- 2014-12-08 (x)
- Bates, Henry Walter, 1825-1892 (x)
- Darwin, Charles, 1809-1882 -- Correspondence (x)
- Search results
Search results
Show moreWallace writes to Allen on the subject of color perception of animals, including man. Significance of colored flowers and fruits interested Wallace especially. He also discusses Gladstone's paper on Homer's color terms in the letter. Transcription: "Rosehill,[Dorking]? Oct 7th. 1877 My dear Sir I have read the passages you marked, as well as a good many other parts of your book with much pleasure. I was particularly pleased with your suggestion (which had not occurred to me) that fruits, in our sense of the word, are more recent tdevelopments than flowers because they attract chiefly mammals + birds instead of insects. There is I admit a partial contradiction between the view that red excites animals on account of its glaring contrast, + that yet the perception of it by man is recent. The latter view [] I believe be incorrect, + should be stated I think more hypothetically that I have put it. I have just been reading Mr. Gladstone's interesting paper which is almost wholly on flowers' colour terms or rather the absence of them. The evidence is most curious, but I think it only goes to show that language was imperfect, and that colour was too infinitely [] + of too little importance to early man, to have received a systematic nomenclature. Flowers + birds + insects were despised, + the colours of more important objects as the sea [] earth, iron, brass etc. were not only not pure colours (generally) but subject to endless fluctuations. Your remarks on nuts are very good. I quite overlooked that case + shall refer to you when I [] my papers with there is a volume shortly. I think all the coloured fruits which are poisonous to man are eatable to some birds etc. They are far too numerous to be accounted for otherwise. With many thanks Believe me yours faithfully Alfred R. Wallace Grant Allen Esq." Letter, signed by sender. Written from Rosehill, Dorking.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
Show less
Show moreWallace writes to Allen about the color vision theory that was put forth in Allen's recent book ('The colour-sense: its origin and development; an essay in comparitive psychology', London 1879), which Wallace has just read. Transcription: "Waldron Sage, Duppas Hill, [Grogdan?] Feb. 17th. 1879 Dear Sir Very many thanks for your book on "The Colour []". I have just finished reading it through + I have seldom read a book with more pleasure. It is full of original and suggestive matter, and is admirable in its clearness and the thorough manner in which many aspects of the subjects are discussed. Of course I totally dissent from your adoption of "sexual selection" as a vera causa though of course you are quite justified in following Darwin rather than we as an authority. I think you [] many parts of your argument especially the connection of bright colours in animals with the colours of the food. I also think you lay far too great stress on our knowledge of the first appearance of certain groups of plants + insects, but I shall probably deal with these questions in a [] I may write of your book. I must say I do not see the least force in what you say on the probably identity of colour sense in ourselves + which. For it is clear that the optical [] of these two, have been developed separately, and if the causations were alike it would be a coincidence which we have no reason to expect. The fact that insects differentiate most of the contrasted colours, by us means [] a [] afford any probability, that their causations are any thing like ours, and I still maintain that the probability is they are unlike. With birds + ourselves, on the contrary, we may be almost sure the causations are similar, because our eyes + nervous systems are derived probably from a common ancestor who had both well fairly developed. A day or two ago I received from a gentleman reading in Germany a very clever article on the "Origins of the Colour Sense", in which he shows physiological grounds for the belief in the great inferiority of the colour sense in all mammals, + the inferiority even of ourshelves + birds. I am trying to get it publised w/ one of the Reviews. I am very sorry you did not put a good index to your book. It is most difficult to find any special point you want + causes endless trouble. I feel so strongly on this that I think the publication of indexless books should be felony without benefit of []! I will not wish your book success, for it is sure to be successful, as it well deserves to be. Believe me. yours very faithfully Alfred R. Wallace. Grant Allen Esq. P.S. In my original paper in [Macmillains Mags??] I spoke doubtfully about the [] work of colour sense because the subject came upon me suddenly just as I had finished my paper. I still think however that colour blindness is an indication of imperfection, + I hope evidence will soon be obtained as to its equal prevalence or absence in some civilized rave. I doubt its being a product of civilization, since civilized man makes more uses of colour than savage man. It is an interesting and important question. A.R.W." Letter, signed by sender. Written from Waldron Edge, Duppus Hill, Croydan.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
