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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"
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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"
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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"
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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."
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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"
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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"
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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"
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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"
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![Letter from Charles Darwin to [A. D. Barlett], 4768](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/fb801b1628ea3fa2d4a2f84551ebf104.jpg?itok=swn0sokZ&pid=ksl:ditalldar00177&iic=true)
Show moreTranscription: "Dear Sir I wrote to you above a week ago to ask you to send me immediately the body of one of my Porto Santo Rabbits, together with some information. I have not received the rabbit nor any acknowledgement of my letter from you. I now request you will be so good as to write to me by return of post Dear Sir, yours faithfully, Ch. Darwin" Letter sent from Down, Beckenham, Kent, England
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Show moreDarwin recommends H. Müller’s Die Befruchtung der Blumen (1873) Transcription: " A.W. Bennett Esq 3. Park Village East Regent Park London N.W. If you have not already seen, D.H. Muller Die Befunckling die [] []" Leipzig 1873 is evident [], I think it shd be worth your []. [] May 5" 1873 C. Darwin" Postcard sent from Down, Beckenham, Kent, England
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Show moreTranscription: "My dear Prof. Sedgwick You must let me thank you in my wife’s & own name for your most kind note. My wife never dreamed that you would trouble yourself in answering her, otherwise she would have scrupled in calling your attention to the case. All that she expected was, that if your votes had been disengaged you would consider the case. I am very sorry to hear so poor an account of your health. I should much like to attend at Aberdeen, but I am utterly unfit for so great an exertion. I am told that I suffer from suppressed gout! Whatever it is, I am made wretched & almost useless. I am pleased that you remember my attending you in your excursion in 1831. To me, it was a memorable event in my life; I felt it a great honour, & it stimulated me to work, & made me appreciate the noble science of geology. Believe me that I thank you sincerely for your kind expressions towards me. With entire respect & honour, I remain, Yours sincerely obliged, Charles Darwin" Letter sent from Down, Bromley, Kent, England. Envelope included.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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Show moreDarwin authorises publication of a Bohemian edition of Origin. Transcription: "March 13. 1878 Dear Sir, I have much pleasure in authorizing your publication of a Bohemian edition of my 'Origin of Species'. The Russion translation was published by Kowalewsky of St Petersburg. I believe he has resided in Germany for many years + I have no idea where he is at present. I hope you received the former letter written by my son in reply to your question as to the most recent edit of the Origin? dear Sir yours faithfully Charles Darwin P.S. In case the former letter miscarried I may mention that the 6th is the last edit of the Origin; the 2nd is the last of the Descent of Man To Dr A. Stecker Jungbunzhau" Letter sent from Down, Beckenham, Kent, England.
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![Letter from Charles Darwin to [Bibliogr. Inst. Leipzig], 10583](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/3620819c5aff45ceb336aad3030f31b4.jpg?itok=WPyw9TN-&pid=ksl:ditalldar00182&iic=true)
Show moreDarwin writes to say thank you for A. E. Brehm’s Thierleben [2d ed. (1876)]. Transcription: "Aug 28 1876 Gentlemen I am very much obliged for your kind present of the new edition of Brahm's Thier Leben, The illustrations are admirable; but it wd be superfluous in me to [] any opinion on their work, as I have plainly shown in my Descent of Man how much I have profited by it, + how -much I value it. With my best Thanks I remain Gentlemen your obliged servant Charles Darwin" Letter sent from Down, Beckenham, Kent, England
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![Letter from Charles Darwin to [C. S. Bate], 1471](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/687641b2e3da7458b574c4be9e79ca48.jpg?itok=qLs5E7hM&pid=ksl:ditalldar00180&iic=true)
Show moreTranscription: "My dear Sir I see by the Annals. of Nat. History, you have changed your abode; I further see that the change has not at all induced a change in your Natural History pursuits. I write for the chance of your being able to assist me: I am investigating the slight powers of excavation which Verruca stümia /= Clisia striata) possesses; & I am am anxious to obtain specimens, either dry or wet, attached to rocks or other substances (excepting Laminariæ or seaweeds) non calcareous & some (almost equally valuable to me) on limestone rocks for comparison. The only very few specimens which I have hitherto seen on any rocks, came from Devonshire. Can you aid me? I believe you will kindly be willing to do so, if in your power. Pray believe me, My dear Sir Yours sincerely Charles Darwin Have you continued your interesting researches on the metamorphoses of the Cirripedia?" Letter sent from Down, Beckenham, Kent, England
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Show moreTranscription: "My dear Sir I must thank you cordially for your note which has pleased me much. I did not think that any one wd have noticed the case of the Lathyrus, which interested me because I remember looking at it many years ago in a Lord Dundreary state of mind. It appears to me that we have looked at many things from the same point of view; at least I remember well when reading your capital paper on the great fir woods of Hampshire being surprised at your remarks on the presence of this or that weed shewing how exactly the same train of thoughts had often passed thro’ both our minds. I ought to have thanked you for sending me your photograph which I am extremely glad to possess. Pray believe me my dear Sir, Yours very faithfully, Ch. Darwin" Letter sent from Down, Beckenham, Kent, England. Envelope included
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Show moreTranscription: "Dear Sir I thank you sincerely for allowing me to insert your admirable sentence. I am much gratified by your kindness. At any future time I shall be delighted to answer any objections as far as lies in my power, or to receive any suggestions. I shall stay here at furthest only seven or eight days, & it is not improbable that I may be called home sooner, so that, though I should have had much pleasure in making Mr Foster’s acquaintance, it would not be at all worth his while coming here. Indeed during great part of day I am wandering on the hills, & trying to inhale health. Pray give my thanks to Mr Parker & say that I will remember his obliging offer should circumstances require me to make any remarks, which I hope may not be the case. With my renewed thanks, pray believe me, Dear Sir, Yours sincerely & obliged Charles Darwin" Letter sent from Ilkley Wells House, Otley, Yorkshire.
