking the work + would like to do 10, 10 [] I shall have no occasion to ask for the [] of your []. Pray excuse the [] + [] yours vy faithfully Ch. Darwin"
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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Show moreDarwin states that he has no objection to having his name appear as an honorary member. Letter from Down, Beckenham, Kent Transcription: "Jan 3. 74 Dear Sir, I can of course have us objection, if the committee think fit, for my name to appear as an honorary member; but as I do not pay any subscription, it ought not appear as an ordinary member, in as much as this would imply that I knew something of the affairs of the Club. I have the honour to remain Dear Sir yours faithfully + obliged Ch. Darwin"
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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![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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