Show less
Show moreWallace encourages Allen to write a novel with an "enthusiastic socialist" as the hero, after reading Allen's "At market value". Wallace continues to say that he is simulated by reading Craig's "Ralahine", and adds that it is "perhaps the most interesting and successful experiment in cooperation and socialism ever tried". Transcription: "Parkstone, Dorset April 4th 1899 My dear Grant Allen When I read Mrs. H.Ward's "Marcella", a few years back, + I saw how thoroughly she had got up the arguments of the Socialists + how in all discussions she made Marcella have the best of it, I said to myself, how at last we shall have a Socialist in a Novel who does something worthy, + does not turn out a fool or a []! But alas! When the opportunity came, Marcella did no more than apply the usual plaisters + palli"atives" of the parliamentary philistine. Now, I have been reading your "At market Value" - which I enjoyed very much as a story, and also admired the character of the self-sacrificing hero - who I am glad to see you made to recognize that he had not acted heroically at all, but had wickedly thrown away a great opportunity of doing good by his self-sacrifice. Now why did you (who know so much better) follow the weak example of Mrs. H. Ward? Is it impossible that a sensible socialist should inherit wealth, and do something with it worthy of his creed? Surely it would not be difficult to make his struggles + trouble and efforts to do good both successful + interesting. I have been led to write this by reading Craig's "Ralahime" - perhaps the most interesting + successful experiment in Cooperation + Socialism ever tried, but narrated in such a confused and discursive way as to be puzzling to most readers. Now why do not you write a novel of an enthusiastic Socialist - the outcast of his family - who yet inherits a great lauded estate - + uses it to teach cooperation, land- nationalisation + socialism? He might try many methods. Lord Carrington's plan of giving small plats on farms to all who wants them. then gradually bringing them to cooperate, or real socialistic cooperation as at Ralahime, and also one or more of Mr. Howard's "Garden Cities" in which the Municipality gradually takes over all public work, + then absorbs all private manufacture, resulting in a Socialistic City! I admit it would be difficult to make this generally interesting, but I think you could do it. With best wishes yours very faithfully Alfred R. Wallace" Letter, signed by sender. Written from Parkstone, Dorset.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
Show less
![Letter from Charles Darwin to Frances Emma Elizabeth Wedgwood [1547]](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/7762020aceea3e52b72407e3d6d46c01.jpg?itok=6tFwu3wE&pid=ksl:ditalldar00032&iic=true)
Show moreTranscription: "My dear Fanny We are infinitely obliged to you, after all your fatigue, writing to us about poor dear old Erasmus' illness. We had heard nothing of it. As he seemed somewhat better when you wrote, I will not doubt that the worst is over, for I think a Fever hardly ever lulls when it once begins. But it must pull him down terribly, weak as he always is. I shd. very much like to hear pretty soon ever so briefly. I daresay Caroline or Jos. would find time to write a line. You must all have been very much frightened. Good bye my dear Fanny, how many you have aided in illness. I shall never forget the comfort you were once to me, My dear Fanny. C. Darwin" Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
Show less
![Letter from Charles Darwin to George Charles Wallich [8223]](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/c073ec4ff359535f10c7aec5d6b607a2.jpg?itok=G9cA9a8P&pid=ksl:ditalldar00030&iic=true)
Show moreDarwin asks Wallich for permission to publish a photograph (also enclosed in letter). The photograph is of a small girl wearing a hat and who is smiling. Transcription: "9. Devonshire Street [Parland] Place Feb [28]th 1872? My dear Sir you gave my the [most??] charming photograph. Now I am going to [buy] a [good] farm, which it is quite likely you may [] wish to [grant] In my little book an [Exposition?] I wish to give a photo [by] to [] map of 2 or 3 smiling faces. For this map the negative is [unrequired?]. Now if you [mind] to leaving me the negative, with the permission to [] that the photograph was [done] by you. You must, of course, [] the important [] in helping me. But if you grany this farm, could you send me the negative to above adding by [] Co [soon?], as I want [] to get the [] [plates??] finished soon. Was the smile intentionally []? or taken when [the] little bit who knew what you were doing? My dear Sir Yours sincerely Ch. Darwin" Letter, signed by sender. Written from Devonshire. Photograph included.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