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Show moreTranscription: "My dear Mr Kingsley I thank you sincerely for your letter. I have been glad to hear about the Duke of Argyle, for ever since the Glasgow Brit. Assoc. when he was President, I have been his ardent admirer. What a fine thing it is to be a Duke: nobody but a Duke, the first time he geologised would have found a new formation; & the first time he botanised a new lichen to Britain. With respect to the pigeons, your remarks show me clearly (without seeing specimens, though I thank you for the kind offer) that the birds shot were the Stock Dove or C. Oenas, long confounded with the Cushat & Rock-pigeon. It is in some respects intermediate in appearance & habits; as it breeds in holes in trees & in rabbit-warrens. It is so far intermediate that it quite justifies what you say on all the forms being descendants of one. That is a grand & almost awful question on the genealogy of man to which you allude. It is not so awful & difficult to me, as it seems to be most, partly from familiarity & partly, I think, from having seen a good many Barbarians. I declare the thought, when I first saw in T. del Fuego a naked painted, shivering hideous savage, that my ancestors must have been somewhat similar beings, was at that time as revolting to me, nay more revolting than my present belief that an incomparably more remote ancestor was a hairy beast. Monkeys have downright good hearts, at least sometimes, as I could show, if I had space. I have long attended to this subject, & have materials for a curious essay on Human expression, & a little on the relation in mind of man to the lower animals. How I shd. be abused if I were to publish such an essay! I hope & rather expect that Sir C. Lyell will enter in his new Book on the relations of men & other animals; but I do not know what his recent intentions are. It is a very curious subject, that of the old myths; but you naturally with your classical & old-world knowledge lay more stress on such beliefs, than I do with all my profound ignorance. Very odd those accounts in India of the little hairy men! It is very true what you say about the higher races of men, when high enough, replacing & clearing off the lower races. In 500 years how the Anglo-saxon race will have spread & exterminated whole nations; & in consequence how much the Human race, viewed as a unit, will have risen in rank. Man is clearly an old-world, not an American, species; & if ever intermediate forms between him & unknown Quadrumana are found, I should expect they would be found in Tropical countries, probably islands. But what a chance if ever they are discovered: look at the French beds with the celts, & no fragment of a human bone. It is indeed, as you say absurd to expect a history of the early stages of man in prehistoric times. I hope that I have not wearied you with my scribbling & with many thanks for your letter, I remain with much respect, Yours sincerely, Charles Darwin As you seem to care for all departments of n. History, I send a pamphlet with a rather curious physiological case." Letter sent from Down, Bromley, Kent, England. Page missing.
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Show moreDarwin writes to that MacKintosh may show his letter [to the Royal Society]. He is also pleased that his old paper should have stimulated DM to such excellent work. Transcription: "Oct 16. 79 Dear Sir, You are quite welcome to show my letter to the secretaries, as it gives my deliberate conviction; but I beg you to say that it was written without the least notion that any one would see it except yourself, so probably it is badly expressed. It has pleased me much that my old paper should have stimulated you to such excellent work. If in any future papers you use the expression of overshot loads, I think you ought to explain your meaning rather more fully, for I failed to feel sure about it. I remain, dear Sir, yours faithfully Charles Darwin" Letter sent from Down, Farnborough, Kent, England
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Show moreTranscription: "Dear Oliver Would you have the great kindness to name for me the enclosed plant- if you cannot make out the species, the genus wd. suffice. A friend sent a Woodcocks foot with 9 gr. of earth adhering to it, & this plant came up. It has been grown in pot in greenhouse & the flowers have never opened & stamens appear rudimentary- whether this is natural, or due to the plant being properly a marsh plant, or to some other cause, I know not. Excuse me bothering you & believe me, Yours very sincerely, Ch. Darwin" Letter sent from Down, Bromley, Kent, England.
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Show moreDarwin thanks Nicholson for his book [Indian snakes, 2d ed. (1874)]. Darwin is pleased that it calls attention to gradation in the character of snake poison. Transcription: "Aug. 26 1874 Down, Beckenham, Kent. Dear Sir On my return home after a month's holidays I found your work on [] [], which you have been so very kind as to send me. I am most pleased to observe that you have pointedly called attention to gradation of character with respect to the [] of []. This subject has long interested me, + I have received an account from S. Africa, which makes me believe that the saliva of some of the non-venomous species there causes much imitation, but the account was not definite enough for publication. I have no doubt that your work will be highly serviceable in many ways, + with my renewed thanks remain Dear Sir yours faithfully Ch. Darwin E. Nicholson Army Medical Department Bangalore India" Letter sent from Down, Beckenham, Kent, England. Envelope included.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
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