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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Life and Letters of Charles Darwin, Volume I (of II) + Edited by His Son + +Author: Charles Darwin + +Editor: Francis Darwin + +Release Date: February 1999 [EBook #2087] +Last Updated: January 22, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LIFE AND LETTERS OF DARWIN *** + + + + +Produced by Sue Asscher and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + THE LIFE AND LETTERS OF <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + Volume I + </h3> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Charles Darwin + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + Including An Autobiographical Chapter + </h3> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + Edited By His Son Francis Darwin + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%"> + <img alt="1portrait (137K)" src="images/1portrait.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VOLUME I + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREFACE + </h2> + <p> + In choosing letters for publication I have been largely guided by the wish + to illustrate my father's personal character. But his life was so + essentially one of work, that a history of the man could not be written + without following closely the career of the author. Thus it comes about + that the chief part of the book falls into chapters whose titles + correspond to the names of his books. + </p> + <p> + In arranging the letters I have adhered as far as possible to + chronological sequence, but the character and variety of his researches + make a strictly chronological order an impossibility. It was his habit to + work more or less simultaneously at several subjects. Experimental work + was often carried on as a refreshment or variety, while books entailing + reasoning and the marshalling of large bodies of facts were being written. + Moreover, many of his researches were allowed to drop, and only resumed + after an interval of years. Thus a rigidly chronological series of letters + would present a patchwork of subjects, each of which would be difficult to + follow. The Table of Contents will show in what way I have attempted to + avoid this result. + </p> + <p> + In printing the letters I have followed (except in a few cases) the usual + plan of indicating the existence of omissions or insertions. My father's + letters give frequent evidence of having been written when he was tired or + hurried, and they bear the marks of this circumstance. In writing to a + friend, or to one of his family, he frequently omitted the articles: these + have been inserted without the usual indications, except in a few + instances, where it is of special interest to preserve intact the hurried + character of the letter. Other small words, such as "of", "to", etc., have + been inserted usually within brackets. I have not followed the originals + as regards the spelling of names, the use of capitals, or in the matter of + punctuation. My father underlined many words in his letters; these have + not always been given in italics,—a rendering which would unfairly + exaggerate their effect. + </p> + <p> + The Diary or Pocket-book, from which quotations occur in the following + pages, has been of value as supplying a frame-work of facts round which + letters may be grouped. It is unfortunately written with great brevity, + the history of a year being compressed into a page or less; and contains + little more than the dates of the principal events of his life, together + with entries as to his work, and as to the duration of his more serious + illnesses. He rarely dated his letters, so that but for the Diary it would + have been all but impossible to unravel the history of his books. It has + also enabled me to assign dates to many letters which would otherwise have + been shorn of half their value. + </p> + <p> + Of letters addressed to my father I have not made much use. It was his + custom to file all letters received, and when his slender stock of files + ("spits" as he called them) was exhausted, he would burn the letters of + several years, in order that he might make use of the liberated "spits." + This process, carried on for years, destroyed nearly all letters received + before 1862. After that date he was persuaded to keep the more interesting + letters, and these are preserved in an accessible form. + </p> + <p> + I have attempted to give, in Chapter III., some account of his manner of + working. During the last eight years of his life I acted as his assistant, + and thus had an opportunity of knowing something of his habits and + methods. + </p> + <p> + I have received much help from my friends in the course of my work. To + some I am indebted for reminiscences of my father, to others for + information, criticisms, and advice. To all these kind coadjutors I gladly + acknowledge my indebtedness. The names of some occur in connection with + their contributions, but I do not name those to whom I am indebted for + criticisms or corrections, because I should wish to bear alone the load of + my short-comings, rather than to let any of it fall on those who have done + their best to lighten it. + </p> + <p> + It will be seen how largely I am indebted to Sir Joseph Hooker for the + means of illustrating my father's life. The readers of these pages will, I + think, be grateful to Sir Joseph for the care with which he has preserved + his valuable collection of letters, and I should wish to add my + acknowledgment of the generosity with which he has placed it at my + disposal, and for the kindly encouragement given throughout my work. + </p> + <p> + To Mr. Huxley I owe a debt of thanks, not only for much kind help, but for + his willing compliance with my request that he should contribute a chapter + on the reception of the 'Origin of Species.' + </p> + <p> + Finally, it is a pleasure to acknowledge the courtesy of the publishers of + the 'Century Magazine' who have freely given me the use of their + illustrations. To Messrs. Maull and Fox and Messrs. Elliott and Fry I am + also indebted for their kindness in allowing me the use of reproductions + of their photographs. + </p> + <p> + FRANCIS DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + Cambridge, October, 1887. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> VOLUME I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> <big><b>LIFE AND LETTERS OF CHARLES DARWIN.</b></big> + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> VOLUME I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER 1.I. — THE DARWIN FAMILY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER 1.II. — AUTOBIOGRAPHY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER 1.III. — REMINISCENCES OF MY + FATHER'S EVERYDAY LIFE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER 1.IV. — CAMBRIDGE LIFE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER 1.V. — THE APPOINTMENT TO THE + 'BEAGLE.' </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER 1.VI. — THE VOYAGE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER 1.VII. — LONDON AND CAMBRIDGE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER 1.VIII. — RELIGION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER 1.IX. — LIFE AT DOWN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER 1.X. — THE GROWTH OF THE 'ORIGIN OF + SPECIES.' </a> + </p> + <p class="toc2"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> Chapter I. "On the kind of intermediateness + necessary, and the number </a> + </p> + <p class="toc2"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> Chapter II. "The gradual appearance and + disappearance of organic </a> + </p> + <p class="toc2"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> Chapter III. "Geographical Distribution." + Corresponds to Chapters XI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc2"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> Chapter IV. "Affinities and Classification of + Organic beings." </a> + </p> + <p class="toc2"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> Chapter V. "Unity of Type," Morphology, + Embryology. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc2"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> Chapter VI. Rudimentary Organs. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc2"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> Chapter VII. Recapitulation and Conclusion. The + final sentence of the </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER 1.XI. — THE GROWTH OF THE 'ORIGIN + OF SPECIES.' </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER 1.XII. — THE UNFINISHED BOOK. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER 1. XIII. — THE WRITING OF THE + 'ORIGIN OF SPECIES.' </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER 1.XIV. — BY PROFESSOR HUXLEY. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + LIFE AND LETTERS OF CHARLES DARWIN. + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VOLUME I. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 1.I. — THE DARWIN FAMILY. + </h2> + <p> + The earliest records of the family show the Darwins to have been + substantial yeomen residing on the northern borders of Lincolnshire, close + to Yorkshire. The name is now very unusual in England, but I believe that + it is not unknown in the neighbourhood of Sheffield and in Lancashire. + Down to the year 1600 we find the name spelt in a variety of ways—Derwent, + Darwen, Darwynne, etc. It is possible, therefore, that the family migrated + at some unknown date from Yorkshire, Cumberland, or Derbyshire, where + Derwent occurs as the name of a river. + </p> + <p> + The first ancestor of whom we know was one William Darwin, who lived, + about the year 1500, at Marton, near Gainsborough. His great grandson, + Richard Darwyn, inherited land at Marton and elsewhere, and in his will, + dated 1584, "bequeathed the sum of 3s. 4d. towards the settynge up of the + Queene's Majestie's armes over the quearie (choir) doore in the parishe + churche of Marton." (We owe a knowledge of these earlier members of the + family to researches amongst the wills at Lincoln, made by the well-known + genealogist, Colonel Chester.) + </p> + <p> + The son of this Richard, named William Darwin, and described as + "gentleman," appears to have been a successful man. Whilst retaining his + ancestral land at Marton, he acquired through his wife and by purchase an + estate at Cleatham, in the parish of Manton, near Kirton Lindsey, and + fixed his residence there. This estate remained in the family down to the + year 1760. A cottage with thick walls, some fish-ponds and old trees, now + alone show where the "Old Hall" once stood, and a field is still locally + known as the "Darwin Charity," from being subject to a charge in favour of + the poor of Marton. William Darwin must, at least in part, have owed his + rise in station to his appointment in 1613 by James I. to the post of + Yeoman of the Royal Armoury of Greenwich. The office appears to have been + worth only 33 pounds a year, and the duties were probably almost nominal; + he held the post down to his death during the Civil Wars. + </p> + <p> + The fact that this William was a royal servant may explain why his son, + also named William, served when almost a boy for the King, as + "Captain-Lieutenant" in Sir William Pelham's troop of horse. On the + partial dispersion of the royal armies, and the retreat of the remainder + to Scotland, the boy's estates were sequestrated by the Parliament, but + they were redeemed on his signing the Solemn League and Covenant, and on + his paying a fine which must have struck his finances severely; for in a + petition to Charles II. he speaks of his almost utter ruin from having + adhered to the royal cause. + </p> + <p> + During the Commonwealth, William Darwin became a barrister of Lincoln's + Inn, and this circumstance probably led to his marriage with the daughter + of Erasmus Earle, serjeant-at-law; hence his great-grandson, Erasmus + Darwin, the Poet, derived his Christian name. He ultimately became + Recorder of the city of Lincoln. + </p> + <p> + The eldest son of the Recorder, again called William, was born in 1655, + and married the heiress of Robert Waring, a member of a good Staffordshire + family. This lady inherited from the family of Lassells, or Lascelles, the + manor and hall of Elston, near Newark, which has remained ever since in + the family. (Captain Lassells, or Lascelles, of Elston was military + secretary to Monk, Duke of Albemarle, during the Civil Wars. A large + volume of account books, countersigned in many places by Monk, are now in + the possession of my cousin Francis Darwin. The accounts might possibly + prove of interest to the antiquarian or historian. A portrait of Captain + Lassells in armour, although used at one time as an archery-target by some + small boys of our name, was not irretrievably ruined.) A portrait of this + William Darwin at Elston shows him as a good-looking young man in a + full-bottomed wig. + </p> + <p> + This third William had two sons, William, and Robert who was educated as a + barrister. The Cleatham property was left to William, but on the + termination of his line in daughters reverted to the younger brother, who + had received Elston. On his mother's death Robert gave up his profession + and resided ever afterwards at Elston Hall. Of this Robert, Charles Darwin + writes (What follows is quoted from Charles Darwin's biography of his + grandfather, forming the preliminary notice to Ernst Krause's interesting + essay, 'Erasmus Darwin,' London, 1879, page 4.):— + </p> + <p> + "He seems to have had some taste for science, for he was an early member + of the well-known Spalding Club; and the celebrated antiquary Dr. + Stukeley, in 'An Account of the almost entire Sceleton of a large Animal,' + etc., published in the 'Philosophical Transactions,' April and May 1719, + begins the paper as follows: 'Having an account from my friend Robert + Darwin, Esq., of Lincoln's Inn, a person of curiosity, of a human sceleton + impressed in stone, found lately by the rector of Elston,' etc. Stukeley + then speaks of it as a great rarity, 'the like whereof has not been + observed before in this island to my knowledge.' Judging from a sort of + litany written by Robert, and handed down in the family, he was a strong + advocate of temperance, which his son ever afterwards so strongly + advocated:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + From a morning that doth shine, + From a boy that drinketh wine, + From a wife that talketh Latine, + Good Lord deliver me! +</pre> + <p> + "It is suspected that the third line may be accounted for by his wife, the + mother of Erasmus, having been a very learned lady. The eldest son of + Robert, christened Robert Waring, succeeded to the estate of Elston, and + died there at the age of ninety-two, a bachelor. He had a strong taste for + poetry, like his youngest brother Erasmus. Robert also cultivated botany, + and, when an oldish man, he published his 'Principia Botanica.' This book + in MS. was beautifully written, and my father [Dr. R.W. Darwin] declared + that he believed it was published because his old uncle could not endure + that such fine caligraphy should be wasted. But this was hardly just, as + the work contains many curious notes on biology—a subject wholly + neglected in England in the last century. The public, moreover, + appreciated the book, as the copy in my possession is the third edition." + </p> + <p> + The second son, William Alvey, inherited Elston, and transmitted it to his + granddaughter, the late Mrs. Darwin, of Elston and Creskeld. A third son, + John, became rector of Elston, the living being in the gift of the family. + The fourth son, the youngest child, was Erasmus Darwin, the poet and + philosopher. + </p> + <p> + TABLE OF RELATIONSHIP. (An incomplete list of family members.) + </p> + <p> + ROBERT DARWIN of Elston, 1682-1754, had three sons, William Alvey Darwin, + 1726-1783, Robert Waring Darwin, 1724-1816, and Erasmus Darwin, 1731-1802. + </p> + <p> + William Alvey Darwin, 1726-1783, had a son, William Brown Darwin, 1774- + 1841, and a daughter, Anne Darwin. + </p> + <p> + William Brown Darwin, 1774-1841, had two daughters, Charlotte Darwin and + Sarah Darwin. + </p> + <p> + Charlotte Darwin married Francis Rhodes, now Francis Darwin of Creskeld + and Elston. + </p> + <p> + Sarah Darwin married Edward Noel. + </p> + <p> + Anne Darwin married Samuel Fox and had a son, William Darwin Fox. + </p> + <p> + ERASMUS DARWIN, 1731-1802, married (1) MARY HOWARD, 1740-1770, with whom + he had two sons, Charles Darwin, 1758-1778, and ROBERT WARING DARWIN, and + (2) Eliz. Chandos-Pole, 1747-1832, with whom he had a daughter, Violetta + Darwin, and a son, Francis Sacheverel Darwin. + </p> + <p> + ROBERT WARING DARWIN, 1767-1848, married SUSANNAH WEDGWOOD and had a son, + CHARLES ROBERT DARWIN, b. February 12, 1809, d. April 19, 1882. + </p> + <p> + Violetta Darwin married Samuel Tertius Galton and had a son, Francis + Galton. + </p> + <p> + Francis Sacheverel Darwin, 1786-1859, had two sons, Reginald Darwin and + Edward Darwin, "High Elms." + </p> + <p> + The table above shows Charles Darwin's descent from Robert, and his + relationship to some other members of the family, whose names occur in his + correspondence. Among these are included William Darwin Fox, one of his + earliest correspondents, and Francis Galton, with whom he maintained a + warm friendship for many years. Here also occurs the name of Francis + Sacheverel Darwin, who inherited a love of natural history from Erasmus, + and transmitted it to his son Edward Darwin, author (under the name of + "High Elms") of a 'Gamekeeper's Manual' (4th Edition 1863), which shows + keen observation of the habits of various animals. + </p> + <p> + It is always interesting to see how far a man's personal characteristics + can be traced in his forefathers. Charles Darwin inherited the tall + stature, but not the bulky figure of Erasmus; but in his features there is + no traceable resemblance to those of his grandfather. Nor, it appears, had + Erasmus the love of exercise and of field-sports, so characteristic of + Charles Darwin as a young man, though he had, like his grandson, an + indomitable love of hard mental work. Benevolence and sympathy with + others, and a great personal charm of manner, were common to the two. + Charles Darwin possessed, in the highest degree, that "vividness of + imagination" of which he speaks as strongly characteristic of Erasmus, and + as leading "to his overpowering tendency to theorise and generalise." This + tendency, in the case of Charles Darwin, was fully kept in check by the + determination to test his theories to the utmost. Erasmus had a strong + love of all kinds of mechanism, for which Charles Darwin had no taste. + Neither had Charles Darwin the literary temperament which made Erasmus a + poet as well as a philosopher. He writes of Erasmus ('Life of Erasmus + Darwin,' page 68.): "Throughout his letters I have been struck with his + indifference to fame, and the complete absence of all signs of any + over-estimation of his own abilities, or of the success of his works." + These, indeed, seem indications of traits most strikingly prominent in his + own character. Yet we get no evidence in Erasmus of the intense modesty + and simplicity that marked Charles Darwin's whole nature. But by the quick + bursts of anger provoked in Erasmus, at the sight of any inhumanity or + injustice, we are again reminded of him. + </p> + <p> + On the whole, however, it seems to me that we do not know enough of the + essential personal tone of Erasmus Darwin's character to attempt more than + a superficial comparison; and I am left with an impression that, in spite + of many resemblances, the two men were of a different type. It has been + shown that Miss Seward and Mrs. Schimmelpenninck have misrepresented + Erasmus Darwin's character. (Ibid., pages 77, 79, etc.) It is, however, + extremely probable that the faults which they exaggerate were to some + extent characteristic of the man; and this leads me to think that Erasmus + had a certain acerbity or severity of temper which did not exist in his + grandson. + </p> + <p> + The sons of Erasmus Darwin inherited in some degree his intellectual + tastes, for Charles Darwin writes of them as follows: + </p> + <p> + "His eldest son, Charles (born September 3, 1758), was a young man of + extraordinary promise, but died (May 15, 1778) before he was twenty-one + years old, from the effects of a wound received whilst dissecting the + brain of a child. He inherited from his father a strong taste for various + branches of science, for writing verses, and for mechanics...He also + inherited stammering. With the hope of curing him, his father sent him to + France, when about eight years old (1766-'67), with a private tutor, + thinking that if he was not allowed to speak English for a time, the habit + of stammering might be lost; and it is a curious fact, that in after + years, when speaking French, he never stammered. At a very early age he + collected specimens of all kinds. When sixteen years old he was sent for a + year to [Christ Church] Oxford, but he did not like the place, and thought + (in the words of his father) that the 'vigour of his mind languished in + the pursuit of classical elegance like Hercules at the distaff, and sighed + to be removed to the robuster exercise of the medical school of + Edinburgh.' He stayed three years at Edinburgh, working hard at his + medical studies, and attending 'with diligence all the sick poor of the + parish of Waterleith, and supplying them with the necessary medicines.' + The Aesculapian Society awarded him its first gold medal for an + experimental inquiry on pus and mucus. Notices of him appeared in various + journals; and all the writers agree about his uncommon energy and + abilities. He seems like his father to have excited the warm affection of + his friends. Professor Andrew Duncan... spoke...about him with the warmest + affection forty-seven years after his death when I was a young medical + student at Edinburgh... + </p> + <p> + "About the character of his second son, Erasmus (born 1759), I have little + to say, for though he wrote poetry, he seems to have had none of the other + tastes of his father. He had, however, his own peculiar tastes, viz., + genealogy, the collecting of coins, and statistics. When a boy he counted + all the houses in the city of Lichfield, and found out the number of + inhabitants in as many as he could; he thus made a census, and when a real + one was first made, his estimate was found to be nearly accurate. His + disposition was quiet and retiring. My father had a very high opinion of + his abilities, and this was probably just, for he would not otherwise have + been invited to travel with, and pay long visits to, men so distinguished + in different ways as Boulton the engineer, and Day the moralist and + novelist." His death by suicide, in 1799, seems to have taken place in a + state of incipient insanity. + </p> + <p> + Robert Waring, the father of Charles Darwin, was born May 30, 1766, and + entered the medical profession like his father. He studied for a few + months at Leyden, and took his M.D. (I owe this information to the + kindness of Professor Rauwenhoff, Director of the Archives at Leyden. He + quotes from the catalogue of doctors that "Robertus Waring Darwin, + Anglo-britannus," defended (February 26, 1785) in the Senate a + Dissertation on the coloured images seen after looking at a bright object, + and "Medicinae Doctor creatus est a clar. Paradijs." The archives of + Leyden University are so complete that Professor Rauwenhoff is able to + tell me that my grandfather lived together with a certain "Petrus + Crompton, Anglus," in lodgings in the Apothekersdijk. Dr. Darwin's Leyden + dissertation was published in the 'Philosophical Transactions,' and my + father used to say that the work was in fact due to Erasmus Darwin.—F.D.) + at that University on February 26, 1785. "His father" (Erasmus) "brought + ('Life of Erasmus Darwin,' page 85.) him to Shrewsbury before he was + twenty-one years old (1787), and left him 20 pounds, saying, 'Let me know + when you want more, and I will send it you.' His uncle, the rector of + Elston, afterwards also sent him 20 pounds, and this was the sole + pecuniary aid which he ever received...Erasmus tells Mr. Edgeworth that + his son Robert, after being settled in Shrewsbury for only six months, + 'already had between forty and fifty patients.' By the second year he was + in considerable, and ever afterwards in very large, practice." + </p> + <p> + Robert Waring Darwin married (April 18, 1796) Susannah, the daughter of + his father's friend, Josiah Wedgwood, of Etruria, then in her + thirty-second year. We have a miniature of her, with a remarkably sweet + and happy face, bearing some resemblance to the portrait by Sir Joshua + Reynolds of her father; a countenance expressive of the gentle and + sympathetic nature which Miss Meteyard ascribes to her. ('A Group of + Englishmen,' by Miss Meteyard, 1871.) She died July 15, 1817, thirty-two + years before her husband, whose death occurred on November 13, 1848. Dr. + Darwin lived before his marriage for two or three years on St. John's + Hill; afterwards at the Crescent, where his eldest daughter Marianne was + born; lastly at the "Mount," in the part of Shrewsbury known as Frankwell, + where the other children were born. This house was built by Dr. Darwin + about 1800, it is now in the possession of Mr. Spencer Phillips, and has + undergone but little alteration. It is a large, plain, square, red-brick + house, of which the most attractive feature is the pretty green-house, + opening out of the morning-room. + </p> + <p> + The house is charmingly placed, on the top of a steep bank leading down to + the Severn. The terraced bank is traversed by a long walk, leading from + end to end, still called "the Doctor's Walk." At one point in this walk + grows a Spanish chestnut, the branches of which bend back parallel to + themselves in a curious manner, and this was Charles Darwin's favourite + tree as a boy, where he and his sister Catherine had each their special + seat. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor took a great pleasure in his garden, planting it with + ornamental trees and shrubs, and being especially successful in + fruit-trees; and this love of plants was, I think, the only taste kindred + to natural history which he possessed. Of the "Mount pigeons," which Miss + Meteyard describes as illustrating Dr. Darwin's natural-history taste, I + have not been able to hear from those most capable of knowing. Miss + Meteyard's account of him is not quite accurate in a few points. For + instance, it is incorrect to describe Dr. Darwin as having a philosophical + mind; his was a mind especially given to detail, and not to generalising. + Again, those who knew him intimately describe him as eating remarkably + little, so that he was not "a great feeder, eating a goose for his dinner, + as easily as other men do a partridge." ('A Group of Englishmen,' page + 263.) In the matter of dress he was conservative, and wore to the end of + his life knee-breeches and drab gaiters, which, however, certainly did + not, as Miss Meteyard says, button above the knee—a form of costume + chiefly known to us in grenadiers of Queen Anne's day, and in modern + wood-cutters and ploughboys. + </p> + <p> + Charles Darwin had the strongest feeling of love and respect for his + father's memory. His recollection of everything that was connected with + him was peculiarly distinct, and he spoke of him frequently; generally + prefacing an anecdote with some such phrase as, "My father, who was the + wisest man I ever knew, etc..." It was astonishing how clearly he + remembered his father's opinions, so that he was able to quote some maxims + or hint of his in most cases of illness. As a rule, he put small faith in + doctors, and thus his unlimited belief in Dr. Darwin's medical instinct + and methods of treatment was all the more striking. + </p> + <p> + His reverence for him was boundless and most touching. He would have + wished to judge everything else in the world dispassionately, but anything + his father had said was received with almost implicit faith. His daughter + Mrs. Litchfield remembers him saying that he hoped none of his sons would + ever believe anything because he said it, unless they were themselves + convinced of its truth,—a feeling in striking contrast with his own + manner of faith. + </p> + <p> + A visit which Charles Darwin made to Shrewsbury in 1869 left on the mind + of his daughter who accompanied him a strong impression of his love for + his old home. The then tenant of the Mount showed them over the house, + etc., and with mistaken hospitality remained with the party during the + whole visit. As they were leaving, Charles Darwin said, with a pathetic + look of regret, "If I could have been left alone in that green-house for + five minutes, I know I should have been able to see my father in his + wheel-chair as vividly as if he had been there before me." + </p> + <p> + Perhaps this incident shows what I think is the truth, that the memory of + his father he loved the best, was that of him as an old man. Mrs. + Litchfield has noted down a few words which illustrate well his feeling + towards his father. She describes him as saying with the most tender + respect, "I think my father was a little unjust to me when I was young, + but afterwards I am thankful to think I became a prime favourite with + him." She has a vivid recollection of the expression of happy reverie that + accompanied these words, as if he were reviewing the whole relation, and + the remembrance left a deep sense of peace and gratitude. + </p> + <p> + What follows was added by Charles Darwin to his autobiographical + 'Recollections,' and was written about 1877 or 1878. + </p> + <p> + "I may here add a few pages about my father, who was in many ways a + remarkable man. + </p> + <p> + "He was about 6 feet 2 inches in height, with broad shoulders, and very + corpulent, so that he was the largest man whom I ever saw. When he last + weighed himself, he was 24 stone, but afterwards increased much in weight. + His chief mental characteristics were his powers of observation and his + sympathy, neither of which have I ever seen exceeded or even equalled. His + sympathy was not only with the distresses of others, but in a greater + degree with the pleasures of all around him. This led him to be always + scheming to give pleasure to others, and, though hating extravagance, to + perform many generous actions. For instance, Mr. B—, a small + manufacturer in Shrewsbury, came to him one day, and said he should be + bankrupt unless he could at once borrow 10,000 pounds, but that he was + unable to give any legal security. My father heard his reasons for + believing that he could ultimately repay the money, and from [his] + intuitive perception of character felt sure that he was to be trusted. So + he advanced this sum, which was a very large one for him while young, and + was after a time repaid. + </p> + <p> + "I suppose that it was his sympathy which gave him unbounded power of + winning confidence, and as a consequence made him highly successful as a + physician. He began to practise before he was twenty-one years old, and + his fees during the first year paid for the keep of two horses and a + servant. On the following year his practice was large, and so continued + for about sixty years, when he ceased to attend on any one. His great + success as a doctor was the more remarkable, as he told me that he at + first hated his profession so much that if he had been sure of the + smallest pittance, or if his father had given him any choice, nothing + should have induced him to follow it. To the end of his life, the thought + of an operation almost sickened him, and he could scarcely endure to see a + person bled—a horror which he has transmitted to me—and I + remember the horror which I felt as a schoolboy in reading about Pliny (I + think) bleeding to death in a warm bath... + </p> + <p> + "Owing to my father's power of winning confidence, many patients, + especially ladies, consulted him when suffering from any misery, as a sort + of Father-Confessor. He told me that they always began by complaining in a + vague manner about their health, and by practice he soon guessed what was + really the matter. He then suggested that they had been suffering in their + minds, and now they would pour out their troubles, and he heard nothing + more about the body...Owing to my father's skill in winning confidence he + received many strange confessions of misery and guilt. He often remarked + how many miserable wives he had known. In several instances husbands and + wives had gone on pretty well together for between twenty and thirty + years, and then hated each other bitterly; this he attributed to their + having lost a common bond in their young children having grown up. + </p> + <p> + "But the most remarkable power which my father possessed was that of + reading the characters, and even the thoughts of those whom he saw even + for a short time. We had many instances of the power, some of which seemed + almost supernatural. It saved my father from ever making (with one + exception, and the character of this man was soon discovered) an unworthy + friend. A strange clergyman came to Shrewsbury, and seemed to be a rich + man; everybody called on him, and he was invited to many houses. My father + called, and on his return home told my sisters on no account to invite him + or his family to our house; for he felt sure that the man was not to be + trusted. After a few months he suddenly bolted, being heavily in debt, and + was found out to be little better than an habitual swindler. Here is a + case of trustfulness which not many men would have ventured on. An Irish + gentleman, a complete stranger, called on my father one day, and said that + he had lost his purse, and that it would be a serious inconvenience to him + to wait in Shrewsbury until he could receive a remittance from Ireland. He + then asked my father to lend him 20 pounds, which was immediately done, as + my father felt certain that the story was a true one. As soon as a letter + could arrive from Ireland, one came with the most profuse thanks, and + enclosing, as he said, a 20 pound Bank of England note, but no note was + enclosed. I asked my father whether this did not stagger him, but he + answered 'not in the least.' On the next day another letter came with many + apologies for having forgotten (like a true Irishman) to put the note into + his letter of the day before...(A gentleman) brought his nephew, who was + insane but quite gentle, to my father; and the young man's insanity led + him to accuse himself of all the crimes under heaven. When my father + afterwards talked over the matter with the uncle, he said, 'I am sure that + your nephew is really guilty of...a heinous crime.' Whereupon [the + gentleman] said, 'Good God, Dr. Darwin, who told you; we thought that no + human being knew the fact except ourselves!' My father told me the story + many years after the event, and I asked him how he distinguished the true + from the false self-accusations; and it was very characteristic of my + father that he said he could not explain how it was. + </p> + <p> + "The following story shows what good guesses my father could make. Lord + Shelburne, afterwards the first Marquis of Lansdowne, was famous (as + Macaulay somewhere remarks) for his knowledge of the affairs of Europe, on + which he greatly prided himself. He consulted my father medically, and + afterwards harangued him on the state of Holland. My father had studied + medicine at Leyden, and one day [while there] went a long walk into the + country with a friend who took him to the house of a clergyman (we will + say the Rev. Mr. A—, for I have forgotten his name), who had married + an Englishwoman. My father was very hungry, and there was little for + luncheon except cheese, which he could never eat. The old lady was + surprised and grieved at this, and assured my father that it was an + excellent cheese, and had been sent her from Bowood, the seat of Lord + Shelburne. My father wondered why a cheese should be sent her from Bowood, + but thought nothing more about it until it flashed across his mind many + years afterwards, whilst Lord Shelburne was talking about Holland. So he + answered, 'I should think from what I saw of the Rev. Mr. A—, that + he was a very able man, and well acquainted with the state of Holland.' My + father saw that the Earl, who immediately changed the conversation was + much startled. On the next morning my father received a note from the + Earl, saying that he had delayed starting on his journey, and wished + particularly to see my father. When he called, the Earl said, 'Dr. Darwin, + it is of the utmost importance to me and to the Rev. Mr. A— to learn + how you have discovered that he is the source of my information about + Holland.' So my father had to explain the state of the case, and he + supposed that Lord Shelburne was much struck with his diplomatic skill in + guessing, for during many years afterwards he received many kind messages + from him through various friends. I think that he must have told the story + to his children; for Sir C. Lyell asked me many years ago why the Marquis + of Lansdowne (the son or grand-son of the first marquis) felt so much + interest about me, whom he had never seen, and my family. When forty new + members (the forty thieves as they were then called) were added to the + Athenaeum Club, there was much canvassing to be one of them; and without + my having asked any one, Lord Lansdowne proposed me and got me elected. If + I am right in my supposition, it was a queer concatenation of events that + my father not eating cheese half-a-century before in Holland led to my + election as a member of the Athenaeum. + </p> + <p> + "The sharpness of his observation led him to predict with remarkable skill + the course of any illness, and he suggested endless small details of + relief. I was told that a young doctor in Shrewsbury, who disliked my + father, used to say that he was wholly unscientific, but owned that his + power of predicting the end of an illness was unparalleled. Formerly when + he thought that I should be a doctor, he talked much to me about his + patients. In the old days the practice of bleeding largely was universal, + but my father maintained that far more evil was thus caused than good + done; and he advised me if ever I was myself ill not to allow any doctor + to take more than an extremely small quantity of blood. Long before + typhoid fever was recognised as distinct, my father told me that two + utterly distinct kinds of illness were confounded under the name of typhus + fever. He was vehement against drinking, and was convinced of both the + direct and inherited evil effects of alcohol when habitually taken even in + moderate quantity in a very large majority of cases. But he admitted and + advanced instances of certain persons who could drink largely during their + whole lives without apparently suffering any evil effects, and he believed + that he could often beforehand tell who would thus not suffer. He himself + never drank a drop of any alcoholic fluid. This remark reminds me of a + case showing how a witness under the most favourable circumstances may be + utterly mistaken. A gentleman-farmer was strongly urged by my father not + to drink, and was encouraged by being told that he himself never touched + any spirituous liquor. Whereupon the gentleman said, 'Come, come, Doctor, + this won't do—though it is very kind of you to say so for my sake—for + I know that you take a very large glass of hot gin and water every evening + after your dinner.' (This belief still survives, and was mentioned to my + brother in 1884 by an old inhabitant of Shrewsbury.—F.D.) So my + father asked him how he knew this. The man answered, 'My cook was your + kitchen-maid for two or three years, and she saw the butler every day + prepare and take to you the gin and water.' The explanation was that my + father had the odd habit of drinking hot water in a very tall and large + glass after his dinner; and the butler used first to put some cold water + in the glass, which the girl mistook for gin, and then filled it up with + boiling water from the kitchen boiler. + </p> + <p> + "My father used to tell me many little things which he had found useful in + his medical practice. Thus ladies often cried much while telling him their + troubles, and thus caused much loss of his precious time. He soon found + that begging them to command and restrain themselves, always made them + weep the more, so that afterwards he always encouraged them to go on + crying, saying that this would relieve them more than anything else, and + with the invariable result that they soon ceased to cry, and he could hear + what they had to say and give his advice. When patients who were very ill + craved for some strange and unnatural food, my father asked them what had + put such an idea into their heads; if they answered that they did not + know, he would allow them to try the food, and often with success, as he + trusted to their having a kind of instinctive desire; but if they answered + that they had heard that the food in question had done good to some one + else, he firmly refused his assent. + </p> + <p> + "He gave one day an odd little specimen of human nature. When a very young + man he was called in to consult with the family physician in the case of a + gentleman of much distinction in Shropshire. The old doctor told the wife + that the illness was of such a nature that it must end fatally. My father + took a different view and maintained that the gentleman would recover: he + was proved quite wrong in all respects (I think by autopsy) and he owned + his error. He was then convinced that he should never again be consulted + by this family; but after a few months the widow sent for him, having + dismissed the old family doctor. My father was so much surprised at this, + that he asked a friend of the widow to find out why he was again + consulted. The widow answered her friend, that 'she would never again see + the odious old doctor who said from the first that her husband would die, + while Dr. Darwin always maintained that he would recover!' In another case + my father told a lady that her husband would certainly die. Some months + afterwards he saw the widow, who was a very sensible woman, and she said, + 'You are a very young man, and allow me to advise you always to give, as + long as you possibly can, hope to any near relative nursing a patient. You + made me despair, and from that moment I lost strength.' My father said + that he had often since seen the paramount importance, for the sake of the + patient, of keeping up the hope and with it the strength of the nurse in + charge. This he sometimes found difficult to do compatibly with truth. One + old gentleman, however, caused him no such perplexity. He was sent for by + Mr.P—, who said, 'From all that I have seen and heard of you I + believe that you are the sort of man who will speak the truth, and if I + ask, you will tell me when I am dying. Now I much desire that you should + attend me, if you will promise, whatever I may say, always to declare that + I am not going to die.' My father acquiesced on the understanding that his + words should in fact have no meaning. + </p> + <p> + "My father possessed an extraordinary memory, especially for dates, so + that he knew, when he was very old, the day of the birth, marriage, and + death of a multitude of persons in Shropshire; and he once told me that + this power annoyed him; for if he once heard a date, he could not forget + it; and thus the deaths of many friends were often recalled to his mind. + Owing to his strong memory he knew an extraordinary number of curious + stories, which he liked to tell, as he was a great talker. He was + generally in high spirits, and laughed and joked with every one—often + with his servants—with the utmost freedom; yet he had the art of + making every one obey him to the letter. Many persons were much afraid of + him. I remember my father telling us one day, with a laugh, that several + persons had asked him whether Miss —, a grand old lady in + Shropshire, had called on him, so that at last he enquired why they asked + him; and he was told that Miss —, whom my father had somehow + mortally offended, was telling everybody that she would call and tell + 'that fat old doctor very plainly what she thought of him.' She had + already called, but her courage had failed, and no one could have been + more courteous and friendly. As a boy, I went to stay at the house of + —, whose wife was insane; and the poor creature, as soon as she saw + me, was in the most abject state of terror that I ever saw, weeping + bitterly and asking me over and over again, 'Is your father coming?' but + was soon pacified. On my return home, I asked my father why she was so + frightened, and he answered he was very glad to hear it, as he had + frightened her on purpose, feeling sure that she would be kept in safety + and much happier without any restraint, if her husband could influence + her, whenever she became at all violent, by proposing to send for Dr. + Darwin; and these words succeeded perfectly during the rest of her long + life. + </p> + <p> + "My father was very sensitive, so that many small events annoyed him or + pained him much. I once asked him, when he was old and could not walk, why + he did not drive out for exercise; and he answered, 'Every road out of + Shrewsbury is associated in my mind with some painful event.' Yet he was + generally in high spirits. He was easily made very angry, but his kindness + was unbounded. He was widely and deeply loved. + </p> + <p> + "He was a cautious and good man of business, so that he hardly ever lost + money by an investment, and left to his children a very large property. I + remember a story showing how easily utterly false beliefs originate and + spread. Mr. E —, a squire of one of the oldest families in + Shropshire, and head partner in a bank, committed suicide. My father was + sent for as a matter of form, and found him dead. I may mention, by the + way, to show how matters were managed in those old days, that because Mr. + E — was a rather great man, and universally respected, no inquest + was held over his body. My father, in returning home, thought it proper to + call at the bank (where he had an account) to tell the managing partners + of the event, as it was not improbable that it would cause a run on the + bank. Well, the story was spread far and wide, that my father went into + the bank, drew out all his money, left the bank, came back again, and + said, 'I may just tell you that Mr. E — has killed himself,' and + then departed. It seems that it was then a common belief that money + withdrawn from a bank was not safe until the person had passed out through + the door of the bank. My father did not hear this story till some little + time afterwards, when the managing partner said that he had departed from + his invariable rule of never allowing any one to see the account of + another man, by having shown the ledger with my father's account to + several persons, as this proved that my father had not drawn out a penny + on that day. It would have been dishonourable in my father to have used + his professional knowledge for his private advantage. Nevertheless, the + supposed act was greatly admired by some persons; and many years + afterwards, a gentleman remarked, 'Ah, Doctor, what a splendid man of + business you were in so cleverly getting all your money safe out of that + bank!' + </p> + <p> + "My father's mind was not scientific, and he did not try to generalize his + knowledge under general laws; yet he formed a theory for almost everything + which occurred. I do not think I gained much from him intellectually; but + his example ought to have been of much moral service to all his children. + One of his golden rules (a hard one to follow) was, 'Never become the + friend of any one whom you cannot respect.'" + </p> + <p> + Dr. Darwin had six children (Of these Mrs. Wedgwood is now the sole + survivor.): Marianne, married Dr. Henry Parker; Caroline, married Josiah + Wedgwood; Erasmus Alvey; Susan, died unmarried; Charles Robert; Catherine, + married Rev. Charles Langton. + </p> + <p> + The elder son, Erasmus, was born in 1804, and died unmarried at the age of + seventy-seven. + </p> + <p> + He, like his brother, was educated at Shrewsbury School and at Christ's + College, Cambridge. He studied medicine at Edinburgh and in London, and + took the degree of Bachelor of Medicine at Cambridge. He never made any + pretence of practising as a doctor, and, after leaving Cambridge, lived a + quiet life in London. + </p> + <p> + There was something pathetic in Charles Darwin's affection for his brother + Erasmus, as if he always recollected his solitary life, and the touching + patience and sweetness of his nature. He often spoke of him as "Poor old + Ras," or "Poor dear old Philos"—I imagine Philos (Philosopher) was a + relic of the days when they worked at chemistry in the tool-house at + Shrewsbury—a time of which he always preserved a pleasant memory. + Erasmus being rather more than four years older than Charles Darwin, they + were not long together at Cambridge, but previously at Edinburgh they + lived in the same lodgings, and after the Voyage they lived for a time + together in Erasmus' house in Great Marlborough Street. At this time also + he often speaks with much affection of Erasmus in his letters to Fox, + using words such as "my dear good old brother." In later years Erasmus + Darwin came to Down occasionally, or joined his brother's family in a + summer holiday. But gradually it came about that he could not, through ill + health, make up his mind to leave London, and then they only saw each + other when Charles Darwin went for a week at a time to his brother's house + in Queen Anne Street. + </p> + <p> + The following note on his brother's character was written by Charles + Darwin at about the same time that the sketch of his father was added to + the 'Recollections.':— + </p> + <p> + "My brother Erasmus possessed a remarkably clear mind with extensive and + diversified tastes and knowledge in literature, art, and even in science. + For a short time he collected and dried plants, and during a somewhat + longer time experimented in chemistry. He was extremely agreeable, and his + wit often reminded me of that in the letters and works of Charles Lamb. He + was very kind-hearted...His health from his boyhood had been weak, and as + a consequence he failed in energy. His spirits were not high, sometimes + low, more especially during early and middle manhood. He read much, even + whilst a boy, and at school encouraged me to read, lending me books. Our + minds and tastes were, however, so different, that I do not think I owe + much to him intellectually. I am inclined to agree with Francis Galton in + believing that education and environment produce only a small effect on + the mind of any one, and that most of our qualities are innate." + </p> + <p> + Erasmus Darwin's name, though not known to the general public, may be + remembered from the sketch of his character in Carlyle's 'Reminiscences,' + which I here reproduce in part:— + </p> + <p> + "Erasmus Darwin, a most diverse kind of mortal, came to seek us out very + soon ('had heard of Carlyle in Germany, etc.') and continues ever since to + be a quiet house-friend, honestly attached; though his visits latterly + have been rarer and rarer, health so poor, I so occupied, etc., etc. He + had something of original and sarcastically ingenious in him, one of the + sincerest, naturally truest, and most modest of men; elder brother of + Charles Darwin (the famed Darwin on Species of these days) to whom I + rather prefer him for intellect, had not his health quite doomed him to + silence and patient idleness...My dear one had a great favour for this + honest Darwin always; many a road, to shops and the like, he drove her in + his cab (Darwingium Cabbum comparable to Georgium Sidus) in those early + days when even the charge of omnibuses was a consideration, and his sparse + utterances, sardonic often, were a great amusement to her. 'A perfect + gentleman,' she at once discerned him to be, and of sound worth and + kindliness in the most unaffected form." (Carlyle's 'Reminiscences,' vol. + ii. page 208.) + </p> + <p> + Charles Darwin did not appreciate this sketch of his brother; he thought + Carlyle had missed the essence of his most lovable nature. + </p> + <p> + I am tempted by the wish of illustrating further the character of one so + sincerely beloved by all Charles Darwin's children, to reproduce a letter + to the "Spectator" (September 3, 1881) by his cousin Miss Julia Wedgwood. + </p> + <p> + "A portrait from Mr. Carlyle's portfolio not regretted by any who loved + the original, surely confers sufficient distinction to warrant a few words + of notice, when the character it depicts is withdrawn from mortal gaze. + Erasmus, the only brother of Charles Darwin, and the faithful and + affectionate old friend of both the Carlyles, has left a circle of + mourners who need no tribute from illustrious pen to embalm the memory so + dear to their hearts; but a wider circle must have felt some interest + excited by that tribute, and may receive with a certain attention the + record of a unique and indelible impression, even though it be made only + on the hearts of those who cannot bequeath it, and with whom, therefore, + it must speedily pass away. They remember it with the same distinctness as + they remember a creation of genius; it has in like manner enriched and + sweetened life, formed a common meeting-point for those who had no other; + and, in its strong fragrance of individuality, enforced that respect for + the idiosyncracies of human character without which moral judgment is + always hard and shallow, and often unjust. Carlyle was one to find a + peculiar enjoyment in the combination of liveliness and repose which gave + his friend's society an influence at once stimulating and soothing, and + the warmth of his appreciation was not made known first in its posthumous + expression; his letters of anxiety nearly thirty years ago, when the frail + life which has been prolonged to old age was threatened by serious + illness, are still fresh in my memory. The friendship was equally warm + with both husband and wife. I remember well a pathetic little remonstrance + from her elicited by an avowal from Erasmus Darwin, that he preferred cats + to dogs, which she felt a slur on her little 'Nero;' and the tones in + which she said, 'Oh, but you are fond of dogs! you are too kind not to + be,' spoke of a long vista of small, gracious kindnesses, remembered with + a tender gratitude. He was intimate also with a person whose friends, like + those of Mr. Carlyle, have not always had cause to congratulate themselves + on their place in her gallery,—Harriet Martineau. I have heard him + more than once call her a faithful friend, and it always seemed to me a + curious tribute to something in the friendship that he alone supplied; but + if she had written of him at all, I believe the mention, in its heartiness + of appreciation, would have afforded a rare and curious meeting-point with + the other 'Reminiscences,' so like and yet so unlike. It is not possible + to transfer the impression of a character; we can only suggest it by means + of some resemblance; and it is a singular illustration of that irony which + checks or directs our sympathies, that in trying to give some notion of + the man whom, among those who were not his kindred, Carlyle appears to + have most loved, I can say nothing more descriptive than that he seems to + me to have had something in common with the man whom Carlyle least + appreciated. The society of Erasmus Darwin had, to my mind, much the same + charm as the writings of Charles Lamb. There was the same kind of + playfulness, the same lightness of touch, the same tenderness, perhaps the + same limitations. On another side of his nature, I have often been + reminded of him by the quaint, delicate humour, the superficial + intolerance, the deep springs of pity, the peculiar mixture of something + pathetic with a sort of gay scorn, entirely remote from contempt, which + distinguish the Ellesmere of Sir Arthur Helps' earlier dialogues. Perhaps + we recall such natures most distinctly, when such a resemblance is all + that is left of them. The character is not merged in the creation; and + what we lose in the power to communicate our impression, we seem to gain + in its vividness. Erasmus Darwin has passed away in old age, yet his + memory retains something of a youthful fragrance; his influence gave much + happiness, of a kind usually associated with youth, to many lives besides + the illustrious one whose records justify, though certainly they do not + inspire, the wish to place this fading chaplet on his grave." + </p> + <p> + The foregoing pages give, in a fragmentary manner, as much perhaps as need + be told of the family from which Charles Darwin came, and may serve as an + introduction to the autobiographical chapter which follows. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 1.II. — AUTOBIOGRAPHY. + </h2> + <p> + [My father's autobiographical recollections, given in the present chapter, + were written for his children,—and written without any thought that + they would ever be published. To many this may seem an impossibility; but + those who knew my father will understand how it was not only possible, but + natural. The autobiography bears the heading, 'Recollections of the + Development of my Mind and Character,' and end with the following note:— + </p> + <p> + "Aug.3, 1876. This sketch of my life was begun about May 28th at Hopedene + (Mr. Hensleigh Wedgwood's house in Surrey.), and since then I have written + for nearly an hour on most afternoons." It will easily be understood that, + in a narrative of a personal and intimate kind written for his wife and + children, passages should occur which must here be omitted; and I have not + thought it necessary to indicate where such omissions are made. It has + been found necessary to make a few corrections of obvious verbal slips, + but the number of such alterations has been kept down to the minimum.—F.D.] + </p> + <p> + A German Editor having written to me for an account of the development of + my mind and character with some sketch of my autobiography, I have thought + that the attempt would amuse me, and might possibly interest my children + or their children. I know that it would have interested me greatly to have + read even so short and dull a sketch of the mind of my grandfather, + written by himself, and what he thought and did, and how he worked. I have + attempted to write the following account of myself, as if I were a dead + man in another world looking back at my own life. Nor have I found this + difficult, for life is nearly over with me. I have taken no pains about my + style of writing. + </p> + <p> + I was born at Shrewsbury on February 12th, 1809, and my earliest + recollection goes back only to when I was a few months over four years + old, when we went to near Abergele for sea-bathing, and I recollect some + events and places there with some little distinctness. + </p> + <p> + My mother died in July 1817, when I was a little over eight years old, and + it is odd that I can remember hardly anything about her except her + death-bed, her black velvet gown, and her curiously constructed + work-table. In the spring of this same year I was sent to a day-school in + Shrewsbury, where I stayed a year. I have been told that I was much slower + in learning than my younger sister Catherine, and I believe that I was in + many ways a naughty boy. + </p> + <p> + By the time I went to this day-school (Kept by Rev. G. Case, minister of + the Unitarian Chapel in the High Street. Mrs. Darwin was a Unitarian and + attended Mr. Case's chapel, and my father as a little boy went there with + his elder sisters. But both he and his brother were christened and + intended to belong to the Church of England; and after his early boyhood + he seems usually to have gone to church and not to Mr. Case's. It appears + ("St. James' Gazette", Dec. 15, 1883) that a mural tablet has been erected + to his memory in the chapel, which is now known as the 'Free Christian + Church.') my taste for natural history, and more especially for + collecting, was well developed. I tried to make out the names of plants + (Rev. W.A. Leighton, who was a schoolfellow of my father's at Mr. Case's + school, remembers his bringing a flower to school and saying that his + mother had taught him how by looking at the inside of the blossom the name + of the plant could be discovered. Mr. Leighton goes on, "This greatly + roused my attention and curiosity, and I enquired of him repeatedly how + this could be done?"—but his lesson was naturally enough not + transmissible.