Show less
![Letter from Charles Darwin to George Robert Waterhouse [416]](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/f1697020a99353d276d6d37b220c0598.jpg?itok=bGmUK0yK&pid=ksl:ditalldar00031&iic=true)
Show moreTranscription: "My dear Waterhouse I am so determined to make you a geologist, that I have taken the liberty of sending you a copy of Lyell, by which means I obtain full right to mal-treat & abuse you till you have read it. Ever yours, C. Darwin" Letter, signed by sender.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
Show less
![Letter from Charles Darwin to John Brodie Innes [10833]](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/5614967b35af7ed22dcbda0206db8678.jpg?itok=JBYydfen&pid=ksl:ditalldar00019&iic=true)
Show moreDarwin writes to Innes concerning the Down Friendly Society matters. The second page is believed to be in Francis Darwin's handwriting. Transcription: "Feb 7th Beckenham Dear Innes I am sorry to trouble you; but the [] of Friday [for?] seems to have got into a fine [] + informed the Post-Office that he has no record of any [] for the [] Friday for, although quite [] he sent me a form for my Person, which was properly filled up + returned to the [] who communicated with the national [Post] Office. Nevertheless we must fill up the inclosed forms. Will you therefore be so good as to sign your name in the two places where I have marked with pencil. One of the signatures requires [] and I should think the interest had better give occupation + place of residence. Will you kindly let me have the papers back as soon as you can Yrs very sincerely Charles Darwin" Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
Show less
![Letter from Charles Darwin to John Brodie Innes [1141]](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/b857e5ee5372641150fd55b8505b6743.jpg?itok=rtUw2hJ0&pid=ksl:ditalldar00003&iic=true)
Show moreTranscription:"My dear Mr Innes I am extremely sorry to hear of your toothache. You must not put, I think more than one drop of Chloroform on the tooth. I send Tincture of Arnica which smarts the skin (deadly Poison) to put outside. Mrs Darwin finds hot fomentations do best. Many find cold water applications best. I have found two or three drops of Alum & Swt Spirits of Nitre (in bottle with a label) sometimes do my teeth great good. I was not in when your note came. Yours, C. Darwin I send my bottles which you can return afterwards I send Creosote, some find a drop of this do much good" Letter, signed by sender.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
Show less
![Letter from Charles Darwin to John Brodie Innes [1172]](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/c905d64c572a993d87188c2592b0af66.jpg?itok=S77A2Kl3&pid=ksl:ditalldar00002&iic=true)
Show moreTranscription:"My dear Sir I enclose my 3£ subscription for your Sunday school, & I am much obliged to you for informing me it was due. I was sorry I was unable to see you the day you called & were so good as to leave the Coal Club Papers, but I have had an extra amount of unwellness of late. As you will probably like to know beforehand, I take this opportunity of begging to be allowed for the future to reduce my subscription to 2£ per annum to the Sunday School: my motive is that we subscribe altogether to five schools & I find the amount is rather too much for my means. Pray believe me, my dear Sir, Yours sincerely, C. Darwin Rev J. Innes" Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
Show less
![Letter from Charles Darwin to John Brodie Innes [11763]](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/b271d338120a1d54a1a560ec0f876ef3.jpg?itok=06dSlrQs&pid=ksl:ditalldar00022&iic=true)
Show moreTranscription: "My dear Innes Many thanks for your most kind letter & for sending me Dr Pusey's sermon, which I have been glad to see, but I am a little disappointed in it, as I expected more vigour & less verbiage. I hardly see how religion & science can be kept as distinct as he desires, as geology has to to treat of the history of the Earth & Biology that of man. But I most wholly agree with you that there is no reason why the disciples of either school should attack each other with bitterness, though each upholding strictly their beliefs. You, I am sure, have always practically acted in this manner in your conduct towards me & I do not doubt to all others. Nor can I remember that I have ever published a word directly against religion or the clergy. But if you were to read a little pamphlet which I received a couple of days ago by a clergyman, you would laugh & admit that I had some excuse for bitterness; after abusing me for 2 or 3 pages in language sufficiently plain & emphatic to have satisfied any reasonable man, he sums up by saying that he has vainly searched the English language to find terms to express his contempt of me & all Darwinians. We have just returned from a week in London, where we went as I wanted rest, but I am now tired, so will write no more. I suppose that the misery from that wicked Glasgow bank is something inconceivably great in Scotland. Believe me, My dear Innes, Yours very sincerely, Ch. Darwin" Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
