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Letter from Charles Darwin to [H. W. Bates] 3816

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Darwin 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
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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Creator

Darwin, Charles, 1809-1882

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http://hdl.handle.net/2186/ksl:ditalldar00036