—F.D.), and collected all sorts of things, shells, + seals, franks, coins, and minerals. The passion for collecting which leads + a man to be a systematic naturalist, a virtuoso, or a miser, was very + strong in me, and was clearly innate, as none of my sisters or brother + ever had this taste. + </p> + <p> + One little event during this year has fixed itself very firmly in my mind, + and I hope that it has done so from my conscience having been afterwards + sorely troubled by it; it is curious as showing that apparently I was + interested at this early age in the variability of plants! I told another + little boy (I believe it was Leighton, who afterwards became a well-known + lichenologist and botanist), that I could produce variously coloured + polyanthuses and primroses by watering them with certain coloured fluids, + which was of course a monstrous fable, and had never been tried by me. I + may here also confess that as a little boy I was much given to inventing + deliberate falsehoods, and this was always done for the sake of causing + excitement. For instance, I once gathered much valuable fruit from my + father's trees and hid it in the shrubbery, and then ran in breathless + haste to spread the news that I had discovered a hoard of stolen fruit. + </p> + <p> + I must have been a very simple little fellow when I first went to the + school. A boy of the name of Garnett took me into a cake shop one day, and + bought some cakes for which he did not pay, as the shopman trusted him. + When we came out I asked him why he did not pay for them, and he instantly + answered, "Why, do you not know that my uncle left a great sum of money to + the town on condition that every tradesman should give whatever was wanted + without payment to any one who wore his old hat and moved [it] in a + particular manner?" and he then showed me how it was moved. He then went + into another shop where he was trusted, and asked for some small article, + moving his hat in the proper manner, and of course obtained it without + payment. When we came out he said, "Now if you like to go by yourself into + that cake-shop (how well I remember its exact position) I will lend you my + hat, and you can get whatever you like if you move the hat on your head + properly." I gladly accepted the generous offer, and went in and asked for + some cakes, moved the old hat and was walking out of the shop, when the + shopman made a rush at me, so I dropped the cakes and ran for dear life, + and was astonished by being greeted with shouts of laughter by my false + friend Garnett. + </p> + <p> + I can say in my own favour that I was as a boy humane, but I owed this + entirely to the instruction and example of my sisters. I doubt indeed + whether humanity is a natural or innate quality. I was very fond of + collecting eggs, but I never took more than a single egg out of a bird's + nest, except on one single occasion, when I took all, not for their value, + but from a sort of bravado. + </p> + <p> + I had a strong taste for angling, and would sit for any number of hours on + the bank of a river or pond watching the float; when at Maer (The house of + his uncle, Josiah Wedgwood.) I was told that I could kill the worms with + salt and water, and from that day I never spitted a living worm, though at + the expense probably of some loss of success. + </p> + <p> + Once as a very little boy whilst at the day school, or before that time, I + acted cruelly, for I beat a puppy, I believe, simply from enjoying the + sense of power; but the beating could not have been severe, for the puppy + did not howl, of which I feel sure, as the spot was near the house. This + act lay heavily on my conscience, as is shown by my remembering the exact + spot where the crime was committed. It probably lay all the heavier from + my love of dogs being then, and for a long time afterwards, a passion. + Dogs seemed to know this, for I was an adept in robbing their love from + their masters. + </p> + <p> + I remember clearly only one other incident during this year whilst at Mr. + Case's daily school,—namely, the burial of a dragoon soldier; and it + is surprising how clearly I can still see the horse with the man's empty + boots and carbine suspended to the saddle, and the firing over the grave. + This scene deeply stirred whatever poetic fancy there was in me. + </p> + <p> + In the summer of 1818 I went to Dr. Butler's great school in Shrewsbury, + and remained there for seven years still Midsummer 1825, when I was + sixteen years old. I boarded at this school, so that I had the great + advantage of living the life of a true schoolboy; but as the distance was + hardly more than a mile to my home, I very often ran there in the longer + intervals between the callings over and before locking up at night. This, + I think, was in many ways advantageous to me by keeping up home affections + and interests. I remember in the early part of my school life that I often + had to run very quickly to be in time, and from being a fleet runner was + generally successful; but when in doubt I prayed earnestly to God to help + me, and I well remember that I attributed my success to the prayers and + not to my quick running, and marvelled how generally I was aided. + </p> + <p> + I have heard my father and elder sister say that I had, as a very young + boy, a strong taste for long solitary walks; but what I thought about I + know not. I often became quite absorbed, and once, whilst returning to + school on the summit of the old fortifications round Shrewsbury, which had + been converted into a public foot-path with no parapet on one side, I + walked off and fell to the ground, but the height was only seven or eight + feet. Nevertheless the number of thoughts which passed through my mind + during this very short, but sudden and wholly unexpected fall, was + astonishing, and seem hardly compatible with what physiologists have, I + believe, proved about each thought requiring quite an appreciable amount + of time. + </p> + <p> + Nothing could have been worse for the development of my mind than Dr. + Butler's school, as it was strictly classical, nothing else being taught, + except a little ancient geography and history. The school as a means of + education to me was simply a blank. During my whole life I have been + singularly incapable of mastering any language. Especial attention was + paid to verse-making, and this I could never do well. I had many friends, + and got together a good collection of old verses, which by patching + together, sometimes aided by other boys, I could work into any subject. + Much attention was paid to learning by heart the lessons of the previous + day; this I could effect with great facility, learning forty or fifty + lines of Virgil or Homer, whilst I was in morning chapel; but this + exercise was utterly useless, for every verse was forgotten in forty-eight + hours. I was not idle, and with the exception of versification, generally + worked conscientiously at my classics, not using cribs. The sole pleasure + I ever received from such studies, was from some of the odes of Horace, + which I admired greatly. + </p> + <p> + When I left the school I was for my age neither high nor low in it; and I + believe that I was considered by all my masters and by my father as a very + ordinary boy, rather below the common standard in intellect. To my deep + mortification my father once said to me, "You care for nothing but + shooting, dogs, and rat-catching, and you will be a disgrace to yourself + and all your family." But my father, who was the kindest man I ever knew + and whose memory I love with all my heart, must have been angry and + somewhat unjust when he used such words. + </p> + <p> + Looking back as well as I can at my character during my school life, the + only qualities which at this period promised well for the future, were, + that I had strong and diversified tastes, much zeal for whatever + interested me, and a keen pleasure in understanding any complex subject or + thing. I was taught Euclid by a private tutor, and I distinctly remember + the intense satisfaction which the clear geometrical proofs gave me. I + remember, with equal distinctness, the delight which my uncle gave me (the + father of Francis Galton) by explaining the principle of the vernier of a + barometer with respect to diversified tastes, independently of science, I + was fond of reading various books, and I used to sit for hours reading the + historical plays of Shakespeare, generally in an old window in the thick + walls of the school. I read also other poetry, such as Thomson's + 'Seasons,' and the recently published poems of Byron and Scott. I mention + this because later in life I wholly lost, to my great regret, all pleasure + from poetry of any kind, including Shakespeare. In connection with + pleasure from poetry, I may add that in 1822 a vivid delight in scenery + was first awakened in my mind, during a riding tour on the borders of + Wales, and this has lasted longer than any other aesthetic pleasure. + </p> + <p> + Early in my school days a boy had a copy of the 'Wonders of the World,' + which I often read, and disputed with other boys about the veracity of + some of the statements; and I believe that this book first gave me a wish + to travel in remote countries, which was ultimately fulfilled by the + voyage of the "Beagle". In the latter part of my school life I became + passionately fond of shooting; I do not believe that any one could have + shown more zeal for the most holy cause than I did for shooting birds. How + well I remember killing my first snipe, and my excitement was so great + that I had much difficulty in reloading my gun from the trembling of my + hands. This taste long continued, and I became a very good shot. When at + Cambridge I used to practise throwing up my gun to my shoulder before a + looking-glass to see that I threw it up straight. Another and better plan + was to get a friend to wave about a lighted candle, and then to fire at it + with a cap on the nipple, and if the aim was accurate the little puff of + air would blow out the candle. The explosion of the cap caused a sharp + crack, and I was told that the tutor of the college remarked, "What an + extraordinary thing it is, Mr. Darwin seems to spend hours in cracking a + horse-whip in his room, for I often hear the crack when I pass under his + windows." + </p> + <p> + I had many friends amongst the schoolboys, whom I loved dearly, and I + think that my disposition was then very affectionate. + </p> + <p> + With respect to science, I continued collecting minerals with much zeal, + but quite unscientifically—all that I cared about was a new-NAMED + mineral, and I hardly attempted to classify them. I must have observed + insects with some little care, for when ten years old (1819) I went for + three weeks to Plas Edwards on the sea-coast in Wales, I was very much + interested and surprised at seeing a large black and scarlet Hemipterous + insect, many moths (Zygaena), and a Cicindela which are not found in + Shropshire. I almost made up my mind to begin collecting all the insects + which I could find dead, for on consulting my sister I concluded that it + was not right to kill insects for the sake of making a collection. From + reading White's 'Selborne,' I took much pleasure in watching the habits of + birds, and even made notes on the subject. In my simplicity I remember + wondering why every gentleman did not become an ornithologist. + </p> + <p> + Towards the close of my school life, my brother worked hard at chemistry, + and made a fair laboratory with proper apparatus in the tool-house in the + garden, and I was allowed to aid him as a servant in most of his + experiments. He made all the gases and many compounds, and I read with + great care several books on chemistry, such as Henry and Parkes' 'Chemical + Catechism.' The subject interested me greatly, and we often used to go on + working till rather late at night. This was the best part of my education + at school, for it showed me practically the meaning of experimental + science. The fact that we worked at chemistry somehow got known at school, + and as it was an unprecedented fact, I was nicknamed "Gas." I was also + once publicly rebuked by the head-master, Dr. Butler, for thus wasting my + time on such useless subjects; and he called me very unjustly a "poco + curante," and as I did not understand what he meant, it seemed to me a + fearful reproach. + </p> + <p> + As I was doing no good at school, my father wisely took me away at a + rather earlier age than usual, and sent me (Oct. 1825) to Edinburgh + University with my brother, where I stayed for two years or sessions. My + brother was completing his medical studies, though I do not believe he + ever really intended to practise, and I was sent there to commence them. + But soon after this period I became convinced from various small + circumstances that my father would leave me property enough to subsist on + with some comfort, though I never imagined that I should be so rich a man + as I am; but my belief was sufficient to check any strenuous efforts to + learn medicine. + </p> + <p> + The instruction at Edinburgh was altogether by lectures, and these were + intolerably dull, with the exception of those on chemistry by Hope; but to + my mind there are no advantages and many disadvantages in lectures + compared with reading. Dr. Duncan's lectures on Materia Medica at 8 + o'clock on a winter's morning are something fearful to remember. Dr.— + made his lectures on human anatomy as dull as he was himself, and the + subject disgusted me. It has proved one of the greatest evils in my life + that I was not urged to practise dissection, for I should soon have got + over my disgust; and the practice would have been invaluable for all my + future work. This has been an irremediable evil, as well as my incapacity + to draw. I also attended regularly the clinical wards in the hospital. + Some of the cases distressed me a good deal, and I still have vivid + pictures before me of some of them; but I was not so foolish as to allow + this to lessen my attendance. I cannot understand why this part of my + medical course did not interest me in a greater degree; for during the + summer before coming to Edinburgh I began attending some of the poor + people, chiefly children and women in Shrewsbury: I wrote down as full an + account as I could of the case with all the symptoms, and read them aloud + to my father, who suggested further inquiries and advised me what + medicines to give, which I made up myself. At one time I had at least a + dozen patients, and I felt a keen interest in the work. My father, who was + by far the best judge of character whom I ever knew, declared that I + should make a successful physician,—meaning by this one who would + get many patients. He maintained that the chief element of success was + exciting confidence; but what he saw in me which convinced him that I + should create confidence I know not. I also attended on two occasions the + operating theatre in the hospital at Edinburgh, and saw two very bad + operations, one on a child, but I rushed away before they were completed. + Nor did I ever attend again, for hardly any inducement would have been + strong enough to make me do so; this being long before the blessed days of + chloroform. The two cases fairly haunted me for many a long year. + </p> + <p> + My brother stayed only one year at the University, so that during the + second year I was left to my own resources; and this was an advantage, for + I became well acquainted with several young men fond of natural science. + One of these was Ainsworth, who afterwards published his travels in + Assyria; he was a Wernerian geologist, and knew a little about many + subjects. Dr. Coldstream was a very different young man, prim, formal, + highly religious, and most kind-hearted; he afterwards published some good + zoological articles. A third young man was Hardie, who would, I think, + have made a good botanist, but died early in India. Lastly, Dr. Grant, my + senior by several years, but how I became acquainted with him I cannot + remember; he published some first-rate zoological papers, but after coming + to London as Professor in University College, he did nothing more in + science, a fact which has always been inexplicable to me. I knew him well; + he was dry and formal in manner, with much enthusiasm beneath this outer + crust. He one day, when we were walking together, burst forth in high + admiration of Lamarck and his views on evolution. I listened in silent + astonishment, and as far as I can judge without any effect on my mind. I + had previously read the 'Zoonomia' of my grandfather, in which similar + views are maintained, but without producing any effect on me. Nevertheless + it is probable that the hearing rather early in life such views maintained + and praised may have favoured my upholding them under a different form in + my 'Origin of Species.' At this time I admired greatly the 'Zoonomia;' but + on reading it a second time after an interval of ten or fifteen years, I + was much disappointed; the proportion of speculation being so large to the + facts given. + </p> + <p> + Drs. Grant and Coldstream attended much to marine Zoology, and I often + accompanied the former to collect animals in the tidal pools, which I + dissected as well as I could. I also became friends with some of the + Newhaven fishermen, and sometimes accompanied them when they trawled for + oysters, and thus got many specimens. But from not having had any regular + practice in dissection, and from possessing only a wretched microscope, my + attempts were very poor. Nevertheless I made one interesting little + discovery, and read, about the beginning of the year 1826, a short paper + on the subject before the Plinian Society. This was that the so-called ova + of Flustra had the power of independent movement by means of cilia, and + were in fact larvae. In another short paper I showed that the little + globular bodies which had been supposed to be the young state of Fucus + loreus were the egg-cases of the wormlike Pontobdella muricata. + </p> + <p> + The Plinian Society was encouraged and, I believe, founded by Professor + Jameson: it consisted of students and met in an underground room in the + University for the sake of reading papers on natural science and + discussing them. I used regularly to attend, and the meetings had a good + effect on me in stimulating my zeal and giving me new congenial + acquaintances. One evening a poor young man got up, and after stammering + for a prodigious length of time, blushing crimson, he at last slowly got + out the words, "Mr. President, I have forgotten what I was going to say." + The poor fellow looked quite overwhelmed, and all the members were so + surprised that no one could think of a word to say to cover his confusion. + The papers which were read to our little society were not printed, so that + I had not the satisfaction of seeing my paper in print; but I believe Dr. + Grant noticed my small discovery in his excellent memoir on Flustra. + </p> + <p> + I was also a member of the Royal Medical Society, and attended pretty + regularly; but as the subjects were exclusively medical, I did not much + care about them. Much rubbish was talked there, but there were some good + speakers, of whom the best was the present Sir J. Kay-Shuttleworth. Dr. + Grant took me occasionally to the meetings of the Wernerian Society, where + various papers on natural history were read, discussed, and afterwards + published in the 'Transactions.' I heard Audubon deliver there some + interesting discourses on the habits of N. American birds, sneering + somewhat unjustly at Waterton. By the way, a negro lived in Edinburgh, who + had travelled with Waterton, and gained his livelihood by stuffing birds, + which he did excellently: he gave me lessons for payment, and I used often + to sit with him, for he was a very pleasant and intelligent man. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Leonard Horner also took me once to a meeting of the Royal Society of + Edinburgh, where I saw Sir Walter Scott in the chair as President, and he + apologised to the meeting as not feeling fitted for such a position. I + looked at him and at the whole scene with some awe and reverence, and I + think it was owing to this visit during my youth, and to my having + attended the Royal Medical Society, that I felt the honour of being + elected a few years ago an honorary member of both these Societies, more + than any other similar honour. If I had been told at that time that I + should one day have been thus honoured, I declare that I should have + thought it as ridiculous and improbable, as if I had been told that I + should be elected King of England. + </p> + <p> + During my second year at Edinburgh I attended —'s lectures on + Geology and Zoology, but they were incredibly dull. The sole effect they + produced on me was the determination never as long as I lived to read a + book on Geology, or in any way to study the science. Yet I feel sure that + I was prepared for a philosophical treatment of the subject; for an old + Mr. Cotton in Shropshire, who knew a good deal about rocks, had pointed + out to me two or three years previously a well-known large erratic boulder + in the town of Shrewsbury, called the "bell-stone"; he told me that there + was no rock of the same kind nearer than Cumberland or Scotland, and he + solemnly assured me that the world would come to an end before any one + would be able to explain how this stone came where it now lay. This + produced a deep impression on me, and I meditated over this wonderful + stone. So that I felt the keenest delight when I first read of the action + of icebergs in transporting boulders, and I gloried in the progress of + Geology. Equally striking is the fact that I, though now only sixty-seven + years old, heard the Professor, in a field lecture at Salisbury Craigs, + discoursing on a trapdyke, with amygdaloidal margins and the strata + indurated on each side, with volcanic rocks all around us, say that it was + a fissure filled with sediment from above, adding with a sneer that there + were men who maintained that it had been injected from beneath in a molten + condition. When I think of this lecture, I do not wonder that I determined + never to attend to Geology. + </p> + <p> + From attending —'s lectures, I became acquainted with the curator of + the museum, Mr. Macgillivray, who afterwards published a large and + excellent book on the birds of Scotland. I had much interesting + natural-history talk with him, and he was very kind to me. He gave me some + rare shells, for I at that time collected marine mollusca, but with no + great zeal. + </p> + <p> + My summer vacations during these two years were wholly given up to + amusements, though I always had some book in hand, which I read with + interest. During the summer of 1826 I took a long walking tour with two + friends with knapsacks on our backs through North wales. We walked thirty + miles most days, including one day the ascent of Snowdon. I also went with + my sister a riding tour in North Wales, a servant with saddle-bags + carrying our clothes. The autumns were devoted to shooting chiefly at Mr. + Owen's, at Woodhouse, and at my Uncle Jos's (Josiah Wedgwood, the son of + the founder of the Etruria Works.) at Maer. My zeal was so great that I + used to place my shooting-boots open by my bed-side when I went to bed, so + as not to lose half a minute in putting them on in the morning; and on one + occasion I reached a distant part of the Maer estate, on the 20th of + August for black-game shooting, before I could see: I then toiled on with + the game-keeper the whole day through thick heath and young Scotch firs. + </p> + <p> + I kept an exact record of every bird which I shot throughout the whole + season. One day when shooting at Woodhouse with Captain Owen, the eldest + son, and Major Hill, his cousin, afterwards Lord Berwick, both of whom I + liked very much, I thought myself shamefully used, for every time after I + had fired and thought that I had killed a bird, one of the two acted as if + loading his gun, and cried out, "You must not count that bird, for I fired + at the same time," and the gamekeeper, perceiving the joke, backed them + up. After some hours they told me the joke, but it was no joke to me, for + I had shot a large number of birds, but did not know how many, and could + not add them to my list, which I used to do by making a knot in a piece of + string tied to a button-hole. This my wicked friends had perceived. + </p> + <p> + How I did enjoy shooting! But I think that I must have been + half-consciously ashamed of my zeal, for I tried to persuade myself that + shooting was almost an intellectual employment; it required so much skill + to judge where to find most game and to hunt the dogs well. + </p> + <p> + One of my autumnal visits to Maer in 1827 was memorable from meeting there + Sir J. Mackintosh, who was the best converser I ever listened to. I heard + afterwards with a glow of pride that he had said, "There is something in + that young man that interests me." This must have been chiefly due to his + perceiving that I listened with much interest to everything which he said, + for I was as ignorant as a pig about his subjects of history, politics, + and moral philosophy. To hear of praise from an eminent person, though no + doubt apt or certain to excite vanity, is, I think, good for a young man, + as it helps to keep him in the right course. + </p> + <p> + My visits to Maer during these two or three succeeding years were quite + delightful, independently of the autumnal shooting. Life there was + perfectly free; the country was very pleasant for walking or riding; and + in the evening there was much very agreeable conversation, not so personal + as it generally is in large family parties, together with music. In the + summer the whole family used often to sit on the steps of the old portico, + with the flower-garden in front, and with the steep wooded bank opposite + the house reflected in the lake, with here and there a fish rising or a + water-bird paddling about. Nothing has left a more vivid picture on my + mind than these evenings at Maer. I was also attached to and greatly + revered my Uncle Jos; he was silent and reserved, so as to be a rather + awful man; but he sometimes talked openly with me. He was the very type of + an upright man, with the clearest judgment. I do not believe that any + power on earth could have made him swerve an inch from what he considered + the right course. I used to apply to him in my mind the well-known ode of + Horace, now forgotten by me, in which the words "nec vultus tyranni, + etc.," come in. (Justum et tenacem propositi virum Non civium ardor prava + jubentium Non vultus instantis tyranni Mente quatit solida.) + </p> + <p> + CAMBRIDGE 1828-1831. + </p> + <p> + After having spent two sessions in Edinburgh, my father perceived, or he + heard from my sisters, that I did not like the thought of being a + physician, so he proposed that I should become a clergyman. He was very + properly vehement against my turning into an idle sporting man, which then + seemed my probable destination. I asked for some time to consider, as from + what little I had heard or thought on the subject I had scruples about + declaring my belief in all the dogmas of the Church of England; though + otherwise I liked the thought of being a country clergyman. Accordingly I + read with care 'Pearson on the Creed,' and a few other books on divinity; + and as I did not then in the least doubt the strict and literal truth of + every word in the Bible, I soon persuaded myself that our Creed must be + fully accepted. + </p> + <p> + Considering how fiercely I have been attacked by the orthodox, it seems + ludicrous that I once intended to be a clergyman. Nor was this intention + and my father's wish ever formerly given up, but died a natural death + when, on leaving Cambridge, I joined the "Beagle" as naturalist. If the + phrenologists are to be trusted, I was well fitted in one respect to be a + clergyman. A few years ago the secretaries of a German psychological + society asked me earnestly by letter for a photograph of myself; and some + time afterwards I received the proceedings of one of the meetings, in + which it seemed that the shape of my head had been the subject of a public + discussion, and one of the speakers declared that I had the bump of + reverence developed enough for ten priests. + </p> + <p> + As it was decided that I should be a clergyman, it was necessary that I + should go to one of the English universities and take a degree; but as I + had never opened a classical book since leaving school, I found to my + dismay, that in the two intervening years I had actually forgotten, + incredible as it may appear, almost everything which I had learnt, even to + some few of the Greek letters. I did not therefore proceed to Cambridge at + the usual time in October, but worked with a private tutor in Shrewsbury, + and went to Cambridge after the Christmas vacation, early in 1828. I soon + recovered my school standard of knowledge, and could translate easy Greek + books, such as Homer and the Greek Testament, with moderate facility. + </p> + <p> + During the three years which I spent at Cambridge my time was wasted, as + far as the academical studies were concerned, as completely as at + Edinburgh and at school. I attempted mathematics, and even went during the + summer of 1828 with a private tutor (a very dull man) to Barmouth, but I + got on very slowly. The work was repugnant to me, chiefly from my not + being able to see any meaning in the early steps in algebra. This + impatience was very foolish, and in after years I have deeply regretted + that I did not proceed far enough at least to understand something of the + great leading principles of mathematics, for men thus endowed seem to have + an extra sense. But I do not believe that I should ever have succeeded + beyond a very low grade. With respect to Classics I did nothing except + attend a few compulsory college lectures, and the attendance was almost + nominal. In my second year I had to work for a month or two to pass the + Little-Go, which I did easily. Again, in my last year I worked with some + earnestness for my final degree of B.A., and brushed up my Classics, + together with a little Algebra and Euclid, which latter gave me much + pleasure, as it did at school. In order to pass the B.A. examination, it + was also necessary to get up Paley's 'Evidences of Christianity,' and his + 'Moral Philosophy.' This was done in a thorough manner, and I am convinced + that I could have written out the whole of the 'Evidences' with perfect + correctness, but not of course in the clear language of Paley. The logic + of this book and, as I may add, of his 'Natural Theology,' gave me as much + delight as did Euclid. The careful study of these works, without + attempting to learn any part by rote, was the only part of the academical + course which, as I then felt and as I still believe, was of the least use + to me in the education of my mind. I did not at that time trouble myself + about Paley's premises; and taking these on trust, I was charmed and + convinced by the long line of argumentation. By answering well the + examination questions in Paley, by doing Euclid well, and by not failing + miserably in Classics, I gained a good place among the oi polloi or crowd + of men who do not go in for honours. Oddly enough, I cannot remember how + high I stood, and my memory fluctuates between the fifth, tenth, or + twelfth, name on the list. (Tenth in the list of January 1831.) + </p> + <p> + Public lectures on several branches were given in the University, + attendance being quite voluntary; but I was so sickened with lectures at + Edinburgh that I did not even attend Sedgwick's eloquent and interesting + lectures. Had I done so I should probably have become a geologist earlier + than I did. I attended, however, Henslow's lectures on Botany, and liked + them much for their extreme clearness, and the admirable illustrations; + but I did not study botany. Henslow used to take his pupils, including + several of the older members of the University, field excursions, on foot + or in coaches, to distant places, or in a barge down the river, and + lectured on the rarer plants and animals which were observed. These + excursions were delightful. + </p> + <p> + Although, as we shall presently see, there were some redeeming features in + my life at Cambridge, my time was sadly wasted there, and worse than + wasted. From my passion for shooting and for hunting, and, when this + failed, for riding across country, I got into a sporting set, including + some dissipated low-minded young men. We used often to dine together in + the evening, though these dinners often included men of a higher stamp, + and we sometimes drank too much, with jolly singing and playing at cards + afterwards. I know that I ought to feel ashamed of days and evenings thus + spent, but as some of my friends were very pleasant, and we were all in + the highest spirits, I cannot help looking back to these times with much + pleasure. + </p> + <p> + But I am glad to think that I had many other friends of a widely different + nature. I was very intimate with Whitley (Rev. C. Whitley, Hon. Canon of + Durham, formerly Reader in Natural Philosophy in Durham University.), who + was afterwards Senior Wrangler, and we used continually to take long walks + together. He inoculated me with a taste for pictures and good engravings, + of which I bought some. I frequently went to the Fitzwilliam Gallery, and + my taste must have been fairly good, for I certainly admired the best + pictures, which I discussed with the old curator. I read also with much + interest Sir Joshua Reynolds' book. This taste, though not natural to me, + lasted for several years, and many of the pictures in the National Gallery + in London gave me much pleasure; that of Sebastian del Piombo exciting in + me a sense of sublimity. + </p> + <p> + I also got into a musical set, I believe by means of my warm-hearted + friend, Herbert (The late John Maurice Herbert, County Court Judge of + Cardiff and the Monmouth Circuit.), who took a high wrangler's degree. + From associating with these men, and hearing them play, I acquired a + strong taste for music, and used very often to time my walks so as to hear + on week days the anthem in King's College Chapel. This gave me intense + pleasure, so that my backbone would sometimes shiver. I am sure that there + was no affectation or mere imitation in this taste, for I used generally + to go by myself to King's College, and I sometimes hired the chorister + boys to sing in my rooms. Nevertheless I am so utterly destitute of an + ear, that I cannot perceive a discord, or keep time and hum a tune + correctly; and it is a mystery how I could possibly have derived pleasure + from music. + </p> + <p> + My musical friends soon perceived my state, and sometimes amused + themselves by making me pass an examination, which consisted in + ascertaining how many tunes I could recognise when they were played rather + more quickly or slowly than usual. 'God save the King,' when thus played, + was a sore puzzle. There was another man with almost as bad an ear as I + had, and strange to say he played a little on the flute. Once I had the + triumph of beating him in one of our musical examinations. + </p> + <p> + But no pursuit at Cambridge was followed with nearly so much eagerness or + gave me so much pleasure as collecting beetles. It was the mere passion + for collecting, for I did not dissect them, and rarely compared their + external characters with published descriptions, but got them named + anyhow. I will give a proof of my zeal: one day, on tearing off some old + bark, I saw two rare beetles, and seized one in each hand; then I saw a + third and new kind, which I could not bear to lose, so that I popped the + one which I held in my right hand into my mouth. Alas! it ejected some + intensely acrid fluid, which burnt my tongue so that I was forced to spit + the beetle out, which was lost, as was the third one. + </p> + <p> + I was very successful in collecting, and invented two new methods; I + employed a labourer to scrape during the winter, moss off old trees and + place it in a large bag, and likewise to collect the rubbish at the bottom + of the barges in which reeds are brought from the fens, and thus I got + some very rare species. No poet ever felt more delighted at seeing his + first poem published than I did at seeing, in Stephens' 'Illustrations of + British Insects,' the magic words, "captured by C. Darwin, Esq." I was + introduced to entomology by my second cousin W. Darwin Fox, a clever and + most pleasant man, who was then at Christ's College, and with whom I + became extremely intimate. Afterwards I became well acquainted, and went + out collecting, with Albert Way of Trinity, who in after years became a + well-known archaeologist; also with H. Thompson of the same College, + afterwards a leading agriculturist, chairman of a great railway, and + Member of Parliament. It seems therefore that a taste for collecting + beetles is some indication of future success in life! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%"> + <img alt="1house (125K)" src="images/1house.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + I am surprised what an indelible impression many of the beetles which I + caught at Cambridge have left on my mind. I can remember the exact + appearance of certain posts, old trees and banks where I made a good + capture. The pretty Panagaeus crux-major was a treasure in those days, and + here at Down I saw a beetle running across a walk, and on picking it up + instantly perceived that it differed slightly from P. crux-major, and it + turned out to be P. quadripunctatus, which is only a variety or closely + allied species, differing from it very slightly in outline. I had never + seen in those old days Licinus alive, which to an uneducated eye hardly + differs from many of the black Carabidous beetles; but my sons found here + a specimen, and I instantly recognised that it was new to me; yet I had + not looked at a British beetle for the last twenty years. + </p> + <p> + I have not as yet mentioned a circumstance which influenced my whole + career more than any other. This was my friendship with Professor Henslow. + Before coming up to Cambridge, I had heard of him from my brother as a man + who knew every branch of science, and I was accordingly prepared to + reverence him. He kept open house once every week when all undergraduates, + and some older members of the University, who were attached to science, + used to meet in the evening. I soon got, through Fox, an invitation, and + went there regularly. Before long I became well acquainted with Henslow, + and during the latter half of my time at Cambridge took long walks with + him on most days; so that I was called by some of the dons "the man who + walks with Henslow;" and in the evening I was very often asked to join his + family dinner. His knowledge was great in botany, entomology, chemistry, + mineralogy, and geology. His strongest taste was to draw conclusions from + long-continued minute observations. His judgment was excellent, and his + whole mind well balanced; but I do not suppose that any one would say that + he possessed much original genius. He was deeply religious, and so + orthodox that he told me one day he should be grieved if a single word of + the Thirty-nine Articles were altered. His moral qualities were in every + way admirable. He was free from every tinge of vanity or other petty + feeling; and I never saw a man who thought so little about himself or his + own concerns. His temper was imperturbably good, with the most winning and + courteous manners; yet, as I have seen, he could be roused by any bad + action to the warmest indignation and prompt action. + </p> + <p> + I once saw in his company in the streets of Cambridge almost as horrid a + scene as could have been witnessed during the French Revolution. Two + body-snatchers had been arrested, and whilst being taken to prison had + been torn from the constable by a crowd of the roughest men, who dragged + them by their legs along the muddy and stony road. They were covered from + head to foot with mud, and their faces were bleeding either from having + been kicked or from the stones; they looked like corpses, but the crowd + was so dense that I got only a few momentary glimpses of the wretched + creatures. Never in my life have I seen such wrath painted on a man's face + as was shown by Henslow at this horrid scene. He tried repeatedly to + penetrate the mob; but it was simply impossible. He then rushed away to + the mayor, telling me not to follow him, but to get more policemen. I + forget the issue, except that the two men were got into the prison without + being killed. + </p> + <p> + Henslow's benevolence was unbounded, as he proved by his many excellent + schemes for his poor parishioners, when in after years he held the living + of Hitcham. My intimacy with such a man ought to have been, and I hope + was, an inestimable benefit. I cannot resist mentioning a trifling + incident, which showed his kind consideration. Whilst examining some + pollen-grains on a damp surface, I saw the tubes exserted, and instantly + rushed off to communicate my surprising discovery to him. Now I do not + suppose any other professor of botany could have helped laughing at my + coming in such a hurry to make such a communication. But he agreed how + interesting the phenomenon was, and explained its meaning, but made me + clearly understand how well it was known; so I left him not in the least + mortified, but well pleased at having discovered for myself so remarkable + a fact, but determined not to be in such a hurry again to communicate my + discoveries. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Whewell was one of the older and distinguished men who sometimes + visited Henslow, and on several occasions I walked home with him at night. + Next to Sir J. Mackintosh he was the best converser on grave subjects to + whom I ever listened. Leonard Jenyns (The well-known Soame Jenyns was + cousin to Mr. Jenyns' father.), who afterwards published some good essays + in Natural History (Mr. Jenyns (now Blomefield) described the fish for the + Zoology of the "Beagle"; and is author of a long series of papers, chiefly + Zoological.), often stayed with Henslow, who was his brother-in-law. I + visited him at his parsonage on the borders of the Fens [Swaffham + Bulbeck], and had many a good walk and talk with him about Natural + History. I became also acquainted with several other men older than me, + who did not care much about science, but were friends of Henslow. One was + a Scotchman, brother of Sir Alexander Ramsay, and tutor of Jesus College: + he was a delightful man, but did not live for many years. Another was Mr. + Dawes, afterwards Dean of Hereford, and famous for his success in the + education of the poor. These men and others of the same standing, together + with Henslow, used sometimes to take distant excursions into the country, + which I was allowed to join, and they were most agreeable. + </p> + <p> + Looking back, I infer that there must have been something in me a little + superior to the common run of youths, otherwise the above-mentioned men, + so much older than me and higher in academical position, would never have + allowed me to associate with them. Certainly I was not aware of any such + superiority, and I remember one of my sporting friends, Turner, who saw me + at work with my beetles, saying that I should some day be a Fellow of the + Royal Society, and the notion seemed to me preposterous. + </p> + <p> + During my last year at Cambridge, I read with care and profound interest + Humboldt's 'Personal Narrative.' This work, and Sir J. Herschel's + 'Introduction to the Study of Natural Philosophy,' stirred up in me a + burning zeal to add even the most humble contribution to the noble + structure of Natural Science. No one or a dozen other books influenced me + nearly so much as these two. I copied out from Humboldt long passages + about Teneriffe, and read them aloud on one of the above-mentioned + excursions, to (I think) Henslow, Ramsay, and Dawes, for on a previous + occasion I had talked about the glories of Teneriffe, and some of the + party declared they would endeavour to go there; but I think that they + were only half in earnest. I was, however, quite in earnest, and got an + introduction to a merchant in London to enquire about ships; but the + scheme was, of course, knocked on the head by the voyage of the "Beagle". + </p> + <p> + My summer vacations were given up to collecting beetles, to some reading, + and short tours. In the autumn my whole time was devoted to shooting, + chiefly at Woodhouse and Maer, and sometimes with young Eyton of Eyton. + Upon the whole the three years which I spent at Cambridge were the most + joyful in my happy life; for I was then in excellent health, and almost + always in high spirits. + </p> + <p> + As I had at first come up to Cambridge at Christmas, I was forced to keep + two terms after passing my final examination, at the commencement of 1831; + and Henslow then persuaded me to begin the study of geology. Therefore on + my return to Shropshire I examined sections, and coloured a map of parts + round Shrewsbury. Professor Sedgwick intended to visit North Wales in the + beginning of August to pursue his famous geological investigations amongst + the older rocks, and Henslow asked him to allow me to accompany him. (In + connection with this tour my father used to tell a story about Sedgwick: + they had started from their inn one morning, and had walked a mile or two, + when Sedgwick suddenly stopped, and vowed that he would return, being + certain "that damned scoundrel" (the waiter) had not given the chambermaid + the sixpence intrusted to him for the purpose. He was ultimately persuaded + to give up the project, seeing that there was no reason for suspecting the + waiter of especial perfidy.—F.D.) Accordingly he came and slept at + my father's house. + </p> + <p> + A short conversation with him during this evening produced a strong + impression on my mind. Whilst examining an old gravel-pit near Shrewsbury, + a labourer told me that he had found in it a large worn tropical Volute + shell, such as may be seen on the chimney-pieces of cottages; and as he + would not sell the shell, I was convinced that he had really found it in + the pit. I told Sedgwick of the fact, and he at once said (no doubt truly) + that it must have been thrown away by some one into the pit; but then + added, if really embedded there it would be the greatest misfortune to + geology, as it would overthrow all that we know about the superficial + deposits of the Midland Counties. These gravel-beds belong in fact to the + glacial period, and in after years I found in them broken arctic shells. + But I was then utterly astonished at Sedgwick not being delighted at so + wonderful a fact as a tropical shell being found near the surface in the + middle of England. Nothing before had ever made me thoroughly realise, + though I had read various scientific books, that science consists in + grouping facts so that general laws or conclusions may be drawn from them. + </p> + <p> + Next morning we started for Llangollen, Conway, Bangor, and Capel Curig. + This tour was of decided use in teaching me a little how to make out the + geology of a country. Sedgwick often sent me on a line parallel to his, + telling me to bring back specimens of the rocks and to mark the + stratification on a map. I have little doubt that he did this for my good, + as I was too ignorant to have aided him. On this tour I had a striking + instance of how easy it is to overlook phenomena, however conspicuous, + before they have been observed by any one. We spent many hours in Cwm + Idwal, examining all the rocks with extreme care, as Sedgwick was anxious + to find fossils in them; but neither of us saw a trace of the wonderful + glacial phenomena all around us; we did not notice the plainly scored + rocks, the perched boulders, the lateral and terminal moraines. Yet these + phenomena are so conspicuous that, as I declared in a paper published many + years afterwards in the 'Philosophical Magazine' ('Philosophical + Magazine,' 1842.), a house burnt down by fire did not tell its story more + plainly than did this valley. If it had still been filled by a glacier, + the phenomena would have been less distinct than they now are. + </p> + <p> + At Capel Curig I left Sedgwick and went in a straight line by compass and + map across the mountains to Barmouth, never following any track unless it + coincided with my course. I thus came on some strange wild places, and + enjoyed much this manner of travelling. I visited Barmouth to see some + Cambridge friends who were reading there, and thence returned to + Shrewsbury and to Maer for shooting; for at that time I should have + thought myself mad to give up the first days of partridge-shooting for + geology or any other science. + </p> + <p> + "VOYAGE OF THE 'BEAGLE' FROM DECEMBER 27, 1831, TO OCTOBER 2, 1836." + </p> + <p> + On returning home from my short geological tour in North Wales, I found a + letter from Henslow, informing me that Captain Fitz-Roy was willing to + give up part of his own cabin to any young man who would volunteer to go + with him without pay as naturalist to the Voyage of the "Beagle". I have + given, as I believe, in my MS. Journal an account of all the circumstances + which then occurred; I will here only say that I was instantly eager to + accept the offer, but my father strongly objected, adding the words, + fortunate for me, "If you can find any man of common sense who advises you + to go I will give my consent." So I wrote that evening and refused the + offer. On the next morning I went to Maer to be ready for September 1st, + and, whilst out shooting, my uncle (Josiah Wedgwood.) sent for me, + offering to drive me over to Shrewsbury and talk with my father, as my + uncle thought it would be wise in me to accept the offer. My father always + maintained that he was one of the most sensible men in the world, and he + at once consented in the kindest manner. I had been rather extravagant at + Cambridge, and to console my father, said, "that I should be deuced clever + to spend more than my allowance whilst on board the 'Beagle';" but he + answered with a smile, "But they tell me you are very clever." + </p> + <p> + Next day I started for Cambridge to see Henslow, and thence to London to + see Fitz-Roy, and all was soon arranged. Afterwards, on becoming very + intimate with Fitz-Roy, I heard that I had run a very narrow risk of being + rejected, on account of the shape of my nose! He was an ardent disciple of + Lavater, and was convinced that he could judge of a man's character by the + outline of his features; and he doubted whether any one with my nose could + possess sufficient energy and determination for the voyage. But I think he + was afterwards well satisfied that my nose had spoken falsely. + </p> + <p> + Fitz-Roy's character was a singular one, with very many noble features: he + was devoted to his duty, generous to a fault, bold, determined, and + indomitably energetic, and an ardent friend to all under his sway. He + would undertake any sort of trouble to assist those whom he thought + deserved assistance. He was a handsome man, strikingly like a gentleman, + with highly courteous manners, which resembled those of his maternal + uncle, the famous Lord Castlereagh, as I was told by the Minister at Rio. + Nevertheless he must have inherited much in his appearance from Charles + II., for Dr. Wallich gave me a collection of photographs which he had + made, and I was struck with the resemblance of one to Fitz-Roy; and on + looking at the name, I found it Ch. E. Sobieski Stuart, Count d'Albanie, a + descendant of the same monarch. + </p> + <p> + Fitz-Roy's temper was a most unfortunate one. It was usually worst in the + early morning, and with his eagle eye he could generally detect something + amiss about the ship, and was then unsparing in his blame. He was very + kind to me, but was a man very difficult to live with on the intimate + terms which necessarily followed from our messing by ourselves in the same + cabin. We had several quarrels; for instance, early in the voyage at + Bahia, in Brazil, he defended and praised slavery, which I abominated, and + told me that he had just visited a great slave-owner, who had called up + many of his slaves and asked them whether they were happy, and whether + they wished to be free, and all answered "No." I then asked him, perhaps + with a sneer, whether he thought that the answer of slaves in the presence + of their master was worth anything? This made him excessively angry, and + he said that as I doubted his word we could not live any longer together. + I thought that I should have been compelled to leave the ship; but as soon + as the news spread, which it did quickly, as the captain sent for the + first lieutenant to assuage his anger by abusing me, I was deeply + gratified by receiving an invitation from all the gun-room officers to + mess with them. But after a few hours Fitz-Roy showed his usual + magnanimity by sending an officer to me with an apology and a request that + I would continue to live with him. + </p> + <p> + His character was in several respects one of the most noble which I have + ever known. + </p> + <p> + The voyage of the "Beagle" has been by far the most important event in my + life, and has determined my whole career; yet it depended on so small a + circumstance as my uncle offering to drive me thirty miles to Shrewsbury, + which few uncles would have done, and on such a trifle as the shape of my + nose. I have always felt that I owe to the voyage the first real training + or education of my mind; I was led to attend closely to several branches + of natural history, and thus my powers of observation were improved, + though they were always fairly developed. + </p> + <p> + The investigation of the geology of all the places visited was far more + important, as reasoning here comes into play. On first examining a new + district nothing can appear more hopeless than the chaos of rocks; but by + recording the stratification and nature of the rocks and fossils at many + points, always reasoning and predicting what will be found elsewhere, + light soon begins to dawn on the district, and the structure of the whole + becomes more or less intelligible. I had brought with me the first volume + of Lyell's 'Principles of Geology,' which I studied attentively; and the + book was of the highest service to me in many ways. The very first place + which I examined, namely St. Jago in the Cape de Verde islands, showed me + clearly the wonderful superiority of Lyell's manner of treating geology, + compared with that of any other author, whose works I had with me or ever + afterwards read. + </p> + <p> + Another of my occupations was collecting animals of all classes, briefly + describing and roughly dissecting many of the marine ones; but from not + being able to draw, and from not having sufficient anatomical knowledge, a + great pile of MS. which I made during the voyage has proved almost + useless. I thus lost much time, with the exception of that spent in + acquiring some knowledge of the Crustaceans, as this was of service when + in after years I undertook a monograph of the Cirripedia. + </p> + <p> + During some part of the day I wrote my Journal, and took much pains in + describing carefully and vividly all that I had seen; and this was good + practice. My Journal served also, in part, as letters to my home, and + portions were sent to England whenever there was an opportunity. + </p> + <p> + The above various special studies were, however, of no importance compared + with the habit of energetic industry and of concentrated attention to + whatever I was engaged in, which I then acquired. Everything about which I + thought or read was made to bear directly on what I had seen or was likely + to see; and this habit of mind was continued during the five years of the + voyage. I feel sure that it was this training which has enabled me to do + whatever I have done in science. + </p> + <p> + Looking backwards, I can now perceive how my love for science gradually + preponderated over every other taste. During the first two years my old + passion for shooting survived in nearly full force, and I shot myself all + the birds and animals for my collection; but gradually I gave up my gun + more and more, and finally altogether, to my servant, as shooting + interfered with my work, more especially with making out the geological + structure of a country. I discovered, though unconsciously and insensibly, + that the pleasure of observing and reasoning was a much higher one than + that of skill and sport. That my mind became developed through my pursuits + during the voyage is rendered probable by a remark made by my father, who + was the most acute observer whom I ever saw, of a sceptical disposition, + and far from being a believer in phrenology; for on first seeing me after + the voyage, he turned round to my sisters, and exclaimed, "Why, the shape + of his head is quite altered." + </p> + <p> + To return to the voyage. On September 11th (1831), I paid a flying visit + with Fitz-Roy to the "Beagle" at Plymouth. Thence to Shrewsbury to wish my + father and sisters a long farewell. On October 24th I took up my residence + at Plymouth, and remained there until December 27th, when the "Beagle" + finally left the shores of England for her circumnavigation of the world. + We made two earlier attempts to sail, but were driven back each time by + heavy gales. These two months at Plymouth were the most miserable which I + ever spent, though I exerted myself in various ways. I was out of spirits + at the thought of leaving all my family and friends for so long a time, + and the weather seemed to me inexpressibly gloomy. I was also troubled + with palpitation and pain about the heart, and like many a young ignorant + man, especially one with a smattering of medical knowledge, was convinced + that I had heart disease. I did not consult any doctor, as I fully + expected to hear the verdict that I was not fit for the voyage, and I was + resolved to go at all hazards. + </p> + <p> + I need not here refer to the events of the voyage—where we went and + what we did—as I have given a sufficiently full account in my + published Journal. The glories of the vegetation of the Tropics rise + before my mind at the present time more vividly than anything else; though + the sense of sublimity, which the great deserts of Patagonia and the + forest-clad mountains of Tierra del Fuego excited in me, has left an + indelible impression on my mind. The sight of a naked savage in his native + land is an event which can never be forgotten. Many of my excursions on + horseback through wild countries, or in the boats, some of which lasted + several weeks, were deeply interesting: their discomfort and some degree + of danger were at that time hardly a drawback, and none at all afterwards. + I also reflect with high satisfaction on some of my scientific work, such + as solving the problem of coral islands, and making out the geological + structure of certain islands, for instance, St. Helena. Nor must I pass + over the discovery of the singular relations of the animals and plants + inhabiting the several islands of the Galapagos archipelago, and of all of + them to the inhabitants of South America. + </p> + <p> + As far as I can judge of myself, I worked to the utmost during the voyage + from the mere pleasure of investigation, and from my strong desire to add + a few facts to the great mass of facts in Natural Science. But I was also + ambitious to take a fair place among scientific men,—whether more + ambitious or less so than most of my fellow-workers, I can form no + opinion. + </p> + <p> + The geology of St. Jago is very striking, yet simple: a stream of lava + formerly flowed over the bed of the sea, formed of triturated recent + shells and corals, which it has baked into a hard white rock. Since then + the whole island has been upheaved. But the line of white rock revealed to + me a new and important fact, namely, that there had been afterwards + subsidence round the craters, which had since been in action, and had + poured forth lava. It then first dawned on me that I might perhaps write a + book on the geology of the various countries visited, and this made me + thrill with delight. That was a memorable hour to me, and how distinctly I + can call to mind the low cliff of lava beneath which I rested, with the + sun glaring hot, a few strange desert plants growing near, and with living + corals in the tidal pools at my feet. Later in the voyage, Fitz-Roy asked + me to read some of my Journal, and declared it would be worth publishing; + so here was a second book in prospect! + </p> + <p> + Towards the close of our voyage I received a letter whilst at Ascension, + in which my sisters told me that Sedgwick had called on my father, and + said that I should take a place among the leading scientific men. I could + not at the time understand how he could have learnt anything of my + proceedings, but I heard (I believe afterwards) that Henslow had read some + of the letters which I wrote to him before the Philosophical Society of + Cambridge (Read at the meeting held November 16, 1835, and printed in a + pamphlet of 31 pages for distribution among the members of the Society.), + and had printed them for private distribution. My collection of fossil + bones, which had been sent to Henslow, also excited considerable attention + amongst palaeontologists. After reading this letter, I clambered over the + mountains of Ascension with a bounding step, and made the volcanic rocks + resound under my geological hammer. All this shows how ambitious I was; + but I think that I can say with truth that in after years, though I cared + in the highest degree for the approbation of such men as Lyell and Hooker, + who were my friends, I did not care much about the general public. I do + not mean to say that a favourable review or a large sale of my books did + not please me greatly, but the pleasure was a fleeting one, and I am sure + that I have never turned one inch out of my course to gain fame. + </p> + <p> + FROM MY RETURN TO ENGLAND (OCTOBER 2, 1836) TO MY MARRIAGE (JANUARY 29, + 1839.) + </p> + <p> + These two years and three months were the most active ones which I ever + spent, though I was occasionally unwell, and so lost some time. After + going backwards and forwards several times between Shrewsbury, Maer, + Cambridge, and London, I settled in lodgings at Cambridge (In Fitzwilliam + Street.) on December 13th, where all my collections were under the care of + Henslow. I stayed here three months, and got my minerals and rocks + examined by the aid of Professor Miller. + </p> + <p> + I began preparing my 'Journal of Travels,' which was not hard work, as my + MS. Journal had been written with care, and my chief labour was making an + abstract of my more interesting scientific results. I sent also, at the + request of Lyell, a short account of my observations on the elevation of + the coast of Chile to the Geological Society. ('Geolog. Soc. Proc. ii. + 1838, pages 446-449.) + </p> + <p> + On March 7th, 1837, I took lodgings in Great Marlborough Street in London, + and remained there for nearly two years, until I was married. During these + two years I finished my Journal, read several papers before the Geological + Society, began preparing the MS. for my 'Geological Observations,' and + arranged for the publication of the 'Zoology of the Voyage of the + "Beagle".' In July I opened my first note-book for facts in relation to + the Origin of Species, about which I had long reflected, and never ceased + working for the next twenty years. + </p> + <p> + During these two years I also went a little into society, and acted as one + of the honorary secretaries of the Geological Society. I saw a great deal + of Lyell. One of his chief characteristics was his sympathy with the work + of others, and I was as much astonished as delighted at the interest which + he showed when, on my return to England, I explained to him my views on + coral reefs. This encouraged me greatly, and his advice and example had + much influence on me. During this time I saw also a good deal of Robert + Brown; I used often to call and sit with him during his breakfast on + Sunday mornings, and he poured forth a rich treasure of curious + observations and acute remarks, but they almost always related to minute + points, and he never with me discussed large or general questions in + science. + </p> + <p> + During these two years I took several short excursions as a relaxation, + and one longer one to the Parallel Roads of Glen Roy, an account of which + was published in the 'Philosophical Transactions.' (1839, pages 39-82.) + This paper was a great failure, and I am ashamed of it. Having been deeply + impressed with what I had seen of the elevation of the land of South + America, I attributed the parallel lines to the action of the sea; but I + had to give up this view when Agassiz propounded his glacier-lake theory. + Because no other explanation was possible under our then state of + knowledge, I argued in favour of sea-action; and my error has been a good + lesson to me never to trust in science to the principle of exclusion. + </p> + <p> + As I was not able to work all day at science, I read a good deal during + these two years on various subjects, including some metaphysical books; + but I was not well fitted for such studies. About this time I took much + delight in Wordsworth's and Coleridge's poetry; and can boast that I read + the 'Excursion' twice through. Formerly Milton's 'Paradise Lost' had been + my chief favourite, and in my excursions during the voyage of the + "Beagle", when I could take only a single volume, I always chose Milton. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%"> + <img alt="1house (125K)" src="images/1house.