Show less
![Letter from Charles Darwin to John Brodie Innes [11763]](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/af47c72fe1c87f814e3be9b354d44ff0.jpg?itok=3v-qUiNr&pid=ksl:ditalldar00021&iic=true)
Show moreDarwin writes to Innes concerning the identification of a new tree. He thinks it may be the Guelder-Rose. The printed passage from a news clipping identifies the tree as Sambucus racemose, the red-berried elder. Transcription: "Oct 5 1877 Beckenham Dear Innes, It is a curious story about the tree. I am sorry that I am not a botanist, but I think the bush is the wild or single guelder-rose, which is said to be very rare in Scotland. Next summer you could --recognize-- know whether it is the guelder-rose, as the exterior flowers on the [filter] or head have considerably larger petals than the interior flowers. I wish indeed you back here, but that I know is an idle dream. Our present man has been at peace with all mankind, wonderful to say, for several months. We are glad to hear that Mr. [Hoole] will soon be here: some- one, but I cannot remember who, was speaking to us in the highest terms about him. I cannot think of any local news to tell you. I am going on just as usual + working very hard with Frank, at plants - Believe me , dear Innes, Yours very sincerely Charles Darwin A ROSS-SHIRE TRADITION. A tradition prevails in Ross-shire that it was foretold by the last preacher in a kirk at Loch Carron, now ruined, that after his death an unknown tree should spring up where his pulpit was, and that when it reacher above the wall there should be a European war. A tree of which the like is not known in the neighbourhood has grown on the spot. This year for the first time the top is above the wall. I send you a sprig and berries. Can you tell me what tree it is?-J. Brodie Innes. [The tree is Sambucus racemose, Red-berried Elder, in- troduced by Gerarde in the year 1596. No genus has more superstitions connected with it than has the Sambucus.-Eds.] Darwin about tree at Loch carron Oct 5. 1877." Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England. Paper clipping included.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
Show less
![Letter from Charles Darwin to John Brodie Innes [12696]](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/77667eeef4cc7e2cb63ea0ba265199b2.jpg?itok=LqR5CxGA&pid=ksl:ditalldar00023&iic=true)
Show moreDarwin writes to Innes about the lichens found on the Scottish mountains. He also has news about the Hooles and mentions the burglary of High-Elms. Transcription: "Aug 23 1880 Down, Beckenham, Kent Railway Station Orpington.S.E.R. My dear Innes The discovery of Barnacles of Scotlant on the [] on the mountains wd have been an extraordinary + vy interesting one, but I am sorry to say that the objects sent are not barnacles but vy hard Lichens. I do not remember to have seen any of the same kind, but I have never studied Lichens, _ they are vy perplexing bodies.- We returned on Saturday for [] where we staid a week with Horace + his charming little wife; + we enjoyed ourselves much, admiring the grandeur of []. Chapel + the other old [] of my early life. My wife has not seen poor Mrs [], since her return, but I daresay you have had late news of her, as Mrs [] was tellins us what a comfort to him your letters were, + that he often wrote to you. We have first had a curious scene on our lawn, [] 67 half-reformed criminals + [] boys. who have come down here for a holiday, + to each of whom I gave sixpence. Some of them had vy good faces + some are atrociously bad faces. Did you see in paper an account of a burglar at High-Elms; it was a bad one, as the burglars tried to force their way into the Butlers' pantry; he being within with no arms.- I wish I had got you [] for this []- Ever yours of [] Ch. Darwin" Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
Show less
![Letter from Charles Darwin to John Brodie Innes [13339]](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/cf4e8ffaf7669c3179a4607effb193f9.jpg?itok=BpdpYKmd&pid=ksl:ditalldar00024&iic=true)
Show moreDarwin writes to Innes about bees and wasps. He is quite interested in Innes' observations on the behaviour of bees. Also mentions a book on the habits of worms to be published soon. Transcription: "Sep 15- 1887 Down, Beckenham, Kent. Railway Station Orpington.S.E.R. My dear Innes The case of the bees not entering the battles seem very curious, + I will mention it to Lubbock, who is by far the best [] + observer of the minds of [] now living in the world. Wasps have been so extraordinarily rare here, as they appear to have been common with you.-The [] about the hexagon made by queen wasps in a very good one: I [] remember thinking [] this case, + how I wriggled out of the difficulty, I cannot remember. I do not believe that I was so dishonest as not to notice it: at least if I did do so, it was momentary forgetfulness, as I [] wasps + hornets' nests + studied the different kinds of nests in the B-[] + [] work that the queen command her comb, all by herself. This is really not a [] of news to tell you. Poor Mrs. Parslow is dead + she is a [] to the village, as she was wonderfully kind to any sick + poor person. I go on working in my [] manner + do what I can. I have occasionally [] my years to the habits of worms, + next month a little book on them by me will be published, + as some parts may [] interest [by] you(for you ought to have been a regular []) I will send you a copy as soon as it is published. My [], [], whom you may in old times have seen here, has lately diead; + I am glad today that his late illness was very short + without any sever suffering. Forever my dear Innes yours vy sincerely Ch. Darwin I see that I have forgetting to take break-edged paper." Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
Show less
![Letter from Charles Darwin to John Brodie Innes [13349]](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/5f9b96816a81e1f3245e2250cb8ac1ca.jpg?itok=kag5ur91&pid=ksl:ditalldar00025&iic=true)
Show moreDarwin writes to Innes to tell him of the arrival of the wasps' nest. Also writes about how he believes that the queen wasp builds a hexagonal cell, by straightening walls between several cells. Darwin goes further to say that the queen bee builds these at the same time. Transcription: "Sept. 22? Down My dear Innes The wasps' nest has arrived safe, except part of the outer walls, + was wonderfully well packed. The cells are not [filter entire line] [], as I expected to see them; as the outer walls, when not in contact with any other cell are [] [] or curved; + the [] or [] of the cells are also perfect. If a queen wish [] to move a single cell in to shape of a hexagon, the [] w? have been can [] one in my eyes. I believe that she builds up several cells at the same time + makes straight walls between the adjoining cells; + these intersecting [] between [tunneling?] [] produces the hexagon. - But the [] has gone out of my head, + I cannot harm them to force it into my old worn-out brains. Very-many thanks for your most kind letter [] yours sincerely Ch. Darwin" Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
Show less
![Letter from Charles Darwin to John Brodie Innes [2232]](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/1d548ed2583150daad2399cfba9aae92.jpg?itok=V4Qqg_1v&pid=ksl:ditalldar00004&iic=true)
Show moreTranscription:"Dear Innes, We were much concerned at hearing yesterday evening of the death of your mother. I never heard of a more merciful release from suffering. In your sorrow you must have the satisfaction of knowing how excellent & attentive a son you have been; & one cannot have a higher satisfaction. I hope Mrs Innes has not suffered from the suddenness of the shock. With our united sympathy, pray believe me, Dear Innes, Yours very sincerely, Ch. Darwin" Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
Show less
![Letter from Charles Darwin to John Brodie Innes [2870]](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/d47baca57b61d934ffb4295ad3f5bda9.jpg?itok=Y6wC2h4n&pid=ksl:ditalldar00005&iic=true)
Show moreTranscription:"Dear Innes, Thanks for Coal-bill which I will pay as soon as I get home in about 10 days time. I am sincerely sorry to hear so poor an account of Mrs. Innes. We moved Etty here with much difficulty a fortnight ago, & she has improved very little, but thank God she has improved a little. She now can generally sit up for above 1⁄2 hour twice a day. I have been a good deal knocked up of late & have had to recur to Water-cure; but all our anxiety with Etty ill for 12 weeks has been enough to knock us up. But my wife has stood the incessant nursing wonderfully. Women are so good & unselfish, that helping others seems to do them good. Our plans are utterly Uncertain; we hope to take Etty to sea, whenever she is strong enough; but where & when are both quite unknown to us. What a wandering life you have been leading! We shall be very glad to see you at Down. I enquired (not alluding to you) about Mr Ainslie's house, but can hear nothing whatever. Parslow asked Mr Baxter, but he knew nothing. Farewell with our kind remembrances to Mrs. Innes— believe me, Dear Innes, Yours very sincerely, C. Darwin I hope from your note that Johnny is tolerably well." Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Miss Wedgwoods, Hartfield, Tonbridge Wells, England. Envelope included.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
Show less
![Letter from Charles Darwin to John Brodie Innes [2907]](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/1a82a951063681f2bb60f35ccbd71d34.jpg?itok=G4DAhdue&pid=ksl:ditalldar00007&iic=true)
Show moreTranscription:"Dear Innes Many thanks for your kind enquiries about Etty. I am glad to be able to give a decidedly better account, though her progress is excessively slow. She now sits up several hours every day & has taken two or three very short drives. What is best of all is that the Doctors are now convinced there is no organic mischief. We have had an unhappy Summer; but I hope the worst is over. I am glad to have a pretty good account of your son; & I hope Mrs Innes is fairly well. My wife joins me in very kind remembrances to her. I hope you have not given up thinking about Down; though what house you could get, I cannot tell. I hear dreadful reports on the state of Mr. Ainslie's house. We were away from Down for an unusual time this summer, namely, six weeks; & have hardly seen a soul since our return; except J. Lubbock to talk Natural History with. Every thing goes on much as usual. {I some}times see Mr Phillips, [missing portion] of [missing portion] {re}membering my hobby of striped asses. I must say that I am a complete skeptic about the powers of rooks, curious as your stories are. What stories one hears about the spirit-rapping now-a-days— the old saying to believe nothing one hears & only half of what one sees is a golden rule. Farewell, with every good wish, [missing portion]" Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England. Envelope included.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
Show less
![Letter from Charles Darwin to John Brodie Innes [2912]](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/2b1b358fc71157b59e51acd126c9f699.jpg?itok=qdZp_vpK&pid=ksl:ditalldar00006&iic=true)
Show moreTranscription:"Dear Innes. I am very sorry to say that I fear we shall not see you when you come to Keston, for we have almost made up our minds to be off next week to sea-side for a month to see what the change will do for Etty, though I have not much hope. Your account of the Donkey has interested me much & would you be so kind as to have another look at it & observe whether its eyes are pink; but as you say it is rather cream-coloured than white, it probably is not an albino. Did the owner rear it; if so please ask him whether it was born of same colour & had then no stripes. Anytime will do for an answer. I am sorry to hear about your house difficulties. Dear Innes, Ever yours very truly, C. Darwin" Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
Show less
![Letter from Charles Darwin to John Brodie Innes [2962]](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/fde5662de7c8a44cae946f8469e29c63.jpg?itok=su7-LkhU&pid=ksl:ditalldar00008&iic=true)
Show moreTranscription:"Dear Innes Very many thanks for your kind note & all the trouble you have taken for me. Etty progressed very well here for 4 weeks, but I am sure that you will sympathise with us, when you hear that she had a terrible attack of sickness on Monday & which has not yet ceased. She is much prostrated & what the end will be, we know not. My poor wife is much knocked up. I am very glad you give a good of Johnny. Yours most truly, C. Darwin" Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
Show less
![Letter from Charles Darwin to John Brodie Innes [3032]](https://digital.case.edu/sites/default/files/styles/islandora_imagecache_image_style_medium/public/externals/12a21f225f59a51d78a379f1cc01ed01.jpg?itok=hXfaQEXx&pid=ksl:ditalldar00009&iic=true)
Show moreTranscription:"Dear Innes Many thanks for your kind & pleasant letter. I cannot give a very good account of poor Etty, who had a relapse a week ago, which threw her a good deal back & she has hardly yet got up to her standard a fortnight ago & that was not high. It is enough to make one despair. I am very sorry that you have such poor success in building: I am sure you must miss a home of your own with your various animals & pets. I had heard that Ainslie wants £4000, which it is impossible to believe he will ever get. The rogue must be cleaned out some day & have to sell at fair price. As for news we have none. I daresay you heard that Christopher Osborne is dead— the third death this year in the Friendly Club! You will have heard of the new Doctor, next door to where Mr Edwards is now staying.f6 I have not seen him yet. What you say about my Book pleases me & I do look at it as high compliment. I never expected to convert people under 20 year, though firmly convinced now that I am in the main right. For a week hardly passes without my hearing of some good judge coming some little way with me. And those who go an inch will surely have to go a yard with me. By far the greater part of the opposition is just the same as that made when the sun was first said to stand still & the world to go round. I am now passing through the press a new Edition. Did you see the Quarterly Review, the B. of Oxford made really splendid fun of me & my grandfather. On account of Etty we lead a more retired life than ever, though this seems hardly possible. But to night Emma & some relations in the House are going to a Ball at the Lubbocks. I see John occasionally but have not seen any other member of the Family for an age. I am heartily glad that you can give a pretty good account of your son & Mrs. Innes, to whom pray give our very kind remembrances & Believe me Dear Innes, Yours very truly, C. Darwin" Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England.
The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts
Show less