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + FROM MY MARRIAGE, JANUARY 29, 1839, AND RESIDENCE IN UPPER GOWER STREET, + TO OUR LEAVING LONDON AND SETTLING AT DOWN, SEPTEMBER 14, 1842. + </p> + <p> + (After speaking of his happy married life, and of his children, he + continues:—) + </p> + <p> + During the three years and eight months whilst we resided in London, I did + less scientific work, though I worked as hard as I possibly could, than + during any other equal length of time in my life. This was owing to + frequently recurring unwellness, and to one long and serious illness. The + greater part of my time, when I could do anything, was devoted to my work + on 'Coral Reefs,' which I had begun before my marriage, and of which the + last proof-sheet was corrected on May 6th, 1842. This book, though a small + one, cost me twenty months of hard work, as I had to read every work on + the islands of the Pacific and to consult many charts. It was thought + highly of by scientific men, and the theory therein given is, I think, now + well established. + </p> + <p> + No other work of mine was begun in so deductive a spirit as this, for the + whole theory was thought out on the west coast of South America, before I + had seen a true coral reef. I had therefore only to verify and extend my + views by a careful examination of living reefs. But it should be observed + that I had during the two previous years been incessantly attending to the + effects on the shores of South America of the intermittent elevation of + the land, together with denudation and the deposition of sediment. This + necessarily led me to reflect much on the effects of subsidence, and it + was easy to replace in imagination the continued deposition of sediment by + the upward growth of corals. To do this was to form my theory of the + formation of barrier-reefs and atolls. + </p> + <p> + Besides my work on coral-reefs, during my residence in London, I read + before the Geological Society papers on the Erratic Boulders of South + America ('Geolog. Soc. Proc.' iii. 1842.), on Earthquakes ('Geolog. Trans. + v. 1840.), and on the Formation by the Agency of Earth-worms of Mould. + ('Geolog. Soc. Proc. ii. 1838.) I also continued to superintend the + publication of the 'Zoology of the Voyage of the "Beagle".' Nor did I ever + intermit collecting facts bearing on the origin of species; and I could + sometimes do this when I could do nothing else from illness. + </p> + <p> + In the summer of 1842 I was stronger than I had been for some time, and + took a little tour by myself in North Wales, for the sake of observing the + effects of the old glaciers which formerly filled all the larger valleys. + I published a short account of what I saw in the 'Philosophical Magazine.' + ('Philosophical Magazine,' 1842.) This excursion interested me greatly, + and it was the last time I was ever strong enough to climb mountains or to + take long walks such as are necessary for geological work. + </p> + <p> + During the early part of our life in London, I was strong enough to go + into general society, and saw a good deal of several scientific men, and + other more or less distinguished men. I will give my impressions with + respect to some of them, though I have little to say worth saying. + </p> + <p> + I saw more of Lyell than of any other man, both before and after my + marriage. His mind was characterised, as it appeared to me, by clearness, + caution, sound judgment, and a good deal of originality. When I made any + remark to him on Geology, he never rested until he saw the whole case + clearly, and often made me see it more clearly than I had done before. He + would advance all possible objections to my suggestion, and even after + these were exhausted would long remain dubious. A second characteristic + was his hearty sympathy with the work of other scientific men. (The slight + repetition here observable is accounted for by the notes on Lyell, etc., + having been added in April, 1881, a few years after the rest of the + 'Recollections' were written.) + </p> + <p> + On my return from the voyage of the "Beagle", I explained to him my views + on coral-reefs, which differed from his, and I was greatly surprised and + encouraged by the vivid interest which he showed. His delight in science + was ardent, and he felt the keenest interest in the future progress of + mankind. He was very kind-hearted, and thoroughly liberal in his religious + beliefs, or rather disbeliefs; but he was a strong theist. His candour was + highly remarkable. He exhibited this by becoming a convert to the Descent + theory, though he had gained much fame by opposing Lamarck's views, and + this after he had grown old. He reminded me that I had many years before + said to him, when discussing the opposition of the old school of + geologists to his new views, "What a good thing it would be if every + scientific man was to die when sixty years old, as afterwards he would be + sure to oppose all new doctrines." But he hoped that now he might be + allowed to live. + </p> + <p> + The science of Geology is enormously indebted to Lyell—more so, as I + believe, than to any other man who ever lived. When [I was] starting on + the voyage of the "Beagle", the sagacious Henslow, who, like all other + geologists, believed at that time in successive cataclysms, advised me to + get and study the first volume of the 'Principles,' which had then just + been published, but on no account to accept the views therein advocated. + How differently would any one now speak of the 'Principles'! I am proud to + remember that the first place, namely, St. Jago, in the Cape de Verde + archipelago, in which I geologised, convinced me of the infinite + superiority of Lyell's views over those advocated in any other work known + to me. + </p> + <p> + The powerful effects of Lyell's works could formerly be plainly seen in + the different progress of the science in France and England. The present + total oblivion of Elie de Beaumont's wild hypotheses, such as his 'Craters + of Elevation' and 'Lines of Elevation' (which latter hypothesis I heard + Sedgwick at the Geological Society lauding to the skies), may be largely + attributed to Lyell. + </p> + <p> + I saw a good deal of Robert Brown, "facile Princeps Botanicorum," as he + was called by Humboldt. He seemed to me to be chiefly remarkable for the + minuteness of his observations, and their perfect accuracy. His knowledge + was extraordinarily great, and much died with him, owing to his excessive + fear of ever making a mistake. He poured out his knowledge to me in the + most unreserved manner, yet was strangely jealous on some points. I called + on him two or three times before the voyage of the "Beagle", and on one + occasion he asked me to look through a microscope and describe what I saw. + This I did, and believe now that it was the marvellous currents of + protoplasm in some vegetable cell. I then asked him what I had seen; but + he answered me, "That is my little secret." + </p> + <p> + He was capable of the most generous actions. When old, much out of health, + and quite unfit for any exertion, he daily visited (as Hooker told me) an + old man-servant, who lived at a distance (and whom he supported), and read + aloud to him. This is enough to make up for any degree of scientific + penuriousness or jealousy. + </p> + <p> + I may here mention a few other eminent men, whom I have occasionally seen, + but I have little to say about them worth saying. I felt a high reverence + for Sir J. Herschel, and was delighted to dine with him at his charming + house at the Cape of Good Hope, and afterwards at his London house. I saw + him, also, on a few other occasions. He never talked much, but every word + which he uttered was worth listening to. + </p> + <p> + I once met at breakfast at Sir R. Murchison's house the illustrious + Humboldt, who honoured me by expressing a wish to see me. I was a little + disappointed with the great man, but my anticipations probably were too + high. I can remember nothing distinctly about our interview, except that + Humboldt was very cheerful and talked much. + </p> + <p> + —reminds me of Buckle whom I once met at Hensleigh Wedgwood's. I was + very glad to learn from him his system of collecting facts. He told me + that he bought all the books which he read, and made a full index, to + each, of the facts which he thought might prove serviceable to him, and + that he could always remember in what book he had read anything, for his + memory was wonderful. I asked him how at first he could judge what facts + would be serviceable, and he answered that he did not know, but that a + sort of instinct guided him. From this habit of making indices, he was + enabled to give the astonishing number of references on all sorts of + subjects, which may be found in his 'History of Civilisation.' This book I + thought most interesting, and read it twice, but I doubt whether his + generalisations are worth anything. Buckle was a great talker, and I + listened to him saying hardly a word, nor indeed could I have done so for + he left no gaps. When Mrs. Farrer began to sing, I jumped up and said that + I must listen to her; after I had moved away he turned around to a friend + and said (as was overheard by my brother), "Well, Mr. Darwin's books are + much better than his conversation." + </p> + <p> + Of other great literary men, I once met Sydney Smith at Dean Milman's + house. There was something inexplicably amusing in every word which he + uttered. Perhaps this was partly due to the expectation of being amused. + He was talking about Lady Cork, who was then extremely old. This was the + lady who, as he said, was once so much affected by one of his charity + sermons, that she BORROWED a guinea from a friend to put in the plate. He + now said "It is generally believed that my dear old friend Lady Cork has + been overlooked," and he said this in such a manner that no one could for + a moment doubt that he meant that his dear old friend had been overlooked + by the devil. How he managed to express this I know not. + </p> + <p> + I likewise once met Macaulay at Lord Stanhope's (the historian's) house, + and as there was only one other man at dinner, I had a grand opportunity + of hearing him converse, and he was very agreeable. He did not talk at all + too much; nor indeed could such a man talk too much, as long as he allowed + others to turn the stream of his conversation, and this he did allow. + </p> + <p> + Lord Stanhope once gave me a curious little proof of the accuracy and + fulness of Macaulay's memory: many historians used often to meet at Lord + Stanhope's house, and in discussing various subjects they would sometimes + differ from Macaulay, and formerly they often referred to some book to see + who was right; but latterly, as Lord Stanhope noticed, no historian ever + took this trouble, and whatever Macaulay said was final. + </p> + <p> + On another occasion I met at Lord Stanhope's house, one of his parties of + historians and other literary men, and amongst them were Motley and Grote. + After luncheon I walked about Chevening Park for nearly an hour with + Grote, and was much interested by his conversation and pleased by the + simplicity and absence of all pretension in his manners. + </p> + <p> + Long ago I dined occasionally with the old Earl, the father of the + historian; he was a strange man, but what little I knew of him I liked + much. He was frank, genial, and pleasant. He had strongly marked features, + with a brown complexion, and his clothes, when I saw him, were all brown. + He seemed to believe in everything which was to others utterly incredible. + He said one day to me, "Why don't you give up your fiddle-faddle of + geology and zoology, and turn to the occult sciences!" The historian, then + Lord Mahon, seemed shocked at such a speech to me, and his charming wife + much amused. + </p> + <p> + The last man whom I will mention is Carlyle, seen by me several times at + my brother's house, and two or three times at my own house. His talk was + very racy and interesting, just like his writings, but he sometimes went + on too long on the same subject. I remember a funny dinner at my + brother's, where, amongst a few others, were Babbage and Lyell, both of + whom liked to talk. Carlyle, however, silenced every one by haranguing + during the whole dinner on the advantages of silence. After dinner + Babbage, in his grimmest manner, thanked Carlyle for his very interesting + lecture on silence. + </p> + <p> + Carlyle sneered at almost every one: one day in my house he called Grote's + 'History' "a fetid quagmire, with nothing spiritual about it." I always + thought, until his 'Reminiscences' appeared, that his sneers were partly + jokes, but this now seems rather doubtful. His expression was that of a + depressed, almost despondent yet benevolent man; and it is notorious how + heartily he laughed. I believe that his benevolence was real, though + stained by not a little jealousy. No one can doubt about his extraordinary + power of drawing pictures of things and men—far more vivid, as it + appears to me, than any drawn by Macaulay. Whether his pictures of men + were true ones is another question. + </p> + <p> + He has been all-powerful in impressing some grand moral truths on the + minds of men. On the other hand, his views about slavery were revolting. + In his eyes might was right. His mind seemed to me a very narrow one; even + if all branches of science, which he despised, are excluded. It is + astonishing to me that Kingsley should have spoken of him as a man well + fitted to advance science. He laughed to scorn the idea that a + mathematician, such as Whewell, could judge, as I maintained he could, of + Goethe's views on light. He thought it a most ridiculous thing that any + one should care whether a glacier moved a little quicker or a little + slower, or moved at all. As far as I could judge, I never met a man with a + mind so ill adapted for scientific research. + </p> + <p> + Whilst living in London, I attended as regularly as I could the meetings + of several scientific societies, and acted as secretary to the Geological + Society. But such attendance, and ordinary society, suited my health so + badly that we resolved to live in the country, which we both preferred and + have never repented of. + </p> + <p> + RESIDENCE AT DOWN FROM SEPTEMBER 14, 1842, TO THE PRESENT TIME, 1876. + </p> + <p> + After several fruitless searches in Surrey and elsewhere, we found this + house and purchased it. I was pleased with the diversified appearance of + vegetation proper to a chalk district, and so unlike what I had been + accustomed to in the Midland counties; and still more pleased with the + extreme quietness and rusticity of the place. It is not, however, quite so + retired a place as a writer in a German periodical makes it, who says that + my house can be approached only by a mule-track! Our fixing ourselves here + has answered admirably in one way, which we did not anticipate, namely, by + being very convenient for frequent visits from our children. + </p> + <p> + Few persons can have lived a more retired life than we have done. Besides + short visits to the houses of relations, and occasionally to the seaside + or elsewhere, we have gone nowhere. During the first part of our residence + we went a little into society, and received a few friends here; but my + health almost always suffered from the excitement, violent shivering and + vomiting attacks being thus brought on. I have therefore been compelled + for many years to give up all dinner-parties; and this has been somewhat + of a deprivation to me, as such parties always put me into high spirits. + From the same cause I have been able to invite here very few scientific + acquaintances. + </p> + <p> + My chief enjoyment and sole employment throughout life has been scientific + work; and the excitement from such work makes me for the time forget, or + drives quite away, my daily discomfort. I have therefore nothing to record + during the rest of my life, except the publication of my several books. + Perhaps a few details how they arose may be worth giving. + </p> + <p> + MY SEVERAL PUBLICATIONS. + </p> + <p> + In the early part of 1844, my observations on the volcanic islands visited + during the voyage of the "Beagle" were published. In 1845, I took much + pains in correcting a new edition of my 'Journal of Researches,' which was + originally published in 1839 as part of Fitz-Roy's work. The success of + this, my first literary child, always tickles my vanity more than that of + any of my other books. Even to this day it sells steadily in England and + the United States, and has been translated for the second time into + German, and into French and other languages. This success of a book of + travels, especially of a scientific one, so many years after its first + publication, is surprising. Ten thousand copies have been sold in England + of the second edition. In 1846 my 'Geological Observations on South + America' were published. I record in a little diary, which I have always + kept, that my three geological books ('Coral Reefs' included) consumed + four and a half years' steady work; "and now it is ten years since my + return to England. How much time have I lost by illness?" I have nothing + to say about these three books except that to my surprise new editions + have lately been called for. ('Geological Observations,' 2nd Edit.1876. + 'Coral Reefs,' 2nd Edit. 1874.) + </p> + <p> + In October, 1846, I began to work on 'Cirripedia.' When on the coast of + Chile, I found a most curious form, which burrowed into the shells of + Concholepas, and which differed so much from all other Cirripedes that I + had to form a new sub-order for its sole reception. Lately an allied + burrowing genus has been found on the shores of Portugal. To understand + the structure of my new Cirripede I had to examine and dissect many of the + common forms; and this gradually led me on to take up the whole group. I + worked steadily on this subject for the next eight years, and ultimately + published two thick volumes (Published by the Ray Society.), describing + all the known living species, and two thin quartos on the extinct species. + I do not doubt that Sir E. Lytton Bulwer had me in his mind when he + introduced in one of his novels a Professor Long, who had written two huge + volumes on limpets. + </p> + <p> + Although I was employed during eight years on this work, yet I record in + my diary that about two years out of this time was lost by illness. On + this account I went in 1848 for some months to Malvern for hydropathic + treatment, which did me much good, so that on my return home I was able to + resume work. So much was I out of health that when my dear father died on + November 13th, 1848, I was unable to attend his funeral or to act as one + of his executors. + </p> + <p> + My work on the Cirripedia possesses, I think, considerable value, as + besides describing several new and remarkable forms, I made out the + homologies of the various parts—I discovered the cementing + apparatus, though I blundered dreadfully about the cement glands—and + lastly I proved the existence in certain genera of minute males + complemental to and parasitic on the hermaphrodites. This latter discovery + has at last been fully confirmed; though at one time a German writer was + pleased to attribute the whole account to my fertile imagination. The + Cirripedes form a highly varying and difficult group of species to class; + and my work was of considerable use to me, when I had to discuss in the + 'Origin of Species' the principles of a natural classification. + Nevertheless, I doubt whether the work was worth the consumption of so + much time. + </p> + <p> + From September 1854 I devoted my whole time to arranging my huge pile of + notes, to observing, and to experimenting in relation to the transmutation + of species. During the voyage of the "Beagle" I had been deeply impressed + by discovering in the Pampean formation great fossil animals covered with + armour like that on the existing armadillos; secondly, by the manner in + which closely allied animals replace one another in proceeding southwards + over the Continent; and thirdly, by the South American character of most + of the productions of the Galapagos archipelago, and more especially by + the manner in which they differ slightly on each island of the group; none + of the islands appearing to be very ancient in a geological sense. + </p> + <p> + It was evident that such facts as these, as well as many others, could + only be explained on the supposition that species gradually become + modified; and the subject haunted me. But it was equally evident that + neither the action of the surrounding conditions, nor the will of the + organisms (especially in the case of plants) could account for the + innumerable cases in which organisms of every kind are beautifully adapted + to their habits of life—for instance, a woodpecker or a tree-frog to + climb trees, or a seed for dispersal by hooks or plumes. I had always been + much struck by such adaptations, and until these could be explained it + seemed to me almost useless to endeavour to prove by indirect evidence + that species have been modified. + </p> + <p> + After my return to England it appeared to me that by following the example + of Lyell in Geology, and by collecting all facts which bore in any way on + the variation of animals and plants under domestication and nature, some + light might perhaps be thrown on the whole subject. My first note-book was + opened in July 1837. I worked on true Baconian principles, and without any + theory collected facts on a wholesale scale, more especially with respect + to domesticated productions, by printed enquiries, by conversation with + skilful breeders and gardeners, and by extensive reading. When I see the + list of books of all kinds which I read and abstracted, including whole + series of Journals and Transactions, I am surprised at my industry. I soon + perceived that selection was the keystone of man's success in making + useful races of animals and plants. But how selection could be applied to + organisms living in a state of nature remained for some time a mystery to + me. + </p> + <p> + In October 1838, that is, fifteen months after I had begun my systematic + enquiry, I happened to read for amusement 'Malthus on Population,' and + being well prepared to appreciate the struggle for existence which + everywhere goes on from long-continued observation of the habits of + animals and plants, it at once struck me that under these circumstances + favourable variations would tend to be preserved, and unfavourable ones to + be destroyed. The result of this would be the formation of new species. + Here then I had at last got a theory by which to work; but I was so + anxious to avoid prejudice, that I determined not for some time to write + even the briefest sketch of it. In June 1842 I first allowed myself the + satisfaction of writing a very brief abstract of my theory in pencil in 35 + pages; and this was enlarged during the summer of 1844 into one of 230 + pages, which I had fairly copied out and still possess. + </p> + <p> + But at that time I overlooked one problem of great importance; and it is + astonishing to me, except on the principle of Columbus and his egg, how I + could have overlooked it and its solution. This problem is the tendency in + organic beings descended from the same stock to diverge in character as + they become modified. That they have diverged greatly is obvious from the + manner in which species of all kinds can be classed under genera, genera + under families, families under sub-orders and so forth; and I can remember + the very spot in the road, whilst in my carriage, when to my joy the + solution occurred to me; and this was long after I had come to Down. The + solution, as I believe, is that the modified offspring of all dominant and + increasing forms tend to become adapted to many and highly diversified + places in the economy of nature. + </p> + <p> + Early in 1856 Lyell advised me to write out my views pretty fully, and I + began at once to do so on a scale three or four times as extensive as that + which was afterwards followed in my 'Origin of Species;' yet it was only + an abstract of the materials which I had collected, and I got through + about half the work on this scale. But my plans were overthrown, for early + in the summer of 1858 Mr. Wallace, who was then in the Malay archipelago, + sent me an essay "On the Tendency of Varieties to depart indefinitely from + the Original Type;" and this essay contained exactly the same theory as + mine. Mr. Wallace expressed the wish that if I thought well of his essay, + I should sent it to Lyell for perusal. + </p> + <p> + The circumstances under which I consented at the request of Lyell and + Hooker to allow of an abstract from my MS., together with a letter to Asa + Gray, dated September 5, 1857, to be published at the same time with + Wallace's Essay, are given in the 'Journal of the Proceedings of the + Linnean Society,' 1858, page 45. I was at first very unwilling to consent, + as I thought Mr. Wallace might consider my doing so unjustifiable, for I + did not then know how generous and noble was his disposition. The extract + from my MS. and the letter to Asa Gray had neither been intended for + publication, and were badly written. Mr. Wallace's essay, on the other + hand, was admirably expressed and quite clear. Nevertheless, our joint + productions excited very little attention, and the only published notice + of them which I can remember was by Professor Haughton of Dublin, whose + verdict was that all that was new in them was false, and what was true was + old. This shows how necessary it is that any new view should be explained + at considerable length in order to arouse public attention. + </p> + <p> + In September 1858 I set to work by the strong advice of Lyell and Hooker + to prepare a volume on the transmutation of species, but was often + interrupted by ill-health, and short visits to Dr. Lane's delightful + hydropathic establishment at Moor Park. I abstracted the MS. begun on a + much larger scale in 1856, and completed the volume on the same reduced + scale. It cost me thirteen months and ten days' hard labour. It was + published under the title of the 'Origin of Species,' in November 1859. + Though considerably added to and corrected in the later editions, it has + remained substantially the same book. + </p> + <p> + It is no doubt the chief work of my life. It was from the first highly + successful. The first small edition of 1250 copies was sold on the day of + publication, and a second edition of 3000 copies soon afterwards. Sixteen + thousand copies have now (1876) been sold in England; and considering how + stiff a book it is, this is a large sale. It has been translated into + almost every European tongue, even into such languages as Spanish, + Bohemian, Polish, and Russian. It has also, according to Miss Bird, been + translated into Japanese (Miss Bird is mistaken, as I learn from Prof. + Mitsukuri.—F.D.), and is there much studied. Even an essay in Hebrew + has appeared on it, showing that the theory is contained in the Old + Testament! The reviews were very numerous; for some time I collected all + that appeared on the 'Origin' and on my related books, and these amount + (excluding newspaper reviews) to 265; but after a time I gave up the + attempt in despair. Many separate essays and books on the subject have + appeared; and in Germany a catalogue or bibliography on "Darwinismus" has + appeared every year or two. + </p> + <p> + The success of the 'Origin' may, I think, be attributed in large part to + my having long before written two condensed sketches, and to my having + finally abstracted a much larger manuscript, which was itself an abstract. + By this means I was enabled to select the more striking facts and + conclusions. I had, also, during many years followed a golden rule, + namely, that whenever a published fact, a new observation or thought came + across me, which was opposed to my general results, to make a memorandum + of it without fail and at once; for I had found by experience that such + facts and thoughts were far more apt to escape from the memory than + favourable ones. Owing to this habit, very few objections were raised + against my views which I had not at least noticed and attempted to answer. + </p> + <p> + It has sometimes been said that the success of the 'Origin' proved "that + the subject was in the air," or "that men's minds were prepared for it." I + do not think that this is strictly true, for I occasionally sounded not a + few naturalists, and never happened to come across a single one who seemed + to doubt about the permanence of species. Even Lyell and Hooker, though + they would listen with interest to me, never seemed to agree. I tried once + or twice to explain to able men what I meant by Natural Selection, but + signally failed. What I believe was strictly true is that innumerable + well-observed facts were stored in the minds of naturalists ready to take + their proper places as soon as any theory which would receive them was + sufficiently explained. Another element in the success of the book was its + moderate size; and this I owe to the appearance of Mr. Wallace's essay; + had I published on the scale in which I began to write in 1856, the book + would have been four or five times as large as the 'Origin,' and very few + would have had the patience to read it. + </p> + <p> + I gained much by my delay in publishing from about 1839, when the theory + was clearly conceived, to 1859; and I lost nothing by it, for I cared very + little whether men attributed most originality to me or Wallace; and his + essay no doubt aided in the reception of the theory. I was forestalled in + only one important point, which my vanity has always made me regret, + namely, the explanation by means of the Glacial period of the presence of + the same species of plants and of some few animals on distant mountain + summits and in the arctic regions. This view pleased me so much that I + wrote it out in extenso, and I believe that it was read by Hooker some + years before E. Forbes published his celebrated memoir ('Geolog. Survey + Mem.,' 1846.) on the subject. In the very few points in which we differed, + I still think that I was in the right. I have never, of course, alluded in + print to my having independently worked out this view. + </p> + <p> + Hardly any point gave me so much satisfaction when I was at work on the + 'Origin,' as the explanation of the wide difference in many classes + between the embryo and the adult animal, and of the close resemblance of + the embryos within the same class. No notice of this point was taken, as + far as I remember, in the early reviews of the 'Origin,' and I recollect + expressing my surprise on this head in a letter to Asa Gray. Within late + years several reviewers have given the whole credit to Fritz Muller and + Hackel, who undoubtedly have worked it out much more fully, and in some + respects more correctly than I did. I had materials for a whole chapter on + the subject, and I ought to have made the discussion longer; for it is + clear that I failed to impress my readers; and he who succeeds in doing so + deserves, in my opinion, all the credit. + </p> + <p> + This leads me to remark that I have almost always been treated honestly by + my reviewers, passing over those without scientific knowledge as not + worthy of notice. My views have often been grossly misrepresented, + bitterly opposed and ridiculed, but this has been generally done, as I + believe, in good faith. On the whole I do not doubt that my works have + been over and over again greatly overpraised. I rejoice that I have + avoided controversies, and this I owe to Lyell, who many years ago, in + reference to my geological works, strongly advised me never to get + entangled in a controversy, as it rarely did any good and caused a + miserable loss of time and temper. + </p> + <p> + Whenever I have found out that I have blundered, or that my work has been + imperfect, and when I have been contemptuously criticised, and even when I + have been overpraised, so that I have felt mortified, it has been my + greatest comfort to say hundreds of times to myself that "I have worked as + hard and as well as I could, and no man can do more than this." I remember + when in Good Success Bay, in Tierra del Fuego, thinking (and, I believe, + that I wrote home to the effect) that I could not employ my life better + than in adding a little to Natural Science. This I have done to the best + of my abilities, and critics may say what they like, but they cannot + destroy this conviction. + </p> + <p> + During the two last months of 1859 I was fully occupied in preparing a + second edition of the 'Origin,' and by an enormous correspondence. On + January 1st, 1860, I began arranging my notes for my work on the + 'Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication;' but it was not + published until the beginning of 1868; the delay having been caused partly + by frequent illnesses, one of which lasted seven months, and partly by + being tempted to publish on other subjects which at the time interested me + more. + </p> + <p> + On May 15th, 1862, my little book on the 'Fertilisation of Orchids,' which + cost me ten months' work, was published: most of the facts had been slowly + accumulated during several previous years. During the summer of 1839, and, + I believe, during the previous summer, I was led to attend to the + cross-fertilisation of flowers by the aid of insects, from having come to + the conclusion in my speculations on the origin of species, that crossing + played an important part in keeping specific forms constant. I attended to + the subject more or less during every subsequent summer; and my interest + in it was greatly enhanced by having procured and read in November 1841, + through the advice of Robert Brown, a copy of C.K. Sprengel's wonderful + book, 'Das entdeckte Geheimniss der Natur.' For some years before 1862 I + had specially attended to the fertilisation of our British orchids; and it + seemed to me the best plan to prepare as complete a treatise on this group + of plants as well as I could, rather than to utilise the great mass of + matter which I had slowly collected with respect to other plants. + </p> + <p> + My resolve proved a wise one; for since the appearance of my book, a + surprising number of papers and separate works on the fertilisation of all + kinds of flowers have appeared: and these are far better done than I could + possibly have effected. The merits of poor old Sprengel, so long + overlooked, are now fully recognised many years after his death. + </p> + <p> + During the same year I published in the 'Journal of the Linnean Society' a + paper "On the Two Forms, or Dimorphic Condition of Primula," and during + the next five years, five other papers on dimorphic and trimorphic plants. + I do not think anything in my scientific life has given me so much + satisfaction as making out the meaning of the structure of these plants. I + had noticed in 1838 or 1839 the dimorphism of Linum flavum, and had at + first thought that it was merely a case of unmeaning variability. But on + examining the common species of Primula I found that the two forms were + much too regular and constant to be thus viewed. I therefore became almost + convinced that the common cowslip and primrose were on the high road to + become dioecious;—that the short pistil in the one form, and the + short stamens in the other form were tending towards abortion. The plants + were therefore subjected under this point of view to trial; but as soon as + the flowers with short pistils fertilised with pollen from the short + stamens, were found to yield more seeds than any other of the four + possible unions, the abortion-theory was knocked on the head. After some + additional experiment, it became evident that the two forms, though both + were perfect hermaphrodites, bore almost the same relation to one another + as do the two sexes of an ordinary animal. With Lythrum we have the still + more wonderful case of three forms standing in a similar relation to one + another. I afterwards found that the offspring from the union of two + plants belonging to the same forms presented a close and curious analogy + with hybrids from the union of two distinct species. + </p> + <p> + In the autumn of 1864 I finished a long paper on 'Climbing Plants,' and + sent it to the Linnean Society. The writing of this paper cost me four + months; but I was so unwell when I received the proof-sheets that I was + forced to leave them very badly and often obscurely expressed. The paper + was little noticed, but when in 1875 it was corrected and published as a + separate book it sold well. I was led to take up this subject by reading a + short paper by Asa Gray, published in 1858. He sent me seeds, and on + raising some plants I was so much fascinated and perplexed by the + revolving movements of the tendrils and stems, which movements are really + very simple, though appearing at first sight very complex, that I procured + various other kinds of climbing plants, and studied the whole subject. I + was all the more attracted to it, from not being at all satisfied with the + explanation which Henslow gave us in his lectures, about twining plants, + namely, that they had a natural tendency to grow up in a spire. This + explanation proved quite erroneous. Some of the adaptations displayed by + Climbing Plants are as beautiful as those of Orchids for ensuring + cross-fertilisation. + </p> + <p> + My 'Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication' was begun, as + already stated, in the beginning of 1860, but was not published until the + beginning of 1868. It was a big book, and cost me four years and two + months' hard labour. It gives all my observations and an immense number of + facts collected from various sources, about our domestic productions. In + the second volume the causes and laws of variation, inheritance, etc., are + discussed as far as our present state of knowledge permits. Towards the + end of the work I give my well-abused hypothesis of Pangenesis. An + unverified hypothesis is of little or no value; but if any one should + hereafter be led to make observations by which some such hypothesis could + be established, I shall have done good service, as an astonishing number + of isolated facts can be thus connected together and rendered + intelligible. In 1875 a second and largely corrected edition, which cost + me a good deal of labour, was brought out. + </p> + <p> + My 'Descent of Man' was published in February, 1871. As soon as I had + become, in the year 1837 or 1838, convinced that species were mutable + productions, I could not avoid the belief that man must come under the + same law. Accordingly I collected notes on the subject for my own + satisfaction, and not for a long time with any intention of publishing. + Although in the 'Origin of Species' the derivation of any particular + species is never discussed, yet I thought it best, in order that no + honourable man should accuse me of concealing my views, to add that by the + work "light would be thrown on the origin of man and his history." It + would have been useless and injurious to the success of the book to have + paraded, without giving any evidence, my conviction with respect to his + origin. + </p> + <p> + But when I found that many naturalists fully accepted the doctrine of the + evolution of species, it seemed to me advisable to work up such notes as I + possessed, and to publish a special treatise on the origin of man. I was + the more glad to do so, as it gave me an opportunity of fully discussing + sexual selection—a subject which had always greatly interested me. + This subject, and that of the variation of our domestic productions, + together with the causes and laws of variation, inheritance, and the + intercrossing of plants, are the sole subjects which I have been able to + write about in full, so as to use all the materials which I have + collected. The 'Descent of Man' took me three years to write, but then as + usual some of this time was lost by ill health, and some was consumed by + preparing new editions and other minor works. A second and largely + corrected edition of the 'Descent' appeared in 1874. + </p> + <p> + My book on the 'Expression of the Emotions in Men and Animals' was + published in the autumn of 1872. I had intended to give only a chapter on + the subject in the 'Descent of Man,' but as soon as I began to put my + notes together, I saw that it would require a separate treatise. + </p> + <p> + My first child was born on December 27th, 1839, and I at once commenced to + make notes on the first dawn of the various expressions which he + exhibited, for I felt convinced, even at this early period, that the most + complex and fine shades of expression must all have had a gradual and + natural origin. During the summer of the following year, 1840, I read Sir + C. Bell's admirable work on expression, and this greatly increased the + interest which I felt in the subject, though I could not at all agree with + his belief that various muscles had been specially created for the sake of + expression. From this time forward I occasionally attended to the subject, + both with respect to man and our domesticated animals. My book sold + largely; 5267 copies having been disposed of on the day of publication. + </p> + <p> + In the summer of 1860 I was idling and resting near Hartfield, where two + species of Drosera abound; and I noticed that numerous insects had been + entrapped by the leaves. I carried home some plants, and on giving them + insects saw the movements of the tentacles, and this made me think it + probable that the insects were caught for some special purpose. + Fortunately a crucial test occurred to me, that of placing a large number + of leaves in various nitrogenous and non-nitrogenous fluids of equal + density; and as soon as I found that the former alone excited energetic + movements, it was obvious that here was a fine new field for + investigation. + </p> + <p> + During subsequent years, whenever I had leisure, I pursued my experiments, + and my book on 'Insectivorous Plants' was published in July 1875—that + is, sixteen years after my first observations. The delay in this case, as + with all my other books, has been a great advantage to me; for a man after + a long interval can criticise his own work, almost as well as if it were + that of another person. The fact that a plant should secrete, when + properly excited, a fluid containing an acid and ferment, closely + analogous to the digestive fluid of an animal, was certainly a remarkable + discovery. + </p> + <p> + During this autumn of 1876 I shall publish on the 'Effects of Cross and + Self-Fertilisation in the Vegetable Kingdom.' This book will form a + complement to that on the 'Fertilisation of Orchids,' in which I showed + how perfect were the means for cross-fertilisation, and here I shall show + how important are the results. I was led to make, during eleven years, the + numerous experiments recorded in this volume, by a mere accidental + observation; and indeed it required the accident to be repeated before my + attention was thoroughly aroused to the remarkable fact that seedlings of + self-fertilised parentage are inferior, even in the first generation, in + height and vigour to seedlings of cross-fertilised parentage. I hope also + to republish a revised edition of my book on Orchids, and hereafter my + papers on dimorphic and trimorphic plants, together with some additional + observations on allied points which I never have had time to arrange. My + strength will then probably be exhausted, and I shall be ready to exclaim + "Nunc dimittis." + </p> + <p> + WRITTEN MAY 1ST, 1881. + </p> + <p> + 'The Effects of Cross and Self-Fertilisation' was published in the autumn + of 1876; and the results there arrived at explain, as I believe, the + endless and wonderful contrivances for the transportal of pollen from one + plant to another of the same species. I now believe, however, chiefly from + the observations of Hermann Muller, that I ought to have insisted more + strongly than I did on the many adaptations for self-fertilisation; though + I was well aware of many such adaptations. A much enlarged edition of my + 'Fertilisation of Orchids' was published in 1877. + </p> + <p> + In this same year 'The Different Forms of Flowers, etc.,' appeared, and in + 1880 a second edition. This book consists chiefly of the several papers on + Heterostyled flowers originally published by the Linnean Society, + corrected, with much new matter added, together with observations on some + other cases in which the same plant bears two kinds of flowers. As before + remarked, no little discovery of mine ever gave me so much pleasure as the + making out the meaning of heterostyled flowers. The results of crossing + such flowers in an illegitimate manner, I believe to be very important, as + bearing on the sterility of hybrids; although these results have been + noticed by only a few persons. + </p> + <p> + In 1879, I had a translation of Dr. Ernst Krause's 'Life of Erasmus + Darwin' published, and I added a sketch of his character and habits from + material in my possession. Many persons have been much interested by this + little life, and I am surprised that only 800 or 900 copies were sold. + </p> + <p> + In 1880 I published, with [my son] Frank's assistance, our 'Power of + Movement in Plants.' This was a tough piece of work. The book bears + somewhat the same relation to my little book on 'Climbing Plants,' which + 'Cross-Fertilisation' did to the 'Fertilisation of Orchids;' for in + accordance with the principle of evolution it was impossible to account + for climbing plants having been developed in so many widely different + groups unless all kinds of plants possess some slight power of movement of + an analogous kind. This I proved to be the case; and I was further led to + a rather wide generalisation, viz. that the great and important classes of + movements, excited by light, the attraction of gravity, etc., are all + modified forms of the fundamental movement of circumnutation. It has + always pleased me to exalt plants in the scale of organised beings; and I + therefore felt an especial pleasure in showing how many and what admirably + well adapted movements the tip of a root possesses. + </p> + <p> + I have now (May 1, 1881) sent to the printers the MS. of a little book on + 'The Formation of Vegetable Mould, through the Action of Worms.' This is a + subject of but small importance; and I know not whether it will interest + any readers (Between November 1881 and February 1884, 8500 copies have + been sold.), but it has interested me. It is the completion of a short + paper read before the Geological Society more than forty years ago, and + has revived old geological thoughts. + </p> + <p> + I have now mentioned all the books which I have published, and these have + been the milestones in my life, so that little remains to be said. I am + not conscious of any change in my mind during the last thirty years, + excepting in one point presently to be mentioned; nor, indeed, could any + change have been expected unless one of general deterioration. But my + father lived to his eighty-third year with his mind as lively as ever it + was, and all his faculties undimmed; and I hope that I may die before my + mind fails to a sensible extent. I think that I have become a little more + skilful in guessing right explanations and in devising experimental tests; + but this may probably be the result of mere practice, and of a larger + store of knowledge. I have as much difficulty as ever in expressing myself + clearly and concisely; and this difficulty has caused me a very great loss + of time; but it has had the compensating advantage of forcing me to think + long and intently about every sentence, and thus I have been led to see + errors in reasoning and in my own observations or those of others. + </p> + <p> + There seems to be a sort of fatality in my mind leading me to put at first + my statement or proposition in a wrong or awkward form. Formerly I used to + think about my sentences before writing them down; but for several years I + have found that it saves time to scribble in a vile hand whole pages as + quickly as I possibly can, contracting half the words; and then correct + deliberately. Sentences thus scribbled down are often better ones than I + could have written deliberately. + </p> + <p> + Having said thus much about my manner of writing, I will add that with my + large books I spend a good deal of time over the general arrangement of + the matter. I first make the rudest outline in two or three pages, and + then a larger one in several pages, a few words or one word standing for a + whole discussion or series of facts. Each one of these headings is again + enlarged and often transferred before I begin to write in extenso. As in + several of my books facts observed by others have been very extensively + used, and as I have always had several quite distinct subjects in hand at + the same time, I may mention that I keep from thirty to forty large + portfolios, in cabinets with labelled shelves, into which I can at once + put a detached reference or memorandum. I have bought many books, and at + their ends I make an index of all the facts that concern my work; or, if + the book is not my own, write out a separate abstract, and of such + abstracts I have a large drawer full. Before beginning on any subject I + look to all the short indexes and make a general and classified index, and + by taking the one or more proper portfolios I have all the information + collected during my life ready for use. + </p> + <p> + I have said that in one respect my mind has changed during the last twenty + or thirty years. Up to the age of thirty, or beyond it, poetry of many + kinds, such as the works of Milton, Gray, Byron, Wordsworth, Coleridge, + and Shelley, gave me great pleasure, and even as a schoolboy I took + intense delight in Shakespeare, especially in the historical plays. I have + also said that formerly pictures gave me considerable, and music very + great delight. But now for many years I cannot endure to read a line of + poetry: I have tried lately to read Shakespeare, and found it so + intolerably dull that it nauseated me. I have also almost lost my taste + for pictures or music. Music generally sets me thinking too energetically + on what I have been at work on, instead of giving me pleasure. I retain + some taste for fine scenery, but it does not cause me the exquisite + delight which it formerly did. On the other hand, novels which are works + of the imagination, though not of a very high order, have been for years a + wonderful relief and pleasure to me, and I often bless all novelists. A + surprising number have been read aloud to me, and I like all if moderately + good, and if they do not end unhappily—against which a law ought to + be passed. A novel, according to my taste, does not come into the first + class unless it contains some person whom one can thoroughly love, and if + a pretty woman all the better. + </p> + <p> + This curious and lamentable loss of the higher aesthetic tastes is all the + odder, as books on history, biographies, and travels (independently of any + scientific facts which they may contain), and essays on all sorts of + subjects interest me as much as ever they did. My mind seems to have + become a kind of machine for grinding general laws out of large + collections of facts, but why this should have caused the atrophy of that + part of the brain alone, on which the higher tastes depend, I cannot + conceive. A man with a mind more highly organised or better constituted + than mine, would not, I suppose, have thus suffered; and if I had to live + my life again, I would have made a rule to read some poetry and listen to + some music at least once every week; for perhaps the parts of my brain now + atrophied would thus have been kept active through use. The loss of these + tastes is a loss of happiness, and may possibly be injurious to the + intellect, and more probably to the moral character, by enfeebling the + emotional part of our nature. + </p> + <p> + My books have sold largely in England, have been translated into many + languages, and passed through several editions in foreign countries. I + have heard it said that the success of a work abroad is the best test of + its enduring value. I doubt whether this is at all trustworthy; but judged + by this standard my name ought to last for a few years. Therefore it may + be worth while to try to analyse the mental qualities and the conditions + on which my success has depended; though I am aware that no man can do + this correctly. + </p> + <p> + I have no great quickness of apprehension or wit which is so remarkable in + some clever men, for instance, Huxley. I am therefore a poor critic: a + paper or book, when first read, generally excites my admiration, and it is + only after considerable reflection that I perceive the weak points. My + power to follow a long and purely abstract train of thought is very + limited; and therefore I could never have succeeded with metaphysics or + mathematics. My memory is extensive, yet hazy: it suffices to make me + cautious by vaguely telling me that I have observed or read something + opposed to the conclusion which I am drawing, or on the other hand in + favour of it; and after a time I can generally recollect where to search + for my authority. So poor in one sense is my memory, that I have never + been able to remember for more than a few days a single date or a line of + poetry. + </p> + <p> + Some of my critics have said, "Oh, he is a good observer, but he has no + power of reasoning!" I do not think that this can be true, for the 'Origin + of Species' is one long argument from the beginning to the end, and it has + convinced not a few able men. No one could have written it without having + some power of reasoning. I have a fair share of invention, and of common + sense or judgment, such as every fairly successful lawyer or doctor must + have, but not, I believe, in any higher degree. + </p> + <p> + On the favourable side of the balance, I think that I am superior to the + common run of men in noticing things which easily escape attention, and in + observing them carefully. My industry has been nearly as great as it could + have been in the observation and collection of facts. What is far more + important, my love of natural science has been steady and ardent. + </p> + <p> + This pure love has, however, been much aided by the ambition to be + esteemed by my fellow naturalists. From my early youth I have had the + strongest desire to understand or explain whatever I observed,—that + is, to group all facts under some general laws. These causes combined have + given me the patience to reflect or ponder for any number of years over + any unexplained problem. As far as I can judge, I am not apt to follow + blindly the lead of other men. I have steadily endeavoured to keep my mind + free so as to give up any hypothesis, however much beloved (and I cannot + resist forming one on every subject), as soon as facts are shown to be + opposed to it. Indeed, I have had no choice but to act in this manner, for + with the exception of the Coral Reefs, I cannot remember a single + first-formed hypothesis which had not after a time to be given up or + greatly modified. This has naturally led me to distrust greatly deductive + reasoning in the mixed sciences. On the other hand, I am not very + sceptical,—a frame of mind which I believe to be injurious to the + progress of science. A good deal of scepticism in a scientific man is + advisable to avoid much loss of time, but I have met with not a few men, + who, I feel sure, have often thus been deterred from experiment or + observations, which would have proved directly or indirectly serviceable. + </p> + <p> + In illustration, I will give the oddest case which I have known. A + gentleman (who, as I afterwards heard, is a good local botanist) wrote to + me from the Eastern counties that the seed or beans of the common + field-bean had this year everywhere grown on the wrong side of the pod. I + wrote back, asking for further information, as I did not understand what + was meant; but I did not receive any answer for a very long time. I then + saw in two newspapers, one published in Kent and the other in Yorkshire, + paragraphs stating that it was a most remarkable fact that "the beans this + year had all grown on the wrong side." So I thought there must be some + foundation for so general a statement. Accordingly, I went to my gardener, + an old Kentish man, and asked him whether he had heard anything about it, + and he answered, "Oh, no, sir, it must be a mistake, for the beans grow on + the wrong side only on leap-year, and this is not leap-year." I then asked + him how they grew in common years and how on leap-years, but soon found + that he knew absolutely nothing of how they grew at any time, but he stuck + to his belief. + </p> + <p> + After a time I heard from my first informant, who, with many apologies, + said that he should not have written to me had he not heard the statement + from several intelligent farmers; but that he had since spoken again to + every one of them, and not one knew in the least what he had himself + meant. So that here a belief—if indeed a statement with no definite + idea attached to it can be called a belief—had spread over almost + the whole of England without any vestige of evidence. + </p> + <p> + I have known in the course of my life only three intentionally falsified + statements, and one of these may have been a hoax (and there have been + several scientific hoaxes) which, however, took in an American + Agricultural Journal. It related to the formation in Holland of a new + breed of oxen by the crossing of distinct species of Bos (some of which I + happen to know are sterile together), and the author had the impudence to + state that he had corresponded with me, and that I had been deeply + impressed with the importance of his result. The article was sent to me by + the editor of an English Agricultural Journal, asking for my opinion + before republishing it. + </p> + <p> + A second case was an account of several varieties, raised by the author + from several species of Primula, which had spontaneously yielded a full + complement of seed, although the parent plants had been carefully + protected from the access of insects. This account was published before I + had discovered the meaning of heterostylism, and the whole statement must + have been fraudulent, or there was neglect in excluding insects so gross + as to be scarcely credible. + </p> + <p> + The third case was more curious: Mr. Huth published in his book on + 'Consanguineous Marriage' some long extracts from a Belgian author, who + stated that he had interbred rabbits in the closest manner for very many + generations, without the least injurious effects. The account was + published in a most respectable Journal, that of the Royal Society of + Belgium; but I could not avoid feeling doubts—I hardly know why, + except that there were no accidents of any kind, and my experience in + breeding animals made me think this very improbable. + </p> + <p> + So with much hesitation I wrote to Professor Van Beneden, asking him + whether the author was a trustworthy man. I soon heard in answer that the + Society had been greatly shocked by discovering that the whole account was + a fraud. (The falseness of the published statements on which Mr. Huth + relied has been pointed out by himself in a slip inserted in all the + copies of his book which then remained unsold.) The writer had been + publicly challenged in the Journal to say where he had resided and kept + his large stock of rabbits while carrying on his experiments, which must + have consumed several years, and no answer could be extracted from him. + </p> + <p> + My habits are methodical, and this has been of not a little use for my + particular line of work. Lastly, I have had ample leisure from not having + to earn my own bread. Even ill-health, though it has annihilated several + years of my life, has saved me from the distractions of society and + amusement. + </p> + <p> + Therefore my success as a man of science, whatever this may have amounted + to, has been determined, as far as I can judge, by complex and diversified + mental qualities and conditions. Of these, the most important have been—the + love of science—unbounded patience in long reflecting over any + subject—industry in observing and collecting facts—and a fair + share of invention as well as of common sense. With such moderate + abilities as I possess, it is truly surprising that I should have + influenced to a considerable extent the belief of scientific men on some + important points. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 1.III. — REMINISCENCES OF MY FATHER'S EVERYDAY LIFE. + </h2> + <p> + It is my wish in the present chapter to give some idea of my father's + everyday life. It has seemed to me that I might carry out this object in + the form of a rough sketch of a day's life at Down, interspersed with such + recollections as are called up by the record. Many of these recollections, + which have a meaning for those who knew my father, will seem colourless or + trifling to strangers. Nevertheless, I give them in the hope that they may + help to preserve that impression of his personality which remains on the + minds of those who knew and loved him—an impression at once so vivid + and so untranslatable into words. + </p> + <p> + Of his personal appearance (in these days of multiplied photographs) it is + hardly necessary to say much. He was about six feet in height, but + scarcely looked so tall, as he stooped a good deal; in later days he + yielded to the stoop; but I can remember seeing him long ago swinging his + arms back to open out his chest, and holding himself upright with a jerk. + He gave one the idea that he had been active rather than strong; his + shoulders were not broad for his height, though certainly not narrow. As a + young man he must have had much endurance, for on one of the shore + excursions from the "Beagle", when all were suffering from want of water, + he was one of the two who were better able than the rest to struggle on in + search of it. As a boy he was active, and could jump a bar placed at the + height of the "Adam's apple" in his neck. + </p> + <p> + He walked with a swinging action, using a stick heavily shod with iron, + which he struck loudly against the ground, producing as he went round the + "Sand-walk" at Down, a rhythmical click which is with all of us a very + distinct remembrance. As he returned from the midday walk, often carrying + the waterproof or cloak which had proved too hot, one could see that the + swinging step was kept up by something of an effort. Indoors his step was + often slow and laboured, and as he went upstairs in the afternoon he might + be heard mounting the stairs with a heavy footfall, as if each step were + an effort. When interested in his work he moved about quickly and easily + enough, and often in the middle of dictating he went eagerly into the hall + to get a pinch of snuff, leaving the study door open, and calling out the + last words of his sentence as he went. Indoors he sometimes used an oak + stick like a little alpenstock, and this was a sign that he felt + giddiness. + </p> + <p> + In spite of his strength and activity, I think he must always have had a + clumsiness of movement. He was naturally awkward with his hands, and was + unable to draw at all well. (The figure representing the aggregated + cell-contents in 'Insectivorous Plants' was drawn by him.) This he always + regretted much, and he frequently urged the paramount necessity of a young + naturalist making himself a good draughtsman. + </p> + <p> + He could dissect well under the simple microscope, but I think it was by + dint of his great patience and carefulness. It was characteristic of him + that he thought many little bits of skilful dissection something almost + superhuman. He used to speak with admiration of the skill with which he + saw Newport dissect a humble bee, getting out the nervous system with a + few cuts of a fine pair of scissors, held, as my father used to show, with + the elbow raised, and in an attitude which certainly would render great + steadiness necessary. He used to consider cutting sections a great feat, + and in the last year of his life, with wonderful energy, took the pains to + learn to cut sections of roots and leaves. His hand was not steady enough + to hold the object to be cut, and he employed a common microtome, in which + the pith for holding the object was clamped, and the razor slid on a glass + surface in making the sections. He used to laugh at himself, and at his + own skill in section-cutting, at which he would say he was "speechless + with admiration." On the other hand, he must have had accuracy of eye and + power of co-ordinating his movements, since he was a good shot with a gun + as a young man, and as a boy was skilful in throwing. He once killed a + hare sitting in the flower-garden at Shrewsbury by throwing a marble at + it, and, as a man, he once killed a cross-beak with a stone. He was so + unhappy at having uselessly killed the cross-beak that he did not mention + it for years, and then explained that he should never have thrown at it if + he had not felt sure that his old skill had gone from him. + </p> + <p> + When walking he had a fidgetting movement with his fingers, which he has + described in one of his books as the habit of an old man. When he sat + still he often took hold of one wrist with the other hand; he sat with his + legs crossed, and from being so thin they could be crossed very far, as + may be seen in one of the photographs. He had his chair in the study and + in the drawing-room raised so as to be much higher than ordinary chairs; + this was done because sitting on a low or even an ordinary chair caused + him some discomfort. We used to laugh at him for making his tall + drawing-room chair still higher by putting footstools on it, and then + neutralising the result by resting his feet on another chair. + </p> + <p> + His beard was full and almost untrimmed, the hair being grey and white, + fine rather than coarse, and wavy or frizzled. His moustache was somewhat + disfigured by being cut short and square across. He became very bald, + having only a fringe of dark hair behind. + </p> + <p> + His face was ruddy in colour, and this perhaps made people think him less + of an invalid than he was. He wrote to Dr. Hooker (June 13, 1849), "Every + one tells me that I look quite blooming and beautiful; and most think I am + shamming, but you have never been one of those." And it must be remembered + that at this time he was miserably ill, far worse than in later years. His + eyes were bluish grey under deep overhanging brows, with thick bushy + projecting eyebrows. His high forehead was much wrinkled, but otherwise + his face was not much marked or lined. His expression showed no signs of + the continual discomfort he suffered. + </p> + <p> + When he was excited with pleasant talk his whole manner was wonderfully + bright and animated, and his face shared to the full in the general + animation. His laugh was a free and sounding peal, like that of a man who + gives himself sympathetically and with enjoyment to the person and the + thing which have amused him. He often used some sort of gesture with his + laugh, lifting up his hands or bringing one down with a slap. I think, + generally speaking, he was given to gesture, and often used his hands in + explaining anything (e.g. the fertilisation of a flower) in a way that + seemed rather an aid to himself than to the listener. He did this on + occasions when most people would illustrate their explanations by means of + a rough pencil sketch. + </p> + <p> + He wore dark clothes, of a loose and easy fit. Of late years he gave up + the tall hat even in London, and wore a soft black one in winter, and a + big straw hat in summer. His usual out-of-doors dress was the short cloak + in which Elliot and Fry's photograph represents him leaning against the + pillar of the verandah. Two peculiarities of his indoor dress were that he + almost always wore a shawl over his shoulders, and that he had great loose + cloth boots lined with fur which he could slip on over his indoor shoes. + Like most delicate people he suffered from heat as well as from + chilliness; it was as if he could not hit the balance between too hot and + too cold; often a mental cause would make him too hot, so that he would + take off his coat if anything went wrong in the course of his work. + </p> + <p> + He rose early, chiefly because he could not lie in bed, and I think he + would have liked to get up earlier than he did. He took a short turn + before breakfast, a habit which began when he went for the first time to a + water-cure establishment. This habit he kept up till almost the end of his + life. I used, as a little boy, to like going out with him, and I have a + vague sense of the red of the winter sunrise, and a recollection of the + pleasant companionship, and a certain honour and glory in it. He used to + delight me as a boy by telling me how, in still earlier walks, on dark + winter mornings, he had once or twice met foxes trotting home at the + dawning. + </p> + <p> + After breakfasting alone about 7.45, he went to work at once, considering + the 1 1/2 hour between 8 and 9.30 one of his best working times. At 9.30 + he came into the drawing-room for his letters—rejoicing if the post + was a light one and being sometimes much worried if it was not. He would + then hear any family letters read aloud as he lay on the sofa. + </p> + <p> + The reading aloud, which also included part of a novel, lasted till about + half-past ten, when he went back to work till twelve or a quarter past. By + this time he considered his day's work over, and would often say, in a + satisfied voice, "I'VE done a good day's work." He then went out of doors + whether it was wet or fine; Polly, his white terrier, went with him in + fair weather, but in rain she refused or might be seen hesitating in the + verandah, with a mixed expression of disgust and shame at her own want of + courage; generally, however, her conscience carried the day, and as soon + as he was evidently gone she could not bear to stay behind. + </p> + <p> + My father was always fond of dogs, and as a young man had the power of + stealing away the affections of his sister's pets; at Cambridge, he won + the love of his cousin W.D. Fox's dog, and this may perhaps have been the + little beast which used to creep down inside his bed and sleep at the foot + every night. My father had a surly dog, who was devoted to him, but + unfriendly to every one else, and when he came back from the "Beagle" + voyage, the dog remembered him, but in a curious way, which my father was + fond of telling. He went into the yard and shouted in his old manner; the + dog rushed out and set off with him on his walk, showing no more emotion + or excitement than if the same thing had happened the day before, instead + of five years ago. This story is made use of in the 'Descent of Man,' 2nd + Edition, page 74. + </p> + <p> + In my memory there were only two dogs which had much connection with my + father. One was a large black and white half-bred retriever, called Bob, + to which we, as children, were much devoted. He was the dog of whom the + story of the "hot-house face" is told in the 'Expression of the Emotions.' + </p> + <p> + But the dog most closely associated with my father was the above-mentioned + Polly, a rough, white fox-terrier. She was a sharp-witted, affectionate + dog; when her master was going away on a journey, she always discovered + the fact by the signs of packing going on in the study, and became + low-spirited accordingly. She began, too, to be excited by seeing the + study prepared for his return home. She was a cunning little creature, and + used to tremble or put on an air of misery when my father passed, while + she was waiting for dinner, just as if she knew that he would say (as he + did often say) that "she was famishing." My father used to make her catch + biscuits off her nose, and had an affectionate and mock-solemn way of + explaining to her before-hand that she must "be a very good girl." She had + a mark on her back where she had been burnt, and where the hair had + re-grown red instead of white, and my father used to commend her for this + tuft of hair as being in accordance with his theory of pangenesis; her + father had been a red bull-terrier, thus the red hair appearing after the + burn showed the presence of latent red gemmules. He was delightfully + tender to Polly, and never showed any impatience at the attentions she + required, such as to be let in at the door, or out at the verandah window, + to bark at "naughty people," a self-imposed duty she much enjoyed. She + died, or rather had to be killed, a few days after his death. (The basket + in which she usually lay curled up near the fire in his study is + faithfully represented in Mr. Parson's drawing, "The Study at Down.") + </p> + <p> + My father's midday walk generally began by a call at the greenhouse, where + he looked at any germinating seeds or experimental plants which required a + casual examination, but he hardly ever did any serious observing at this + time. Then he went on for his constitutional—either round the + "Sand-walk," or outside his own grounds in the immediate neighbourhood of + the house. The "Sand-walk" was a narrow strip of land 1 1/2 acres in + extent, with a gravel-walk round it. On one side of it was a broad old + shaw with fair-sized oaks in it, which made a sheltered shady walk; the + other side was separated from a neighbouring grass field by a low quickset + hedge, over which you could look at what view there was, a quiet little + valley losing itself in the upland country towards the edge of the + Westerham hill, with hazel coppice and larch wood, the remnants of what + was once a large wood, stretching away to the Westerham road. I have heard + my father say that the charm of this simple little valley helped to make + him settle at Down. + </p> + <p> + The Sand-walk was planted by my father with a variety of trees, such as + hazel, alder, lime, hornbeam, birch, privet, and dogwood, and with a long + line of hollies all down the exposed side. In earlier times he took a + certain number of turns every day, and used to count them by means of a + heap of flints, one of which he kicked out on the path each time he + passed. Of late years I think he did not keep to any fixed number of + turns, but took as many as he felt strength for. The Sand-walk was our + play-ground as children, and here we continually saw my father as he + walked round. He liked to see what we were doing, and was ever ready to + sympathize in any fun that was going on. It is curious to think how, with + regard to the Sand-walk in connection with my father, my earliest + recollections coincide with my latest; it shows how unvarying his habits + have been. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes when alone he stood still or walked stealthily to observe birds + or beasts. It was on one of these occasions that some young squirrels ran + up his back and legs, while their mother barked at them in an agony from + the tree. He always found birds' nests even up to the last years of his + life, and we, as children, considered that he had a special genius in this + direction. In his quiet prowls he came across the less common birds, but I + fancy he used to conceal it from me, as a little boy, because he observed + the agony of mind which I endured at not having seen the siskin or + goldfinch, or whatever it might have been. He used to tell us how, when he + was creeping noiselessly along in the "Big-Woods," he came upon a fox + asleep in the daytime, which was so much astonished that it took a good + stare at him before it ran off. A Spitz dog which accompanied him showed + no sign of excitement at the fox, and he used to end the story by + wondering how the dog could have been so faint-hearted. + </p> + <p> + Another favourite place was "Orchis Bank," above the quiet Cudham valley, + where fly- and musk-orchis grew among the junipers, and Cephalanthera and + Neottia under the beech boughs; the little wood "Hangrove," just above + this, he was also fond of, and here I remember his collecting grasses, + when he took a fancy to make out the names of all the common kinds. He was + fond of quoting the saying of one of his little boys, who, having found a + grass that his father had not seen before, had it laid by his own plate + during dinner, remarking, "I are an extraordinary grass-finder!" + </p> + <p> + My father much enjoyed wandering slowly in the garden with my mother or + some of his children, or making one of a party, sitting out on a bench on + the lawn; he generally sat, however, on the grass, and I remember him + often lying under one of the big lime-trees, with his head on the green + mound at its foot. In dry summer weather, when we often sat out, the big + fly-wheel of the well was commonly heard spinning round, and so the sound + became associated with those pleasant days. He used to like to watch us + playing at lawn-tennis, and often knocked up a stray ball for us with the + curved handle of his stick. === Though he took no personal share in the + management of the garden, he had great delight in the beauty of flowers—for + instance, in the mass of Azaleas which generally stood in the + drawing-room. I think he sometimes fused together his admiration of the + structure of a flower and of its intrinsic beauty; for instance, in the + case of the big pendulous pink and white flowers of Dielytra. In the same + way he had an affection, half-artistic, half-botanical, for the little + blue Lobelia. In admiring flowers, he would often laugh at the dingy + high-art colours, and contrast them with the bright tints of nature. I + used to like to hear him admire the beauty of a flower; it was a kind of + gratitude to the flower itself, and a personal love for its delicate form + and colour. I seem to remember him gently touching a flower he delighted + in; it was the same simple admiration that a child might have. + </p> + <p> + He could not help personifying natural things. This feeling came out in + abuse as well as in praise—e.g. of some seedlings—"The little + beggars are doing just what I don't want them to." He would speak in a + half-provoked, half-admiring way of the ingenuity of a Mimosa leaf in + screwing itself out of a basin of water in which he had tried to fix it. + One must see the same spirit in his way of speaking of Sundew, + earth-worms, etc. (Cf. Leslie Stephen's 'Swift,' 1882, page 200, where + Swift's inspection of the manners and customs of servants are compared to + my father's observations on worms, "The difference is," says Mr. Stephen, + "that Darwin had none but kindly feelings for worms.") + </p> + <p> + Within my memory, his only outdoor recreation, besides walking, was + riding, which he took to on the recommendation of Dr. Bence Jones, and we + had the luck to find for him the easiest and quietest cob in the world, + named "Tommy." He enjoyed these rides extremely, and devised a number of + short rounds which brought him home in time for lunch. Our country is good + for this purpose, owing to the number of small valleys which give a + variety to what in a flat country would be a dull loop of road. He was + not, I think, naturally fond of horses, nor had he a high opinion of their + intelligence, and Tommy was often laughed at for the alarm he showed at + passing and repassing the same heap of hedge-clippings as he went round + the field. I think he used to feel surprised at himself, when he + remembered how bold a rider he had been, and how utterly old age and bad + health had taken away his nerve. He would say that riding prevented him + thinking much more effectually than walking—that having to attend to + the horse gave him occupation sufficient to prevent any really hard + thinking. And the change of scene which it gave him was good for spirits + and health. + </p> + <p> + Unluckily, Tommy one day fell heavily with him on Keston common. This, and + an accident with another horse, upset his nerves, and he was advised to + give up riding. + </p> + <p> + If I go beyond my own experience, and recall what I have heard him say of + his love for sport, etc., I can think of a good deal, but much of it would + be a repetition of what is contained in his 'Recollections.' At school he + was fond of bat-fives, and this was the only game at which he was skilful. + He was fond of his gun as quite a boy, and became a good shot; he used to + tell how in South America he killed twenty-three snipe in twenty-four + shots. In telling the story he was careful to add that he thought they + were not quite so wild as English snipe. + </p> + <p> + Luncheon at Down came after his midday walk; and here I may say a word or + two about his meals generally. He had a boy-like love of sweets, unluckily + for himself, since he was constantly forbidden to take them. He was not + particularly successful in keeping the "vows," as he called them, which he + made against eating sweets, and never considered them binding unless he + made them aloud. + </p> + <p> + He drank very little wine, but enjoyed, and was revived by, the little he + did drink. He had a horror of drinking, and constantly warned his boys + that any one might be led into drinking too much. I remember, in my + innocence as a small boy, asking him if he had been ever tipsy; and he + answered very gravely that he was ashamed to say he had once drunk too + much at Cambridge. I was much impressed, so that I know now the place + where the question was asked. + </p> + <p> + After his lunch, he read the newspaper, lying on the sofa in the + drawing-room. I think the paper was the only non-scientific matter which + he read to himself. Everything else, novels, travels, history, was read + aloud to him. He took so wide an interest in life, that there was much to + occupy him in newspapers, though he laughed at the wordiness of the + debates; reading them, I think, only in abstract. His interest in politics + was considerable, but his opinion on these matters was formed rather by + the way than with any serious amount of thought. + </p> + <p> + After he read his paper, came his time for writing letters. These, as well + as the MS. of his books, were written by him as he sat in a huge + horse-hair chair by the fire, his paper supported on a board resting on + the arms of the chair. When he had many or long letters to write, he would + dictate them from a rough copy; these rough copies were written on the + backs of manuscript or of proof-sheets, and were almost illegible, + sometimes even to himself. He made a rule of keeping ALL letters that he + received; this was a habit which he learnt from his father, and which he + said had been of great use to him. + </p> + <p> + He received many letters from foolish, unscrupulous people, and all of + these received replies. He used to say that if he did not answer them, he + had it on his conscience afterwards, and no doubt it was in great measure + the courtesy with which he answered every one, which produced the + universal and widespread sense of his kindness of nature, which was so + evident on his death. + </p> + <p> + He was considerate to his correspondents in other and lesser things, for + instance when dictating a letter to a foreigner he hardly ever failed to + say to me, "You'd better try and write well, as it's to a foreigner." His + letters were generally written on the assumption that they would be + carelessly read; thus, when he was dictating, he was careful to tell me to + make an important clause begin with an obvious paragraph "to catch his + eye," as he often said. How much he thought of the trouble he gave others + by asking questions, will be well enough shown by his letters. It is + difficult to say anything about the general tone of his letters, they will + speak for themselves. The unvarying courtesy of them is very striking. I + had a proof of this quality in the feeling with which Mr. Hacon, his + solicitor, regarded him. He had never seen my father, yet had a sincere + feeling of friendship for him, and spoke especially of his letters as + being such as a man seldom receives in the way of business:—"Everything + I did was right, and everything was profusely thanked for." + </p> + <p> + He had a printed form to be used in replying to troublesome + correspondents, but he hardly ever used it; I suppose he never found an + occasion that seemed exactly suitable. I remember an occasion on which it + might have been used with advantage. He received a letter from a stranger + stating that the writer had undertaken to uphold Evolution at a debating + society, and that being a busy young man, without time for reading, he + wished to have a sketch of my father's views. Even this wonderful young + man got a civil answer, though I think he did not get much material for + his speech. His rule was to thank the donors of books, but not of + pamphlets. He sometimes expressed surprise that so few people thanked him + for his books which he gave away liberally; the letters that he did + receive gave him much pleasure, because he habitually formed so humble an + estimate of the value of all his works, that he was generally surprised at + the interest which they excited. + </p> + <p> + In money and business matters he was remarkably careful and exact. He kept + accounts with great care, classifying them, and balancing at the end of + the year like a merchant. I remember the quick way in which he would reach + out for his account-book to enter each cheque paid, as though he were in a + hurry to get it entered before he had forgotten it. His father must have + allowed him to believe that he would be poorer than he really was, for + some of the difficulty experienced in finding a house in the country must + have arisen from the modest sum he felt prepared to give. Yet he knew, of + course, that he would be in easy circumstances, for in his 'Recollections' + he mentions this as one of the reasons for his not having worked at + medicine with so much zeal as he would have done if he had been obliged to + gain his living. + </p> + <p> + He had a pet economy in paper, but it was rather a hobby than a real + economy. All the blank sheets of letters received were kept in a portfolio + to be used in making notes; it was his respect for paper that made him + write so much on the backs of his old MS., and in this way, unfortunately, + he destroyed large parts of the original MS. of his books. His feeling + about paper extended to waste paper, and he objected, half in fun, to the + careless custom of throwing a spill into the fire after it had been used + for lighting a candle. + </p> + <p> + My father was wonderfully liberal and generous to all his children in the + matter of money, and I have special cause to remember his kindness when I + think of the way in which he paid some Cambridge debts of mine—making + it almost seem a virtue in me to have told him of them. In his later years + he had the kind and generous plan of dividing his surplus at the year's + end among his children. + </p> + <p> + He had a great respect for pure business capacity, and often spoke with + admiration of a relative who had doubled his fortune. And of himself would + often say in fun that what he really WAS proud of was the money he had + saved. He also felt satisfaction in the money he made by his books. His + anxiety to save came in a great measure from his fears that his children + would not have health enough to earn their own livings, a foreboding which + fairly haunted him for many years. And I have a dim recollection of his + saying, "Thank God, you'll have bread and cheese," when I was so young + that I was rather inclined to take it literally. + </p> + <p> + When letters were finished, about three in the afternoon, he rested in his + bedroom, lying on the sofa and smoking a cigarette, and listening to a + novel or other book not scientific. He only smoked when resting, whereas + snuff was a stimulant, and was taken during working hours. He took snuff + for many years of his life, having learnt the habit at Edinburgh as a + student. He had a nice silver snuff-box given him by Mrs. Wedgwood of + Maer, which he valued much—but he rarely carried it, because it + tempted him to take too many pinches. In one of his early letters he + speaks of having given up snuff for a month, and describes himself as + feeling "most lethargic, stupid, and melancholy." Our former neighbour and + clergyman, Mr. Brodie Innes, tells me that at one time my father made a + resolve not to take snuff except away from home, "a most satisfactory + arrangement for me," he adds, "as I kept a box in my study to which there + was access from the garden without summoning servants, and I had more + frequently, than might have been otherwise the case, the privilege of a + few minutes' conversation with my dear friend." He generally took snuff + from a jar on the hall table, because having to go this distance for a + pinch was a slight check; the clink of the lid of the snuff jar was a very + familiar sound. Sometimes when he was in the drawing-room, it would occur + to him that the study fire must be burning low, and when some of us + offered to see after it, it would turn out that he also wished to get a + pinch of snuff. + </p> + <p> + Smoking he only took to permanently of late years, though on his Pampas + rides he learned to smoke with the Gauchos, and I have heard him speak of + the great comfort of a cup of mate and a cigarette when he halted after a + long ride and was unable to get food for some time. + </p> + <p> + The reading aloud often sent him to sleep, and he used to regret losing + parts of a novel, for my mother went steadily on lest the cessation of the + sound might wake him. He came down at four o'clock to dress for his walk, + and he was so regular that one might be quite certain it was within a few + minutes of four when his descending steps were heard. + </p> + <p> + From about half-past four to half-past five he worked; then he came to the + drawing-room, and was idle till it was time (about six) to go up for + another rest with novel-reading and a cigarette. + </p> + <p> + Latterly he gave up late dinner, and had a simple tea at half-past seven + (while we had dinner), with an egg or a small piece of meat. After dinner + he never stayed in the room, and used to apologise by saying he was an old + woman, who must be allowed to leave with the ladies. This was one of the + many signs and results of his constant weakness and ill-health. Half an + hour more or less conversation would make to him the difference of a + sleepless night, and of the loss perhaps of half the next day's work. + </p> + <p> + After dinner he played backgammon with my mother, two games being played + every night; for many years a score of the games which each won was kept, + and in this score he took the greatest interest. He became extremely + animated over these games, bitterly lamenting his bad luck and exploding + with exaggerated mock-anger at my mother's good fortune. + </p> + <p> + After backgammon he read some scientific book to himself, either in the + drawing-room, or, if much talking was going on, in the study. + </p> + <p> + In the evening, that is, after he had read as much as his strength would + allow, and before the reading aloud began, he would often lie on the sofa + and listen to my mother playing the piano. He had not a good ear, yet in + spite of this he had a true love of fine music. He used to lament that his + enjoyment of music had become dulled with age, yet within my recollection, + his love of a good tune was strong. I never heard him hum more than one + tune, the Welsh song "Ar hyd y nos," which he went through correctly; he + used also, I believe, to hum a little Otaheitan song. From his want of ear + he was unable to recognize a tune when he heard it again, but he remained + constant to what he liked, and would often say, when an old favourite was + played, "That's a fine thing; what is it?" He liked especially parts of + Beethoven's symphonies, and bits of Handel. He made a little list of all + the pieces which he especially liked among those which my mother played—giving + in a few words the impression that each one made on him—but these + notes are unfortunately lost. He was sensitive to differences in style, + and enjoyed the late Mrs. Vernon Lushington's playing intensely, and in + June 1881, when Hans Richter paid a visit at Down, he was roused to strong + enthusiasm by his magnificent performance on the piano. He much enjoyed + good singing, and was moved almost to tears by grand or pathetic songs. + His niece Lady Farrer's singing of Sullivan's "Will he come" was a + never-failing enjoyment to him. He was humble in the extreme about his own + taste, and correspondingly pleased when he found that others agreed with + him. + </p> + <p> + He became much tired in the evenings, especially of late years, when he + left the drawing-room about ten, going to bed at half-past ten. His nights + were generally bad, and he often lay awake or sat up in bed for hours, + suffering much discomfort. He was troubled at night by the activity of his + thoughts, and would become exhausted by his mind working at some problem + which he would willingly have dismissed. At night, too, anything which had + vexed or troubled him in the day would haunt him, and I think it was then + that he suffered if he had not answered some troublesome person's letter. + </p> + <p> + The regular readings, which I have mentioned, continued for so many years, + enabled him to get through a great deal of lighter kinds of literature. He + was extremely fond of novels, and I remember well the way in which he + would anticipate the pleasure of having a novel read to him, as he lay + down, or lighted his cigarette. He took a vivid interest both in plot and + characters, and would on no account know beforehand, how a story finished; + he considered looking at the end of a novel as a feminine vice. He could + not enjoy any story with a tragical end, for this reason he did not keenly + appreciate George Eliot, though he often spoke warmly in praise of 'Silas + Marner.' Walter Scott, Miss Austen, and Mrs. Gaskell, were read and + re-read till they could be read no more. He had two or three books in hand + at the same time—a novel and perhaps a biography and a book of + travels. He did not often read out-of-the-way or old standard books, but + generally kept to the books of the day obtained from a circulating + library. + </p> + <p> + I do not think that his literary tastes and opinions were on a level with + the rest of his mind. He himself, though he was clear as to what he + thought good, considered that in matters of literary taste, he was quite + outside the pale, and often spoke of what those within it liked or + disliked, as if they formed a class to which he had no claim to belong. + </p> + <p> + In all matters of art he was inclined to laugh at professed critics, and + say that their opinions were formed by fashion. Thus in painting, he would + say how in his day every one admired masters who are now neglected. His + love of pictures as a young man is almost a proof that he must have had an + appreciation of a portrait as a work of art, not as a likeness. Yet he + often talked laughingly of the small worth of portraits, and said that a + photograph was worth any number of pictures, as if he were blind to the + artistic quality in a painted portrait. But this was generally said in his + attempts to persuade us to give up the idea of having his portrait + painted, an operation very irksome to him. + </p> + <p> + This way of looking at himself as an ignoramus in all matters of art, was + strengthened by the absence of pretence, which was part of his character. + With regard to questions of taste, as well as to more serious things, he + always had the courage of his opinions. I remember, however, an instance + that sounds like a contradiction to this: when he was looking at the + Turners in Mr. Ruskin's bedroom, he did not confess, as he did afterwards, + that he could make out absolutely nothing of what Mr. Ruskin saw in them. + But this little pretence was not for his own sake, but for the sake of + courtesy to his host. He was pleased and amused when subsequently Mr. + Ruskin brought him some photographs of pictures (I think Vandyke + portraits), and courteously seemed to value my father's opinion about + them. + </p> + <p> + Much of his scientific reading was in German, and this was a great labour + to him; in reading a book after him, I was often struck at seeing, from + the pencil-marks made each day where he left off, how little he could read + at a time. He used to call German the "Verdammte," pronounced as if in + English. He was especially indignant with Germans, because he was + convinced that they could write simply if they chose, and often praised + Dr. F. Hildebrand for writing German which was as clear as French. He + sometimes gave a German sentence to a friend, a patriotic German lady, and + used to laugh at her if she did not translate it fluently. He himself + learnt German simply by hammering away with a dictionary; he would say + that his only way was to read a sentence a great many times over, and at + last the meaning occurred to him. When he began German long ago, he + boasted of the fact (as he used to tell) to Sir J. Hooker, who replied, + "Ah, my dear fellow, that's nothing; I've begun it many times." + </p> + <p> + In spite of his want of grammar, he managed to get on wonderfully with + German, and the sentences that he failed to make out were generally really + difficult ones. He never attempted to speak German correctly, but + pronounced the words as though they were English; and this made it not a + little difficult to help him, when he read out a German sentence and asked + for a translation. He certainly had a bad ear for vocal sounds, so that he + found it impossible to perceive small differences in pronunciation. + </p> + <p> + His wide interest in branches of science that were not specially his own + was remarkable. In the biological sciences his doctrines make themselves + felt so widely that there was something interesting to him in most + departments of it. He read a good deal of many quite special works, and + large parts of text books, such as Huxley's 'Invertebrate Anatomy,' or + such a book as Balfour's 'Embryology,' where the detail, at any rate, was + not specially in his own line. And in the case of elaborate books of the + monograph type, though he did not make a study of them, yet he felt the + strongest admiration for them. + </p> + <p> + In the non-biological sciences he felt keen sympathy with work of which he + could not really judge. For instance, he used to read nearly the whole of + 'Nature,' though so much of it deals with mathematics and physics. I have + often heard him say that he got a kind of satisfaction in reading articles + which (according to himself) he could not understand. I wish I could + reproduce the manner in which he would laugh at himself for it. + </p> + <p> + It was remarkable, too, how he kept up his interest in subjects at which + he had formerly worked. This was strikingly the case with geology. In one + of his letters to Mr. Judd he begs him to pay him a visit, saying that + since Lyell's death he hardly ever gets a geological talk. His + observations, made only a few years before his death, on the upright + pebbles in the drift at Southampton, and discussed in a letter to Mr. + Geikie, afford another instance. Again, in the letters to Dr. Dohrn, he + shows how his interest in barnacles remained alive. I think it was all due + to the vitality and persistence of his mind—a quality I have heard + him speak of as if he felt that he was strongly gifted in that respect. + Not that he used any such phrases as these about himself, but he would say + that he had the power of keeping a subject or question more or less before + him for a great many years. The extent to which he possessed this power + appears when we consider the number of different problems which he solved, + and the early period at which some of them began to occupy him. + </p> + <p> + It was a sure sign that he was not well when he was idle at any times + other than his regular resting hours; for, as long as he remained + moderately well, there was no break in the regularity of his life. + Week-days and Sundays passed by alike, each with their stated intervals of + work and rest. It is almost impossible, except for those who watched his + daily life, to realise how essential to his well-being was the regular + routine that I have sketched: and with what pain and difficulty anything + beyond it was attempted. Any public appearance, even of the most modest + kind, was an effort to him. In 1871 he went to the little village church + for the wedding of his elder daughter, but he could hardly bear the + fatigue of being present through the short service. The same may be said + of the few other occasions on which he was present at similar ceremonies. + </p> + <p> + I remember him many years ago at a christening; a memory which has + remained with me, because to us children it seemed an extraordinary and + abnormal occurrence. I remember his look most distinctly at his brother + Erasmus's funeral, as he stood in the scattering of snow, wrapped in a + long black funeral cloak, with a grave look of sad reverie. + </p> + <p> + When, after an interval of many years, he again attended a meeting of the + Linnean Society, it was felt to be, and was in fact, a serious + undertaking; one not to be determined on without much sinking of heart, + and hardly to be carried into effect without paying a penalty of + subsequent suffering. In the same way a breakfast-party at Sir James + Paget's, with some of the distinguished visitors to the Medical Congress + (1881), was to him a severe exertion. + </p> + <p> + The early morning was the only time at which he could make any effort of + the kind, with comparative impunity. Thus it came about that the visits he + paid to his scientific friends in London were by preference made as early + as ten in the morning. For the same reason he started on his journeys by + the earliest possible train, and used to arrive at the houses of relatives + in London when they were beginning their day. + </p> + <p> + He kept an accurate journal of the days on which he worked and those on + which his ill health prevented him from working, so that it would be + possible to tell how many were idle days in any given year. In this + journal—a little yellow Lett's Diary, which lay open on his + mantel-piece, piled on the diaries of previous years—he also entered + the day on which he started for a holiday and that of his return. + </p> + <p> + The most frequent holidays were visits of a week to London, either to his + brother's house (6 Queen Anne Street), or to his daughter's (4 Bryanston + Street). He was generally persuaded by my mother to take these short + holidays, when it became clear from the frequency of "bad days," or from + the swimming of his head, that he was being overworked. He went + unwillingly, and tried to drive hard bargains, stipulating, for instance, + that he should come home in five days instead of six. Even if he were + leaving home for no more than a week, the packing had to be begun early on + the previous day, and the chief part of it he would do himself. The + discomfort of a journey to him was, at least latterly, chiefly in the + anticipation, and in the miserable sinking feeling from which he suffered + immediately before the start; even a fairly long journey, such as that to + Coniston, tired him wonderfully little, considering how much an invalid he + was; and he certainly enjoyed it in an almost boyish way, and to a curious + extent. + </p> + <p> + Although, as he has said, some of his aesthetic tastes had suffered a + gradual decay, his love of scenery remained fresh and strong. Every walk + at Coniston was a fresh delight, and he was never tired of praising the + beauty of the broken hilly country at the head of the lake. + </p> + <p> + One of the happy memories of this time [1879] is that of a delightful + visit to Grasmere: "The perfect day," my sister writes, "and my father's + vivid enjoyment and flow of spirits, form a picture in my mind that I like + to think of. He could hardly sit still in the carriage for turning round + and getting up to admire the view from each fresh point, and even in + returning he was full of the beauty of Rydal Water, though he would not + allow that Grasmere at all equalled his beloved Coniston." + </p> + <p> + Besides these longer holidays, there were shorter visits to various + relatives—to his brother-in-law's house, close to Leith Hill, and to + his son near Southampton. He always particularly enjoyed rambling over + rough open country, such as the commons near Leith Hill and Southampton, + the heath-covered wastes of Ashdown Forest, or the delightful "Rough" near + the house of his friend Sir Thomas Farrer. He never was quite idle even on + these holidays, and found things to observe. At Hartfield he watched + Drosera catching insects, etc.; at Torquay he observed the fertilisation + of an orchid (Spiranthes), and also made out the relations of the sexes in + Thyme. + </p> + <p> + He was always rejoiced to get home after his holidays; he used greatly to + enjoy the welcome he got from his dog Polly, who would get wild with + excitement, panting, squeaking, rushing round the room, and jumping on and + off the chairs; and he used to stoop down, pressing her face to his, + letting her lick him, and speaking to her with a peculiarly tender, + caressing voice. + </p> + <p> + My father had the power of giving to these summer holidays a charm which + was strongly felt by all his family. The pressure of his work at home kept + him at the utmost stretch of his powers of endurance, and when released + from it, he entered on a holiday with a youthfulness of enjoyment that + made his companionship delightful; we felt that we saw more of him in a + week's holiday than in a month at home. + </p> + <p> + Some of these absences from home, however, had a depressing effect on him; + when he had been previously much overworked it seemed as though the + absence of the customary strain allowed him to fall into a peculiar + condition of miserable health. + </p> + <p> + Besides the holidays which I have mentioned, there were his visits to + water-cure establishments. In 1849, when very ill, suffering from constant + sickness, he was urged by a friend to try the water-cure, and at last + agreed to go to Dr. Gully's establishment at Malvern. His letters to Mr. + Fox show how much good the treatment did him; he seems to have thought + that he had found a cure for his troubles, but, like all other remedies, + it had only a transient effect on him. However, he found it, at first, so + good for him that when he came home he built himself a douche-bath, and + the butler learnt to be his bathman. + </p> + <p> + He paid many visits to Moor Park, Dr. Lane's water-cure establishment in + Surrey, not far from Aldershot. These visits were pleasant ones, and he + always looked back to them with pleasure. Dr. Lane has given his + recollections of my father in Dr. Richardson's 'Lecture on Charles + Darwin,' October 22, 1882, from which I quote:— + </p> + <p> + "In a public institution like mine, he was surrounded, of course, by + multifarious types of character, by persons of both sexes, mostly very + different from himself—commonplace people, in short, as the majority + are everywhere, but like to him at least in this, that they were + fellow-creatures and fellow-patients. And never was any one more genial, + more considerate, more friendly, more altogether charming than he + universally was."...He "never aimed, as too often happens with good + talkers, at monopolising the conversation. It was his pleasure rather to + give and take, and he was as good a listener as a speaker. He never + preached nor prosed, but his talk, whether grave or gay (and it was each + by turns), was full of life and salt—racy, bright, and animated." + </p> + <p> + Some idea of his relation to his family and his friends may be gathered + from what has gone before; it would be impossible to attempt a complete + account of these relationships, but a slightly fuller outline may not be + out of place. Of his married life I cannot speak, save in the briefest + manner. In his relationship towards my mother, his tender and sympathetic + nature was shown in its most beautiful aspect. In her presence he found + his happiness, and through her, his life,—which might have been + overshadowed by gloom,—became one of content and quiet gladness. + </p> + <p> + The 'Expression of the Emotions' shows how closely he watched his + children; it was characteristic of him that (as I have heard him tell), + although he was so anxious to observe accurately the expression of a + crying child, his sympathy with the grief spoiled his observation. His + note-book, in which are recorded sayings of his young children, shows his + pleasure in them. He seemed to retain a sort of regretful memory of the + childhoods which had faded away, and thus he wrote in his 'Recollections':—"When + you were very young it was my delight to play with you all, and I think + with a sigh that such days can never return." + </p> + <p> + I may quote, as showing the tenderness of his nature, some sentences from + an account of his little daughter Annie, written a few days after her + death:— + </p> + <p> + "Our poor child, Annie, was born in Gower Street, on March 2, 1841, and + expired at Malvern at mid-day on the 23rd of April, 1851. + </p> + <p> + "I write these few pages, as I think in after years, if we live, the + impressions now put down will recall more vividly her chief + characteristics. From whatever point I look back at her, the main feature + in her disposition which at once rises before me, is her buoyant + joyousness, tempered by two other characteristics, namely, her + sensitiveness, which might easily have been overlooked by a stranger, and + her strong affection. Her joyousness and animal spirits radiated from her + whole countenance, and rendered every movement elastic and full of life + and vigour. It was delightful and cheerful to behold her. Her dear face + now rises before me, as she used sometimes to come running downstairs with + a stolen pinch of snuff for me her whole form radiant with the pleasure of + giving pleasure. Even when playing with her cousins, when her joyousness + almost passed into boisterousness, a single glance of my eye, not of + displeasure (for I thank God I hardly ever cast one on her), but of want + of sympathy, would for some minutes alter her whole countenance. + </p> + <p> + "The other point in her character, which made her joyousness and spirits + so delightful, was her strong affection, which was of a most clinging, + fondling nature. When quite a baby, this showed itself in never being easy + without touching her mother, when in bed with her; and quite lately she + would, when poorly, fondle for any length of time one of her mother's + arms. When very unwell, her mother lying down beside her seemed to soothe + her in a manner quite different from what it would have done to any of our + other children. So, again, she would at almost any time spend half an hour + in arranging my hair, 'making it,' as she called it, 'beautiful,' or in + smoothing, the poor dear darling, my collar or cuffs—in short, in + fondling me. + </p> + <p> + "Beside her joyousness thus tempered, she was in her manners remarkably + cordial, frank, open, straightforward, natural, and without any shade of + reserve. Her whole mind was pure and transparent. One felt one knew her + thoroughly and could trust her. I always thought, that come what might, we + should have had in our old age at least one loving soul which nothing + could have changed. All her movements were vigorous, active, and usually + graceful. When going round the Sand-walk with me, although I walked fast, + yet she often used to go before, pirouetting in the most elegant way, her + dear face bright all the time with the sweetest smiles. Occasionally she + had a pretty coquettish manner towards me, the memory of which is + charming. She often used exaggerated language, and when I quizzed her by + exaggerating what she had said, how clearly can I now see the little toss + of the head, and exclamation of 'Oh, papa what a shame of you!' In the + last short illness her conduct in simple truth was angelic. She never once + complained; never became fretful; was ever considerate of others, and was + thankful in the most gentle, pathetic manner for everything done for her. + When so exhausted that she could hardly speak, she praised everything that + was given her, and said some tea 'was beautifully good.' When I gave her + some water she said, 'I quite thank you;' and these, I believe, were the + last precious words ever addressed by her dear lips to me. + </p> + <p> + "We have lost the joy of the household, and the solace of our old age. She + must have known how we loved her. Oh, that she could now know how deeply, + how tenderly, we do still and shall ever love her dear joyous face! + Blessings on her! + </p> + <p> + "April 30, 1851." + </p> + <p> + We his children all took especial pleasure in the games he played at with + us, but I do not think he romped much with us; I suppose his health + prevented any rough play. He used sometimes to tell us stories, which were + considered especially delightful, partly on account of their rarity. + </p> + <p> + The way he brought us up is shown by a little story about my brother + Leonard, which my father was fond of telling. He came into the + drawing-room and found Leonard dancing about on the sofa, which was + forbidden, for the sake of the springs, and said, "Oh, Lenny, Lenny, + that's against all rules," and received for answer, "Then I think you'd + better go out of the room." I do not believe he ever spoke an angry word + to any of his children in his life; but I am certain that it never entered + our heads to disobey him. I well remember one occasion when my father + reproved me for a piece of carelessness; and I can still recall the + feeling of depression which came over me, and the care which he took to + disperse it by speaking to me soon afterwards with especial kindness. He + kept up his delightful, affectionate manner towards us all his life. I + sometimes wonder that he could do so, with such an undemonstrative race as + we are; but I hope he knew how much we delighted in his loving words and + manner. How often, when a man, I have wished when my father was behind my + chair, that he would pass his hand over my hair, as he used to do when I + was a boy. He allowed his grown-up children to laugh with and at him, and + was, generally speaking, on terms of perfect equality with us. + </p> + <p> + He was always full of interest about each one's plans or successes. We + used to laugh at him, and say he would not believe in his sons, because, + for instance, he would be a little doubtful about their taking some bit of + work for which he did not feel sure that they had knowledge enough. On the + other hand, he was only too much inclined to take a favourable view of our + work. When I thought he had set too high a value on anything that I had + done, he used to be indignant and inclined to explode in mock anger. His + doubts were part of his humility concerning what was in any way connected + with himself; his too favourable view of our work was due to his + sympathetic nature, which made him lenient to every one. + </p> + <p> + He kept up towards his children his delightful manner of expressing his + thanks; and I never wrote a letter, or read a page aloud to him, without + receiving a few kind words of recognition. His love and goodness towards + his little grandson Bernard were great; and he often spoke of the pleasure + it was to him to see "his little face opposite to him" at luncheon. He and + Bernard used to compare their tastes; e.g., in liking brown sugar better + than white, etc.; the result being, "We always agree, don't we?" + </p> + <p> + My sister writes:— + </p> + <p> + "My first remembrances of my father are of the delights of his playing + with us. He was passionately attached to his own children, although he was + not an indiscriminate child-lover. To all of us he was the most delightful + play-fellow, and the most perfect sympathiser. Indeed it is impossible + adequately to describe how delightful a relation his was to his family, + whether as children or in their later life. + </p> + <p> + "It is a proof of the terms on which we were, and also of how much he was + valued as a play-fellow, that one of his sons when about four years old + tried to bribe him with sixpence to come and play in working hours. We all + knew the sacredness of working-time, but that any one should resist + sixpence seemed an impossibility. + </p> + <p> + "He must have been the most patient and delightful of nurses. I remember + the haven of peace and comfort it seemed to me when I was unwell, to be + tucked up on the study sofa, idly considering the old geological map hung + on the wall. This must have been in his working hours, for I always + picture him sitting in the horsehair arm-chair by the corner of the fire. + </p> + <p> + "Another mark of his unbounded patience was the way in which we were + suffered to make raids into the study when we had an absolute need of + sticking-plaster, string, pins, scissors, stamps, foot-rule, or hammer. + These and other such necessaries were always to be found in the study, and + it was the only place where this was a certainty. We used to feel it wrong + to go in during work-time; still, when the necessity was great we did so. + I remember his patient look when he said once, 'Don't you think you could + not come in again, I have been interrupted very often.' We used to dread + going in for sticking-plaster, because he disliked to see that we had cut + ourselves, both for our sakes and on account of his acute sensitiveness to + the sight of blood. I well remember lurking about the passage till he was + safe away, and then stealing in for the plaster. + </p> + <p> + "Life seems to me, as I look back upon it, to have been very regular in + those early days, and except relations (and a few intimate friends), I do + not think any one came to the house. After lessons, we were always free to + go where we would, and that was chiefly in the drawing-room and about the + garden, so that we were very much with both my father and mother. We used + to think it most delightful when he told us any stories about the + 'Beagle', or about early Shrewsbury days—little bits about + school-life and his boyish tastes. Sometimes too he read aloud to his + children such books as Scott's novels, and I remember a few little + lectures on the steam-engine. + </p> + <p> + "I was more or less ill during the five years between my thirteenth and + eighteenth years, and for a long time (years it seems to me) he used to + play a couple of games of backgammon with me every afternoon. He played + them with the greatest spirit, and I remember we used at one time to keep + account of the games, and as this record came out in favour of him, we + kept a list of the doublets thrown by each, as I was convinced that he + threw better than myself. + </p> + <p> + "His patience and sympathy were boundless during this weary illness, and + sometimes when most miserable I felt his sympathy to be almost too keen. + When at my worst, we went to my aunt's house at Hartfield, in Sussex, and + as soon as we had made the move safely he went on to Moor Park for a + fortnight's water-cure. I can recall now how on his return I could hardly + bear to have him in the room, the expression of tender sympathy and + emotion in his face was too agitating, coming fresh upon me after his + little absence. + </p> + <p> + "He cared for all our pursuits and interests, and lived our lives with us + in a way that very few fathers do. But I am certain that none of us felt + that this intimacy interfered the least with our respect or obedience. + Whatever he said was absolute truth and law to us. He always put his whole + mind into answering any of our questions. One trifling instance makes me + feel how he cared for what we cared for. He had no special taste for cats, + though he admired the pretty ways of a kitten. But yet he knew and + remembered the individualities of my many cats, and would talk about the + habits and characters of the more remarkable ones years after they had + died. + </p> + <p> + "Another characteristic of his treatment of his children was his respect + for their liberty, and for their personality. Even as quite a girl, I + remember rejoicing in this sense of freedom. Our father and mother would + not even wish to know what we were doing or thinking unless we wished to + tell. He always made us feel that we were each of us creatures whose + opinions and thoughts were valuable to him, so that whatever there was + best in us came out in the sunshine of his presence. + </p> + <p> + "I do not think his exaggerated sense of our good qualities, intellectual + or moral, made us conceited, as might perhaps have been expected, but + rather more humble and grateful to him. The reason being no doubt that the + influence of his character, of his sincerity and greatness of nature, had + a much deeper and more lasting effect than any small exaltation which his + praises or admiration may have caused to our vanity." + </p> + <p> + As head of a household he was much loved and respected; he always spoke to + servants with politeness, using the expression, "would you be so good," in + asking for anything. He was hardly ever angry with his servants; it shows + how seldom this occurred, that when, as a small boy, I overheard a servant + being scolded, and my father speaking angrily, it impressed me as an + appalling circumstance, and I remember running up stairs out of a general + sense of awe. He did not trouble himself about the management of the + garden, cows, etc. He considered the horses so little his concern, that he + used to ask doubtfully whether he might have a horse and cart to send to + Keston for Drosera, or to the Westerham nurseries for plants, or the like. + </p> + <p> + As a host my father had a peculiar charm: the presence of visitors excited + him, and made him appear to his best advantage. At Shrewsbury, he used to + say, it was his father's wish that the guests should be attended to + constantly, and in one of the letters to Fox he speaks of the + impossibility of writing a letter while the house was full of company. I + think he always felt uneasy at not doing more for the entertainment of his + guests, but the result was successful; and, to make up for any loss, there + was the gain that the guests felt perfectly free to do as they liked. The + most usual visitors were those who stayed from Saturday till Monday; those + who remained longer were generally relatives, and were considered to be + rather more my mother's affair than his. + </p> + <p> + Besides these visitors, there were foreigners and other strangers, who + came down for luncheon and went away in the afternoon. He used + conscientiously to represent to them the enormous distance of Down from + London, and the labour it would be to come there, unconsciously taking for + granted that they would find the journey as toilsome as he did himself. + If, however, they were not deterred, he used to arrange their journeys for + them, telling them when to come, and practically when to go. It was + pleasant to see the way in which he shook hands with a guest who was being + welcomed for the first time; his hand used to shoot out in a way that gave + one the feeling that it was hastening to meet the guest's hands. With old + friends his hand came down with a hearty swing into the other hand in a + way I always had satisfaction in seeing. His good-bye was chiefly + characterised by the pleasant way in which he thanked his guests, as he + stood at the door, for having come to see him. + </p> + <p> + These luncheons were very successful entertainments, there was no drag or + flagging about them, my father was bright and excited throughout the whole + visit. Professor De Candolle has described a visit to Down, in his + admirable and sympathetic sketch of my father. ('Darwin considere au point + de vue des causes de son succes.'—Geneva, 1882.) He speaks of his + manner as resembling that of a "savant" of Oxford or Cambridge. This does + not strike me as quite a good comparison; in his ease and naturalness + there was more of the manner of some soldiers; a manner arising from total + absence of pretence or affectation. It was this absence of pose, and the + natural and simple way in which he began talking to his guests, so as to + get them on their own lines, which made him so charming a host to a + stranger. His happy choice of matter for talk seemed to flow out of his + sympathetic nature, and humble, vivid interest in other people's work. + </p> + <p> + To some, I think, he caused actual pain by his modesty; I have seen the + late Francis Balfour quite discomposed by having knowledge ascribed to + himself on a point about which my father claimed to be utterly ignorant. + </p> + <p> + It is difficult to seize on the characteristics of my father's + conversation. + </p> + <p> + He had more dread than have most people of repeating his stories, and + continually said, "You must have heard me tell," or "I dare say I've told + you." One peculiarity he had, which gave a curious effect to his + conversation. The first few words of a sentence would often remind him of + some exception to, or some reason against, what he was going to say; and + this again brought up some other point, so that the sentence would become + a system of parenthesis within parenthesis, and it was often impossible to + understand the drift of what he was saying until he came to the end of his + sentence. He used to say of himself that he was not quick enough to hold + an argument with any one, and I think this was true. Unless it was a + subject on which he was just then at work, he could not get the train of + argument into working order quickly enough. This is shown even in his + letters; thus, in the case of two letters to Prof. Semper about the effect + of isolation, he did not recall the series of facts he wanted until some + days after the first letter had been sent off. + </p> + <p> + When puzzled in talking, he had a peculiar stammer on the first word of a + sentence. I only recall this occurring with words beginning with w; + possibly he had a special difficulty with this letter, for I have heard + him say that as a boy he could not pronounce w, and that sixpence was + offered him if he could say "white wine," which he pronounced "rite rine." + Possibly he may have inherited this tendency from Erasmus Darwin, who + stammered. (My father related a Johnsonian answer of Erasmus Darwin's: + "Don't you find it very inconvenient stammering, Dr. Darwin?" "No, sir, + because I have time to think before I speak, and don't ask impertinent + questions.") + </p> + <p> + He sometimes combined his metaphors in a curious way, using such a phrase + as "holding on like life,"—a mixture of "holding on for his life," + and "holding on like grim death." It came from his eager way of putting + emphasis into what he was saying. This sometimes gave an air of + exaggeration where it was not intended; but it gave, too, a noble air of + strong and generous conviction; as, for instance, when he gave his + evidence before the Royal Commission on vivisection and came out with his + words about cruelty, "It deserves detestation and abhorrence." When he + felt strongly about any similar question, he could hardly trust himself to + speak, as he then easily became angry, a thing which he disliked + excessively. He was conscious that his anger had a tendency to multiply + itself in the utterance, and for this reason dreaded (for example) having + to scold a servant. + </p> + <p> + It was a great proof of the modesty of his style of talking, that, when, + for instance, a number of visitors came over from Sir John Lubbock's for a + Sunday afternoon call he never seemed to be preaching or lecturing, + although he had so much of the talk to himself. He was particularly + charming when "chaffing" any one, and in high spirits over it. His manner + at such times was light-hearted and boyish, and his refinement of nature + came out most strongly. So, when he was talking to a lady who pleased and + amused him, the combination of raillery and deference in his manner was + delightful to see. + </p> + <p> + When my father had several guests he managed them well, getting a talk + with each, or bringing two or three together round his chair. In these + conversations there was always a good deal of fun, and, speaking + generally, there was either a humorous turn in his talk, or a sunny + geniality which served instead. Perhaps my recollection of a pervading + element of humour is the more vivid, because the best talks were with Mr. + Huxley, in whom there is the aptness which is akin to humour, even when + humour itself is not there. My father enjoyed Mr. Huxley's humour + exceedingly, and would often say, "What splendid fun Huxley is!" I think + he probably had more scientific argument (of the nature of a fight) with + Lyell and Sir Joseph Hooker. + </p> + <p> + He used to say that it grieved him to find that for the friends of his + later life he had not the warm affection of his youth. Certainly in his + early letters from Cambridge he gives proofs of very strong friendship for + Herbert and Fox; but no one except himself would have said that his + affection for his friends was not, throughout life, of the warmest + possible kind. In serving a friend he would not spare himself, and + precious time and strength were willingly given. He undoubtedly had, to an + unusual degree, the power of attaching his friends to him. He had many + warm friendships, but to Sir Joseph Hooker he was bound by ties of + affection stronger than we often see among men. He wrote in his + 'Recollections,' "I have known hardly any man more lovable than Hooker." + </p> + <p> + His relationship to the village people was a pleasant one; he treated + them, one and all, with courtesy, when he came in contact with them, and + took an interest in all relating to their welfare. Some time after he came + to live at Down he helped to found a Friendly Club, and served as + treasurer for thirty years. He took much trouble about the club, keeping + its accounts with minute and scrupulous exactness, and taking pleasure in + its prosperous condition. Every Whit-Monday the club used to march round + with band and banner, and paraded on the lawn in front of the house. There + he met them, and explained to them their financial position in a little + speech seasoned with a few well worn jokes. He was often unwell enough to + make even this little ceremony an exertion, but I think he never failed to + meet them. + </p> + <p> + He was also treasurer of the Coal Club, which gave him some work, and he + acted for some years as a County Magistrate. + </p> + <p> + With regard to my father's interest in the affairs of the village, Mr. + Brodie Innes has been so good as to give me his recollections:— + </p> + <p> + "On my becoming Vicar of Down in 1846, we became friends, and so continued + till his death. His conduct towards me and my family was one of unvarying + kindness, and we repaid it by warm affection. + </p> + <p> + "In all parish matters he was an active assistant; in matters connected + with the schools, charities, and other business, his liberal contribution + was ever ready, and in the differences which at times occurred in that, as + in other parishes, I was always sure of his support. He held that where + there was really no important objection, his assistance should be given to + the clergyman, who ought to know the circumstances best, and was chiefly + responsible." + </p> + <p> + His intercourse with strangers was marked with scrupulous and rather + formal politeness, but in fact he had few opportunities of meeting + strangers. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Lane has described (Lecture by Dr. B.W. Richardson, in St. George's + Hall, October 22, 1882.) how, on the rare occasion of my father attending + a lecture (Dr. Sanderson's) at the Royal Institution, "the whole + assembly...rose to their feet to welcome him," while he seemed "scarcely + conscious that such an outburst of applause could possibly be intended for + himself." The quiet life he led at Down made him feel confused in a large + society; for instance, at the Royal Society's soirees he felt oppressed by + the numbers. The feeling that he ought to know people, and the difficulty + he had in remembering faces in his latter years, also added to his + discomfort on such occasions. He did not realise that he would be + recognised from his photographs, and I remember his being uneasy at being + obviously recognised by a stranger at the Crystal Palace Aquarium. + </p> + <p> + I must say something of his manner of working: one characteristic of it + was his respect for time; he never forgot how precious it was. This was + shown, for instance, in the way in which he tried to curtail his holidays; + also, and more clearly, with respect to shorter periods. He would often + say, that saving the minutes was the way to get work done; he showed his + love of saving the minutes in the difference he felt between a quarter of + an hour and ten minutes' work; he never wasted a few spare minutes from + thinking that it was not worth while to set to work. I was often struck by + his way of working up to the very limit of his strength, so that he + suddenly stopped in dictating, with the words, "I believe I mustn't do any + more." The same eager desire not to lose time was seen in his quick + movements when at work. I particularly remember noticing this when he was + making an experiment on the roots of beans, which required some care in + manipulation; fastening the little bits of card upon the roots was done + carefully and necessarily slowly, but the intermediate movements were all + quick; taking a fresh bean, seeing that the root was healthy, impaling it + on a pin, fixing it on a cork, and seeing that it was vertical, etc; all + these processes were performed with a kind of restrained eagerness. He + always gave one the impression of working with pleasure, and not with any + drag. I have an image, too, of him as he recorded the result of some + experiment, looking eagerly at each root, etc., and then writing with + equal eagerness. I remember the quick movement of his head up and down as + he looked from the object to the notes. + </p> + <p> + He saved a great deal of time through not having to do things twice. + Although he would patiently go on repeating experiments where there was + any good to be gained, he could not endure having to repeat an experiment + which ought, if complete care had been taken, to have succeeded the first + time—and this gave him a continual anxiety that the experiment + should not be wasted; he felt the experiment to be sacred, however slight + a one it was. He wished to learn as much as possible from an experiment, + so that he did not confine himself to observing the single point to which + the experiment was directed, and his power of seeing a number of other + things was wonderful. I do not think he cared for preliminary or rough + observation intended to serve as guides and to be repeated. Any experiment + done was to be of some use, and in this connection I remember how strongly + he urged the necessity of keeping the notes of experiments which failed, + and to this rule he always adhered. + </p> + <p> + In the literary part of his work he had the same horror of losing time, + and the same zeal in what he was doing at the moment, and this made him + careful not to be obliged unnecessarily to read anything a second time. + </p> + <p> + His natural tendency was to use simple methods and few instruments. The + use of the compound microscope has much increased since his youth, and + this at the expense of the simple one. It strikes us nowadays as + extraordinary that he should have had no compound microscope when he went + his "Beagle" voyage; but in this he followed the advice of Robt. Brown, + who was an authority in such matters. He always had a great liking for the + simple microscope, and maintained that nowadays it was too much neglected, + and that one ought always to see as much as possible with the simple + before taking to the compound microscope. In one of his letters he speaks + on this point, and remarks that he always suspects the work of a man who + never uses the simple microscope. + </p> + <p> + His dissecting table was a thick board, let into a window of the study; it + was lower than an ordinary table, so that he could not have worked at it + standing; but this, from wishing to save his strength, he would not have + done in any case. He sat at his dissecting-table on a curious low stool + which had belonged to his father, with a seat revolving on a vertical + spindle, and mounted on large castors, so that he could turn easily from + side to side. His ordinary tools, etc., were lying about on the table, but + besides these a number of odds and ends were kept in a round table full of + radiating drawers, and turning on a vertical axis, which stood close by + his left side, as he sat at his microscope-table. The drawers were + labelled, "best tools," "rough tools," "specimens," "preparations for + specimens," etc. The most marked peculiarity of the contents of these + drawers was the care with which little scraps and almost useless things + were preserved; he held the well-known belief, that if you threw a thing + away you were sure to want it directly—and so things accumulated. + </p> + <p> + If any one had looked at his tools, etc., lying on the table, he would + have been struck by an air of simpleness, make-shift, and oddness. + </p> + <p> + At his right hand were shelves, with a number of other odds and ends, + glasses, saucers, tin biscuit boxes for germinating seeds, zinc labels, + saucers full of sand, etc., etc. Considering how tidy and methodical he + was in essential things, it is curious that he bore with so many + make-shifts: for instance, instead of having a box made of a desired + shape, and stained black inside, he would hunt up something like what he + wanted and get it darkened inside with shoe-blacking; he did not care to + have glass covers made for tumblers in which he germinated seeds, but used + broken bits of irregular shape, with perhaps a narrow angle sticking + uselessly out on one side. But so much of his experimenting was of a + simple kind, that he had no need for any elaboration, and I think his + habit in this respect was in great measure due to his desire to husband + his strength, and not waste it on inessential things. + </p> + <p> + His way of marking objects may here be mentioned. If he had a number of + things to distinguish, such as leaves, flowers, etc., he tied threads of + different colours round them. In particular he used this method when he + had only two classes of objects to distinguish; thus in the case of + crossed and self-fertilised flowers, one set would be marked with black + and one with white thread, tied round the stalk of the flower. I remember + well the look of two sets of capsules, gathered and waiting to be weighed, + counted, etc., with pieces of black and of white thread to distinguish the + trays in which they lay. When he had to compare two sets of seedlings, + sowed in the same pot, he separated them by a partition of zinc-plate; and + the zinc label, which gave the necessary details about the experiment, was + always placed on a certain side, so that it became instinctive with him to + know without reading the label which were the "crossed" and which were the + "self-fertilised." + </p> + <p> + His love of each particular experiment, and his eager zeal not to lose the + fruit of it, came out markedly in these crossing experiments—in the + elaborate care he took not to make any confusion in putting capsules into + wrong trays, etc., etc. I can recall his appearance as he counted seeds + under the simple microscope with an alertness not usually characterising + such mechanical work as counting. I think he personified each seed as a + small demon trying to elude him by getting into the wrong heap, or jumping + away altogether; and this gave to the work the excitement of a game. He + had great faith in instruments, and I do not think it naturally occurred + to him to doubt the accuracy of a scale or measuring glass, etc. He was + astonished when we found that one of his micrometers differed from the + other. He did not require any great accuracy in most of his measurements, + and had not good scales; he had an old three-foot rule, which was the + common property of the household, and was constantly being borrowed, + because it was the only one which was certain to be in its place—unless, + indeed, the last borrower had forgotten to put it back. For measuring the + height of plants he had a seven-foot deal rod, graduated by the village + carpenter. Latterly he took to using paper scales graduated to + millimeters. For small objects he used a pair of compasses and an ivory + protractor. It was characteristic of him that he took scrupulous pains in + making measurements with his somewhat rough scales. A trifling example of + his faith in authority is that he took his "inch in terms of millimeters" + from an old book, in which it turned out to be inaccurately given. He had + a chemical balance which dated from the days when he worked at chemistry + with his brother Erasmus. Measurements of capacity were made with an + apothecary's measuring glass: I remember well its rough look and bad + graduation. With this, too, I remember the great care he took in getting + the fluid-line on to the graduation. I do not mean by this account of his + instruments that any of his experiments suffered from want of accuracy in + measurement, I give them as examples of his simple methods and faith in + others—faith at least in instrument-makers, whose whole trade was a + mystery to him. + </p> + <p> + A few of his mental characteristics, bearing especially on his mode of + working, occur to me. There was one quality of mind which seemed to be of + special and extreme advantage in leading him to make discoveries. It was + the power of never letting exceptions pass unnoticed. Everybody notices a + fact as an exception when it is striking or frequent, but he had a special + instinct for arresting an exception. A point apparently slight and + unconnected with his present work is passed over by many a man almost + unconsciously with some half-considered explanation, which is in fact no + explanation. It was just these things that he seized on to make a start + from. In a certain sense there is nothing special in this procedure, many + discoveries being made by means of it. I only mention it because, as I + watched him at work, the value of this power to an experimenter was so + strongly impressed upon me. + </p> + <p> + Another quality which was shown in his experimental works was his power of + sticking to a subject; he used almost to apologise for his patience, + saying that he could not bear to be beaten, as if this were rather a sign + of weakness on his part. He often quoted the saying, "It's dogged as does + it;" and I think doggedness expresses his frame of mind almost better than + perseverance. Perseverance seems hardly to express his almost fierce + desire to force the truth to reveal itself. He often said that it was + important that a man should know the right point at which to give up an + inquiry. And I think it was his tendency to pass this point that inclined + him to apologise for his perseverance, and gave the air of doggedness to + his work. + </p> + <p> + He often said that no one could be a good observer unless he was an active + theoriser. This brings me back to what I said about his instinct for + arresting exceptions: it was as though he were charged with theorising + power ready to flow into any channel on the slightest disturbance, so that + no fact, however small, could avoid releasing a stream of theory, and thus + the fact became magnified into importance. In this way it naturally + happened that many untenable theories occurred to him; but fortunately his + richness of imagination was equalled by his power of judging and + condemning the thoughts that occurred to him. He was just to his theories, + and did not condemn them unheard; and so it happened that he was willing + to test what would seem to most people not at all worth testing. These + rather wild trials he called "fool's experiments," and enjoyed extremely. + As an example I may mention that finding the cotyledons of Biophytum to be + highly sensitive to vibrations of the table, he fancied that they might + perceive the vibrations of sound, and therefore made me play my bassoon + close to a plant. (This is not so much an example of superabundant + theorising from a small cause, but only of his wish to test the most + improbable ideas.) + </p> + <p> + The love of experiment was very strong in him, and I can remember the way + he would say, "I shan't be easy till I have tried it," as if an outside + force were driving him. He enjoyed experimenting much more than work which + only entailed reasoning, and when he was engaged on one of his books which + required argument and the marshalling of facts, he felt experimental work + to be a rest or holiday. Thus, while working upon the 'Variations of + Animals and Plants,' in 1860-61, he made out the fertilisation of Orchids, + and thought himself idle for giving so much time to them. It is + interesting to think that so important a piece of research should have + been undertaken and largely worked out as a pastime in place of more + serious work. The letters to Hooker of this period contain expressions + such as, "God forgive me for being so idle; I am quite sillily interested + in this work." The intense pleasure he took in understanding the + adaptations for fertilisation is strongly shown in these letters. He + speaks in one of his letters of his intention of working at Drosera as a + rest from the 'Descent of Man.' He has described in his 'Recollections' + the strong satisfaction he felt in solving the problem of heterostylism. + And I have heard him mention that the Geology of South America gave him + almost more pleasure than anything else. It was perhaps this delight in + work requiring keen observation that made him value praise given to his + observing powers almost more than appreciation of his other qualities. + </p> + <p> + For books he had no respect, but merely considered them as tools to be + worked with. Thus he did not bind them, and even when a paper book fell to + pieces from use, as happened to Muller's 'Befruchtung,' he preserved it + from complete dissolution by putting a metal clip over its back. In the + same way he would cut a heavy book in half, to make it more convenient to + hold. He used to boast that he made Lyell publish the second edition of + one of his books in two volumes instead of one, by telling him how he had + been obliged to cut it in half. Pamphlets were often treated even more + severely than books, for he would tear out, for the sake of saving room, + all the pages except the one that interested him. The consequence of all + this was, that his library was not ornamental, but was striking from being + so evidently a working collection of books. + </p> + <p> + He was methodical in his manner of reading books and pamphlets bearing on + his own work. He had one shelf on which were piled up the books he had not + yet read, and another to which they were transferred after having been + read, and before being catalogued. He would often groan over his unread + books, because there were so many which he knew he should never read. Many + a book was at once transferred to the other heap, either marked with a + cypher at the end, to show that it contained no marked passages, or + inscribed, perhaps, "not read," or "only skimmed." The books accumulated + in the "read" heap until the shelves overflowed, and then, with much + lamenting, a day was given up to the cataloguing. He disliked this work, + and as the necessity of undertaking the work became imperative, would + often say, in a voice of despair, "We really must do these books soon." + </p> + <p> + In each book, as he read it, he marked passages bearing on his work. In + reading a book or pamphlet, etc., he made pencil-lines at the side of the + page, often adding short remarks, and at the end made a list of the pages + marked. When it was to be catalogued and put away, the marked pages were + looked at, and so a rough abstract of the book was made. This abstract + would perhaps be written under three or four headings on different sheets, + the facts being sorted out and added to the previously collected facts in + different subjects. He had other sets of abstracts arranged, not according + to subject, but according to periodical. When collecting facts on a large + scale, in earlier years, he used to read through, and make abstracts, in + this way, of whole series of periodicals. + </p> + <p> + In some of his early letters he speaks of filling several note-books with + facts for his book on species; but it was certainly early that he adopted + his plan of using portfolios as described in the 'Recollections.' (The + racks on which the portfolios were placed are shown in the illustration, + "The Study at Down," in the recess at the right-hand side of the + fire-place.) My father and M. de Candolle were mutually pleased to + discover that they had adopted the same plan of classifying facts. De + Candolle describes the method in his 'Phytologie,' and in his sketch of my + father mentions the satisfaction he felt in seeing it in action at Down. + </p> + <p> + Besides these portfolios, of which there are some dozens full of notes, + there are large bundles of MS. marked "used" and put away. He felt the + value of his notes, and had a horror of their destruction by fire. I + remember, when some alarm of fire had happened, his begging me to be + especially careful, adding very earnestly, that the rest of his life would + be miserable if his notes and books were to be destroyed. + </p> + <p> + He shows the same feeling in writing about the loss of a manuscript, the + purport of his words being, "I have a copy, or the loss would have killed + me." In writing a book he would spend much time and labour in making a + skeleton or plan of the whole, and in enlarging and sub-classing each + heading, as described in his 'Recollections.' I think this careful + arrangement of the plan was not at all essential to the building up of his + argument, but for its presentment, and for the arrangement of his facts. + In his 'Life of Erasmus Darwin,' as it was first printed in slips, the + growth of the book from a skeleton was plainly visible. The arrangement + was altered afterwards, because it was too formal and categorical, and + seemed to give the character of his grandfather rather by means of a list + of qualities than as a complete picture. + </p> + <p> + It was only within the last few years that he adopted a plan of writing + which he was convinced suited him best, and which is described in the + 'Recollections;' namely, writing a rough copy straight off without the + slightest attention to style. It was characteristic of him that he felt + unable to write with sufficient want of care if he used his best paper, + and thus it was that he wrote on the backs of old proofs or manuscript. + The rough copy was then reconsidered, and a fair copy was made. For this + purpose he had foolscap paper ruled at wide intervals, the lines being + needed to prevent him writing so closely that correction became difficult. + The fair copy was then corrected, and was recopied before being sent to + the printers. The copying was done by Mr. E. Norman, who began this work + many years ago when village schoolmaster at Down. My father became so used + to Mr. Norman's hand-writing, that he could not correct manuscript, even + when clearly written out by one of his children, until it had been + recopied by Mr. Norman. The MS., on returning from Mr. Norman was once + more corrected, and then sent off to the printers. Then came the work of + revising and correcting the proofs, which my father found especially + wearisome. + </p> + <p> + It was at this stage that he first seriously considered the style of what + he had written. When this was going on he usually started some other piece + of work as a relief. The correction of slips consisted in fact of two + processes, for the corrections were first written in pencil, and then + re-considered and written in ink. + </p> + <p> + When the book was passing through the "slip" stage he was glad to have + corrections and suggestions from others. Thus my mother looked over the + proofs of the 'Origin.' In some of the later works my sister, Mrs. + Litchfield, did much of the correction. After my sister's marriage perhaps + most of the work fell to my share. + </p> + <p> + My sister, Mrs. Litchfield, writes:— + </p> + <p> + "This work was very interesting in itself, and it was inexpressibly + exhilarating to work for him. He was always so ready to be convinced that + any suggested alteration was an improvement, and so full of gratitude for + the trouble taken. I do not think that he ever used to forget to tell me + what improvement he thought that I had made, and he used almost to excuse + himself if he did not agree with any correction. I think I felt the + singular modesty and graciousness of his nature through thus working for + him in a way I never should otherwise have done. + </p> + <p> + "He did not write with ease, and was apt to invert his sentences both in + writing and speaking, putting the qualifying clause before it was clear + what it was to qualify. He corrected a great deal, and was eager to + express himself as well as he possibly could." + </p> + <p> + Perhaps the commonest corrections needed were of obscurities due to the + omission of a necessary link in the reasoning, something which he had + evidently omitted through familiarity with the subject. Not that there was + any fault in the sequence of the thoughts, but that from familiarity with + his argument he did not notice when the words failed to reproduce his + thought. He also frequently put too much matter into one sentence, so that + it had to be cut up into two. + </p> + <p> + On the whole, I think the pains which my father took over the literary + part of the work was very remarkable. He often laughed or grumbled at + himself for the difficulty which he found in writing English, saying, for + instance, that if a bad arrangement of a sentence was possible, he should + be sure to adopt it. He once got much amusement and satisfaction out of + the difficulty which one of the family found in writing a short circular. + He had the pleasure of correcting and laughing at obscurities, involved + sentences, and other defects, and thus took his revenge for all the + criticism he had himself to bear with. He used to quote with astonishment + Miss Martineau's advice to young authors, to write straight off and send + the MS. to the printer without correction. But in some cases he acted in a + somewhat similar manner. When a sentence got hopelessly involved, he would + ask himself, "now what DO you want to say?" and his answer written down, + would often disentangle the confusion. + </p> + <p> + His style has been much praised; on the other hand, at least one good + judge has remarked to me that it is not a good style. It is, above all + things, direct and clear; and it is characteristic of himself in its + simplicity, bordering on naivete, and in its absence of pretence. He had + the strongest disbelief in the common idea that a classical scholar must + write good English; indeed, he thought that the contrary was the case. In + writing, he sometimes showed the same tendency to strong expressions as he + did in conversation. Thus in the 'Origin,' page 440, there is a + description of a larval cirripede, "with six pairs of beautifully + constructed natatory legs, a pair of magnificent compound eyes, and + extremely complex antennae." We used to laugh at him for this sentence, + which we compared to an advertisement. This tendency to give himself up to + the enthusiastic turn of his thought, without fear of being ludicrous, + appears elsewhere in his writings. + </p> + <p> + His courteous and conciliatory tone towards his reader is remarkable, and + it must be partly this quality which revealed his personal sweetness of + character to so many who had never seen him. I have always felt it to be a + curious fact, that he who had altered the face of Biological Science, and + is in this respect the chief of the moderns, should have written and + worked in so essentially a non-modern spirit and manner. In reading his + books one is reminded of the older naturalists rather than of the modern + school of writers. He was a Naturalist in the old sense of the word, that + is, a man who works at many branches of the science, not merely a + specialist in one. Thus it is, that, though he founded whole new divisions + of special subjects—such as the fertilisation of flowers, + insectivorous plants, dimorphism, etc.—yet even in treating these + very subjects he does not strike the reader as a specialist. The reader + feels like a friend who is being talked to by a courteous gentleman, not + like a pupil being lectured by a professor. The tone of such a book as the + 'Origin' is charming, and almost pathetic; it is the tone of a man who, + convinced of the truth of his own views, hardly expects to convince + others; it is just the reverse of the style of a fanatic, who wants to + force people to believe. The reader is never scorned for any amount of + doubt which he may be imagined to feel, and his scepticism is treated with + patient respect. A sceptical reader, or perhaps even an unreasonable + reader, seems to have been generally present to his thoughts. It was in + consequence of this feeling, perhaps, that he took much trouble over + points which he imagined would strike the reader, or save him trouble, and + so tempt him to read. + </p> + <p> + For the same reason he took much interest in the illustrations of his + books, and I think rated rather too highly their value. The illustrations + for his earlier books were drawn by professional artists. This was the + case in 'Animals and Plants,' the 'Descent of Man,' and the 'Expression of + the Emotions.' On the other hand, 'Climbing Plants,' 'Insectivorous + Plants,' the 'Movements of Plants,' and 'Forms of Flowers,' were, to a + large extent, illustrated by some of his children—my brother George + having drawn by far the most. It was delightful to draw for him, as he was + enthusiastic in his praise of very moderate performances. I remember well + his charming manner of receiving the drawings of one of his + daughters-in-law, and how he would finish his words of praise by saying, + "Tell A—, Michael Angelo is nothing to it." Though he praised so + generously, he always looked closely at the drawing, and easily detected + mistakes or carelessness. + </p> + <p> + He had a horror of being lengthy, and seems to have been really much + annoyed and distressed when he found how the 'Variations of Animals and + Plants' was growing under his hands. I remember his cordially agreeing + with 'Tristram Shandy's' words, "Let no man say, 'Come, I'll write a + duodecimo.'" + </p> + <p> + His consideration for other authors was as marked a characteristic as his + tone towards his reader. He speaks of all other authors as persons + deserving of respect. In cases where, as in the case of —'s + experiments on Drosera, he thought lightly of the author, he speaks of him + in such a way that no one would suspect it. In other cases he treats the + confused writings of ignorant persons as though the fault lay with himself + for not appreciating or understanding them. Besides this general tone of + respect, he had a pleasant way of expressing his opinion on the value of a + quoted work, or his obligation for a piece of private information. + </p> + <p> + His respectful feeling was not only morally beautiful, but was I think of + practical use in making him ready to consider the ideas and observations + of all manner of people. He used almost to apologise for this, and would + say that he was at first inclined to rate everything too highly. + </p> + <p> + It was a great merit in his mind that, in spite of having so strong a + respectful feeling towards what he read, he had the keenest of instincts + as to whether a man was trustworthy or not. He seemed to form a very + definite opinion as to the accuracy of the men whose books he read; and + made use of this judgment in his choice of facts for use in argument or as + illustrations. I gained the impression that he felt this power of judging + of a man's trustworthiness to be of much value. + </p> + <p> + He had a keen feeling of the sense of honour that ought to reign among + authors, and had a horror of any kind of laxness in quoting. He had a + contempt for the love of honour and glory, and in his letters often blames + himself for the pleasure he took in the success of his books, as though he + were departing from his ideal—a love of truth and carelessness about + fame. Often, when writing to Sir J. Hooker what he calls a boasting + letter, he laughs at himself for his conceit and want of modesty. There is + a wonderfully interesting letter which he wrote to my mother bequeathing + to her, in case of his death, the care of publishing the manuscript of his + first essay on evolution. This letter seems to me full of the intense + desire that his theory should succeed as a contribution to knowledge, and + apart from any desire for personal fame. He certainly had the healthy + desire for success which a man of strong feelings ought to have. But at + the time of the publication of the 'Origin' it is evident that he was + overwhelmingly satisfied with the adherence of such men as Lyell, Hooker, + Huxley, and Asa Gray, and did not dream of or desire any such wide and + general fame as he attained to. + </p> + <p> + Connected with his contempt for the undue love of fame, was an equally + strong dislike of all questions of priority. The letters to Lyell, at the + time of the 'Origin,' show the anger he felt with himself for not being + able to repress a feeling of disappointment at what he thought was Mr. + Wallace's forestalling of all his years of work. His sense of literary + honour comes out strongly in these letters; and his feeling about priority + is again shown in the admiration expressed in his 'Recollections' of Mr. + Wallace's self-annihilation. + </p> + <p> + His feeling about reclamations, including answers to attacks and all kinds + of discussions, was strong. It is simply expressed in a letter to Falconer + (1863?), "If I ever felt angry towards you, for whom I have a sincere + friendship, I should begin to suspect that I was a little mad. I was very + sorry about your reclamation, as I think it is in every case a mistake and + should be left to others. Whether I should so act myself under provocation + is a different question." It was a feeling partly dictated by instinctive + delicacy, and partly by a strong sense of the waste of time, energy, and + temper thus caused. He said that he owed his determination not to get into + discussions (He departed from his rule in his "Note on the Habits of the + Pampas Woodpecker, Colaptes campestris," 'Proc. Zool. Soc.,' 1870, page + 705: also in a letter published in the 'Athenaeum' (1863, page 554), in + which case he afterwards regretted that he had not remained silent. His + replies to criticisms, in the later editions of the 'Origin,' can hardly + be classed as infractions of his rule.) to the advice of Lyell,—advice + which he transmitted to those among his friends who were given to paper + warfare. + </p> + <p> + If the character of my father's working life is to be understood, the + conditions of ill-health, under which he worked, must be constantly borne + in mind. He bore his illness with such uncomplaining patience, that even + his children can hardly, I believe, realise the extent of his habitual + suffering. In their case the difficulty is heightened by the fact that, + from the days of their earliest recollections, they saw him in constant + ill-health,—and saw him, in spite of it, full of pleasure in what + pleased them. Thus, in later life, their perception of what he endured had + to be disentangled from the impression produced in childhood by constant + genial kindness under conditions of unrecognised difficulty. No one + indeed, except my mother, knows the full amount of suffering he endured, + or the full amount of his wonderful patience. For all the latter years of + his life she never left him for a night; and her days were so planned that + all his resting hours might be shared with her. She shielded him from + every avoidable annoyance, and omitted nothing that might save him + trouble, or prevent him becoming overtired, or that might alleviate the + many discomforts of his ill-health. I hesitate to speak thus freely of a + thing so sacred as the life-long devotion which prompted all this constant + and tender care. But it is, I repeat, a principal feature of his life, + that for nearly forty years he never knew one day of the health of + ordinary men, and that thus his life was one long struggle against the + weariness and strain of sickness. And this cannot be told without speaking + of the one condition which enabled him to bear the strain and fight out + the struggle to the end. + </p> + <p> + LETTERS. + </p> + <p> + The earliest letters to which I have access are those written by my father + when an undergraduate at Cambridge. + </p> + <p> + The history of his life, as told in his correspondence, must therefore + begin with this period. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 1.IV. — CAMBRIDGE LIFE. + </h2> + <p> + [My father's Cambridge life comprises the time between the Lent Term, + 1828, when he came up as a Freshman, and the end of the May Term, 1831, + when he took his degree and left the University.] + </p> + <p> + It appears from the College books, that my father "admissus est + pensionarius minor sub Magistro Shaw" on October 15, 1827. He did not come + into residence till the Lent Term, 1828, so that, although he passed his + examination in due season, he was unable to take his degree at the usual + time,—the beginning of the Lent Term, 1831. In such a case a man + usually took his degree before Ash-Wednesday, when he was called + "Baccalaureus ad Diem Cinerum," and ranked with the B.A.'s of the year. My + father's name, however, occurs in the list of Bachelors "ad Baptistam," or + those admitted between Ash-Wednesday and St. John Baptist's Day (June + 24th); ("On Tuesday last Charles Darwin, of Christ's College, was admitted + B.A."—"Cambridge Chronicle", Friday, April 29, 1831.) he therefore + took rank among the Bachelors of 1832. + </p> + <p> + He "kept" for a term or two in lodgings, over Bacon the tobacconist's; + not, however, over the shop in the Market Place, now so well known to + Cambridge men, but in Sidney Street. For the rest of his time he had + pleasant rooms on the south side of the first court of Christ's. (The + rooms are on the first floor, on the west side of the middle staircase. A + medallion (given by my brother) has recently been let into the wall of the + sitting-room.) + </p> + <p> + What determined the choice of this college for his brother Erasmus and + himself I have no means of knowing. Erasmus the elder, their grandfather, + had been at St. John's, and this college might have been reasonably + selected for them, being connected with Shrewsbury School. But the life of + an under-graduate at St. John's seems, in those days, to have been a + troubled one, if I may judge from the fact that a relative of mine + migrated thence to Christ's to escape the harassing discipline of the + place. A story told by Mr. Herbert illustrates the same state of things:— + </p> + <p> + "In the beginning of the October Term of 1830, an incident occurred which + was attended with somewhat disagreeable, though ludicrous consequences to + myself. Darwin asked me to take a long walk with him in the Fens, to + search for some natural objects he was desirous of having. After a very + long, fatiguing day's work, we dined together, late in the evening, at his + rooms in Christ's College; and as soon as our dinner was over we threw + ourselves into easy chairs and fell sound asleep. I was first to awake, + about three in the morning, when, having looked at my watch, and knowing + the strict rule of St. John's, which required men in statu pupillari to + come into college before midnight, I rushed homeward at the utmost speed, + in fear of the consequences, but hoping that the Dean would accept the + excuse as sufficient when I told him the real facts. He, however, was + inexorable, and refused to receive my explanations, or any evidence I + could bring; and although during my undergraduateship I had never been + reported for coming late into College, now, when I was a hard-working + B.A., and had five or six pupils, he sentenced me to confinement to the + College walls for the rest of the term. Darwin's indignation knew no + bounds, and the stupid injustice and tyranny of the Dean raised not only a + perfect ferment among my friends, but was the subject of expostulation + from some of the leading members of the University." + </p> + <p> + My father seems to have found no difficulty in living at peace with all + men in and out of office at Lady Margaret's other foundation. The + impression of a contemporary of my father's is that Christ's in their day + was a pleasant, fairly quiet college, with some tendency towards + "horsiness"; many of the men made a custom of going to Newmarket during + the races, though betting was not a regular practice. In this they were by + no means discouraged by the Senior Tutor, Mr. Shaw, who was himself + generally to be seen on the Heath on these occasions. There was a somewhat + high proportion of Fellow-Commoners,—eight or nine, to sixty or + seventy Pensioners, and this would indicate that it was not an unpleasant + college for men with money to spend and with no great love of strict + discipline. + </p> + <p> + The way in which the service was conducted in chapel shows that the Dean, + at least, was not over zealous. I have heard my father tell how at evening + chapel the Dean used to read alternate verses of the Psalms, without + making even a pretence of waiting for the congregation to take their + share. And when the Lesson was a lengthy one, he would rise and go on with + the Canticles after the scholar had read fifteen or twenty verses. + </p> + <p> + It is curious that my father often spoke of his Cambridge life as if it + had been so much time wasted, forgetting that, although the set studies of + the place were barren enough for him, he yet gained in the highest degree + the best advantages of a University life—the contact with men and an + opportunity for his mind to grow vigorously. It is true that he valued at + its highest the advantages which he gained from associating with Professor + Henslow and some others, but he seemed to consider this as a chance + outcome of his life at Cambridge, not an advantage for which Alma Mater + could claim any credit. One of my father's Cambridge friends was the late + Mr. J.M. Herbert, County Court Judge for South Wales, from whom I was + fortunate enough to obtain some notes which help us to gain an idea of how + my father impressed his contemporaries. Mr. Herbert writes: "I think it + was in the spring of 1828 that I first met Darwin, either at my cousin + Whitley's rooms in St. John's, or at the rooms of some other of his old + Shrewsbury schoolfellows, with many of whom I was on terms of great + intimacy. But it certainly was in the summer of that year that our + acquaintance ripened into intimacy, when we happened to be together at + Barmouth, for the Long Vacation, reading with private tutors,—he + with Batterton of St. John's, his Classical and Mathematical Tutor, and I + with Yate of St. John's." + </p> + <p> + The intercourse between them practically ceased in 1831, when my father + said goodbye to Herbert at Cambridge, on starting on his "Beagle" voyage. + I once met Mr. Herbert, then almost an old man, and I was much struck by + the evident warmth and freshness of the affection with which he remembered + my father. The notes from which I quote end with this warm-hearted + eulogium: "It would be idle for me to speak of his vast intellectual + powers...but I cannot end this cursory and rambling sketch without + testifying, and I doubt not all his surviving college friends would concur + with me, that he was the most genial, warm-hearted, generous, and + affectionate of friends; that his sympathies were with all that was good + and true; and that he had a cordial hatred for everything false, or vile, + or cruel, or mean, or dishonourable. He was not only great, but + pre-eminently good, and just, and loveable." + </p> + <p> + Two anecdotes told by Mr. Herbert show that my father's feeling for + suffering, whether of man or beast, was as strong in him as a young man as + it was in later years: "Before he left Cambridge he told me that he had + made up his mind not to shoot any more; that he had had two days' shooting + at his friend's, Mr. Owen of Woodhouse; and that on the second day, when + going over some of the ground they had beaten on the day before, he picked + up a bird not quite dead, but lingering from a shot it had received on the + previous day; and that it had made and left such a painful impression on + his mind, that he could not reconcile it to his conscience to continue to + derive pleasure from a sport which inflicted such cruel suffering." + </p> + <p> + To realise the strength of the feeling that led to this resolve, we must + remember how passionate was his love of sport. We must recall the boy + shooting his first snipe ('Recollections.'), and trembling with excitement + so that he could hardly reload his gun. Or think of such a sentence as, + "Upon my soul, it is only about a fortnight to the 'First,' then if there + is a bliss on earth that is it." (Letter from C. Darwin to W.D. Fox.) + </p> + <p> + Another anecdote told by Mr. Herbert illustrates again his tenderness of + heart:— + </p> + <p> + "When at Barmouth he and I went to an exhibition of 'learned dogs.' In the + middle of the entertainment one of the dogs failed in performing the trick + his master told him to do. On the man reproving him, the dog put on a most + piteous expression, as if in fear of the whip. Darwin seeing it, asked me + to leave with him, saying, 'Come along, I can't stand this any longer; how + those poor dogs must have been licked.'" + </p> + <p> + It is curious that the same feeling recurred to my father more than fifty + years afterwards, on seeing some performing dogs at the Westminster + Aquarium; on this occasion he was reassured by the manager telling him + that the dogs were taught more by reward than by punishment. Mr. Herbert + goes on:—"It stirred one's inmost depth of feeling to hear him + descant upon, and groan over, the horrors of the slave-trade, or the + cruelties to which the suffering Poles were subjected at Warsaw...These, + and other like proofs have left on my mind the conviction that a more + humane or tender-hearted man never lived." + </p> + <p> + His old college friends agree in speaking with affectionate warmth of his + pleasant, genial temper as a young man. From what they have been able to + tell me, I gain the impression of a young man overflowing with animal + spirits—leading a varied healthy life—not over-industrious in + the set of studies of the place, but full of other pursuits, which were + followed with a rejoicing enthusiasm. Entomology, riding, shooting in the + fens, suppers and card-playing, music at King's Chapel, engravings at the + Fitzwilliam Museum, walks with Professor Henslow—all combined to + fill up a happy life. He seems to have infected others with his + enthusiasm. Mr. Herbert relates how, during the same Barmouth summer, he + was pressed into the service of "the science"—as my father called + collecting beetles. They took their daily walks together among the hills + behind Barmouth, or boated in the Mawddach estuary, or sailed to Sarn + Badrig to land there at low water, or went fly-fishing in the Cors-y-gedol + lakes. "On these occasions Darwin entomologized most industriously, + picking up creatures as he walked along, and bagging everything which + seemed worthy of being pursued, or of further examination. And very soon + he armed me with a bottle of alcohol, in which I had to drop any beetle + which struck me as not of a common kind. I performed this duty with some + diligence in my constitutional walks; but alas! my powers of + discrimination seldom enabled me to secure a prize—the usual result, + on his examining the contents of my bottle, being an exclamation, 'Well, + old Cherbury' (No doubt in allusion to the title of Lord Herbert of + Cherbury.) (the nickname he gave me, and by which he usually addressed + me), 'none of these will do.'" Again, the Rev. T. Butler, who was one of + the Barmouth reading-party in 1828, says: "He inoculated me with a taste + for Botany which has stuck by me all my life." + </p> + <p> + Archdeacon Watkins, another old college friend of my father's, remembers + him unearthing beetles in the willows between Cambridge and Grantchester, + and speaks of a certain beetle the remembrance of whose name is "Crux + major." (Panagaeus crux-major.) How enthusiastically must my father have + exulted over this beetle to have impressed its name on a companion so that + he remembers it after half a century! Archdeacon Watkins goes on: "I do + not forget the long and very interesting conversations that we had about + Brazilian scenery and tropical vegetation of all sorts. Nor do I forget + the way and the vehemence with which he rubbed his chin when he got + excited on such subjects, and discoursed eloquently of lianas, orchids, + etc." + </p> + <p> + He became intimate with Henslow, the Professor of Botany, and through him + with some other older members of the University. "But," Mr. Herbert + writes, "he always kept up the closest connection with the friends of his + own standing; and at our frequent social gatherings—at breakfast, + wine or supper parties—he was ever one of the most cheerful, the + most popular, and the most welcome." + </p> + <p> + My father formed one of a club for dining once a week, called the Gourmet + (Mr. Herbert mentions the name as 'The Glutton Club.') Club, the members, + besides himself and Mr. Herbert (from whom I quote), being Whitley of St. + John's, now Honorary Canon of Durham (Formerly Reader in Natural + Philosophy at Durham University.); Heaviside of Sidney, now Canon of + Norwich; Lovett Cameron of Trinity, now vicar of Shoreham; Blane of + Trinity, who held a high post during the Crimean war; H. Lowe (Brother of + Lord Sherbrooke.) (Now Sherbrooke) of Trinity Hall; and Watkins of + Emmanuel, now Archdeacon of York. The origin of the club's name seems + already to have become involved in obscurity. Mr. Herbert says that it was + chosen in derision of another "set of men who called themselves by a long + Greek name signifying 'fond of dainties,' but who falsified their claim to + such a designation by their weekly practice of dining at some roadside + inn, six miles from Cambridge, on mutton chops or beans and bacon." + Another old member of the club tells me that the name arose because the + members were given to making experiments on "birds and beasts which were + before unknown to human palate." He says that hawk and bittern were tried, + and that their zeal broke down over an old brown owl, "which was + indescribable." At any rate, the meetings seemed to have been successful, + and to have ended with "a game of mild vingt-et-un." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Herbert gives an amusing account of the musical examinations described + by my father in his "Recollections." Mr. Herbert speaks strongly of his + love of music, and adds, "What gave him the greatest delight was some + grand symphony or overture of Mozart's or Beethoven's, with their full + harmonies." On one occasion Herbert remembers "accompanying him to the + afternoon service at King's, when we heard a very beautiful anthem. At the + end of one of the parts, which was exceedingly impressive, he turned round + to me and said, with a deep sigh, 'How's your backbone?'" He often spoke + of a feeling of coldness or shivering in his back on hearing beautiful + music. + </p> + <p> + Besides a love of music, he had certainly at this time a love of fine + literature; and Mr. Cameron tells me that he used to read Shakespeare to + my father in his rooms at Christ's, who took much pleasure in it. He also + speaks of his "great liking for first-class line engravings, especially + those of Raphael Morghen and Muller; and he spent hours in the Fitzwilliam + Museum in looking over the prints in that collection." + </p> + <p> + My father's letters to Fox show how sorely oppressed he felt by the + reading of an examination: "I am reading very hard, and have spirits for + nothing. I actually have not stuck a beetle this term." His despair over + mathematics must have been profound, when he expressed a hope that Fox's + silence is due to "your being ten fathoms deep in the Mathematics; and if + you are, God help you, for so am I, only with this difference, I stick + fast in the mud at the bottom, and there I shall remain." Mr. Herbert + says: "He had, I imagine, no natural turn for mathematics, and he gave up + his mathematical reading before he had mastered the first part of Algebra, + having had a special quarrel with Surds and the Binomial Theorem." + </p> + <p> + We get some evidence from his letters to Fox of my father's intention of + going into the Church. "I am glad," he writes (March 18, 1829.), "to hear + that you are reading divinity. I should like to know what books you are + reading, and your opinions about them; you need not be afraid of preaching + to me prematurely." Mr. Herbert's sketch shows how doubts arose in my + father's mind as to the possibility of his taking Orders. He writes, "We + had an earnest conversation about going into Holy Orders; and I remember + his asking me, with reference to the question put by the Bishop in the + ordination service, 'Do you trust that you are inwardly moved by the Holy + Spirit, etc.,' whether I could answer in the affirmative, and on my saying + I could not, he said, 'Neither can I, and therefore I cannot take + orders.'" This conversation appears to have taken place in 1829, and if + so, the doubts here expressed must have been quieted, for in May 1830, he + speaks of having some thoughts of reading divinity with Henslow. + </p> + <p> + [The greater number of the following letters are addressed by my father to + his cousin, William Darwin Fox. Mr. Fox's relationship to my father is + shown in the pedigree given in Chapter I. The degree of kinship appears to + have remained a problem to my father, as he signs himself in one letter + "cousin/n to the power 2." Their friendship was, in fact, due to their + being undergraduates together. My father's letters show clearly enough how + genuine the friendship was. In after years, distance, large families, and + ill-health on both sides, checked the intercourse; but a warm feeling of + friendship remained. The correspondence was never quite dropped and + continued till Mr. Fox's death in 1880. Mr. Fox took orders, and worked as + a country clergyman until forced by ill-health to leave his living in + Delamare Forest. His love of natural history remained strong, and he + became a skilled fancier of many kinds of birds, etc. The index to + 'Animals and Plants,' and my father's later correspondence, show how much + help he received from his old College friend.] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.M. HERBERT. Saturday Evening [September 14, + 1828]. (The postmark being Derby seems to show that the letter was written + from his cousin, W.D. Fox's house, Osmaston, near Derby.) + </p> + <p> + My dear old Cherbury, + </p> + <p> + I am about to fulfil my promise of writing to you, but I am sorry to add + there is a very selfish motive at the bottom. I am going to ask you a + great favour, and you cannot imagine how much you will oblige me by + procuring some more specimens of some insects which I dare say I can + describe. In the first place, I must inform you that I have taken some of + the rarest of the British Insects, and their being found near Barmouth, is + quite unknown to the Entomological world: I think I shall write and inform + some of the crack entomologists. + </p> + <p> + But now for business. SEVERAL more specimens, if you can procure them + without much trouble, of the following insects:—The violet-black + coloured beetle, found on Craig Storm (The top of the hill immediately + behind Barmouth was called Craig-Storm, a hybrid Cambro-English word.), + under stones, also a large smooth black one very like it; a bluish + metallic-coloured dung-beetle, which is VERY common on the hill-sides; + also, if you WOULD be so very kind as to cross the ferry, and you will + find a great number under the stones on the waste land of a long, smooth, + jet-black beetle (a great many of these); also, in the same situation, a + very small pinkish insect, with black spots, with a curved thorax + projecting beyond the head; also, upon the marshy land over the ferry, + near the sea, under old sea-weed, stones, etc., you will find a small + yellowish transparent beetle, with two or four blackish marks on the back. + Under these stones there are two sorts, one much darker than the other; + the lighter-coloured is that which I want. These last two insects are + EXCESSIVELY RARE, and you will really EXTREMELY oblige me by taking all + this trouble pretty soon; remember me most kindly to Butler, tell him of + my success, and I dare say both of you will easily recognise these + insects. I hope his caterpillars go on well. I think many of the + Chrysalises are well worth keeping. I really am quite ashamed [of] so long + a letter all about my own concerns; but do return good for evil, and send + me a long account of all your proceedings. + </p> + <p> + In the first week I killed seventy-five head of game—a very + contemptible number—but there are very few birds. I killed, however, + a brace of black game. Since then I have been staying at the Fox's, near + Derby; it is a very pleasant house, and the music meeting went off very + well. I want to hear how Yates likes his gun, and what use he has made of + it. + </p> + <p> + If the bottle is not large you can buy another for me, and when you pass + through Shrewsbury you can leave these treasures, and I hope, if you + possibly can, you will stay a day or two with me, as I hope I need not say + how glad I shall be to see you again. Fox remarked what deuced + good-natured fellows your friends at Barmouth must be; and if I did not + know how you and Butler were so, I would not think of giving you so much + trouble. + </p> + <p> + Believe me, my dear Herbert, Yours, most sincerely, CHARLES DARWIN. + Remember me to all friends. + </p> + <p> + [In the following January we find him looking forward with pleasure to the + beginning of another year of his Cambridge life: he writes to Fox— + </p> + <p> + "I waited till to-day for the chance of a letter, but I will wait no + longer. I must most sincerely and cordially congratulate you on having + finished all your labours. I think your place a VERY GOOD one considering + by how much you have beaten many men who had the start of you in reading. + I do so wish I were now in Cambridge (a very selfish wish, however, as I + was not with you in all your troubles and misery), to join in all the + glory and happiness, which dangers gone by can give. How we would talk, + walk, and entomologise! Sappho should be the best of bitches, and Dash, of + dogs: then should be 'peace on earth, good will to men,'—which, by + the way, I always think the most perfect description of happiness that + words can give."] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO W.D. FOX. Cambridge, Thursday [February 26, + 1829]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Fox, + </p> + <p> + When I arrived here on Tuesday I found to my great grief and surprise, a + letter on my table which I had written to you about a fortnight ago, the + stupid porter never took the trouble of getting the letter forwarded. I + suppose you have been abusing me for a most ungrateful wretch; but I am + sure you will pity me now, as nothing is so vexatious as having written a + letter in vain. + </p> + <p> + Last Thursday I left Shrewsbury for London, and stayed there till Tuesday, + on which I came down here by the 'Times.' The first two days I spent + entirely with Mr. Hope (Founder of the Chair of Zoology at Oxford.), and + did little else but talk about and look at insects; his collection is most + magnificent, and he himself is the most generous of entomologists; he has + given me about 160 new species, and actually often wanted to give me the + rarest insects of which he had only two specimens. He made many civil + speeches, and hoped you will call on him some time with me, whenever we + should happen to be in London. He greatly compliments our exertions in + Entomology, and says we have taken a wonderfully great number of good + insects. On Sunday I spent the day with Holland, who lent me a horse to + ride in the Park with. + </p> + <p> + On Monday evening I drank tea with Stephens (J.F. Stephens, author of 'A + Manual of British Coleoptera,' 1839, and other works.); his cabinet is + more magnificent than the most zealous entomologist could dream of; he + appears to be a very good-humoured pleasant little man. Whilst in town I + went to the Royal Institution, Linnean Society, and Zoological Gardens, + and many other places where naturalists are gregarious. If you had been + with me, I think London would be a very delightful place; as things were, + it was much pleasanter than I could have supposed such a dreary wilderness + of houses to be. + </p> + <p> + I shot whilst in Shrewsbury a Dundiver (female Goosander, as I suppose you + know). Shaw has stuffed it, and when I have an opportunity I will send it + to Osmaston. There have been shot also five Waxen Chatterers, three of + which Shaw has for sale; would you like to purchase a specimen? I have not + yet thanked you for your last very long and agreeable letter. It would + have been still more agreeable had it contained the joyful intelligence + that you were coming up here; my two solitary breakfasts have already made + me aware how very very much I shall miss you. + </p> + <p> + ... + </p> + <p> + Believe me, My dear old Fox, Most sincerely yours, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + [Later on in the Lent term he writes to Fox:— + </p> + <p> + "I am leading a quiet everyday sort of a life; a little of Gibbon's + History in the morning, and a good deal of "Van John" in the evening; + this, with an occasional ride with Simcox and constitutional with Whitley, + makes up the regular routine of my days. I see a good deal both of Herbert + and Whitley, and the more I see of them increases every day the respect I + have for their excellent understandings and dispositions. They have been + giving some very gay parties, nearly sixty men there both evenings."] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO W.D. FOX. Christ's College [Cambridge], April + 1 [1829]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Fox, + </p> + <p> + In your letter to Holden you are pleased to observe "that of all the + blackguards you ever met with I am the greatest." Upon this observation I + shall make no remarks, excepting that I must give you all due credit for + acting on it most rigidly. And now I should like to know in what one + particular are you less of a blackguard than I am? You idle old wretch, + why have you not answered my last letter, which I am sure I forwarded to + Clifton nearly three weeks ago? If I was not really very anxious to hear + what you are doing, I should have allowed you to remain till you thought + it worth while to treat me like a gentleman. And now having vented my + spleen in scolding you, and having told you, what you must know, how very + much and how anxiously I want to hear how you and your family are getting + on at Clifton, the purport of this letter is finished. If you did but know + how often I think of you, and how often I regret your absence, I am sure I + should have heard from you long enough ago. + </p> + <p> + I find Cambridge rather stupid, and as I know scarcely any one that walks, + and this joined with my lips not being quite so well, has reduced me to a + sort of hybernation... I have caught Mr. Harbour letting — have the + first pick of the beetles; accordingly we have made our final adieus, my + part in the affecting scene consisted in telling him he was a d—d + rascal, and signifying I should kick him down the stairs if ever he + appeared in my rooms again. It seemed altogether mightily to surprise the + young gentleman. I have no news to tell you; indeed, when a correspondence + has been broken off like ours has been, it is difficult to make the first + start again. Last night there was a terrible fire at Linton, eleven miles + from Cambridge. Seeing the reflection so plainly in the sky, Hall, + Woodyeare, Turner, and myself thought we would ride and see it. We set out + at half-past nine, and rode like incarnate devils there, and did not + return till two in the morning. Altogether it was a most awful sight. I + cannot conclude without telling you, that of all the blackguards I ever + met with, you are the greatest and the best. + </p> + <p> + C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO W.D. FOX. [Cambridge, Thursday, April 23, + 1829.] + </p> + <p> + My dear Fox, + </p> + <p> + I have delayed answering your last letter for these few days, as I thought + that under such melancholy circumstances my writing to you would be + probably only giving you trouble. This morning I received a letter from + Catherine informing me of that event (The death of Fox's sister, Mrs. + Bristowe.), which, indeed, from your letter, I had hardly dared to hope + would have happened otherwise. I feel most sincerely and deeply for you + and all your family; but at the same time, as far as any one can, by his + own good principles and religion, be supported under such a misfortune, + you, I am assured, will know where to look for such support. And after so + pure and holy a comfort as the Bible affords, I am equally assured how + useless the sympathy of all friends must appear, although it be as + heartfelt and sincere, as I hope you believe me capable of feeling. At + such a time of deep distress I will say nothing more, excepting that I + trust your father and Mrs. Fox bear this blow as well as, under such + circumstances, can be hoped for. + </p> + <p> + I am afraid it will be a long time, my dear Fox, before we meet; till + then, believe me at all times, + </p> + <p> + Yours most affectionately, CHARLES DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO W.D. FOX. Shrewsbury, Friday [July 4, 1829]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Fox, + </p> + <p> + I should have written to you before only that whilst our expedition lasted + I was too much engaged, and the conclusion was so unfortunate, that I was + too unhappy to write to you till this week's quiet at home. The thoughts + of Woodhouse next week has at last given me courage to relate my + unfortunate case. + </p> + <p> + I started from this place about a fortnight ago to take an entomological + trip with Mr. Hope through all North Wales; and Barmouth was our first + destination. The two first days I went on pretty well, taking several good + insects; but for the rest of that week my lips became suddenly so bad + (Probably with eczema, from which he often suffered.), and I myself not + very well, that I was unable to leave the room, and on the Monday I + retreated with grief and sorrow back again to Shrewsbury. The first two + days I took some good insects...But the days that I was unable to go out, + Mr. Hope did wonders...and to-day I have received another parcel of + insects from him, such Colymbetes, such Carabi, and such magnificent + Elaters (two species of the bright scarlet sort). I am sure you will + properly sympathise with my unfortunate situation: I am determined I will + go over the same ground that he does before autumn comes, and if working + hard will procure insects I will bring home a glorious stock.... + </p> + <p> + My dear Fox, Yours most sincerely, CHAS. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO W.D. FOX. Shrewsbury, July 18, 1829. + </p> + <p> + I am going to Maer next week in order to entomologise, and shall stay + there a week, and for the rest of this summer I intend to lead a perfectly + idle and wandering life...You see I am much in the same state that you + are, with this difference, you make good resolutions and never keep them; + I never make them, so cannot keep them; it is all very well writing in + this manner, but I must read for my Little-go. Graham smiled and bowed so + very civilly, when he told me that he was one of the six appointed to make + the examination stricter, and that they were determined this would make it + a very different thing from any previous examination, that from all this I + am sure it will be the very devil to pay amongst all idle men and + entomologists. Erasmus, we expect home in a few weeks' time: he intends + passing next winter in Paris. Be sure you order the two lists of insects + published by Stephens, one printed on both sides, and the other only on + one; you will find them very useful in many points of view. + </p> + <p> + Dear old Fox, yours, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO W.D. FOX. Christ's College, Thursday [October + 16, 1829]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Fox, + </p> + <p> + I am afraid you will be very angry with me for not having written during + the Music Meeting, but really I was worked so hard that I had no time; I + arrived here on Monday and found my rooms in dreadful confusion, as they + have been taking up the floor, and you may suppose that I have had plenty + to do for these two days. The Music Meeting (At Birmingham.) was the most + glorious thing I ever experienced; and as for Malibran, words cannot + praise her enough, she is quite the most charming person I ever saw. We + had extracts out of several of the best operas, acted in character, and + you cannot imagine how very superior it made the concerts to any I ever + heard before. J. de Begnis (De Begnis's Christian name was Giuseppe.) + acted 'Il Fanatico' in character; being dressed up an extraordinary figure + gives a much greater effect to his acting. He kept the whole theatre in + roars of laughter. I liked Madame Blasis very much, but nothing will do + after Malibran, who sung some comic songs, and [a] person's heart must + have been made of stone not to have lost it to her. I lodged very near the + Wedgwoods, and lived entirely with them, which was very pleasant, and had + you been there it would have been quite perfect. It knocked me up most + dreadfully, and I will never attempt again to do two things the same day. + </p> + <p> + ... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO W.D. FOX. [Cambridge] Thursday [March, 1830]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Fox, + </p> + <p> + I am through my Little-Go!!! I am too much exalted to humble myself by + apologising for not having written before. But I assure you before I went + in, and when my nerves were in a shattered and weak condition, your + injured person often rose before my eyes and taunted me with my idleness. + But I am through, through, through. I could write the whole sheet full + with this delightful word. I went in yesterday, and have just heard the + joyful news. I shall not know for a week which class I am in. The whole + examination is carried on in a different system. It has one grand + advantage—being over in one day. They are rather strict, and ask a + wonderful number of questions. + </p> + <p> + And now I want to know something about your plans; of course you intend + coming up here: what fun we will have together; what beetles we will + catch; it will do my heart good to go once more together to some of our + old haunts. I have two very promising pupils in Entomology, and we will + make regular campaigns into the Fens. Heaven protect the beetles and Mr. + Jenyns, for we won't leave him a pair in the whole country. My new Cabinet + is come down, and a gay little affair it is. + </p> + <p> + And now for the time—I think I shall go for a few days to town to + hear an opera and see Mr. Hope; not to mention my brother also, whom I + should have no objection to see. If I go pretty soon, you can come + afterwards, but if you will settle your plans definitely, I will arrange + mine, so send me a letter by return of post. And I charge you let it be + favourable—that is to say, come directly. Holden has been ordained, + and drove the Coach out on the Monday. I do not think he is looking very + well. Chapman wants you and myself to pay him a visit when you come up, + and begs to be remembered to you. You must excuse this short letter, as I + have no end more to send off by this day's post. I long to see you again, + and till then, + </p> + <p> + My dear good old Fox, Yours most sincerely, CHARLES DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + [In August he was in North Wales and wrote to Fox:— + </p> + <p> + "I have been intending to write every hour for the last fortnight, but + REALLY have had no time. I left Shrewsbury this day fortnight ago, and + have since that time been working from morning to night in catching fish + or beetles. This is literally the first idle day I have had to myself; for + on the rainy days I go fishing, on the good ones entomologising. You may + recollect that for the fortnight previous to all this, you told me not to + write, so that I hope I have made out some sort of defence for not having + sooner answered your two long and very agreeable letters."] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO W.D. FOX. [Cambridge, November 5, 1830.] + </p> + <p> + My dear Fox, + </p> + <p> + I have so little time at present, and am so disgusted by reading that I + have not the heart to write to anybody. I have only written once home + since I came up. This must excuse me for not having answered your three + letters, for which I am really very much obliged... + </p> + <p> + I have not stuck an insect this term, and scarcely opened a case. If I had + time I would have sent you the insects which I have so long promised; but + really I have not spirits or time to do anything. Reading makes me quite + desperate; the plague of getting up all my subjects is next thing to + intolerable. Henslow is my tutor, and a most ADMIRABLE one he makes; the + hour with him is the pleasantest in the whole day. I think he is quite the + most perfect man I ever met with. I have been to some very pleasant + parties there this term. His good-nature is unbounded. + </p> + <p> + I am sure you will be sorry to hear poor old Whitley's father is dead. In + a worldly point of view it is of great consequence to him, as it will + prevent him going to the Bar for some time.—(Be sure answer this:) + What did you pay for the iron hoop you had made in Shrewsbury? Because I + do not mean to pay the whole of the Cambridge man's bill. You need not + trouble yourself about the Phallus, as I have bought up both species. I + have heard men say that Henslow has some curious religious opinions. I + never perceived anything of it, have you? I am very glad to hear, after + all your delays, you have heard of a curacy where you may read all the + commandments without endangering your throat. I am also still more glad to + hear that your mother continues steadily to improve. I do trust that you + will have no further cause for uneasiness. With every wish for your + happiness, my dear old Fox, + </p> + <p> + Believe me yours most sincerely, CHARLES DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO W.D. FOX. Cambridge, Sunday, January 23, 1831. + </p> + <p> + My dear Fox, + </p> + <p> + I do hope you will excuse my not writing before I took my degree. I felt a + quite inexplicable aversion to write to anybody. But now I do most + heartily congratulate you upon passing your examination, and hope you find + your curacy comfortable. If it is my last shilling (I have not many), I + will come and pay you a visit. + </p> + <p> + I do not know why the degree should make one so miserable, both before and + afterwards. I recollect you were sufficiently wretched before, and I can + assure [you] I am now, and what makes it the more ridiculous is, I know + not what about. I believe it is a beautiful provision of nature to make + one regret the less leaving so pleasant a place as Cambridge; and amongst + all its pleasures—I say it for once and for all—none so great + as my friendship with you. I sent you a newspaper yesterday, in which you + will see what a good place [10th] I have got in the Poll. As for Christ's, + did you ever see such a college for producing Captains and Apostles? (The + "Captain" is at the head of the "Poll": the "Apostles" are the last twelve + in the Mathematical Tripos.) There are no men either at Emmanuel or + Christ's plucked. Cameron is gulfed, together with other three Trinity + scholars! My plans are not at all settled. I think I shall keep this term, + and then go and economise at Shrewsbury, return and take my degree. + </p> + <p> + A man may be excused for writing so much about himself when he has just + passed the examination; so you must excuse [me]. And on the same principle + do you write a letter brimful of yourself and plans. I want to know + something about your examination. Tell me about the state of your nerves; + what books you got up, and how perfect. I take an interest about that sort + of thing, as the time will come when I must suffer. Your tutor, Thompson, + begged to be remembered to you, and so does Whitley. If you will answer + this, I will send as many stupid answers as you can desire. + </p> + <p> + Believe me, dear Fox, CHAS. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 1.V. — THE APPOINTMENT TO THE 'BEAGLE.' + </h2> + <p> + [In a letter addressed to Captain Fitz-Roy, before the "Beagle" sailed, my + father wrote, "What a glorious day the 4th of November (The "Beagle" did + not however make her final and successful start until December 27.) will + be to me—my second life will then commence, and it shall be as a + birthday for the rest of my life."] + </p> + <p> + The circumstances which led to this second birth—so much more + important than my father then imagined—are connected with his + Cambridge life, but may be more appropriately told in the present chapter. + Foremost in the chain of circumstances which lead to his appointment to + the "Beagle", was my father's friendship with Professor Henslow. He wrote + in a pocket-book or diary, which contain a brief record of dates, etc., + throughout his life:— + </p> + <p> + "1831. CHRISTMAS.—Passed my examination for B.A. degree and kept the + two following terms. + </p> + <p> + "During these months lived much with Professor Henslow, often dining with + him and walking with him; became slightly acquainted with several of the + learned men in Cambridge, which much quickened the zeal which dinner + parties and hunting had not destroyed. + </p> + <p> + "In the spring paid Mr. Dawes a visit with Ramsay and Kirby, and talked + over an excursion to Teneriffe. In the spring Henslow persuaded me to + think of Geology, and introduced me to Sedgwick. During Midsummer + geologised a little in Shropshire. + </p> + <p> + "AUGUST.—Went on Geological tour (Mentioned by Sedgwick in his + preface to Salter's 'Catalogue of Cambrian and Silurian Fossils,' 1873.) + by Llangollen, Ruthin, Conway, Bangor, and Capel Curig, where I left + Professor Sedgwick, and crossed the mountain to Barmouth." + </p> + <p> + In a letter to Fox (May, 1831), my father writes:—"I am very + busy...and see a great deal of Henslow, whom I do not know whether I love + or respect most." His feeling for this admirable man is finely expressed + in a letter which he wrote to Rev. L. Blomefield (then Rev. L. Jenyns), + when the latter was engaged in his 'Memoir of Professor Henslow' + (published 1862). The passage ('Memoir of the Rev. John Stevens Henslow, + M.A.,' by the Rev. Leonard Jenyns. 8vo. London, 1862, page 51.) has been + made use of in the first of the memorial notices written for 'Nature,' and + Mr. Romanes points out that my father, "while describing the character of + another, is unconsciously giving a most accurate description of his own":— + </p> + <p> + "I went to Cambridge early in the year 1828, and soon became acquainted, + through some of my brother entomologists, with Professor Henslow, for all + who cared for any branch of natural history were equally encouraged by + him. Nothing could be more simple, cordial, and unpretending than the + encouragement which he afforded to all young naturalists. I soon became + intimate with him, for he had a remarkable power of making the young feel + completely at ease with him; though we were all awe-struck with the amount + of his knowledge. Before I saw him, I heard one young man sum up his + attainments by simply saying that he knew everything. When I reflect how + immediately we felt at perfect ease with a man older, and in every way so + immensely our superior, I think it was as much owing to the transparent + sincerity of his character as to his kindness of heart; and, perhaps, even + still more, to a highly remarkable absence in him of all + self-consciousness. One perceived at once that he never thought of his own + varied knowledge or clear intellect, but solely on the subject in hand. + Another charm, which must have struck every one, was that his manner to + old and distinguished persons and to the youngest student was exactly the + same: and to all he showed the same winning courtesy. He would receive + with interest the most trifling observation in any branch of natural + history; and however absurd a blunder one might make, he pointed it out so + clearly and kindly, that one left him no way disheartened, but only + determined to be more accurate the next time. In short, no man could be + better formed to win the entire confidence of the young, and to encourage + them in their pursuits. + </p> + <p> + "His lectures on Botany were universally popular, and as clear as + daylight. So popular were they, that several of the older members of the + University attended successive courses. Once every week he kept open house + in the evening, and all who cared for natural history attended these + parties, which, by thus favouring inter-communication, did the same good + in Cambridge, in a very pleasant manner, as the Scientific Societies do in + London. At these parties many of the most distinguished members of the + University occasionally attended; and when only a few were present, I have + listened to the great men of those days, conversing on all sorts of + subjects, with the most varied and brilliant powers. This was no small + advantage to some of the younger men, as it stimulated their mental + activity and ambition. Two or three times in each session he took + excursions with his botanical class; either a long walk to the habitat of + some rare plant, or in a barge down the river to the fens, or in coaches + to some more distant place, as to Gamlingay, to see the wild lily of the + valley, and to catch on the heath the rare natter-jack. These excursions + have left a delightful impression on my mind. He was, on such occasions, + in as good spirits as a boy, and laughed as heartily as a boy at the + misadventures of those who chased the splendid swallow-tail butterflies + across the broken and treacherous fens. He used to pause every now and + then to lecture on some plant or other object; and something he could tell + us on every insect, shell, or fossil collected, for he had attended to + every branch of natural history. After our day's work we used to dine at + some inn or house, and most jovial we then were. I believe all who joined + these excursions will agree with me that they have left an enduring + impression of delight on our minds. + </p> + <p> + "As time passed on at Cambridge I became very intimate with Professor + Henslow, and his kindness was unbounded; he continually asked me to his + house, and allowed me to accompany him in his walks. He talked on all + subjects, including his deep sense of religion, and was entirely open. I + own more than I can express to this excellent man... + </p> + <p> + "During the years when I associated so much with Professor Henslow, I + never once saw his temper even ruffled. He never took an ill-natured view + of any one's character, though very far from blind to the foibles of + others. It always struck me that his mind could not be even touched by any + paltry feeling of vanity, envy, or jealousy. With all this equability of + temper and remarkable benevolence, there was no insipidity of character. A + man must have been blind not to have perceived that beneath this placid + exterior there was a vigorous and determined will. When principle came + into play, no power on earth could have turned him one hair's-breadth... + </p> + <p> + "Reflecting over his character with gratitude and reverence, his moral + attributes rise, as they should do in the highest character, in + pre-eminence over his intellect." + </p> + <p> + In a letter to Rev. L. Blomefield (Jenyns), May 24, 1862, my father wrote + with the same feelings that he had expressed in his letters thirty years + before:— + </p> + <p> + "I thank you most sincerely for your kind present of your Memoir of + Henslow. I have read about half, and it has interested me much. I do not + think that I could have venerated him more than I did; but your book has + even exalted his character in my eyes. From turning over the pages of the + latter half, I should think your account would be invaluable to any + clergyman who wished to follow poor dear Henslow's noble example. What an + admirable man he was." + </p> + <p> + The geological work mentioned in the quotation from my father's + pocket-book was doubtless of importance as giving him some practical + experience, and perhaps of more importance in helping to give him some + confidence in himself. In July of the same year, 1831, he was "working + like a tiger" at Geology, and trying to make a map of Shropshire, but not + finding it "as easy as I expected." + </p> + <p> + In writing to Henslow about the same time, he gives some account of his + work:— + </p> + <p> + "I should have written to you some time ago, only I was determined to wait + for the clinometer, and I am very glad to say I think it will answer + admirably. I put all the tables in my bedroom at every conceivable angle + and direction. I will venture to say I have measured them as accurately as + any geologist going could do...I have been working at so many things that + I have not got on much with geology. I suspect the first expedition I + take, clinometer and hammer in hand, will send me back very little wiser + and a good deal more puzzled than when I started. As yet I have only + indulged in hypotheses, but they are such powerful ones that I suppose, if + they were put into action for but one day, the world would come to an + end." + </p> + <p> + He was evidently most keen to get to work with Sedgwick, for he wrote to + Henslow: "I have not heard from Professor Sedgwick, so I am afraid he will + not pay the Severn formations a visit. I hope and trust you did your best + to urge him." + </p> + <p> + My father has given in his Recollections some account of this Tour. + </p> + <p> + There too we read of the projected excursion to the Canaries, of which + slight mention occurs in letters to Fox and Henslow. + </p> + <p> + In April 1831 he writes to Fox: "At present I talk, think, and dream of a + scheme I have almost hatched of going to the Canary Islands. I have long + had a wish of seeing tropical scenery and vegetation, and, according to + Humboldt, Teneriffe is a very pretty specimen." And again in May: "As for + my Canary scheme, it is rash of you to ask questions; my other friends + most sincerely wish me there, I plague them so with talking about tropical + scenery, etc. Eyton will go next summer, and I am learning Spanish." + </p> + <p> + Later on in the summer the scheme took more definite form, and the date + seems to have been fixed for June, 1832. He got information in London + about passage-money, and in July was working at Spanish and calling Fox + "un grandisimo lebron," in proof of his knowledge of the language; which, + however, he found "intensely stupid." But even then he seems to have had + some doubts about his companions' zeal, for he writes to Henslow (July 27, + 1831): "I hope you continue to fan your Canary ardour. I read and re-read + Humboldt; do you do the same? I am sure nothing will prevent us seeing the + Great Dragon Tree." + </p> + <p> + Geological work and Teneriffe dreams carried him through the summer, till + on returning from Barmouth for the sacred 1st of September, he received + the offer of appointment as Naturalist to the "Beagle". + </p> + <p> + The following extract from the pocket-book will be a help in reading the + letters:— + </p> + <p> + "Returned to Shrewsbury at end of August. Refused offer of voyage. + </p> + <p> + "September.—Went to Maer, returned with Uncle Jos. to Shrewsbury, + thence to Cambridge. London. + </p> + <p> + "11th.—Went with Captain Fitz-Roy in steamer to Plymouth to see the + "Beagle". + </p> + <p> + "22nd.—Returned to Shrewsbury, passing through Cambridge. + </p> + <p> + "October 2nd.—Took leave of my home. Stayed in London. + </p> + <p> + "24th—Reached Plymouth. + </p> + <p> + "October and November.—These months very miserable. + </p> + <p> + "December 10th.—Sailed, but were obliged to put back. + </p> + <p> + "21st.—Put to sea again, and were driven back. + </p> + <p> + "27th.—Sailed from England on our Circumnavigation." + </p> + <p> + GEORGE PEACOCK (Formerly Dean of Ely, and Lowndean Professor of Astronomy + at Cambridge.) TO J.S. HENSLOW. 7 Suffolk Street, Pall Mall East. [1831.] + </p> + <p> + My dear Henslow, + </p> + <p> + Captain Fitz-Roy is going out to survey the southern coast of Tierra del + Fuego, and afterwards to visit many of the South Sea Islands, and to + return by the Indian Archipelago. The vessel is fitted out expressly for + scientific purposes, combined with the survey; it will furnish, therefore, + a rare opportunity for a naturalist, and it would be a great misfortune + that it should be lost. + </p> + <p> + An offer has been made to me to recommend a proper person to go out as a + naturalist with this expedition; he will be treated with every + consideration. The Captain is a young man of very pleasing manners (a + nephew of the Duke of Grafton), of great zeal in his profession, and who + is very highly spoken of; if Leonard Jenyns could go, what treasures he + might bring home with him, as the ship would be placed at his disposal + whenever his inquiries made it necessary or desirable. In the absence of + so accomplished a naturalist, is there any person whom you could strongly + recommend? he must be such a person as would do credit to our + recommendation. Do think of this subject, it would be a serious loss to + the cause of natural science if this fine opportunity was lost.... + </p> + <p> + The ship sails about the end of September. + </p> + <p> + Write immediately, and tell me what can be done. + </p> + <p> + Believe me, My dear Henslow, Most truly yours, GEORGE PEACOCK. + </p> + <p> + J.S. HENSLOW TO C. DARWIN. Cambridge, August 24, 1831. + </p> + <p> + My dear Darwin, + </p> + <p> + Before I enter upon the immediate business of this letter, let us condole + together upon the loss of our inestimable friend poor Ramsay, of whose + death you have undoubtedly heard long before this. + </p> + <p> + I will not now dwell upon this painful subject, as I shall hope to see you + shortly, fully expecting that you will eagerly catch at the offer which is + likely to be made you of a trip to Tierra del Fuego, and home by the East + Indies. I have been asked by Peacock, who will read and forward this to + you from London, to recommend him a Naturalist as companion to Captain + Fitz-Roy, employed by Government to survey the southern extremity of + America. I have stated that I consider you to be the best qualified person + I know of who is likely to undertake such a situation. I state this not in + the supposition of your being a FINISHED naturalist, but as amply + qualified for collecting, observing, and noting, anything worthy to be + noted in Natural History. Peacock has the appointment at his disposal, and + if he cannot find a man willing to take the office, the opportunity will + probably be lost. Captain Fitz-Roy wants a man (I understand) more as a + companion than a mere collector, and would not take any one, however good + a naturalist, who was not recommended to him likewise as a GENTLEMAN. + Particulars of salary, etc., I know nothing. The voyage is to last two + years, and if you take plenty of books with you, anything you please may + be done. You will have ample opportunities at command. In short, I suppose + there never was a finer chance for a man of zeal and spirit; Captain + Fitz-Roy is a young man. What I wish you to do is instantly to come and + consult with Peacock (at No. 7 Suffolk Street, Pall Mall East, or else at + the University Club), and learn further particulars. Don't put on any + modest doubts or fears about your disqualifications, for I assure you I + think you are the very man they are in search of; so conceive yourself to + be tapped on the shoulder by your bum-bailiff and affectionate friend, + </p> + <p> + J.S. HENSLOW. + </p> + <p> + The expedition is to sail on 25th September (at earliest), so there is no + time to be lost. + </p> + <p> + G. PEACOCK TO C. DARWIN. [1831.] + </p> + <p> + My dear Sir, + </p> + <p> + I received Henslow's letter last night too late to forward it to you by + the post; a circumstance which I do not regret, as it has given me an + opportunity of seeing Captain Beaufort at the Admiralty (the + Hydrographer), and of stating to him the offer which I have to make to + you. He entirely approves of it, and you may consider the situation as at + your absolute disposal. I trust that you will accept it, as it is an + opportunity which should not be lost, and I look forward with great + interest to the benefit which our collections of Natural History may + receive from your labours. + </p> + <p> + The circumstances are these;— + </p> + <p> + Captain Fitz-Roy (a nephew of the Duke of Grafton) sails at the end of + September, in a ship to survey, in the first instance, the South Coast of + Tierra del Fuego, afterwards to visit the South Sea Islands, and to return + by the Indian Archipelago to England. The expedition is entirely for + scientific purposes, and the ship will generally wait your leisure for + researches in Natural History, etc. Captain Fitz-Roy is a public-spirited + and zealous officer, of delightful manners, and greatly beloved by all his + brother officers. He went with Captain Beechey (For 'Beechey' read 'King.' + I do not find the name Fitz-Roy in the list of Beechey's officers. The + Fuegians were brought back from Captain King's voyage.), and spent 1500 + pounds in bringing over and educating at his own charge three natives of + Patagonia. He engages at his own expense an artist at 200 pounds a year to + go with him. You may be sure, therefore, of having a very pleasant + companion, who will enter heartily into all your views. + </p> + <p> + The ship sails about the end of September, and you must lose no time in + making known your acceptance to Captain Beaufort, Admiralty Hydrographer. + I have had a good deal of correspondence about this matter [with + Henslow?], who feels, in common with myself, the greatest anxiety that you + should go. I hope that no other arrangements are likely to interfere with + it.... + </p> + <p> + The Admiralty are not disposed to give a salary, though they will furnish + you with an official appointment, and every accommodation. If a salary + should be required, however, I am inclined to think that it would be + granted. + </p> + <p> + Believe me, my dear Sir, Very truly yours, GEORGE PEACOCK. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.S. HENSLOW. Shrewsbury, Tuesday [August 30?, + 1831]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Sir, + </p> + <p> + Mr. Peacock's letter arrived on Saturday, and I received it late yesterday + evening. As far as my own mind is concerned, I should, I think CERTAINLY, + most gladly have accepted the opportunity which you so kindly have offered + me. But my father, although he does not decidedly refuse me, gives such + strong advice against going, that I should not be comfortable if I did not + follow it. + </p> + <p> + My father's objections are these: the unfitting me to settle down as a + Clergyman, my little habit of seafaring, THE SHORTNESS OF THE TIME, and + the chance of my not suiting Captain Fitz-Roy. It is certainly a very + serious objection, the very short time for all my preparations, as not + only body but mind wants making up for such an undertaking. But if it had + not been for my father I would have taken all risks. What was the reason + that a Naturalist was not long ago fixed upon? I am very much obliged for + the trouble you have had about it; there certainly could not have been a + better opportunity.... + </p> + <p> + My trip with Sedgwick answered most perfectly. I did not hear of poor Mr. + Ramsay's loss till a few days before your letter. I have been lucky + hitherto in never losing any person for whom I had any esteem or + affection. My acquaintance, although very short, was sufficient to give me + those feelings in a great degree. I can hardly make myself believe he is + no more. He was the finest character I ever knew. + </p> + <p> + Yours most sincerely, My dear Sir, CH. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + I have written to Mr. Peacock, and I mentioned that I have asked you to + send one line in the chance of his not getting my letter. I have also + asked him to communicate with Captain Fitz-Roy. Even if I was to go, my + father disliking would take away all energy, and I should want a good + stock of that. Again I must thank you, it adds a little to the heavy but + pleasant load of gratitude which I owe to you. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO R.W. DARWIN. [Maer] August 31, [1831]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Father, + </p> + <p> + I am afraid I am going to make you again very uncomfortable. But, upon + consideration, I think you will excuse me once again, stating my opinions + on the offer of the voyage. My excuse and reason is the different way all + the Wedgwoods view the subject from what you and my sisters do. + </p> + <p> + I have given Uncle Jos (Josiah Wedgwood.) what I fervently trust is an + accurate and full list of your objections, and he is kind enough to give + his opinions on all. The list and his answers will be enclosed. But may I + beg of you one favour, it will be doing me the greatest kindness, if you + will send me a decided answer, yes or no? If the latter, I should be most + ungrateful if I did not implicitly yield to your better judgment, and to + the kindest indulgence you have shown me all through my life; and you may + rely upon it I will never mention the subject again. If your answer should + be yes; I will go directly to Henslow and consult deliberately with him, + and then come to Shrewsbury. + </p> + <p> + The danger appears to me and all the Wedgwoods not great. The expense + cannot be serious, and the time I do not think, anyhow, would be more + thrown away then if I stayed at home. But pray do not consider that I am + so bent on going that I would for one SINGLE MOMENT hesitate, if you + thought that after a short period you should continue uncomfortable. + </p> + <p> + I must again state I cannot think it would unfit me hereafter for a steady + life. I do hope this letter will not give you much uneasiness. I send it + by the car to-morrow morning; if you make up your mind directly will you + send me an answer on the following day by the same means? If this letter + should not find you at home, I hope you will answer as soon as you + conveniently can. + </p> + <p> + I do not know what to say about Uncle Jos' kindness; I never can forget + how he interests himself about me. + </p> + <p> + Believe me, my dear father, Your affectionate son, CHARLES DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + [Here follows the list of objections which are referred to in the + following letter:— + </p> + <p> + 1. Disreputable to my character as a Clergyman hereafter. + </p> + <p> + 2. A wild scheme. + </p> + <p> + 3. That they must have offered to many others before me the place of + Naturalist. + </p> + <p> + 4. And from its not being accepted there must be some serious objection to + the vessel or expedition. + </p> + <p> + 5. That I should never settle down to a steady life hereafter. + </p> + <p> + 6. That my accommodations would be most uncomfortable. + </p> + <p> + 7. That you [i.e. Dr. Darwin] should consider it as again changing my + profession. + </p> + <p> + 8. That it would be a useless undertaking.] + </p> + <p> + JOSIAH WEDGWOOD TO R.W. DARWIN. Maer, August 31, 1831. [Read this last.] + (In C. Darwin's writing.) + </p> + <p> + My dear Doctor, + </p> + <p> + I feel the responsibility of your application to me on the offer that has + been made to Charles as being weighty, but as you have desired Charles to + consult me, I cannot refuse to give the result of such consideration as I + have been able to [give?] it. + </p> + <p> + Charles has put down what he conceives to be your principal objections, + and I think the best course I can take will be to state what occurs to me + upon each of them. + </p> + <p> + 1. I should not think that it would be in any degree disreputable to his + character as a Clergyman. I should on the contrary think the offer + honourable to him; and the pursuit of Natural History, though certainly + not professional, is very suitable to a clergyman. + </p> + <p> + 2. I hardly know how to meet this objection, but he would have definite + objects upon which to employ himself, and might acquire and strengthen + habits of application, and I should think would be as likely to do so as + in any way in which he is likely to pass the next two years at home. + </p> + <p> + 3. The notion did not occur to me in reading the letters; and on reading + them again with that object in my mind I see no ground for it. + </p> + <p> + 4. I cannot conceive that the Admiralty would send out a bad vessel on + such a service. As to objections to the expedition, they will differ in + each man's case, and nothing would, I think, be inferred in Charles's + case, if it were known that others had objected. + </p> + <p> + 5. You are a much better judge of Charles's character than I can be. If on + comparing this mode of spending the next two years with the way in which + he will probably spend them, if he does not accept this offer, you think + him more likely to be rendered unsteady and unable to settle, it is + undoubtedly a weighty objection. Is it not the case that sailors are prone + to settle in domestic and quiet habits? + </p> + <p> + 6. I can form no opinion on this further than that if appointed by the + Admiralty he will have a claim to be as well accommodated as the vessel + will allow. + </p> + <p> + 7. If I saw Charles now absorbed in professional studies I should probably + think it would not be advisable to interrupt them; but this is not, and, I + think, will not be the case with him. His present pursuit of knowledge is + in the same track as he would have to follow in the expedition. + </p> + <p> + 8. The undertaking would be useless as regards his profession, but looking + upon him as a man of enlarged curiosity, it affords him such an + opportunity of seeing men and things as happens to few. + </p> + <p> + You will bear in mind that I have had very little time for consideration, + and that you and Charles are the persons who must decide. + </p> + <p> + I am, My dear Doctor, Affectionately yours, JOSIAH WEDGWOOD. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.S. HENSLOW. Cambridge, Red Lion [September + 2], 1831. + </p> + <p> + My dear Sir, + </p> + <p> + I am just arrived; you will guess the reason. My father has changed his + mind. I trust the place is not given away. + </p> + <p> + I am very much fatigued, and am going to bed. + </p> + <p> + I dare say you have not yet got my second letter. + </p> + <p> + How soon shall I come to you in the morning? Send a verbal answer. + </p> + <p> + Good-night, Yours, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO MISS SUSAN DARWIN. Cambridge, Sunday Morning + [September 4]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Susan, + </p> + <p> + As a letter would not have gone yesterday, I put off writing till to-day. + I had rather a wearisome journey, but got into Cambridge very fresh. The + whole of yesterday I spent with Henslow, thinking of what is to be done, + and that I find is a great deal. By great good luck I know a man of the + name of Wood, nephew of Lord Londonderry. He is a great friend of Captain + Fitz-Roy, and has written to him about me. I heard a part of Captain + Fitz-Roy's letter, dated some time ago, in which he says: "I have a right + good set of officers, and most of my men have been there before." It seems + he has been there for the last few years; he was then second in command + with the same vessel that he has now chosen. He is only twenty-three years + old, but [has] seen a deal of service, and won the gold medal at + Portsmouth. The Admiralty say his maps are most perfect. He had choice of + two vessels, and he chose the smallest. Henslow will give me letters to + all travellers in town whom he thinks may assist me. + </p> + <p> + Peacock has sole appointment of Naturalist. The first person offered was + Leonard Jenyns, who was so near accepting it that he packed up his + clothes. But having [a] living, he did not think it right to leave it—to + the great regret of all his family. Henslow himself was not very far from + accepting it, for Mrs. Henslow most generously, and without being asked, + gave her consent; but she looked so miserable that Henslow at once settled + the point.... + </p> + <p> + I am afraid there will be a good deal of expense at first. Henslow is much + against taking many things; it is [the] mistake all young travellers fall + into. I write as if it was settled, but Henslow tells me BY NO MEANS to + make up my mind till I have had long conversations with Captains Beaufort + and Fitz-Roy. Good-bye. You will hear from me constantly. Direct 17 Spring + Gardens. TELL NOBODY in Shropshire yet. Be sure not. + </p> + <p> + C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + I was so tired that evening I was in Shrewsbury that I thanked none of you + for your kindness half so much as I felt. + </p> + <p> + Love to my father. + </p> + <p> + The reason I don't want people told in Shropshire: in case I should not + go, it will make it more flat. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO MISS S. DARWIN. 17 Spring Gardens, Monday + [September 5, 1831]. + </p> + <p> + I have so little time to spare that I have none to waste in re-writing + letters, so that you must excuse my bringing up the other with me and + altering it. The last letter was written in the morning. In [the] middle + of [the] day, Wood received a letter from Captain Fitz-Roy, which I must + say was MOST straightforward and GENTLEMANLIKE, but so much against my + going, that I immediately gave up the scheme; and Henslow did the same, + saying that he thought Peacock had acted VERY WRONG in misrepresenting + things so much. + </p> + <p> + I scarcely thought of going to town, but here I am; and now for more + details, and much more promising ones. Captain Fitz-Roy is [in] town, and + I have seen him; it is no use attempting to praise him as much as I feel + inclined to do, for you would not believe me. One thing I am certain, + nothing could be more open and kind than he was to me. It seems he had + promised to take a friend with him, who is in office and cannot go, and he + only received the letter five minutes before I came in; and this makes + things much better for me, as want of room was one of Fitz-Roy's greatest + objections. He offers me to go share in everything in his cabin if I like + to come, and every sort of accommodation that I can have, but they will + not be numerous. He says nothing would be so miserable for him as having + me with him if I was uncomfortable, as in a small vessel we must be thrown + together, and thought it his duty to state everything in the worst point + of view. I think I shall go on Sunday to Plymouth to see the vessel. + </p> + <p> + There is something most extremely attractive in his manners and way of + coming straight to the point. If I live with him, he says I must live + poorly—no wine, and the plainest dinners. The scheme is not + certainly so good as Peacock describes. Captain Fitz-Roy advises me not + [to] make up my mind quite yet, but that, seriously, he thinks it will + have much more pleasure than pain for me. The vessel does not sail till + the 10th of October. It contains sixty men, five or six officers, etc., + but is a small vessel. It will probably be out nearly three years. I shall + pay to the mess the same as [the] Captain does himself, 30 pounds per + annum; and Fitz-Roy says if I spend, including my outfitting, 500 pounds, + it will be beyond the extreme. But now for still worse news. The round the + world is not CERTAIN, but the chance most excellent. Till that point is + decided, I will not be so. And you may believe, after the many changes I + have made, that nothing but my reason shall decide me. + </p> + <p> + Fitz-Roy says the stormy sea is exaggerated; that if I do not choose to + remain with them, I can at any time get home to England, so many vessels + sail that way, and that during bad weather (probably two months), if I + like I shall be left in some healthy, safe and nice country; that I shall + always have assistance; that he has many books, all instruments, guns, at + my service; that the fewer and cheaper clothes I take the better. The + manner of proceeding will just suit me. They anchor the ship, and then + remain for a fortnight at a place. I have made Captain Beaufort perfectly + understand me. He says if I start and do not go round the world, I shall + have good reason to think myself deceived. I am to call the day after + to-morrow, and, if possible, to receive more certain instructions. The + want of room is decidedly the most serious objection; but Captain Fitz-Roy + (probably owing to Wood's letter) seems determined to make me [as] + comfortable as he possibly can. I like his manner of proceeding. He asked + me at once, "Shall you bear being told that I want the cabin to myself—when + I want to be alone? If we treat each other this way, I hope we shall suit; + if not, probably we should wish each other at the devil." + </p> + <p> + We stop a week at [the] Madeira Islands, and shall see most of [the] big + cities in South America. Captain Beaufort is drawing up the track through + the South Sea. I am writing in [a] great hurry; I do not know whether you + take interest enough to excuse treble postage. I hope I am judging + reasonably, and not through prejudice, about Captain Fitz-Roy; if so, I am + sure we shall suit. I dine with him to-day. I could write [a] great deal + more if I thought you liked it, and I had at present time. There is indeed + a tide in the affairs of man, and I have experienced it, and I had + ENTIRELY given it up till one to-day. + </p> + <p> + Love to my father. Dearest Susan, good-bye. + </p> + <p> + CH. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.S. HENSLOW. London, Monday, [September 5, + 1831]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Sir, + </p> + <p> + Gloria in excelsis is the most moderate beginning I can think of. Things + are more prosperous than I should have thought possible. Captain Fitz-Roy + is everything that is delightful. If I was to praise half so much as I + feel inclined, you would say it was absurd, only once seeing him. I think + he really wishes to have me. He offers me to mess with him, and he will + take care I have such room as is possible. But about the cases he says I + must limit myself; but then he thinks like a sailor about size. Captain + Beaufort says I shall be upon the Boards, and then it will only cost me + like other officers. Ship sails 10th of October. Spends a week at Madeira + Islands; and then Rio de Janeiro. They all think most extremely probable, + home by the Indian archipelago; but till that is decided, I will not be + so. + </p> + <p> + What has induced Captain Fitz-Roy to take a better view of the case is, + that Mr. Chester, who was going as a friend, cannot go, so that I shall + have his place in every respect. + </p> + <p> + Captain Fitz-Roy has [a] good stock of books, many of which were in my + list, and rifles, etc., so that the outfit will be much less expensive + than I supposed. + </p> + <p> + The vessel will be out three years. I do not object so that my father does + not. On Wednesday I have another interview with Captain Beaufort, and on + Sunday most likely go with Captain Fitz-Roy to Plymouth. So I hope you + will keep on thinking on the subject, and just keep memoranda of what may + strike you. I will call most probably on Mr. Burchell and introduce + myself. I am in lodgings at 17 Spring Gardens. You cannot imagine anything + more pleasant, kind, and open than Captain Fitz-Roy's manners were to me. + I am sure it will be my fault if we do not suit. + </p> + <p> + What changes I have had. Till one to-day I was building castles in the air + about hunting foxes the Shropshire, now llamas in South America. + </p> + <p> + There is indeed a tide in the affairs of men. If you see Mr. Wood, + remember me very kindly to him. + </p> + <p> + Good-bye. My dear Henslow, Your most sincere friend, CHAS. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + Excuse this letter in such a hurry. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO W.D. FOX. 17 Spring Gardens, London, September + 6, 1831.... + </p> + <p> + Your letter gave me great pleasure. You cannot imagine how much your + former letter annoyed and hurt me. (He had misunderstood a letter of Fox's + as implying a charge of falsehood.) But, thank heaven, I firmly believe + that it was my OWN ENTIRE fault in so interpreting your letter. I lost a + friend the other day, and I doubt whether the moral death (as I then + wickedly supposed) of our friendship did not grieve me as much as the real + and sudden death of poor Ramsay. We have known each other too long to + need, I trust, any more explanations. But I will mention just one thing—that + on my death-bed, I think I could say I never uttered one insincere (which + at the time I did not fully feel) expression about my regard for you. One + thing more—the sending IMMEDIATELY the insects, on my honour, was an + unfortunate coincidence. I forgot how you naturally would take them. When + you look at them now, I hope no unkindly feelings will rise in your mind, + and that you will believe that you have always had in me a sincere, and I + will add, an obliged friend. The very many pleasant minutes that we spent + together in Cambridge rose like departed spirits in judgment against me. + May we have many more such, will be one of my last wishes in leaving + England. God bless you, dear old Fox. May you always be happy. + </p> + <p> + Yours truly, CHAS. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + I have left your letter behind, so do not know whether I direct right. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO MISS SUSAN DARWIN. 17 Spring Gardens, Tuesday, + [September 6, 1831.] + </p> + <p> + My dear Susan, + </p> + <p> + Again I am going to trouble you. I suspect, if I keep on at this rate, you + will sincerely wish me at Tierra del Fuego, or any other Terra, but + England. First I will give my commissions. Tell Nancy to make me some + twelve instead of eight shirts. Tell Edward to send me up in my carpet-bag + (he can slip the key in the bag tied to some string), my slippers, a pair + of lightish walking-shoes, my Spanish books, my new microscope (about six + inches long and three or four deep), which must have cotton stuffed + inside; my geological compass; my father knows that; a little book, if I + have got it in my bedroom—'Taxidermy.' Ask my father if he thinks + there would be any objection to my taking arsenic for a little time, as my + hands are not quite well, and I have always observed that if I once get + them well, and change my manner of living about the same time, they will + generally remain well. What is the dose? Tell Edward my gun is dirty. What + is Erasmus's direction? Tell me if you think there is time to write and + receive an answer before I start, as I should like particularly to know + what he thinks about it. I suppose you do not know Sir J. Mackintosh's + direction? + </p> + <p> + I write all this as if it was settled, but it is not more than it was, + excepting that from Captain Fitz-Roy wishing me so much to go, and from + his kindness, I feel a predestination I shall start. I spent a very + pleasant evening with him yesterday. He must be more than twenty-three + years old; he is of a slight figure, and a dark but handsome edition of + Mr. Kynaston, and, according to my notions, pre-eminently good manners. He + is all for economy, excepting on one point—viz., fire-arms. He + recommends me strongly to get a case of pistols like his, which cost 60 + pounds!! and never to go on shore anywhere without loaded ones, and he is + doubting about a rifle; he says I cannot appreciate the luxury of fresh + meat here. Of course I shall buy nothing till everything is settled; but I + work all day long at my lists, putting in and striking out articles. This + is the first really cheerful day I have spent since I received the letter, + and it all is owing to the sort of involuntary confidence I place in my + beau ideal of a Captain. + </p> + <p> + We stop at Teneriffe. His object is to stop at as many places as possible. + He takes out twenty chronometers, and it will be a "sin" not to settle the + longitude. He tells me to get it down in writing at the Admiralty that I + have the free choice to leave as soon and whenever I like. I dare say you + expect I shall turn back at the Madeira; if I have a morsel of stomach + left, I won't give up. Excuse my so often troubling and writing: the one + is of great utility, the other a great amusement to me. Most likely I + shall write to-morrow. Answer by return of post. Love to my father, + dearest Susan. + </p> + <p> + C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + As my instruments want altering, send my things by the 'Oxonian' the same + night. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO MISS SUSAN DARWIN. London, Friday Morning, + September 9, 1831. + </p> + <p> + My dear Susan, + </p> + <p> + I have just received the parcel. I suppose it was not delivered yesterday + owing to the Coronation. I am very much obliged to my father, and + everybody else. Everything is done quite right. I suppose by this time you + have received my letter written next day, and I hope will send off the + things. My affairs remain in statu quo. Captain Beaufort says I am on the + books for victuals, and he thinks I shall have no difficulty about my + collections when I come home. But he is too deep a fish for me to make him + out. The only thing that now prevents me finally making up my mind, is the + want of certainty about the South Sea Islands; although morally I have no + doubt we should go there whether or no it is put in the instructions. + Captain Fitz-Roy says I do good by plaguing Captain Beaufort, it stirs him + up with a long pole. Captain Fitz-Roy says he is sure he has interest + enough (particularly if this Administration is not everlasting—I + shall soon turn Tory!), anyhow, even when out, to get the ship ordered + home by whatever track he likes. From what Wood says, I presume the Dukes + of Grafton and Richmond interest themselves about him. By the way, Wood + has been of the greatest use to me; and I am sure his personal + introduction of me inclined Captain Fitz-Roy to have me. + </p> + <p> + To explain things from the very beginning: Captain Fitz-Roy first wished + to have a Naturalist, and then he seems to have taken a sudden horror of + the chances of having somebody he should not like on board the vessel. He + confesses his letter to Cambridge was to throw cold water on the scheme. I + don't think we shall quarrel about politics, although Wood (as might be + expected from a Londonderry) solemnly warned Fitz-Roy that I was a Whig. + Captain Fitz-Roy was before Uncle Jos., he said, "now your friends will + tell you a sea-captain is the greatest brute on the face of the creation. + I do not know how to help you in this case, except by hoping you will give + me a trial." How one does change! I actually now wish the voyage was + longer before we touch land. I feel my blood run cold at the quantity I + have to do. Everybody seems ready to assist me. The Zoological want to + make me a corresponding member. All this I can construct without crossing + the Equator. But one friend is quite invaluable, viz., a Mr. Yarrell, a + stationer, and excellent naturalist. (William Yarrell, well-known for his + 'History of British Birds' and 'History of British Fishes,' was born in + 1784. He inherited from his father a newsagent's business, to which he + steadily adhered up to his death, "in his 73rd year." He was a man of a + thoroughly amiable and honourable character, and was a valued + office-bearer of several of the learned Societies.) He goes to the shops + with me and bullies about prices (not that I yet buy): hang me if I give + 60 pounds for pistols. + </p> + <p> + Yesterday all the shops were shut, so that I could do nothing; and I was + child enough to give 1 pound 1 shilling for an excellent seat to see the + Procession. (The Coronation of William IV.) And it certainly was very well + worth seeing. I was surprised that any quantity of gold could make a long + row of people quite glitter. It was like only what one sees in + picture-books of Eastern processions. The King looked very well, and + seemed popular, but there was very little enthusiasm; so little that I can + hardly think there will be a coronation this time fifty years. + </p> + <p> + The Life Guards pleased me as much as anything—they are quite + magnificent; and it is beautiful to see them clear a crowd. You think that + they must kill a score at least, and apparently they really hurt nobody, + but most deucedly frighten them. Whenever a crowd was so dense that the + people were forced off the causeway, one of these six-feet gentlemen, on a + black horse, rode straight at the place, making his horse rear very high, + and fall on the thickest spot. You would suppose men were made of sponge + to see them shrink away. + </p> + <p> + In the evening there was an illumination, and much grander than the one on + the Reform Bill. All the principal streets were crowded just like a + race-ground. Carriages generally being six abreast, and I will venture to + say not going one mile an hour. The Duke of Northumberland learnt a lesson + last time, for his house was very grand; much more so than the other great + nobility, and in much better taste; every window in his house was full of + straight lines of brilliant lights, and from their extreme regularity and + number had a beautiful effect. The paucity of invention was very striking, + crowns, anchors, and "W.R.'s" were repeated in endless succession. The + prettiest were gas-pipes with small holes; they were almost painfully + brilliant. I have written so much about the Coronation, that I think you + will have no occasion to read the "Morning Herald". + </p> + <p> + For about the first time in my life I find London very pleasant; hurry, + bustle, and noise are all in unison with my feelings. And I have plenty to + do in spare moments. I work at Astronomy, as I suppose it would astound a + sailor if one did not know how to find Latitude and Longitude. I am now + going to Captain Fitz-Roy, and will keep [this] letter open till evening + for anything that may occur. I will give you one proof of Fitz-Roy being a + good officer—all the officers are the same as before; two-thirds of + his crew and [the] eight marines who went before all offered to come + again, so the service cannot be so very bad. The Admiralty have just + issued orders for a large stock of canister-meat and lemon-juice, etc. + etc. I have just returned from spending a long day with Captain Fitz-Roy, + driving about in his gig, and shopping. This letter is too late for + to-day's post. You may consider it settled that I go. Yet there is room + for change if any untoward accident should happen; this I can see no + reason to expect. I feel convinced nothing else will alter my wish of + going. I have begun to order things. I have procured a case of good strong + pistols and an excellent rifle for 50 pounds, there is a saving; a good + telescope, with compass, 5 pounds, and these are nearly the only expensive + instruments I shall want. Captain Fitz-Roy has everything. I never saw so + (what I should call, he says not) extravagant a man, as regards himself, + but as economical towards me. How he did order things! His fire-arms will + cost 400 pounds at least. I found the carpet bag when I arrived all right, + and much obliged. I do not think I shall take any arsenic; shall send + partridges to Mr. Yarrell; much obliged. Ask Edward to BARGAIN WITH + Clemson to make for my gun—TWO SPARE hammers or cocks, two + main-springs, two sere-springs, four nipples or plugs—I mean one for + each barrel, except nipples, of which there must be two for each, all of + excellent quality, and set about them immediately; tell Edward to make + inquiries about prices. I go on Sunday per packet to Plymouth, shall stay + one or two days, then return, and hope to find a letter from you; a few + days in London; then Cambridge, Shrewsbury, London, Plymouth, Madeira, is + my route. It is a great bore my writing so much about the Coronation; I + could fill another sheet. I have just been with Captain King, Fitz-Roy's + senior officer last expedition; he thinks that the expedition will suit + me. Unasked, he said Fitz-Roy's temper was perfect. He sends his own son + with him as midshipman. The key of my microscope was forgotten; it is of + no consequence. Love to all. + </p> + <p> + CHAS. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO W.D. FOX. 17 Spring Gardens (and here I shall + remain till I start) [September 19, 1831]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Fox, + </p> + <p> + I returned from my expedition to see the "Beagle" at Plymouth on Saturday, + and found your most welcome letter on my table. It is quite ridiculous + what a very long period these last twenty days have appeared to me, + certainly much more than as many weeks on ordinary occasions; this will + account for my not recollecting how much I told you of my plans.... + </p> + <p> + But on the whole it is a grand and fortunate opportunity; there will be so + many things to interest me—fine scenery and an endless occupation + and amusement in the different branches of Natural History; then again + navigation and meteorology will amuse me on the voyage, joined to the + grand requisite of there being a pleasant set of officers, and, as far as + I can judge, this is certain. On the other hand there is very considerable + risk to one's life and health, and the leaving for so very long a time so + many people whom I dearly love, is oftentimes a feeling so painful that it + requires all my resolution to overcome it. But everything is now settled, + and before the 20th of October I trust to be on the broad sea. My + objection to the vessel is its smallness, which cramps one so for room for + packing my own body and all my cases, etc., etc. As to its safety, I hope + the Admiralty are the best judges; to a landsman's eye she looks very + small. She is a ten-gun three-masted brig, but, I believe, an excellent + vessel. So much for my future plans, and now for my present. I go to-night + by the mail to Cambridge, and from thence, after settling my affairs, + proceed to Shrewsbury (most likely on Friday 23rd, or perhaps before); + there I shall stay a few days, and be in London by the 1st of October, and + start for Plymouth on the 9th. + </p> + <p> + And now for the principal part of my letter. I do not know how to tell you + how very kind I feel your offer of coming to see me before I leave + England. Indeed I should like it very much; but I must tell you decidedly + that I shall have very little time to spare, and that little time will be + almost spoilt by my having so much to think about; and secondly, I can + hardly think it worth your while to leave your parish for such a cause. + But I shall never forget such generous kindness. Now I know you will act + just as you think right; but do not come up for my sake. Any time is the + same for me. I think from this letter you will know as much of my plans as + I do myself, and will judge accordingly the where and when to write to me. + Every now and then I have moments of glorious enthusiasm, when I think of + the date and cocoa-trees, the palms and ferns so lofty and beautiful, + everything new, everything sublime. And if I live to see years in after + life, how grand must such recollections be! Do you know Humboldt? (If you + don't, do so directly.) With what intense pleasure he appears always to + look back on the days spent in the tropical countries. I hope when you + next write to Osmaston, [you will] tell them my scheme, and give them my + kindest regards and farewells. + </p> + <p> + Good-bye, my dear Fox, Yours ever sincerely, CHAS. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO R. FITZ-ROY. 17 Spring Gardens [October 17? + 1831]. + </p> + <p> + Dear Fitz-Roy, + </p> + <p> + Very many thanks for your letter; it has made me most comfortable, for it + would have been heart-breaking to have left anything quite behind, and I + never should have thought of sending things by some other vessel. This + letter will, I trust, accompany some talc. I read your letter without + attending to the name. But I have now procured some from Jones, which + appears very good, and I will send it this evening by the mail. You will + be surprised at not seeing me propria persona instead of my handwriting. + But I had just found out that the large steam-packet did not intend to + sail on Sunday, and I was picturing to myself a small, dirty cabin, with + the proportion of 39-40ths of the passengers very sick, when Mr. Earl came + in and told me the "Beagle" would not sail till the beginning of November. + This, of course, settled the point; so that I remain in London one week + more. I shall then send heavy goods by steamer and start myself by the + coach on Sunday evening. + </p> + <p> + Have you a good set of mountain barometers? Several great guns in the + scientific world have told me some points in geology to ascertain which + entirely depend on their relative height. If you have not a good stock, I + will add one more to the list. I ought to be ashamed to trouble you so + much, but will you SEND ONE LINE to inform me? I am daily becoming more + anxious to be off, and, if I am so, you must be in a perfect fever. What a + glorious day the 4th of November will be to me! My second life will then + commence, and it shall be as a birthday for the rest of my life. + </p> + <p> + Believe me, dear Fitz-Roy, Yours most sincerely, CHAS. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + MONDAY.—I hope I have not put you to much inconvenience by ordering + the room in readiness. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.S. HENSLOW. Devonport, November 15, 1831. + </p> + <p> + My dear Henslow, + </p> + <p> + The orders are come down from the Admiralty, and everything is finally + settled. We positively sail the last day of this month, and I think before + that time the vessel will be ready. She looks most beautiful, even a + landsman must admire her. WE all think her the most perfect vessel ever + turned out of the Dockyard. One thing is certain, no vessel has been + fitted out so expensively, and with so much care. Everything that can be + made so is of mahogany, and nothing can exceed the neatness and beauty of + all the accommodations. The instructions are very general, and leave a + great deal to the Captain's discretion and judgment, paying a substantial + as well as a verbal compliment to him.... + </p> + <p> + No vessel ever left England with such a set of Chronometers, viz., + twenty-four, all very good ones. In short, everything is well, and I have + only now to pray for the sickness to moderate its fierceness, and I shall + do very well. Yet I should not call it one of the very best opportunities + for natural history that has ever occurred. The absolute want of room is + an evil that nothing can surmount. I think L. Jenyns did very wisely in + not coming, that is judging from my own feelings, for I am sure if I had + left college some few years, or been those years older, I NEVER could have + endured it. The officers (excepting the Captain) are like the freshest + freshmen, that is in their manners, in everything else widely different. + Remember me most kindly to him, and tell him if ever he dreams in the + night of palm-trees, he may in the morning comfort himself with the + assurance that the voyage would not have suited him. + </p> + <p> + I am much obliged for your advice, de Mathematicis. I suspect when I am + struggling with a triangle, I shall often wish myself in your room, and as + for those wicked sulky surds, I do not know what I shall do without you to + conjure them. My time passes away very pleasantly. I know one or two + pleasant people, foremost of whom is Mr. Thunder-and-lightning Harris + (William Snow Harris, the Electrician.), whom I dare say you have heard + of. My chief employment is to go on board the "Beagle", and try to look as + much like a sailor as I can. I have no evidence of having taken in man, + woman or child. + </p> + <p> + I am going to ask you to do one more commission, and I trust it will be + the last. When I was in Cambridge, I wrote to Mr. Ash, asking him to send + my College account to my father, after having subtracted about 30 pounds + for my furniture. This he has forgotten to do, and my father has paid the + bill, and I want to have the furniture-money transmitted to my father. + Perhaps you would be kind enough to speak to Mr. Ash. I have cost my + father so much money, I am quite ashamed of myself. + </p> + <p> + I will write once again before sailing, and perhaps you will write to me + before then. + </p> + <p> + Remember me to Professor Sedgwick and Mr. Peacock. + </p> + <p> + Believe me, yours affectionately, CHAS. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.S. HENSLOW. Devonport, December 3, 1831. + </p> + <p> + My dear Henslow, + </p> + <p> + It is now late in the evening, and to-night I am going to sleep on board. + On Monday we most certainly sail, so you may guess what a desperate state + of confusion we are all in. If you were to hear the various exclamations + of the officers, you would suppose we had scarcely had a week's notice. I + am just in the same way taken all ABACK, and in such a bustle I hardly + know what to do. The number of things to be done is infinite. I look + forward even to sea-sickness with something like satisfaction, anything + must be better than this state of anxiety. I am very much obliged for your + last kind and affectionate letter. I always like advice from you, and no + one whom I have the luck to know is more capable of giving it than + yourself. Recollect, when you write, that I am a sort of protege of yours, + and that it is your bounden duty to lecture me. + </p> + <p> + I will now give you my direction; it is at first, Rio; but if you will + send me a letter on the first Tuesday (when the packet sails) in February, + directed to Monte Video, it will give me very great pleasure; I shall so + much enjoy hearing a little Cambridge news. Poor dear old Alma Mater! I am + a very worthy son in as far as affection goes. I have little more to write + about...I cannot end this without telling you how cordially I feel + grateful for the kindness you have shown me during my Cambridge life. Much + of the pleasure and utility which I may have derived from it is owing to + you. I long for the time when we shall again meet, and till then believe + me, my dear Henslow, + </p> + <p> + Your affectionate and obliged friend, CH. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + Remember me most kindly to those who take any interest in me. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 1.VI. — THE VOYAGE. + </h2> + <p> + "There is a natural good-humoured energy in his letters just like + himself."—From a letter of Dr. R.W. Darwin's to Prof. Henslow. + </p> + <p> + [The object of the "Beagle" voyage is briefly described in my father's + 'Journal of Researches,' page 1, as being "to complete the Survey of + Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, commenced under Captain King in 1826 to + 1830; to survey the shores of Chile, Peru, and some island in the Pacific; + and to carry a chain of chronometrical measurements round the world."] + </p> + <p> + The "Beagle" is described as a well-built little vessel, of 235 tons, + rigged as a barque, and carrying six guns. She belonged to the old class + of ten-gun brigs, which were nicknamed "coffins," from their liability to + go down in severe weather. They were very "deep-waisted," that is, their + bulwarks were high in proportion to their size, so that a heavy sea + breaking over them might be highly dangerous. Nevertheless, she lived + through the five years' work, in the most stormy regions in the world, + under Commanders Stokes and Fitz-Roy, without a serious accident. When + re-commissioned in 1831 for her second voyage, she was found (as I learn + from Admiral Sir James Sulivan) to be so rotten that she had practically + to be rebuilt, and it was this that caused the long delay in refitting. + The upper deck was raised, making her much safer in heavy weather, and + giving her far more comfortable accommodation below. By these alterations + and by the strong sheathing added to her bottom she was brought up to 242 + tons burthen. It is a proof of the splendid seamanship of Captain Fitz-Roy + and his officers that she returned without having carried away a spar, and + that in only one of the heavy storms that she encountered was she in great + danger. + </p> + <p> + She was fitted out for the expedition with all possible care, being + supplied with carefully chosen spars and ropes, six boats, and a "dinghy;" + lightning conductors, "invented by Mr. Harris, were fixed in all the + masts, the bowsprits, and even in the flying jib-boom." To quote my + father's description, written from Devonport, November 17, 1831: + "Everybody, who can judge, says it is one of the grandest voyages that has + almost ever been sent out. Everything is on a grand scale. Twenty-four + chronometers. The whole ship is fitted up with mahogany; she is the + admiration of the whole place. In short, everything is as prosperous as + human means can make it." + </p> + <p> + Owing to the smallness of the vessel, every one on board was cramped for + room, and my father's accommodation seems to have been small enough: "I + have just room to turn round," he writes to Henslow, "and that is all." + Admiral Sir James Sulivan writes to me: "The narrow space at the end of + the chart-table was his only accommodation for working, dressing, and + sleeping; the hammock being left hanging over his head by day, when the + sea was at all rough, that he might lie on it with a book in his hand when + he could not any longer sit at the table. His only stowage for clothes + being several small drawers in the corner, reaching from deck to deck; the + top one being taken out when the hammock was hung up, without which there + was not length for it, so then the foot-clews took the place of the top + drawer. For specimens he had a very small cabin under the forecastle." + </p> + <p> + Yet of this narrow room he wrote enthusiastically, September 17, 1831:— + </p> + <p> + "When I wrote last I was in great alarm about my cabin. The cabins were + not then marked out, but when I left they were, and mine is a capital one, + certainly next best to the Captain's and remarkably light. My companion + most luckily, I think, will turn out to be the officer whom I shall like + best. Captain Fitz-Roy says he will take care that one corner is so fitted + up that I shall be comfortable in it and shall consider it my home, but + that also I shall have the run of his. My cabin is the drawing one; and in + the middle is a large table, on which we two sleep in hammocks. But for + the first two months there will be no drawing to be done, so that it will + be quite a luxurious room, and good deal larger than the Captain's cabin." + </p> + <p> + My father used to say that it was the absolute necessity of tidiness in + the cramped space of the "Beagle" that helped 'to give him his methodical + habits of working.' On the "Beagle", too, he would say, that he learned + what he considered the golden rule for saving time; i.e., taking care of + the minutes. + </p> + <p> + Sir James Sulivan tells me that the chief fault in the outfit of the + expedition was the want of a second smaller vessel to act as tender. This + want was so much felt by Captain Fitz-Roy that he hired two decked boats + to survey the coast of Patagonia, at a cost of 1100 pounds, a sum which he + had to supply, although the boats saved several thousand pounds to the + country. He afterwards bought a schooner to act as a tender, thus saving + the country a further large amount. He was ultimately ordered to sell the + schooner, and was compelled to bear the loss himself, and it was only + after his death that some inadequate compensation was made for all the + losses which he suffered through his zeal. + </p> + <p> + For want of a proper tender, much of the work had to be done in small open + whale boats, which were sent away from the ship for weeks together, and + this in a climate, where the crews were exposed to severe hardships from + the almost constant rains, which sometimes continued for weeks together. + The completeness of the equipment was also in other respects largely due + to the public spirit of Captain Fitz-Roy. He provided at his own cost an + artist, and a skilled instrument-maker to look after the chronometers. + (Either one or both were on the books for victuals.) Captain Fitz-Roy's + wish was to take "some well-educated and scientific person" as his private + guest, but this generous offer was only accepted by my father on condition + of being allowed to pay a fair share of the expense of the Captain's + table; he was, moreover, on the ship's books for victuals. + </p> + <p> + In a letter to his sister (July 1832) he writes contentedly of his manner + of life at sea:—"I do not think I have ever given you an account of + how the day passes. We breakfast at eight o'clock. The invariable maxim is + to throw away all politeness—that is, never to wait for each other, + and bolt off the minute one has done eating, etc. At sea, when the weather + is calm, I work at marine animals, with which the whole ocean abounds. If + there is any sea up I am either sick or contrive to read some voyage or + travels. At one we dine. You shore-going people are lamentably mistaken + about the manner of living on board. We have never yet (nor shall we) + dined off salt meat. Rice and peas and calavanses are excellent + vegetables, and, with good bread, who could want more? Judge Alderson + could not be more temperate, as nothing but water comes on the table. At + five we have tea. The midshipmen's berth have all their meals an hour + before us, and the gun-room an hour afterwards." + </p> + <p> + The crew of the "Beagle" consisted of Captain Fitz-Roy, "Commander and + Surveyor," two lieutenants, one of whom (the first lieutenant) was the + late Captain Wickham, Governor of Queensland; the present Admiral Sir + James Sulivan, K.C.B., was the second lieutenant. Besides the master and + two mates, there was an assistant-surveyor, the present Admiral Lort + Stokes. There were also a surgeon, assistant-surgeon, two midshipmen, + master's mate, a volunteer (1st class), purser, carpenter, clerk, + boatswain, eight marines, thirty-four seamen, and six boys. + </p> + <p> + There are not now (1882) many survivors of my father's old ship-mates. + Admiral Mellersh, Mr. Hammond, and Mr. Philip King, of the Legislative + Council of Sydney, and Mr. Usborne, are among the number. Admiral Johnson + died almost at the same time as my father. + </p> + <p> + He retained to the last a most pleasant recollection of the voyage of the + "Beagle", and of the friends he made on board her. To his children their + names were familiar, from his many stories of the voyage, and we caught + his feeling of friendship for many who were to us nothing more than names. + </p> + <p> + It is pleasant to know how affectionately his old companions remembered + him. + </p> + <p> + Sir James Sulivan remained, throughout my father's lifetime, one of his + best and truest friends. He writes:—"I can confidently express my + belief that during the five years in the "Beagle", he was never known to + be out of temper, or to say one unkind or hasty word OF or TO any one. You + will therefore readily understand how this, combined with the admiration + of his energy and ability, led to our giving him the name of 'the dear old + Philosopher.'" (His other nickname was "The Flycatcher." I have heard my + father tell how he overheard the boatswain of the "Beagle" showing another + boatswain over the ship, and pointing out the officers: "That's our first + lieutenant; that's our doctor; that's our flycatcher.") Admiral Mellersh + writes to me:—"Your father is as vividly in my mind's eye as if it + was only a week ago that I was in the "Beagle" with him; his genial smile + and conversation can never be forgotten by any who saw them and heard + them. I was sent on two or three occasions away in a boat with him on some + of his scientific excursions, and always looked forward to these trips + with great pleasure, an anticipation that, unlike many others, was always + realised. I think he was the only man I ever knew against whom I never + heard a word said; and as people when shut up in a ship for five years are + apt to get cross with each other, that is saying a good deal. Certainly we + were always so hard at work, we had no time to quarrel, but if we had done + so, I feel sure your father would have tried (and have been successful) to + throw oil on the troubled waters." + </p> + <p> + Admiral Stokes, Mr. King, Mr. Usborne, and Mr. Hamond, all speak of their + friendship with him in the same warm-hearted way. + </p> + <p> + Of the life on board and on shore his letters give some idea. Captain + Fitz-Roy was a strict officer, and made himself thoroughly respected both + by officers and men. The occasional severity of his manner was borne with + because every one on board knew that his first thought was his duty, and + that he would sacrifice anything to the real welfare of the ship. My + father writes, July 1834, "We all jog on very well together, there is no + quarrelling on board, which is something to say. The Captain keeps all + smooth by rowing every one in turn." The best proof that Fitz-Roy was + valued as a commander is given by the fact that many ('Voyage of the + "Adventure" and "Beagle",' vol. ii. page 21.) of the crew had sailed with + him in the "Beagle's" former voyage, and there were a few officers as well + as seamen and marines, who had served in the "Adventure" or "Beagle" + during the whole of that expedition. + </p> + <p> + My father speaks of the officers as a fine determined set of men, and + especially of Wickham, the first lieutenant, as a "glorious fellow." The + latter being responsible for the smartness and appearance of the ship + strongly objected to his littering the decks, and spoke of specimens as "d—d + beastly devilment," and used to add, "If I were skipper, I would soon have + you and all your d—d mess out of the place." + </p> + <p> + A sort of halo of sanctity was given to my father by the fact of his + dining in the Captain's cabin, so that the midshipmen used at first to + call him "Sir," a formality, however, which did not prevent his becoming + fast friends with the younger officers. He wrote about the year 1861 or + 1862 to Mr. P.G. King, M.L.C., Sydney, who, as before stated, was a + midshipman on board the "Beagle":—"The remembrance of old days, when + we used to sit and talk on the booms of the "Beagle", will always, to the + day of my death, make me glad to hear of your happiness and prosperity." + Mr. King describes the pleasure my father seemed to take "in pointing out + to me as a youngster the delights of the tropical nights, with their balmy + breezes eddying out of the sails above us, and the sea lighted up by the + passage of the ship through the never-ending streams of phosphorescent + animalculae." + </p> + <p> + It has been assumed that his ill-health in later years was due to his + having suffered so much from sea-sickness. This he did not himself + believe, but rather ascribed his bad health to the hereditary fault which + came out as gout in some of the past generations. I am not quite clear as + to how much he actually suffered from sea-sickness; my impression is + distinct that, according to his own memory, he was not actually ill after + the first three weeks, but constantly uncomfortable when the vessel + pitched at all heavily. But, judging from his letters, and from the + evidence of some of the officers, it would seem that in later years he + forgot the extent of the discomfort from which he suffered. Writing June + 3, 1836, from the Cape of Good Hope, he says: "It is a lucky thing for me + that the voyage is drawing to its close, for I positively suffer more from + sea-sickness now than three years ago." Admiral Lort Stokes wrote to the + "Times", April 25, 1883:— + </p> + <p> + "May I beg a corner for my feeble testimony to the marvellous persevering + endurance in the cause of science of that great naturalist, my old and + lost friend, Mr. Charles Darwin, whose remains are so very justly to be + honoured with a resting-place in Westminster Abbey? + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps no one can better testify to his early and most trying labours + than myself. We worked together for several years at the same table in the + poop cabin of the 'Beagle' during her celebrated voyage, he with his + microscope and myself at the charts. It was often a very lively end of the + little craft, and distressingly so to my old friend, who suffered greatly + from sea-sickness. After perhaps an hour's work he would say to me, 'Old + fellow, I must take the horizontal for it,' that being the best relief + position from ship motion; a stretch out on one side of the table for some + time would enable him to resume his labours for a while, when he had again + to lie down. + </p> + <p> + "It was distressing to witness this early sacrifice of Mr. Darwin's + health, who ever afterwards seriously felt the ill-effects of the + 'Beagle's' voyage." + </p> + <p> + Mr. A.B. Usborne writes, "He was a dreadful sufferer from sea-sickness, + and at times, when I have been officer of the watch, and reduced the + sails, making the ship more easy, and thus relieving him, I have been + pronounced by him to be 'a good officer,' and he would resume his + microscopic observations in the poop cabin." The amount of work that he + got through on the "Beagle" shows that he was habitually in full vigour; + he had, however, one severe illness, in South America, when he was + received into the house of an Englishman, Mr. Corfield, who tended him + with careful kindness. I have heard him say that in this illness every + secretion of the body was affected, and that when he described the + symptoms to his father Dr. Darwin could make no guess as to the nature of + the disease. My father was sometimes inclined to think that the breaking + up of his health was to some extent due to this attack. + </p> + <p> + The "Beagle" letters give ample proof of his strong love of home, and all + connected with it, from his father down to Nancy, his old nurse, to whom + he sometimes sends his love. + </p> + <p> + His delight in home-letters is shown in such passages as:—"But if + you knew the glowing, unspeakable delight, which I felt at being certain + that my father and all of you were well, only four months ago, you would + not grudge the labour lost in keeping up the regular series of letters." + </p> + <p> + Or again—his longing to return in words like these:—"It is too + delightful to think that I shall see the leaves fall and hear the robin + sing next autumn at Shrewsbury. My feelings are those of a schoolboy to + the smallest point; I doubt whether ever boy longed for his holidays as + much as I do to see you all again. I am at present, although nearly half + the world is between me and home, beginning to arrange what I shall do, + where I shall go during the first week." + </p> + <p> + Another feature in his letters is the surprise and delight with which he + hears of his collections and observations being of some use. It seems only + to have gradually occurred to him that he would ever be more than + collector of specimens and facts, of which the great men were to make use. + And even as to the value of his collections he seems to have had much + doubt, for he wrote to Henslow in 1834:—"I really began to think + that my collections were so poor that you were puzzled what to say; the + case is now quite on the opposite tack, for you are guilty of exciting all + my vain feelings to a most comfortable pitch; if hard work will atone for + these thoughts, I vow it shall not be spared." + </p> + <p> + After his return and settlement in London, he began to realise the value + of what he had done, and wrote to Captain Fitz-Roy—"However others + may look back to the 'Beagle's' voyage, now that the small disagreeable + parts are well-nigh forgotten, I think it far the MOST FORTUNATE + CIRCUMSTANCE IN MY LIFE that the chance afforded by your offer of taking a + Naturalist fell on me. I often have the most vivid and delightful pictures + of what I saw on board the 'Beagle' pass before my eyes. These + recollections, and what I learnt on Natural History, I would not exchange + for twice ten thousand a year." + </p> + <p> + [In selecting the following series of letters, I have been guided by the + wish to give as much personal detail as possible. I have given only a few + scientific letters, to illustrate the way in which he worked, and how he + regarded his own results. In his 'Journal of Researches' he gives + incidentally some idea of his personal character; the letters given in the + present chapter serve to amplify in fresher and more spontaneous words + that impression of his personality which the 'Journal' has given to so + many readers.] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO R.W. DARWIN. Bahia, or San Salvador, Brazils + [February 8, 1832]. + </p> + <p> + I find after the first page I have been writing to my sisters. + </p> + <p> + My dear Father, + </p> + <p> + I am writing this on the 8th of February, one day's sail past St. Jago + (Cape de Verd), and intend taking the chance of meeting with a + homeward-bound vessel somewhere about the equator. The date, however, will + tell this whenever the opportunity occurs. I will now begin from the day + of leaving England, and give a short account of our progress. We sailed, + as you know, on the 27th of December, and have been fortunate enough to + have had from that time to the present a fair and moderate breeze. It + afterwards proved that we had escaped a heavy gale in the Channel, another + at Madeira, and another on [the] Coast of Africa. But in escaping the + gale, we felt its consequences—a heavy sea. In the Bay of Biscay + there was a long and continuous swell, and the misery I endured from + sea-sickness is far beyond what I ever guessed at. I believe you are + curious about it. I will give you all my dear-bought experience. Nobody + who has only been to sea for twenty-four hours has a right to say that + sea-sickness is even uncomfortable. The real misery only begins when you + are so exhausted that a little exertion makes a feeling of faintness come + on. I found nothing but lying in my hammock did me any good. I must + especially except your receipt of raisins, which is the only food that the + stomach will bear. + </p> + <p> + On the 4th of January we were not many miles from Madeira, but as there + was a heavy sea running, and the island lay to windward, it was not + thought worth while to beat up to it. It afterwards has turned out it was + lucky we saved ourselves the trouble. I was much too sick even to get up + to see the distant outline. On the 6th, in the evening, we sailed into the + harbour of Santa Cruz. I now first felt even moderately well, and I was + picturing to myself all the delights of fresh fruits growing in beautiful + valleys, and reading Humboldt's descriptions of the island's glorious + views, when perhaps you may nearly guess at our disappointment, when a + small pale man informed us we must perform a strict quarantine of twelve + days. There was a death-like stillness in the ship till the Captain cried + "up jib," and we left this long-wished for place. + </p> + <p> + We were becalmed for a day between Teneriffe and the Grand Canary, and + here I first experienced any enjoyment. The view was glorious. The Peak of + Teneriffe was seen amongst the clouds like another world. Our only + drawback was the extreme wish of visiting this glorious island. TELL EYTON + NEVER TO FORGET EITHER THE CANARY ISLANDS OR SOUTH AMERICA; that I am sure + it will well repay the necessary trouble, but that he must make up his + mind to find a good deal of the latter. I feel certain he will regret it + if he does not make the attempt. From Teneriffe to St. Jago the voyage was + extremely pleasant. I had a net astern the vessel which caught great + numbers of curious animals, and fully occupied my time in my cabin, and on + deck the weather was so delightful and clear, that the sky and water + together made a picture. On the 16th we arrived at Port Praya, the capital + of the Cape de Verds, and there we remained twenty-three days, viz., till + yesterday, the 7th of February. The time has flown away most delightfully, + indeed nothing can be pleasanter; exceedingly busy, and that business both + a duty and a great delight. I do not believe I have spent one half-hour + idly since leaving Teneriffe. St. Jago has afforded me an exceedingly rich + harvest in several branches of Natural History. I find the descriptions + scarcely worth anything of many of the commoner animals that inhabit the + Tropics. I allude, of course, to those of the lower classes. + </p> + <p> + Geologising in a volcanic country is most delightful; besides the interest + attached to itself, it leads you into most beautiful and retired spots. + Nobody but a person fond of Natural History can imagine the pleasure of + strolling under cocoa-nuts in a thicket of bananas and coffee-plants, and + an endless number of wild flowers. And this island, that has given me so + much instruction and delight, is reckoned the most uninteresting place + that we perhaps shall touch at during our voyage. It certainly is + generally very barren, but the valleys are more exquisitely beautiful, + from the very contrast. It is utterly useless to say anything about the + scenery; it would be as profitable to explain to a blind man colours, as + to a person who has not been out of Europe, the total dissimilarity of a + tropical view. Whenever I enjoy anything, I always either look forward to + writing it down, either in my log-book (which increases in bulk), or in a + letter; so you must excuse raptures, and those raptures badly expressed. I + find my collections are increasing wonderfully, and from Rio I think I + shall be obliged to send a cargo home. + </p> + <p> + All the endless delays which we experienced at Plymouth have been most + fortunate, as I verily believe no person ever went out better provided for + collecting and observing in the different branches of Natural History. In + a multitude of counsellors I certainly found good. I find to my great + surprise that a ship is singularly comfortable for all sorts of work. + Everything is so close at hand, and being cramped makes one so methodical, + that in the end I have been a gainer. I already have got to look at going + to sea as a regular quiet place, like going back to home after staying + away from it. In short, I find a ship a very comfortable house, with + everything you want, and if it was not for sea-sickness the whole world + would be sailors. I do not think there is much danger of Erasmus setting + the example, but in case there should be, he may rely upon it he does not + know one-tenth of the sufferings of sea-sickness. + </p> + <p> + I like the officers much more than I did at first, especially Wickham, and + young King and Stokes, and indeed all of them. The Captain continues + steadily very kind, and does everything in his power to assist me. We see + very little of each other when in harbour, our pursuits lead us in such + different tracks. I never in my life met with a man who could endure + nearly so great a share of fatigue. He works incessantly, and when + apparently not employed, he is thinking. If he does not kill himself, he + will during this voyage do a wonderful quantity of work. I find I am very + well, and stand the little heat we have had as yet as well as anybody. We + shall soon have it in real earnest. We are now sailing for Fernando + Noronha, off the coast of Brazil, where we shall not stay very long, and + then examine the shoals between there and Rio, touching perhaps at Bahia. + I will finish this letter when an opportunity of sending it occurs. + </p> + <p> + FEBRUARY 26TH. + </p> + <p> + About 280 miles from Bahia. On the 10th we spoke the packet "Lyra", on her + voyage to Rio. I sent a short letter by her, to be sent to England on + [the] first opportunity. We have been singularly unlucky in not meeting + with any homeward-bound vessels, but I suppose [at] Bahia we certainly + shall be able to write to England. Since writing the first part of [this] + letter nothing has occurred except crossing the Equator, and being shaved. + This most disagreeable operation consists in having your face rubbed with + paint and tar, which forms a lather for a saw which represents the razor, + and then being half drowned in a sail filled with salt water. About 50 + miles north of the line we touched at the rocks of St. Paul; this little + speck (about 1/4 of a mile across) in the Atlantic has seldom been + visited. It is totally barren, but is covered by hosts of birds; they were + so unused to men that we found we could kill plenty with stones and + sticks. After remaining some hours on the island, we returned on board + with the boat loaded with our prey. From this we went to Fernando Noronha, + a small island where the [Brazilians] send their exiles. The landing there + was attended with so much difficulty owing [to] a heavy surf that the + Captain determined to sail the next day after arriving. My one day on + shore was exceedingly interesting, the whole island is one single wood so + matted together by creepers that it is very difficult to move out of the + beaten path. I find the Natural History of all these unfrequented spots + most exceedingly interesting, especially the geology. I have written this + much in order to save time at Bahia. + </p> + <p> + Decidedly the most striking thing in the Tropics is the novelty of the + vegetable forms. Cocoa-nuts could well be imagined from drawings, if you + add to them a graceful lightness which no European tree partakes of. + Bananas and plantains are exactly the same as those in hothouses, the + acacias or tamarinds are striking from the blueness of their foliage; but + of the glorious orange trees, no description, no drawings, will give any + just idea; instead of the sickly green of our oranges, the native ones + exceed the Portugal laurel in the darkness of their tint, and infinitely + exceed it in beauty of form. Cocoa-nuts, papaws, the light green bananas, + and oranges, loaded with fruit, generally surround the more luxuriant + villages. Whilst viewing such scenes, one feels the impossibility that any + description would come near the mark, much less be overdrawn. + </p> + <p> + MARCH 1ST. + </p> + <p> + Bahia, or San Salvador. I arrived at this place on the 28th of February, + and am now writing this letter after having in real earnest strolled in + the forests of the new world. No person could imagine anything so + beautiful as the ancient town of Bahia, it is fairly embosomed in a + luxuriant wood of beautiful trees, and situated on a steep bank, and + overlooks the calm waters of the great bay of All Saints. The houses are + white and lofty, and, from the windows being narrow and long, have a very + light and elegant appearance. Convents, porticos, and public buildings, + vary the uniformity of the houses; the bay is scattered over with large + ships; in short, and what can be said more, it is one of the finest views + in the Brazils. But the exquisite glorious pleasure of walking amongst + such flowers, and such trees, cannot be comprehended but by those who have + experienced it. Although in so low a latitude the locality is not + disagreeably hot, but at present it is very damp, for it is the rainy + season. I find the climate as yet agrees admirably with me; it makes me + long to live quietly for some time in such a country. If you really want + to have [an idea] of tropical countries, study Humboldt. Skip the + scientific parts, and commence after leaving Teneriffe. My feelings amount + to admiration the more I read him. Tell Eyton (I find I am writing to my + sisters!) how exceedingly I enjoy America, and that I am sure it will be a + great pity if he does not make a start. + </p> + <p> + This letter will go on the 5th, and I am afraid will be some time before + it reaches you; it must be a warning how in other parts of the world you + may be a long time without hearing. A year might by accident thus pass. + About the 12th we start for Rio, but we remain some time on the way in + sounding the Albrolhos shoals. Tell Eyton as far as my experience goes let + him study Spanish, French, drawing, and Humboldt. I do sincerely hope to + hear of (if not to see him) in South America. I look forward to the + letters in Rio—till each one is acknowledged, mention its date in + the next. + </p> + <p> + We have beat all the ships in manoeuvring, so much so that the commanding + officer says, we need not follow his example; because we do everything + better than his great ship. I begin to take great interest in naval + points, more especially now, as I find they all say we are the No. 1 in + South America. I suppose the Captain is a most excellent officer. It was + quite glorious to-day how we beat the "Samarang" in furling sails. It is + quite a new thing for a "sounding ship" to beat a regular man-of-war; and + yet the "Beagle" is not at all a particular ship. Erasmus will clearly + perceive it when he hears that in the night I have actually sat down in + the sacred precincts of the quarter deck. You must excuse these queer + letters, and recollect they are generally written in the evening after my + day's work. I take more pains over my log-book, so that eventually you + will have a good account of all the places I visit. Hitherto the voyage + has answered ADMIRABLY to me, and yet I am now more fully aware of your + wisdom in throwing cold water on the whole scheme; the chances are so + numerous of turning out quite the reverse; to such an extent do I feel + this, that if my advice was asked by any person on a similar occasion, I + should be very cautious in encouraging him. I have not time to write to + anybody else, so send to Maer to let them know, that in the midst of the + glorious tropical scenery, I do not forget how instrumental they were in + placing me there. I will not rapturise again, but I give myself great + credit in not being crazy out of pure delight. + </p> + <p> + Give my love to every soul at home, and to the Owens. + </p> + <p> + I think one's affections, like other good things, flourish and increase in + these tropical regions. + </p> + <p> + The conviction that I am walking in the New World is even yet marvellous + in my own eyes, and I dare say it is little less so to you, the receiving + a letter from a son of yours in such a quarter. + </p> + <p> + Believe me, my dear Father, Your most affectionate son, CHARLES DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO W.D. FOX. Botofogo Bay, near Rio de Janeiro, + May, 1832. + </p> + <p> + My dear Fox, + </p> + <p> + I have delayed writing to you and all my other friends till I arrived here + and had some little spare time. My mind has been, since leaving England, + in a perfect HURRICANE of delight and astonishment, and to this hour + scarcely a minute has passed in idleness... + </p> + <p> + At St. Jago my natural history and most delightful labours commenced. + During the three weeks I collected a host of marine animals, and enjoyed + many a good geological walk. Touching at some islands, we sailed to Bahia, + and from thence to Rio, where I have already been some weeks. My + collections go on admirably in almost every branch. As for insects, I + trust I shall send a host of undescribed species to England. I believe + they have no small ones in the collections, and here this morning I have + taken minute Hydropori, Noterus, Colymbetes, Hydrophilus, Hydrobius, + Gromius, etc., etc., as specimens of fresh-water beetles. I am entirely + occupied with land animals, as the beach is only sand. Spiders and the + adjoining tribes have perhaps given me, from their novelty, the most + pleasure. I think I have already taken several new genera. + </p> + <p> + But Geology carries the day: it is like the pleasure of gambling. + Speculating, on first arriving, what the rocks may be, I often mentally + cry out 3 to 1 tertiary against primitive; but the latter have hitherto + won all the bets. So much for the grand end of my voyage; in other + respects things are equally flourishing. My life, when at sea, is so + quiet, that to a person who can employ himself, nothing can be pleasanter; + the beauty of the sky and brilliancy of the ocean together make a picture. + But when on shore, and wandering in the sublime forests, surrounded by + views more gorgeous than even Claude ever imagined, I enjoy a delight + which none but those who have experienced it can understand. If it is to + be done, it must be by studying Humboldt. At our ancient snug breakfasts, + at Cambridge, I little thought that the wide Atlantic would ever separate + us; but it is a rare privilege that with the body, the feelings and memory + are not divided. On the contrary, the pleasantest scenes in my life, many + of which have been in Cambridge, rise from the contrast of the present, + the more vividly in my imagination. Do you think any diamond beetle will + ever give me so much pleasure as our old friend crux major?... It is one + of my most constant amusements to draw pictures of the past; and in them I + often see you and poor little Fran. Oh, Lord, and then old Dash, poor + thing! Do you recollect how you all tormented me about his beautiful tail? + </p> + <p> + ...Think when you are picking insects off a hawthorn-hedge on a fine May + day (wretchedly cold, I have no doubt), think of me collecting amongst + pine-apples and orange-trees; whilst staining your fingers with dirty + blackberries, think and be envious of ripe oranges. This is a proper piece + of bravado, for I would walk through many a mile of sleet, snow, or rain + to shake you by the hand. My dear old Fox, God bless you. Believe me, + </p> + <p> + Yours affectionately, CHAS. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.S. HENSLOW. Rio de Janeiro, May 18, 1832. + </p> + <p> + My dear Henslow,... + </p> + <p> + Till arriving at Teneriffe (we did not touch at Madeira) I was scarcely + out of my hammock, and really suffered more than you can well imagine from + such a cause. At Santa Cruz, whilst looking amongst the clouds for the + Peak, and repeating to myself Humboldt's sublime descriptions, it was + announced we must perform twelve days' strict quarantine. We had made a + short passage, so "Up jib," and away for St. Jago. You will say all this + sounds very bad, and so it was; but from that to the present time it has + been nearly one scene of continual enjoyment. A net over the stern kept me + at full work till we arrived at St. Jago. Here we spent three most + delightful weeks. The geology was pre-eminently interesting, and I believe + quite new; there are some facts on a large scale of upraised coast (which + is an excellent epoch for all the volcanic rocks to date from), that would + interest Mr. Lyell. + </p> + <p> + One great source of perplexity to me is an utter ignorance whether I note + the right facts, and whether they are of sufficient importance to interest + others. In the one thing collecting I cannot go wrong. St. Jago is + singularly barren, and produces few plants or insects, so that my hammer + was my usual companion, and in its company most delightful hours I spent. + On the coast I collected many marine animals, chiefly gasteropodous (I + think some new). I examined pretty accurately a Caryopyllia, and, if my + eyes are not bewitched, former descriptions have not the slightest + resemblance to the animal. I took several specimens of an Octopus which + possessed a most marvellous power of changing its colours, equalling any + chameleon, and evidently accommodating the changes to the colour of the + ground which it passed over. Yellowish green, dark brown, and red, were + the prevailing colours; this fact appears to be new, as far as I can find + out. Geology and the invertebrate animals will be my chief object of + pursuit through the whole voyage. + </p> + <p> + We then sailed for Bahia, and touched at the rock of St. Paul. This is a + serpentine formation. Is it not the only island in the Atlantic which is + not volcanic? We likewise stayed a few hours at Fernando Noronha; a + tremendous surf was running so that a boat was swamped, and the Captain + would not wait. I find my life on board when we are on blue water most + delightful, so very comfortable and quiet—it is almost impossible to + be idle, and that for me is saying a good deal. Nobody could possibly be + better fitted in every respect for collecting than I am; many cooks have + not spoiled the broth this time. Mr. Brown's little hints about + microscopes, etc., have been invaluable. I am well off in books, the + 'Dictionnaire Classique' IS MOST USEFUL. If you should think of any thing + or book that would be useful to me, if you would write one line, E. + Darwin, Wyndham Club, St. James's Street, he will procure them, and send + them with some other things to Monte Video, which for the next year will + be my headquarters. + </p> + <p> + Touching at the Abrolhos, we arrived here on April 4th, when amongst + others I received your most kind letter. You may rely on it during the + evening I thought of the many most happy hours I have spent with you in + Cambridge. I am now living at Botofogo, a village about a league from the + city, and shall be able to remain a month longer. The "Beagle" has gone + back to Bahia, and will pick me up on its return. There is a most + important error in the longitude of South America, to settle which this + second trip has been undertaken. Our chronometers, at least sixteen of + them, are going superbly; none on record have ever gone at all like them. + </p> + <p> + A few days after arriving I started on an expedition of 150 miles to Rio + Macao, which lasted eighteen days. Here I first saw a tropical forest in + all its sublime grander—nothing but the reality can give any idea + how wonderful, how magnificent the scene is. If I was to specify any one + thing I should give the pre-eminence to the host of parasitical plants. + Your engraving is exactly true, but underrates rather than exaggerates the + luxuriance. I never experienced such intense delight. I formerly admired + Humboldt, I now almost adore him; he alone gives any notion of the + feelings which are raised in the mind on first entering the Tropics. I am + now collecting fresh-water and land animals; if what was told me in London + is true, viz., that there are no small insects in the collections from the + Tropics, I tell Entomologists to look out and have their pens ready for + describing. I have taken as minute (if not more so) as in England, + Hydropori, Hygroti, Hydrobii, Pselaphi, Staphylini, Curculio, etc. etc. It + is exceedingly interesting observing the difference of genera and species + from those which I know, it is however much less than I had expected. I am + at present red-hot with spiders; they are very interesting, and if I am + not mistaken I have already taken some new genera. I shall have a large + box to send very soon to Cambridge, and with that I will mention some more + natural history particulars. + </p> + <p> + The Captain does everything in his power to assist me, and we get on very + well, but I thank my better fortune he has not made me a renegade to Whig + principles. I would not be a Tory, if it was merely on account of their + cold hearts about that scandal to Christian nations—Slavery. I am + very good friends with all the officers. + </p> + <p> + I have just returned from a walk, and as a specimen, how little the + insects are known. Noterus, according to the 'Dictionary Classique,' + contains solely three European species. I in one haul of my net took five + distinct species; is this not quite extraordinary?... + </p> + <p> + Tell Professor Sedgwick he does not know how much I am indebted to him for + the Welsh Expedition; it has given me an interest in Geology which I would + not give up for any consideration. I do not think I ever spent a more + delightful three weeks than pounding the North-west Mountains. I look + forward to the geology about Monte Video as I hear there are slates there, + so I presume in that district I shall find the junctions of the Pampas, + and the enormous granite formation of Brazils. At Bahia the pegmatite and + gneiss in beds had the same direction, as observed by Humboldt, prevailing + over Columbia, distant 1300 miles—is it not wonderful? Monte Video + will be for a long time my direction. I hope you will write again to me, + there is nobody from whom I like receiving advice so much as from + you...Excuse this almost unintelligible letter, and believe me, my dear + Henslow, with the warmest feelings of respect and friendship, + </p> + <p> + Yours affectionately, CHAS. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.M. HERBERT. Botofogo Bay, Rio de Janeiro, + June 1832. + </p> + <p> + My dear old Herbert, + </p> + <p> + Your letter arrived here when I had given up all hopes of receiving + another, it gave me, therefore, an additional degree of pleasure. At such + an interval of time and space one does learn to feel truly obliged to + those who do not forget one. The memory when recalling scenes past by, + affords to us EXILES one of the greatest pleasures. Often and often whilst + wandering amongst these hills do I think of Barmouth, and, I may add, as + often wish for such a companion. What a contrast does a walk in these two + places afford; here abrupt and stony peaks are to the very summit enclosed + by luxuriant woods; the whole surface of the country, excepting where + cleared by man, is one impenetrable forest. How different from Wales, with + its sloping hills covered with turf, and its open valleys. I was not + previously aware how intimately what may be called the moral part is + connected with the enjoyment of scenery. I mean such ideas, as the history + of the country, the utility of the produce, and more especially the + happiness of the people living with them. Change the English labourer into + a poor slave, working for another, and you will hardly recognise the same + view. I am sure you will be glad to hear how very well every part (Heaven + forefend, except sea-sickness) of the expedition has answered. We have + already seen Teneriffe and the Great Canary; St. Jago where I spent three + most delightful weeks, revelling in the delights of first naturalising a + tropical volcanic island, and besides other islands, the two celebrated + ports in the Brazils, viz. Bahia and Rio. + </p> + <p> + I was in my hammock till we arrived at the Canaries, and I shall never + forget the sublime impression the first view of Teneriffe made on my mind. + The first arriving into warm weather was most luxuriously pleasant; the + clear blue sky of the Tropics was no common change after those accursed + south-west gales at Plymouth. About the Line it became weltering hot. We + spent one day at St. Paul's, a little group of rocks about a quarter of a + mile in circumference, peeping up in the midst of the Atlantic. There was + such a scene here. Wickham (1st Lieutenant) and I were the only two who + landed with guns and geological hammers, etc. The birds by myriads were + too close to shoot; we then tried stones, but at last, proh pudor! my + geological hammer was the instrument of death. We soon loaded the boat + with birds and eggs. Whilst we were so engaged, the men in the boat were + fairly fighting with the sharks for such magnificent fish as you could not + see in the London market. Our boat would have made a fine subject for + Snyders, such a medley of game it contained. We have been here ten weeks, + and shall now start for Monte Video, when I look forward to many a gallop + over the Pampas. I am ashamed of sending such a scrambling letter, but if + you were to see the heap of letters on my table you would understand the + reason... + </p> + <p> + I am glad to hear music flourishes so well in Cambridge; but it [is] as + barbarous to talk to me of "celestial concerts" as to a person in Arabia + of cold water. In a voyage of this sort, if one gains many new and great + pleasures, on the other side the loss is not inconsiderable. How should + you like to be suddenly debarred from seeing every person and place, which + you have ever known and loved, for five years? I do assure you I am + occasionally "taken aback" by this reflection; and then for man or ship it + is not so easy to right again. Remember me most sincerely to the remnant + of most excellent fellows whom I have the good luck to know in Cambridge—I + mean Whitley and Watkins. Tell Lowe I am even beneath his contempt. I can + eat salt beef and musty biscuits for dinner. See what a fall man may come + to! + </p> + <p> + My direction for the next year and a half will be Monte Video. + </p> + <p> + God bless you, my very dear old Herbert. May you always be happy and + prosperous is my most cordial wish. + </p> + <p> + Yours affectionately, CHAS. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO F. WATKINS. Monte Video, River Plata, August + 18, 1832. + </p> + <p> + My dear Watkins, + </p> + <p> + I do not feel very sure you will think a letter from one so far distant + will be worth having; I write therefore on the selfish principle of + getting an answer. In the different countries we visit the entire newness + and difference from England only serves to make more keen the recollection + of its scenes and delights. In consequence the pleasure of thinking of, + and hearing from one's former friends, does indeed become great. Recollect + this, and some long winter's evening sit down and send me a long account + of yourself and our friends; both what you have, and what [you] intend + doing; otherwise in three or four more years when I return you will be all + strangers to me. Considering how many months have passed, we have not in + the "Beagle" made much way round the world. Hitherto everything has well + repaid the necessary trouble and loss of comfort. We stayed three weeks at + the Cape de Verds; it was no ordinary pleasure rambling over the plains of + lava under a tropical sun, but when I first entered on and beheld the + luxuriant vegetation in Brazil, it was realizing the visions in the + 'Arabian Nights.' The brilliancy of the scenery throws one into a delirium + of delight, and a beetle hunter is not likely soon to awaken from it, when + whichever way he turns fresh treasures meet his eye. At Rio de Janeiro + three months passed away like so many weeks. I made a most delightful + excursion during this time of 150 miles into the country. I stayed at an + estate which is the last of the cleared ground, behind is one vast + impenetrable forest. It is almost impossible to imagine the quietude of + such a life. Not a human being within some miles interrupts the solitude. + To seat oneself amidst the gloom of such a forest on a decaying trunk, and + then think of home, is a pleasure worth taking some trouble for. + </p> + <p> + We are at present in a much less interesting country. One single walk over + the undulatory turf plain shows everything which is to be seen. It is not + at all unlike Cambridgeshire, only that every hedge, tree and hill must be + leveled, and arable land turned into pasture. All South America is in such + an unsettled state that we have not entered one port without some sort of + disturbance. At Buenos Ayres a shot came whistling over our heads; it is a + noise I had never before heard, but I found I had an instinctive knowledge + of what it meant. The other day we landed our men here, and took + possession, at the request of the inhabitants, of the central fort. We + philosophers do not bargain for this sort of work, and I hope there will + be no more. We sail in the course of a day or two to survey the coast of + Patagonia; as it is entirely unknown, I expect a good deal of interest. + But already do I perceive the grievous difference between sailing on these + seas and the Equinoctial ocean. In the "Ladies' Gulf," as the Spaniard's + call it, it is so luxurious to sit on deck and enjoy the coolness of the + night, and admire the new constellations of the South...I wonder when we + shall ever meet again; but be it when it may, few things will give me + greater pleasure than to see you again, and talk over the long time we + have passed together. + </p> + <p> + If you were to meet me at present I certainly should be looked at like a + wild beast, a great grizzly beard and flushing jacket would disfigure an + angel. Believe me, my dear Watkins, with the warmest feelings of + friendship. + </p> + <p> + Ever yours, CHARLES DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%"> + <img alt="1beagle (128K)" src="images/1beagle.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.S. HENSLOW. April 11, 1833. + </p> + <p> + My dear Henslow, + </p> + <p> + We are now running up from the Falkland Islands to the Rio Negro (or + Colorado). The "Beagle" will proceed to Monte Video; but if it can be + managed I intend staying at the former place. It is now some months since + we have been at a civilised port; nearly all this time has been spent in + the most southern part of Tierra del Fuego. It is a detestable place; + gales succeed gales with such short intervals that it is difficult to do + anything. We were twenty-three days off Cape Horn, and could by no means + get to the westward. The last and final gale before we gave up the attempt + was unusually severe. A sea stove one of the boats, and there was so much + water on the decks that every place was afloat; nearly all the paper for + drying plants is spoiled, and half of this curious collection. + </p> + <p> + We at last ran into harbour, and in the boats got to the west by the + inland channels. As I was one of this party I was very glad of it. With + two boats we went about 300 miles, and thus I had an excellent opportunity + of geologising and seeing much of the savages. The Fuegians are in a more + miserable state of barbarism than I had expected ever to have seen a human + being. In this inclement country they are absolutely naked, and their + temporary houses are like what children make in summer with boughs of + trees. I do not think any spectacle can be more interesting than the first + sight of man in his primitive wildness. It is an interest which cannot + well be imagined until it is experienced. I shall never forget this when + entering Good Success Bay—the yell with which a party received us. + They were seated on a rocky point, surrounded by the dark forest of beech; + as they threw their arms wildly round their heads, and their long hair + streaming, they seemed the troubled spirits of another world. The climate + in some respects is a curious mixture of severity and mildness; as far as + regards the animal kingdom, the former character prevails; I have in + consequence not added much to my collections. + </p> + <p> + The Geology of this part of Tierra del Fuego was, as indeed every place + is, to me very interesting. The country is non-fossiliferous, and a + common-place succession of granitic rocks and slates; attempting to make + out the relation of cleavage, strata, etc., etc., was my chief amusement. + The mineralogy, however, of some of the rocks will, I think, be curious + from their resemblance to those of volcanic origin.... + </p> + <p> + After leaving Tierra del Fuego we sailed to the Falklands. I forgot to + mention the fate of the Fuegians whom we took back to their country. They + had become entirely European in their habits and wishes, so much so that + the younger one had forgotten his own language, and their countrymen paid + but very little attention to them. We built houses for them and planted + gardens, but by the time we return again on our passage round the Horn, I + think it will be very doubtful how much of their property will be left + unstolen. + </p> + <p> + ...When I am sea-sick and miserable, it is one of my highest consolations + to picture the future when we again shall be pacing together the roads + round Cambridge. That day is a weary long way off. We have another cruise + to make to Tierra del Fuego next summer, and then our voyage round the + world will really commence. Captain Fitz-Roy has purchased a large + schooner of 170 tons. In many respects it will be a great advantage having + a consort—perhaps it may somewhat shorten our cruise, which I most + cordially hope it may. I trust, however, that the Coral Reefs and various + animals of the Pacific may keep up my resolution. Remember me most kindly + to Mrs. Henslow and all other friends; I am a true lover of Alma Mater and + all its inhabitants. + </p> + <p> + Believe me, my dear Henslow, Your affectionate and most obliged friend, + CHARLES DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO MISS C. DARWIN. Maldonado, Rio Plata, May 22, + 1833. + </p> + <p> + ...The following business piece is to my father. Having a servant of my + own would be a really great addition to my comfort. For these two reasons: + as at present the Captain has appointed one of the men always to be with + me, but I do not think it just thus to take a seaman out of the ship; and, + secondly, when at sea I am rather badly off for any one to wait on me. The + man is willing to be my servant, and all the expenses would be under 60 + pounds per annum. I have taught him to shoot and skin birds, so that in my + main object he is very useful. I have now left England nearly a year and a + half, and I find my expenses are not above 200 pounds per annum; so that, + it being hopeless (from time) to write for permission, I have come to the + conclusion that you would allow me this expense. But I have not yet + resolved to ask the Captain, and the chances are even that he would not be + willing to have an additional man in the ship. I have mentioned this + because for a long time I have been thinking about it. + </p> + <p> + JUNE. + </p> + <p> + I have just received a bundle more letters. I do not know how to thank you + all sufficiently. One from Catherine, February 8th, another from Susan, + March 3rd, together with notes from Caroline and from my father; give my + best love to my father. I almost cried for pleasure at receiving it; it + was very kind thinking of writing to me. My letters are both few, short, + and stupid in return for all yours; but I always ease my conscience by + considering the Journal as a long letter. If I can manage it, I will, + before doubling the Horn, send the rest. I am quite delighted to find the + hide of the Megatherium has given you all some little interest in my + employments. These fragments are not, however, by any means the most + valuable of the geological relics. I trust and believe that the time spent + in this voyage, if thrown away for all other respects, will produce its + full worth in Natural History; and it appears to me the doing what LITTLE + we can to increase the general stock of knowledge is as respectable an + object of life as one can in any likelihood pursue. It is more the result + of such reflections (as I have already said) than much immediate pleasure + which now makes me continue the voyage, together with the glorious + prospect of the future, when passing the Straits of Magellan, we have in + truth the world before us. Think of the Andes, the luxuriant forest of + Guayaquil, the islands of the South Sea, and New South Wales. How many + magnificent and characteristic views, how many and curious tribes of men + we shall see! What fine opportunities for geology and for studying the + infinite host of living beings! Is not this a prospect to keep up the most + flagging spirit? If I was to throw it away, I don't think I should ever + rest quiet in my grave. I certainly should be a ghost and haunt the + British Museum. + </p> + <p> + How famously the Ministers appear to be going on. I always much enjoy + political gossip and what you at home think will, etc., etc., take place. + I steadily read up the weekly paper, but it is not sufficient to guide + one's opinion; and I find it a very painful state not to be as obstinate + as a pig in politics. I have watched how steadily the general feeling, as + shown at elections, has been rising against Slavery. What a proud thing + for England if she is the first European nation which utterly abolishes + it! I was told before leaving England that after living in slave countries + all my opinions would be altered; the only alteration I am aware of is + forming a much higher estimate of the negro character. It is impossible to + see a negro and not feel kindly towards him; such cheerful, open, honest + expressions and such fine muscular bodies. I never saw any of the + diminutive Portuguese, with their murderous countenances, without almost + wishing for Brazil to follow the example of Hayti; and, considering the + enormous healthy-looking black population, it will be wonderful if, at + some future day, it does not take place. There is at Rio a man (I know not + his title) who has a large salary to prevent (I believe) the landing of + slaves; he lives at Botofogo, and yet that was the bay where, during my + residence, the greater number of smuggled slaves were landed. Some of the + Anti-Slavery people ought to question about his office; it was the subject + of conversation at Rio amongst the lower English... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.M. HERBERT. Maldonado, Rio Plata, June 2, + 1833. + </p> + <p> + My dear Herbert, + </p> + <p> + I have been confined for the last three days to a miserable dark room, in + an old Spanish house, from the torrents of rain; I am not, therefore, in + very good trim for writing; but, defying the blue devils, I will send you + a few lines, if it is merely to thank you very sincerely for writing to + me. I received your letter, dated December 1st, a short time since. We are + now passing part of the winter in the Rio Plata, after having had a hard + summer's work to the south. Tierra del Fuego is indeed a miserable place; + the ceaseless fury of the gales is quite tremendous. One evening we saw + old Cape Horn, and three weeks afterwards we were only thirty miles to + windward of it. It is a grand spectacle to see all nature thus raging; but + Heaven knows every one in the "Beagle" has seen enough in this one summer + to last them their natural lives. + </p> + <p> + The first place we landed at was Good Success Bay. It was here Banks and + Solander met such disasters on ascending one of the mountains. The weather + was tolerably fine, and I enjoyed some walks in a wild country, like that + behind Barmouth. The valleys are impenetrable from the entangled woods, + but the higher parts, near the limits of perpetual snow, are bare. From + some of these hills the scenery, from its savage, solitary character, was + most sublime. The only inhabitant of these heights is the guanaco, and + with its shrill neighing it often breaks the stillness. The consciousness + that no European foot had ever trod much of this ground added to the + delight of these rambles. How often and how vividly have many of the hours + spent at Barmouth come before my mind! I look back to that time with no + common pleasure; at this moment I can see you seated on the hill behind + the inn, almost as plainly as if you were really there. It is necessary to + be separated from all which one has been accustomed to, to know how + properly to treasure up such recollections, and at this distance, I may + add, how properly to esteem such as yourself, my dear old Herbert. I + wonder when I shall ever see you again. I hope it may be, as you say, + surrounded with heaps of parchment; but then there must be, sooner or + later, a dear little lady to take care of you and your house. Such a + delightful vision makes me quite envious. This is a curious life for a + regular shore-going person such as myself; the worst part of it is its + extreme length. There is certainly a great deal of high enjoyment, and on + the contrary a tolerable share of vexation of spirit. Everything, however, + shall bend to the pleasure of grubbing up old bones, and captivating new + animals. By the way, you rank my Natural History labours far too high. I + am nothing more than a lions' provider: I do not feel at all sure that + they will not growl and finally destroy me. + </p> + <p> + It does one's heart good to hear how things are going on in England. + Hurrah for the honest Whigs! I trust they will soon attack that monstrous + stain on our boasted liberty, Colonial Slavery. I have seen enough of + Slavery and the dispositions of the negroes, to be thoroughly disgusted + with the lies and nonsense one hears on the subject in England. Thank God, + the cold-hearted Tories, who, as J. Mackintosh used to say, have no + enthusiasm, except against enthusiasm, have for the present run their + race. I am sorry, by your letter, to hear you have not been well, and that + you partly attribute it to want of exercise. I wish you were here amongst + the green plains; we would take walks which would rival the Dolgelly ones, + and you should tell stories, which I would believe, even to a CUBIC FATHOM + OF PUDDING. Instead I must take my solitary ramble, think of Cambridge + days, and pick up snakes, beetles and toads. Excuse this short letter (you + know I never studied 'The Complete Letter-writer'), and believe me, my + dear Herbert, + </p> + <p> + Your affectionate friend, CHARLES DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.S. HENSLOW. East Falkland Island, March, + 1834. + </p> + <p> + ...I am quite charmed with Geology, but like the wise animal between two + bundles of hay, I do not know which to like the best; the old crystalline + group of rocks, or the softer and fossiliferous beds. When puzzling about + stratifications, etc., I feel inclined to cry "a fig for your big oysters, + and your bigger megatheriums." But then when digging out some fine bones, + I wonder how any man can tire his arms with hammering granite. By the way + I have not one clear idea about cleavage, stratification, lines of + upheaval. I have no books which tell me much, and what they do I cannot + apply to what I see. In consequence I draw my own conclusions, and most + gloriously ridiculous ones they are, I sometimes fancy...Can you throw any + light into my mind by telling me what relation cleavage and planes of + deposition bear to each other? + </p> + <p> + And now for my second SECTION, Zoology. I have chiefly been employed in + preparing myself for the South Sea by examining the polypi of the smaller + Corallines in these latitudes. Many in themselves are very curious, and I + think are quite undescribed; there was one appalling one, allied to a + Flustra, which I dare say I mentioned having found to the northward, where + the cells have a movable organ (like a vulture's head, with a dilatable + beak), fixed on the edge. But what is of more general interest is the + unquestionable (as it appears to me) existence of another species of + ostrich, besides the Struthio rhea. All the Gauchos and Indians state it + is the case, and I place the greatest faith in their observations. I have + the head, neck, piece of skin, feathers, and legs of one. The differences + are chiefly in the colour of the feathers and scales on legs, being + feathered below the knees, nidification, and geographical distribution. So + much for what I have lately done; the prospect before me is full of + sunshine, fine weather, glorious scenery, the geology of the Andes, plains + abounding with organic remains (which perhaps I may have the good luck to + catch in the very act of moving), and lastly, an ocean, its shores + abounding with life, so that, if nothing unforeseen happens, I will stick + to the voyage, although for what I can see this may last till we return a + fine set of white-headed old gentlemen. I have to thank you most cordially + for sending me the books. I am now reading the Oxford 'Report' (The second + meeting of the British Association was held at Oxford in 1832, the + following year it was at Cambridge.); the whole account of your + proceedings is most glorious; you remaining in England cannot well imagine + how excessively interesting I find the reports. I am sure from my own + thrilling sensations when reading them, that they cannot fail to have an + excellent effect upon all those residing in distant colonies, and who have + little opportunity of seeing the periodicals. My hammer has flown with + redoubled force on the devoted blocks; as I thought over the eloquence of + the Cambridge President, I hit harder and harder blows. I hope to give my + arms strength for the Cordilleras. You will send me through Capt. Beaufort + a copy of the Cambridge 'Report.' + </p> + <p> + I have forgotten to mention that for some time past, and for the future, I + will put a pencil cross on the pill-boxes containing insects, as these + alone will require being kept particularly dry; it may perhaps save you + some trouble. When this letter will go I do not know, as this little seat + of discord has lately been embroiled by a dreadful scene of murder, and at + present there are more prisoners than inhabitants. If a merchant vessel is + chartered to take them to Rio, I will send some specimens (especially my + few plants and seeds). Remember me to all my Cambridge friends. I love and + treasure up every recollection of dear old Cambridge. I am much obliged to + you for putting my name down to poor Ramsay's monument; I never think of + him without the warmest admiration. Farewell, my dear Henslow. + </p> + <p> + Believe me your most obliged and affectionate friend, CHARLES DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO MISS C. DARWIN. East Falkland Island, April 6, + 1834. + </p> + <p> + My dear Catherine, + </p> + <p> + When this letter will reach you I know not, but probably some man-of-war + will call here before, in the common course of events, I should have + another opportunity of writing.... + </p> + <p> + After visiting some of the southern islands, we beat up through the + magnificent scenery of the Beagle Channel to Jemmy Button's country. + (Jemmy Button, York Minster, and Fuegia Basket, were natives of Tierra del + Fuego, brought to England by Captain Fitz-Roy in his former voyage, and + restored to their country by him in 1832.) We could hardly recognise poor + Jemmy. Instead of the clean, well-dressed stout lad we left him, we found + him a naked, thin, squalid savage. York and Fuegia had moved to their own + country some months ago, the former having stolen all Jemmy's clothes. Now + he had nothing except a bit of blanket round his waist. Poor Jemmy was + very glad to see us, and, with his usual good feeling, brought several + presents (otter-skins, which are most valuable to themselves) for his old + friends. The Captain offered to take him to England, but this, to our + surprise, he at once refused. In the evening his young wife came alongside + and showed us the reason. He was quite contented. Last year, in the height + of his indignation, he said "his country people no sabe nothing—damned + fools"—now they were very good people, with TOO much to eat, and all + the luxuries of life. Jemmy and his wife paddled away in their canoe + loaded with presents, and very happy. The most curious thing is, that + Jemmy, instead of recovering his own language, has taught all his friends + a little English. "J. Button's canoe" and "Jemmy's wife come," "Give me + knife," etc., was said by several of them. + </p> + <p> + We then bore away for this island—this little miserable seat of + discord. We found that the Gauchos, under pretence of a revolution, had + murdered and plundered all the Englishmen whom they could catch, and some + of their own countrymen. All the economy at home makes the foreign + movements of England most contemptible. How different from old Spain. Here + we, dog-in-the-manger fashion, seize an island, and leave to protect it a + Union Jack; the possessor has, of course, been murdered; we now send a + lieutenant with four sailors, without authority or instructions. A + man-of-war, however, ventured to leave a party of marines, and by their + assistance, and the treachery of some of the party, the murderers have all + been taken, there being now as many prisoners as inhabitants. This island + must some day become a very important halting-place in the most turbulent + sea in the world. It is mid-way between Australia and the South Sea to + England; between Chili, Peru, etc., and the Rio Plata and the Rio de + Janeiro. There are fine harbours, plenty of fresh water, and good beef. It + would doubtless produce the coarser vegetables. In other respects it is a + wretched place. A little time since, I rode across the island, and + returned in four days. My excursion would have been longer, but during the + whole time it blew a gale of wind, with hail and snow. There is no + firewood bigger than heath, and the whole country is, more or less an + elastic peat-bog. Sleeping out at night was too miserable work to endure + it for all the rocks in South America. + </p> + <p> + We shall leave this scene of iniquity in two or three days, and go to the + Rio de la Sta. Cruz. One of the objects is to look at the ship's bottom. + We struck heavily on an unknown rock off Port Desire, and some of her + copper is torn off. After this is repaired the Captain has a glorious + scheme; it is to go to the very head of this river, that is probably to + the Andes. It is quite unknown; the Indians tell us it is two or three + hundred yards broad, and horses can nowhere ford it. I cannot imagine + anything more interesting. Our plans then are to go to Fort Famine, and + there we meet the "Adventure", who is employed in making the Chart of the + Falklands. This will be in the middle of winter, so I shall see Tierra del + Fuego in her white drapery. We leave the straits to enter the Pacific by + the Barbara Channel, one very little known, and which passes close to the + foot of Mount Sarmiento (the highest mountain in the south, excepting + Mt.!! Darwin!!). We then shall scud away for Concepcion in Chili. I + believe the ship must once again steer southward, but if any one catches + me there again, I will give him leave to hang me up as a scarecrow for all + future naturalists. I long to be at work in the Cordilleras, the geology + of this side, which I understand pretty well is so intimately connected + with periods of violence in that great chain of mountains. The future is, + indeed, to me a brilliant prospect. You say its very brilliancy frightens + you; but really I am very careful; I may mention as a proof, in all my + rambles I have never had any one accident or scrape...Continue in your + good custom of writing plenty of gossip; I much like hearing all about all + things. Remember me most kindly to Uncle Jos, and to all the Wedgwoods. + Tell Charlotte (their married names sound downright unnatural) I should + like to have written to her, to have told her how well everything is going + on; but it would only have been a transcript of this letter, and I have a + host of animals at this minute surrounding me which all require embalming + and numbering. I have not forgotten the comfort I received that day at + Maer, when my mind was like a swinging pendulum. Give my best love to my + father. I hope he will forgive all my extravagance, but not as a + Christian, for then I suppose he would send me no more money. + </p> + <p> + Good-bye, dear, to you, and all your goodly sisterhood. + </p> + <p> + Your affectionate brother, CHAS. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + My love to Nancy (His old nurse.); tell her, if she was now to see me with + my great beard, she would think I was some worthy Solomon, come to sell + the trinkets. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO C. WHITLEY. Valparaiso, July 23, 1834. + </p> + <p> + My dear Whitley, + </p> + <p> + I have long intended writing, just to put you in mind that there is a + certain hunter of beetles, and pounder of rocks still in existence. Why I + have not done so before I know not, but it will serve me right if you have + quite forgotten me. It is a very long time since I have heard any + Cambridge news; I neither know where you are living or what you are doing. + I saw your name down as one of the indefatigable guardians of the eighteen + hundred philosophers. I was delighted to see this, for when we last left + Cambridge you were at sad variance with poor science; you seemed to think + her a public prostitute working for popularity. If your opinions are the + same as formerly, you would agree most admirably with Captain Fitz-Roy,—the + object of his most devout abhorrence is one of the d—d scientific + Whigs. As captains of men-of-war are the greatest men going, far greater + than kings or schoolmasters, I am obliged to tell him everything in my own + favour. I have often said I once had a very good friend, an out-and-out + Tory, and we managed to get on very well together. But he is very much + inclined to doubt if ever I really was so much honoured; at present we + hear scarcely anything about politics; this saves a great deal of trouble, + for we all stick to our former opinions rather more obstinately than + before, and can give rather fewer reasons for doing so. + </p> + <p> + I do hope you will write to me: ('H.M.S. "Beagle", S. American Station' + will find me). I should much like to hear in what state you are both in + body and mind. ?Quien Sabe? as the people say here (and God knows they + well may, for they do know little enough), if you are not a married man, + and may be nursing, as Miss Austen says, little olive branches, little + pledges of mutual affection. Eheu! Eheu! this puts me in mind of former + visions of glimpses into futurity, where I fancied I saw retirement, green + cottages, and white petticoats. What will become of me hereafter I know + not; I feel like a ruined man, who does not see or care how to extricate + himself. That this voyage must come to a conclusion my reason tells me, + but otherwise I see no end to it. It is impossible not bitterly to regret + the friends and other sources of pleasure one leaves behind in England; in + place of it there is much solid enjoyment, some present, but more in + anticipation, when the ideas gained during the voyage can be compared to + fresh ones. I find in Geology a never-failing interest, as it has been + remarked, it creates the same grand ideas respecting this world which + Astronomy does for the universe. We have seen much fine scenery; that of + the Tropics in its glory and luxuriance exceeds even the language of + Humboldt to describe. A Persian writer could alone do justice to it, and + if he succeeded he would in England be called the 'Grandfather of all + liars.' + </p> + <p> + But I have seen nothing which more completely astonished me than the first + sight of a savage. It was a naked Fuegian, his long hair blowing about, + his face besmeared with paint. There is in their countenances an + expression which I believe, to those who have not seen it, must be + inconceivably wild. Standing on a rock he uttered tones and made + gesticulations, than which the cries of domestic animals are far more + intelligible. + </p> + <p> + When I return to England, you must take me in hand with respect to the + fine arts. I yet recollect there was a man called Raffaelle Sanctus. How + delightful it will be once again to see, in the Fitzwilliam, Titian's + Venus. How much more than delightful to go to some good concert or fine + opera. These recollections will not do. I shall not be able to-morrow to + pick out the entrails of some small animal with half my usual gusto. Pray + tell me some news about Cameron, Watkins, Marindin, the two Thompsons of + Trinity, Lowe, Heaviside, Matthew. Herbert I have heard from. How is + Henslow getting on? and all other good friends of dear Cambridge? Often + and often do I think over those past hours, so many of which have been + passed in your company. Such can never return, but their recollection can + never die away. + </p> + <p> + God bless you, my dear Whitley, Believe me, your most sincere friend, + CHAS. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO MISS C. DARWIN. Valparaiso, November 8, 1834. + </p> + <p> + My dear Catherine, + </p> + <p> + My last letter was rather a gloomy one, for I was not very well when I + wrote it. Now everything is as bright as sunshine. I am quite well again + after being a second time in bed for a fortnight. Captain Fitz-Roy very + generously has delayed the ship ten days on my account, and without at the + time telling me for what reason. + </p> + <p> + We have had some strange proceedings on board the "Beagle", but which have + ended most capitally for all hands. Captain Fitz-Roy has for the last two + months been working EXTREMELY hard, and at the same time constantly + annoyed by interruptions from officers of other ships; the selling the + schooner and its consequences were very vexatious; the cold manner the + Admiralty (solely I believe because he is a Tory) have treated him, and a + thousand other, etc. etc.'s, has made him very thin and unwell. This was + accompanied by a morbid depression of spirits, and a loss of all decision + and resolution... All that Bynoe [the Surgeon] could say, that it was + merely the effect of bodily health and exhaustion after such application, + would not do; he invalided, and Wickham was appointed to the command. By + the instructions Wickham could only finish the survey of the southern + part, and would then have been obliged to return direct to England. The + grief on board the "Beagle" about the Captain's decision was universal and + deeply felt; one great source of his annoyment was the feeling it + impossible to fulfil the whole instructions; from his state of mind it + never occurred to him that the very instructions ordered him to do as much + of the West coast AS HE HAS TIME FOR, and then proceed across the Pacific. + </p> + <p> + Wickham (very disinterestedly giving up his own promotion) urged this most + strongly, stated that when he took the command nothing should induce him + to go to Tierra del Fuego again; and then asked the Captain what would be + gained by his resignation? why not do the more useful part, and return as + commanded by the Pacific. The Captain at last, to every one's joy, + consented, and the resignation was withdrawn. + </p> + <p> + Hurrah! hurrah! it is fixed the "Beagle" shall not go one mile south of + Cape Tres Montes (about 200 miles south of Chiloe), and from that point to + Valparaiso will be finished in about five months. We shall examine the + Chonos Archipelago, entirely unknown, and the curious inland sea behind + Chiloe. For me it is glorious. Cape Tres Montes is the most southern point + where there is much geological interest, as there the modern beds end. The + Captain then talks of crossing the Pacific; but I think we shall persuade + him to finish the Coast of Peru, where the climate is delightful, the + country hideously sterile, but abounding with the highest interest to a + geologist. For the first time since leaving England I now see a clear and + not so distant prospect of returning to you all: crossing the Pacific, and + from Sydney home, will not take much time. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the Captain invalided I at once determined to leave the + "Beagle", but it was quite absurd what a revolution in five minutes was + effected in all my feelings. I have long been grieved and most sorry at + the interminable length of the voyage (although I never would have quitted + it); but the minute it was all over, I could not make up my mind to + return. I could not give up all the geological castles in the air which I + had been building up for the last two years. One whole night I tried to + think over the pleasure of seeing Shrewsbury again, but the barren plains + of Peru gained the day. I made the following scheme (I know you will abuse + me, and perhaps if I had put it in execution, my father would have sent a + mandamus after me); it was to examine the Cordilleras of Chili during this + summer, and in winter go from port to port on the coast of Peru to Lima, + returning this time next year to Valparaiso, cross the Cordilleras to + Buenos Ayres, and take ship to England. Would not this have been a fine + excursion, and in sixteen months I should have been with you all? To have + endured Tierra del Fuego and not seen the Pacific would have been + miserable... + </p> + <p> + I go on board to-morrow; I have been for the last six weeks in Corfield's + house. You cannot imagine what a kind friend I have found him. He is + universally liked, and respected by the natives and foreigners. Several + Chileno Signoritas are very obligingly anxious to become the signoras of + this house. Tell my father I have kept my promise of being extravagant in + Chili. I have drawn a bill of 100 pounds (had it not better be notified to + Messrs. Robarts & Co.); 50 pounds goes to the Captain for the ensuing + year, and 30 pounds I take to sea for the small ports; so that bona fide I + have not spent 180 pounds during these last four months. I hope not to + draw another bill for six months. All the foregoing particulars were only + settled yesterday. It has done me more good than a pint of medicine, and I + have not been so happy for the last year. If it had not been for my + illness, these four months in Chili would have been very pleasant. I have + had ill luck, however, in only one little earthquake having happened. I + was lying in bed when there was a party at dinner in the house; on a + sudden I heard such a hubbub in the dining-room; without a word being + spoken, it was devil take the hindmost who should get out first; at the + same moment I felt my bed SLIGHTLY vibrate in a lateral direction. The + party were old stagers, and heard the noise which always precedes a shock; + and no old stager looks at an earthquake with philosophical eyes... + </p> + <p> + Good-bye to you all; you will not have another letter for some time. + </p> + <p> + My dear Catherine, Yours affectionately, CHAS. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + My best love to my father, and all of you. Love to Nancy. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO MISS S. DARWIN. Valparaiso, April 23, 1835. + </p> + <p> + My dear Susan, + </p> + <p> + I received, a few days since, your letter of November; the three letters + which I before mentioned are yet missing, but I do not doubt they will + come to life. I returned a week ago from my excursion across the Andes to + Mendoza. Since leaving England I have never made so successful a journey; + it has, however, been very expensive. I am sure my father would not regret + it, if he could know how deeply I have enjoyed it: it was something more + than enjoyment; I cannot express the delight which I felt at such a famous + winding-up of all my geology in South America. I literally could hardly + sleep at nights for thinking over my day's work. The scenery was so new, + and so majestic; everything at an elevation of 12,000 feet bears so + different an aspect from that in a lower country. I have seen many views + more beautiful, but none with so strongly marked a character. To a + geologist, also, there are such manifest proofs of excessive violence; the + strata of the highest pinnacles are tossed about like the crust of a + broken pie. + </p> + <p> + I crossed by the Portillo Pass, which at this time of the year is apt to + be dangerous, so could not afford to delay there. After staying a day in + the stupid town of Mendoza, I began my return by Uspallate, which I did + very leisurely. My whole trip only took up twenty-two days. I travelled + with, for me, uncommon comfort, as I carried a BED! My party consisted of + two Peons and ten mules, two of which were with baggage, or rather food, + in case of being snowed up. Everything, however, favoured me; not even a + speck of this year's snow had fallen on the road. I do not suppose any of + you can be much interested in geological details, but I will just mention + my principal results:—Besides understanding to a certain extent the + description and manner of the force which has elevated this great line of + mountains, I can clearly demonstrate that one part of the double line is + of an age long posterior to the other. In the more ancient line, which is + the true chain of the Andes, I can describe the sort and order of the + rocks which compose it. These are chiefly remarkable by containing a bed + of gypsum nearly 2000 feet thick—a quantity of this substance I + should think unparalleled in the world. What is of much greater + consequence, I have procured fossil shells (from an elevation of 12,000 + feet). I think an examination of these will give an approximate age to + these mountains, as compared to the strata of Europe. In the other line of + the Cordilleras there is a strong presumption (in my own mind, conviction) + that the enormous mass of mountains, the peaks of which rise to 13,000 and + 14,000 feet, are so very modern as to be contemporaneous with the plains + of Patagonia (or about with the UPPER strata of the Isle of Wight). If + this result shall be considered as proved (The importance of these results + has been fully recognised by geologists.), it is a very important fact in + the theory of the formation of the world; because, if such wonderful + changes have taken place so recently in the crust of the globe, there can + be no reason for supposing former epochs of excessive violence. These + modern strata are very remarkable by being threaded with metallic veins of + silver, gold, copper, etc.; hitherto these have been considered as + appertaining to older formations. In these same beds, and close to a + goldmine, I found a clump of petrified trees, standing up right, with + layers of fine sandstone deposited round them, bearing the impression of + their bark. These trees are covered by other sandstones and streams of + lava to the thickness of several thousand feet. These rocks have been + deposited beneath water; yet it is clear the spot where the trees grew + must once have been above the level of the sea, so that it is certain the + land must have been depressed by at least as many thousand feet as the + superincumbent subaqueous deposits are thick. But I am afraid you will + tell me I am prosy with my geological descriptions and theories... + </p> + <p> + Your account of Erasmus' visit to Cambridge has made me long to be back + there. I cannot fancy anything more delightful than his Sunday round of + King's, Trinity, and those talking giants, Whewell and Sedgwick; I hope + your musical tastes continue in due force. I shall be ravenous for the + pianoforte... + </p> + <p> + I have not quite determined whether I will sleep at the 'Lion' the first + night when I arrive per 'Wonder,' or disturb you all in the dead of night; + everything short of that is absolutely planned. Everything about + Shrewsbury is growing in my mind bigger and more beautiful; I am certain + the acacia and copper beech are two superb trees; I shall know every bush, + and I will trouble you young ladies, when each of you cut down your tree, + to spare a few. As for the view behind the house, I have seen nothing like + it. It is the same with North Wales; Snowdon, to my mind, looks much + higher and much more beautiful than any peak in the Cordilleras. So you + will say, with my benighted faculties, it is time to return, and so it is, + and I long to be with you. Whatever the trees are, I know what I shall + find all you. I am writing nonsense, so farewell. My most affectionate + love to all, and I pray forgiveness from my father. + </p> + <p> + Yours most affectionately, CHARLES DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO W.D. FOX. Lima, July, 1835. + </p> + <p> + My dear Fox, + </p> + <p> + I have lately received two of your letters, one dated June and the other + November, 1834 (they reached me, however, in an inverted order). I was + very glad to receive a history of this most important year in your life. + Previously I had only heard the plain fact that you were married. You are + a true Christian and return good for evil, to send two such letters to so + bad a correspondent as I have been. God bless you for writing so kindly + and affectionately; if it is a pleasure to have friends in England, it is + doubly so to think and know that one is not forgotten because absent. This + voyage is terribly long. I do so earnestly desire to return, yet I dare + hardly look forward to the future, for I do not know what will become of + me. Your situation is above envy: I do not venture even to frame such + happy visions. To a person fit to take the office, the life of a clergyman + is a type of all that is respectable and happy. You tempt me by talking of + your fireside, whereas it is a sort of scene I never ought to think about. + I saw the other day a vessel sail for England; it was quite dangerous to + know how easily I might turn deserter. As for an English lady, I have + almost forgotten what she is—something very angelic and good. As for + the women in these countries, they wear caps and petticoats, and a very + few have pretty faces, and then all is said. But if we are not wrecked on + some unlucky reef, I will sit by that same fireside in Vale Cottage and + tell some of the wonderful stories, which you seem to anticipate and, I + presume, are not very ready to believe. Gracias a dios, the prospect of + such times is rather shorter than formerly. + </p> + <p> + From this most wretched 'City of the Kings' we sail in a fortnight, from + thence to Guayaquil, Galapagos, Marquesas, Society Islands, etc., etc. I + look forward to the Galapagos with more interest than any other part of + the voyage. They abound with active volcanoes, and, I should hope, contain + Tertiary strata. I am glad to hear you have some thoughts of beginning + Geology. I hope you will; there is so much larger a field for thought than + in the other branches of Natural History. I am become a zealous disciple + of Mr. Lyell's views, as known in his admirable book. Geologising in South + America, I am tempted to carry parts to a greater extent even than he + does. Geology is a capital science to begin, as it requires nothing but a + little reading, thinking, and hammering. I have a considerable body of + notes together; but it is a constant subject of perplexity to me, whether + they are of sufficient value for all the time I have spent about them, or + whether animals would not have been of more certain value. + </p> + <p> + I shall indeed be glad once again to see you and tell you how grateful I + feel for your steady friendship. God bless you, my very dear Fox. + </p> + <p> + Believe me, Yours affectionately, CHAS. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.S. HENSLOW. Sydney, January, 1836. + </p> + <p> + My dear Henslow, + </p> + <p> + This is the last opportunity of communicating with you before that joyful + day when I shall reach Cambridge. I have very little to say: but I must + write if it is only to express my joy that the last year is concluded, and + that the present one, in which the "Beagle" will return, is gliding + onwards. We have all been disappointed here in not finding even a single + letter; we are, indeed, rather before our expected time, otherwise, I dare + say, I should have seen your handwriting. I must feed upon the future, and + it is beyond bounds delightful to feel the certainty that within eight + months I shall be residing once again most quietly in Cambridge. + Certainly, I never was intended for a traveller; my thoughts are always + rambling over past or future scenes; I cannot enjoy the present happiness + for anticipating the future, which is about as foolish as the dog who + dropped the real bone for its shadow.... + </p> + <p> + In our passage across the Pacific we only touched at Tahiti and New + Zealand; at neither of these places or at sea had I much opportunity of + working. Tahiti is a most charming spot. Everything which former + navigators have written is true. 'A new Cytheraea has risen from the + ocean.' Delicious scenery, climate, manners of the people are all in + harmony. It is, moreover, admirable to behold what the missionaries both + here and at New Zealand have effected. I firmly believe they are good men + working for the sake of a good cause. I much suspect that those who have + abused or sneered at the missionaries have generally been such as were not + very anxious to find the natives moral and intelligent beings. During the + remainder of our voyage we shall only visit places generally acknowledged + as civilised, and nearly all under the British flag. These will be a poor + field for Natural History, and without it I have lately discovered that + the pleasure of seeing new places is as nothing. I must return to my old + resource and think of the future, but that I may not become more prosy, I + will say farewell till the day arrives, when I shall see my Master in + Natural History, and can tell him how grateful I feel for his kindness and + friendship. + </p> + <p> + Believe me, dear Henslow, Ever yours, most faithfully, CHAS. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO MISS S. DARWIN. Bahia, Brazil, August 4 + [1836]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Susan, + </p> + <p> + I will just write a few lines to explain the cause of this letter being + dated on the coast of South America. Some singular disagreements in the + longitudes made Captain Fitz-Roy anxious to complete the circle in the + southern hemisphere, and then retrace our steps by our first line to + England. This zigzag manner of proceeding is very grievous; it has put the + finishing stroke to my feelings. I loathe, I abhor the sea and all ships + which sail on it. But I yet believe we shall reach England in the latter + half of October. At Ascension I received Catherine's letter of October, + and yours of November; the letter at the Cape was of a later date, but + letters of all sorts are inestimable treasures, and I thank you both for + them. The desert, volcanic rocks, and wild sea of Ascension, as soon as I + knew there was news from home, suddenly wore a pleasing aspect, and I set + to work with a good-will at my old work of Geology. You would be surprised + to know how entirely the pleasure in arriving at a new place depends on + letters. We only stayed four days at Ascension, and then made a very good + passage to Bahia. + </p> + <p> + I little thought to have put my foot on South American coast again. It has + been almost painful to find how much good enthusiasm has been evaporated + during the last four years. I can now walk soberly through a Brazilian + forest; not but what it is exquisitely beautiful, but now, instead of + seeking for splendid contrasts, I compare the stately mango trees with the + horse-chestnuts of England. Although this zigzag has lost us at least a + fortnight, in some respects I am glad of it. I think I shall be able to + carry away one vivid picture of inter-tropical scenery. We go from hence + to the Cape de Verds; that is, if the winds or the Equatorial calms will + allow us. I have some faint hopes that a steady foul wind might induce the + Captain to proceed direct to the Azores. For which most untoward event I + heartily pray. + </p> + <p> + Both your letters were full of good news; especially the expressions which + you tell me Professor Sedgwick used about my collections. I confess they + are deeply gratifying—I trust one part at least will turn out true, + and that I shall act as I now think—as a man who dares to waste one + hour of time has not discovered the value of life. Professor Sedgwick + mentioning my name at all gives me hopes that he will assist me with his + advice, of which, in my geological questions, I stand much in need. It is + useless to tell you from the shameful state of this scribble that I am + writing against time, having been out all morning, and now there are some + strangers on board to whom I must go down and talk civility. Moreover, as + this letter goes by a foreign ship, it is doubtful whether it will ever + arrive. Farewell, my very dear Susan and all of you. Good-bye. + </p> + <p> + C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.S. HENSLOW. St. Helena, July 9, 1836. + </p> + <p> + My dear Henslow, + </p> + <p> + I am going to ask you to do me a favour. I am very anxious to belong to + the Geological Society. I do not know, but I suppose it is necessary to be + proposed some time before being ballotted for; if such is the case, would + you be good enough to take the proper preparatory steps? Professor + Sedgwick very kindly offered to propose me before leaving England, if he + should happen to be in London. I dare say he would yet do so. + </p> + <p> + I have very little to write about. We have neither seen, done, or heard of + anything particular for a long time past; and indeed if at present the + wonders of another planet could be displayed before us, I believe we + should unanimously exclaim, what a consummate plague. No schoolboys ever + sung the half sentimental and half jovial strain of 'dulce domum' with + more fervour, than we all feel inclined to do. But the whole subject of + 'dulce domum,' and the delight of seeing one's friends, is most dangerous, + it must infallibly make one very prosy or very boisterous. Oh, the degree + to which I long to be once again living quietly with not one single novel + object near me! No one can imagine it till he has been whirled round the + world during five long years in a ten-gun-brig. I am at present living in + a small house (amongst the clouds) in the centre of the island, and within + stone's throw of Napoleon's tomb. It is blowing a gale of wind with heavy + rain and wretchedly cold; if Napoleon's ghost haunts his dreary place of + confinement, this would be a most excellent night for such wandering + spirits. If the weather chooses to permit me, I hope to see a little of + the Geology (so often partially described) of the island. I suspect that + differently from most volcanic islands its structure is rather + complicated. It seems strange that this little centre of a distinct + creation should, as is asserted, bear marks of recent elevation. + </p> + <p> + The "Beagle" proceeds from this place to Ascension, then to the Cape de + Verds (what miserable places!) to the Azores to Plymouth, and then to + home. That most glorious of all days in my life will not, however, arrive + till the middle of October. Some time in that month you will see me at + Cambridge, where I must directly come to report myself to you, as my first + Lord of the Admiralty. At the Cape of Good Hope we all on board suffered a + bitter disappointment in missing nine months' letters, which are chasing + us from one side of the globe to the other. I dare say amongst them there + was a letter from you; it is long since I have seen your handwriting, but + I shall soon see you yourself, which is far better. As I am your pupil, + you are bound to undertake the task of criticising and scolding me for all + the things ill done and not done at all, which I fear I shall need much; + but I hope for the best, and I am sure I have a good if not too easy + taskmaster. + </p> + <p> + At the Cape Captain Fitz-Roy and myself enjoyed a memorable piece of good + fortune in meeting Sir J. Herschel. We dined at his house and saw him a + few times besides. He was exceedingly good natured, but his manners at + first appeared to me rather awful. He is living in a very comfortable + country house, surrounded by fir and oak trees, which alone in so open a + country, give a most charming air of seclusion and comfort. He appears to + find time for everything; he showed us a pretty garden full of Cape bulbs + of his own collecting, and I afterwards understood that everything was the + work of his own hands...I am very stupid, and I have nothing more to say; + the wind is whistling so mournfully over the bleak hills, that I shall go + to bed and dream of England. + </p> + <p> + Goodnight, my dear Henslow, Yours most truly obliged and affectionately, + CHAS. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.S. HENSLOW. Shrewsbury, Thursday, October 6, + [1836]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Henslow, + </p> + <p> + I am sure you will congratulate me on the delight of once again being + home. The "Beagle" arrived at Falmouth on Sunday evening, and I reached + Shrewsbury yesterday morning. I am exceedingly anxious to see you, and as + it will be necessary in four or five days to return to London to get my + goods and chattels out of the "Beagle", it appears to me my best plan to + pass through Cambridge. I want your advice on many points; indeed I am in + the clouds, and neither know what to do or where to go. My chief puzzle is + about the geological specimens—who will have the charity to help me + in describing their mineralogical nature? Will you be kind enough to write + to me one line by RETURN OF POST, saying whether you are now at Cambridge? + I am doubtful till I hear from Captain Fitz-Roy whether I shall not be + obliged to start before the answer can arrive, but pray try the chance. My + dear Henslow, I do long to see you; you have been the kindest friend to me + that ever man possessed. I can write no more, for I am giddy with joy and + confusion. + </p> + <p> + Farewell for the present, Yours most truly obliged, CHARLES DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO R. FITZ-ROY. Shrewsbury, Thursday morning, + October 6, [1836]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Fitz-Roy, + </p> + <p> + I arrived here yesterday morning at breakfast time, and, thank God, found + all my dear good sisters and father quite well. My father appears more + cheerful and very little older than when I left. My sisters assure me I do + not look the least different, and I am able to return the compliment. + Indeed, all England appears changed excepting the good old town of + Shrewsbury and its inhabitants, which, for all I can see to the contrary, + may go on as they now are to Doomsday. I wish with all my heart I was + writing to you amongst your friends instead of at that horrid Plymouth. + But the day will soon come, and you will be as happy as I now am. I do + assure you I am a very great man at home; the five years' voyage has + certainly raised me a hundred per cent. I fear such greatness must + experience a fall. + </p> + <p> + I am thoroughly ashamed of myself in what a dead-and-half-alive state I + spent the few last days on board; my only excuse is that certainly I was + not quite well. The first day in the mail tired me, but as I drew nearer + to Shrewsbury everything looked more beautiful and cheerful. In passing + Gloucestershire and Worcestershire I wished much for you to admire the + fields, woods, and orchards. The stupid people on the coach did not seem + to think the fields one bit greener than usual; but I am sure we should + have thoroughly agreed that the wide world does not contain so happy a + prospect as the rich cultivated land of England. + </p> + <p> + I hope you will not forget to send me a note telling me how you go on. I + do indeed hope all your vexations and trouble with respect to our voyage, + which we now know HAS an end, have come to a close. If you do not receive + much satisfaction for all the mental and bodily energy you have expended + in His Majesty's service, you will be most hardly treated. I put my + radical sisters into an uproar at some of the prudent (if they were not + honest Whigs, I would say shabby) proceedings of our Government. By the + way, I must tell you for the honour and glory of the family that my father + has a large engraving of King George IV. put up in his sitting-room. But I + am no renegade, and by the time we meet my politics will be as firmly + fixed and as wisely founded as ever they were. + </p> + <p> + I thought when I began this letter I would convince you what a steady and + sober frame of mind I was in. But I find I am writing most precious + nonsense. Two or three of our labourers yesterday immediately set to work + and got most excessively drunk in honour of the arrival of Master Charles. + Who then shall gainsay if Master Charles himself chooses to make himself a + fool. Good-bye. God bless you! I hope you are as happy, but much wiser, + than your most sincere but unworthy philosopher, + </p> + <p> + CHAS. DARWIN. <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 1.VII. — LONDON AND CAMBRIDGE. + </h2> + <h3> + 1836-1842. + </h3> + <p> + [The period illustrated by the following letters includes the years + between my father's return from the voyage of the "Beagle" and his + settling at Down. It is marked by the gradual appearance of that weakness + of health which ultimately forced him to leave London and take up his + abode for the rest of his life in a quiet country house.] + </p> + <p> + In June, 1841, he writes to Lyell: "My father scarcely seems to expect + that I shall become strong for some years; it has been a bitter + mortification for me to digest the conclusion that the 'race is for the + strong,' and that I shall probably do little more but be content to admire + the strides others make in science." + </p> + <p> + There is no evidence of any intention of entering a profession after his + return from the voyage, and early in 1840 he wrote to Fitz-Roy: "I have + nothing to wish for, excepting stronger health to go on with the subjects + to which I have joyfully determined to devote my life." + </p> + <p> + These two conditions—permanent ill-health and a passionate love of + scientific work for its own sake—determined thus early in his + career, the character of his whole future life. They impelled him to lead + a retired life of constant labour, carried on to the utmost limits of his + physical power, a life which signally falsified his melancholy prophecy. + </p> + <p> + The end of the last chapter saw my father safely arrived at Shrewsbury on + October 4, 1836, "after an absence of five years and two days." He wrote + to Fox: "You cannot imagine how gloriously delightful my first visit was + at home; it was worth the banishment." But it was a pleasure that he could + not long enjoy, for in the last days of October he was at Greenwich + unpacking specimens from the "Beagle". As to the destination of the + collections he writes, somewhat despondingly, to Henslow:— + </p> + <p> + "I have not made much progress with the great men. I find, as you told me, + that they are all overwhelmed with their own business. Mr. Lyell has + entered, in the MOST good-natured manner, and almost without being asked, + into all my plans. He tells me, however, the same story, that I must do + all myself. Mr. Owen seems anxious to dissect some of the animals in + spirits, and, besides these two, I have scarcely met any one who seems to + wish to possess any of my specimens. I must except Dr. Grant, who is + willing to examine some of the corallines. I see it is quite unreasonable + to hope for a minute that any man will undertake the examination of a + whole order. It is clear the collectors so much outnumber the real + naturalists that the latter have no time to spare. + </p> + <p> + "I do not even find that the Collections care for receiving the unnamed + specimens. The Zoological Museum (The Museum of the Zoological Society, + then at 33 Bruton Street. The collection was some years later broken up + and dispersed.) is nearly full, and upwards of a thousand specimens remain + unmounted. I dare say the British Museum would receive them, but I cannot + feel, from all I hear, any great respect even for the present state of + that establishment. Your plan will be not only the best, but the only one, + namely, to come down to Cambridge, arrange and group together the + different families, and then wait till people, who are already working in + different branches, may want specimens. But it appears to me [that] to do + this it will be almost necessary to reside in London. As far as I can yet + see my best plan will be to spend several months in Cambridge, and then + when, by your assistance, I know on what ground I stand, to emigrate to + London, where I can complete my Geology and try to push on the Zoology. I + assure you I grieve to find how many things make me see the necessity of + living for some time in this dirty, odious London. For even in Geology I + suspect much assistance and communication will be necessary in this + quarter, for instance, in fossil bones, of which none excepting the + fragments of Megatherium have been looked at, and I clearly see that + without my presence they never would be.... + </p> + <p> + "I only wish I had known the Botanists cared so much for specimens (A + passage in a subsequent letter shows that his plants also gave him some + anxiety. "I met Mr. Brown a few days after you had called on him; he asked + me in rather an ominous manner what I meant to do with my plants. In the + course of conversation Mr. Broderip, who was present, remarked to him, + 'You forget how long it is since Captain King's expedition.' He answered, + 'Indeed, I have something in the shape of Captain King's undescribed + plants to make me recollect it.' Could a better reason be given, if I had + been asked, by me, for not giving the plants to the British Museum?") and + the Zoologists so little; the proportional number of specimens in the two + branches should have had a very different appearance. I am out of patience + with the Zoologists, not because they are overworked, but for their mean, + quarrelsome spirit. I went the other evening to the Zoological Society, + where the speakers were snarling at each other in a manner anything but + like that of gentlemen. Thank Heavens! as long as I remain in Cambridge + there will not be any danger of falling into any such contemptible + quarrels, whilst in London I do not see how it is to be avoided. Of the + Naturalists, F. Hope is out of London; Westwood I have not seen, so about + my insects I know nothing. I have seen Mr. Yarrell twice, but he is so + evidently oppressed with business that it is too selfish to plague him + with my concerns. He has asked me to dine with the Linnean on Tuesday, and + on Wednesday I dine with the Geological, so that I shall see all the great + men. Mr. Bell, I hear, is so much occupied that there is no chance of his + wishing for specimens of reptiles. I have forgotten to mention Mr. + Lonsdale (William Lonsdale, 1794-1871, was originally in the army, and + served at the battles of Salamanca and Waterloo. After the war he left the + service and gave himself up to science. He acted as assistant secretary to + the Geological Society from 1829-42, when he resigned, owing to ill + health.), who gave me a most cordial reception, and with whom I had much + most interesting conversation. If I was not much more inclined for geology + than the other branches of Natural History, I am sure Mr. Lyell's and + Lonsdale's kindness ought to fix me. You cannot conceive anything more + thoroughly good-natured than the heart-and-soul manner in which he put + himself in my place and thought what would be best to do. At first he was + all for London versus Cambridge, but at last I made him confess that, for + some time at least, the latter would be for me much the best. There is not + another soul whom I could ask, excepting yourself, to wade through and + criticise some of those papers which I have left with you. Mr. Lyell owned + that, second to London, there was no place in England so good for a + Naturalist as Cambridge. Upon my word I am ashamed of writing so many + foolish details, no young lady ever described her first ball with more + particularity." + </p> + <p> + A few days later he writes more cheerfully: "I became acquainted with Mr. + Bell (T. Bell, F.R.S., formerly Prof. of Zoology in King's College, + London, and some time secretary to the Royal Society. He afterwards + described the reptiles for the zoology of the voyage of the "Beagle".) who + to my surprise expressed a good deal of interest about my crustacea and + reptiles, and seems willing to work at them. I also heard that Mr. + Broderip would be glad to look over the South American shells, so that + things flourish well with me." + </p> + <p> + About his plants he writes with characteristic openness as to his own + ignorance: "You have made me known amongst the botanists, but I felt very + foolish when Mr. Don remarked on the beautiful appearance of some plant + with an astounding long name, and asked me about its habitation. Some one + else seemed quite surprised that I knew nothing about a Carex from I do + not know where. I was at last forced to plead most entire innocence, and + that I knew no more about the plants which I had collected than the man in + the moon." + </p> + <p> + As to part of his Geological Collection he was soon able to write: "I + [have] disposed of the most important part [of] my collections, by giving + all the fossil bones to the College of Surgeons, casts of them will be + distributed, and descriptions published. They are very curious and + valuable; one head belonged to some gnawing animal, but of the size of a + Hippopotamus! Another to an ant-eater of the size of a horse!" + </p> + <p> + It is worth noting that at this time the only extinct mammalia from South + America, which had been described, were Mastodon (three species) and + Megatherium. The remains of the other extinct Edentata from Sir Woodbine + Parish's collection had not been described. My father's specimens included + (besides the above-mentioned Toxodon and Scelidotherium) the remains of + Mylodon, Glossotherium, another gigantic animal allied to the ant-eater, + and Macrauchenia. His discovery of these remains is a matter of interest + in itself, but it has a special importance as a point in his own life, + since it was the vivid impression produced by excavating them with his own + hands (I have often heard him speak of the despair with which he had to + break off the projecting extremity of a huge, partly excavated bone, when + the boat waiting for him would wait no longer.) that formed one of the + chief starting-points of his speculation on the origin of species. This is + shown in the following extract from his Pocket Book for this year (1837): + "In July opened first note-book on Transmutation of Species. Had been + greatly struck from about the month of previous March on character of + South American fossils, and species on Galapagos Archipelago. These facts + (especially latter), origin of all my views."] + </p> + <p> + 1836-1837. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO W.D. FOX. 43 Great Marlborough Street, + November 6th [1836]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Fox, + </p> + <p> + I have taken a shamefully long time in answering your letter. But the + busiest time of the whole voyage has been tranquillity itself to this last + month. After paying Henslow a short but very pleasant visit, I came up to + town to wait for the "Beagle's" arrival. At last I have removed all my + property from on board, and sent the specimens of Natural History to + Cambridge, so that I am now a free man. My London visit has been quite + idle as far as Natural History goes, but has been passed in most exciting + dissipation amongst the Dons in science. All my affairs, indeed, are most + prosperous; I find there are plenty who will undertake the description of + whole tribes of animals, of which I know nothing. So that about this day + month I hope to set to work tooth and nail at the Geology, which I shall + publish by itself. + </p> + <p> + It is quite ridiculous what an immensely long period it appears to me + since landing at Falmouth. The fact is I have talked and laughed enough + for years instead of weeks, so [that] my memory is quite confounded with + the noise. I am delighted to hear you are turned geologist: when I pay the + Isle of Wight a visit, which I am determined shall somehow come to pass, + you will be a capital cicerone to the famous line of dislocation. I really + suppose there are few parts of the world more interesting to a geologist + than your island. Amongst the great scientific men, no one has been nearly + so friendly and kind as Lyell. I have seen him several times, and feel + inclined to like him much. You cannot imagine how good-naturedly he + entered into all my plans. I speak now only of the London men, for Henslow + was just like his former self, and therefore a most cordial and + affectionate friend. When you pay London a visit I shall be very proud to + take you to the Geological Society, for be it known, I was proposed to be + a F.G.S. last Tuesday. It is, however, a great pity that these and the + other letters, especially F.R.S., are so very expensive. + </p> + <p> + I do not scruple to ask you to write to me in a week's time in Shrewsbury, + for you are a good letter writer, and if people will have such good + characters they must pay the penalty. Good-bye, dear Fox. + </p> + <p> + Yours, C.D. + </p> + <p> + [His affairs being thus so far prosperously managed he was able to put + into execution his plan of living at Cambridge, where he settled on + December 10th, 1836. He was at first a guest in the comfortable home of + the Henslows, but afterwards, for the sake of undisturbed work, he moved + into lodgings.] + </p> + <p> + He thus writes to Fox, March 13th, 1837, from London:— + </p> + <p> + "My residence at Cambridge was rather longer than I expected, owing to a + job which I determined to finish there, namely, looking over all my + geological specimens. Cambridge yet continues a very pleasant, but not + half so merry a place as before. To walk through the courts of Christ's + College, and not know an inhabitant of a single room, gave one a feeling + half melancholy. The only evil I found in Cambridge was its being too + pleasant: there was some agreeable party or another every evening, and one + cannot say one is engaged with so much impunity there as in this great + city." + </p> + <p> + A trifling record of my father's presence in Cambridge occurs in the book + kept in Christ's College combination-room, where fines and bets were + recorded, the earlier entries giving a curious impression of the + after-dinner frame of mind of the fellows. The bets were not allowed to be + made in money, but were, like the fines, paid in wine. The bet which my + father made and lost is thus recorded:— + </p> + <p> + "FEBRUARY 23, 1837." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Darwin v. Mr. Baines, that the combination-room measures from the + ceiling to the floor more than (x) feet. 1 Bottle paid same day. + </p> + <p> + "N.B. Mr. Darwin may measure at any part of the room he pleases." + </p> + <p> + Besides arranging the geological and mineralogical specimens, he had his + 'Journal of Researches' to work at, which occupied his evenings at + Cambridge. He also read a short paper at the Zoological Society ("Notes + upon Rhea Americana," 'Zool. Soc. Proc.' v. 1837, pages 35, 36.), and + another at the Geological Society ('Geol. Soc. Proc.' ii. 1838, pages 446- + 449.), on the recent elevation of the coast of Chile. + </p> + <p> + Early in the spring of 1837 (March 6th) he left Cambridge for London, and + a week later he was settled in lodgings at 36 Great Marlborough Street; + and except for a "short visit to Shrewsbury" in June, he worked on till + September, being almost entirely employed on his 'Journal.' He found time, + however, for two papers at the Geological Society. ("A sketch of the + deposits containing extinct mammalia in the neighbourhood of the Plata," + 'Geol. Soc. Proc.' ii. 1838, pages 542-544; and "On certain areas of + elevation and subsidence in the Pacific and Indian oceans, as deduced from + the study of coral formations." 'Geol. Soc. Proc' ii. 1838, pages 552- + 554.) + </p> + <p> + He writes of his work to Fox (March, 1837):— + </p> + <p> + "In your last letter you urge me to get ready THE book. I am now hard at + work and give up everything else for it. Our plan is as follows: Captain + Fitz-Roy writes two volumes out of the materials collected during the last + voyage under Capt. King to Tierra del Fuego, and during our + circumnavigation. I am to have the third volume, in which I intend giving + a kind of journal of a naturalist, not following, however, always the + order of time, but rather the order of position. The habits of animals + will occupy a large portion, sketches of the geology, the appearance of + the country, and personal details will make the hodge-podge complete. + Afterwards I shall write an account of the geology in detail, and draw up + some zoological papers. So that I have plenty of work for the next year or + two, and till that is finished I will have no holidays." + </p> + <p> + Another letter to Fox (July) gives an account of the progress of his work:— + </p> + <p> + "I gave myself a holiday and a visit to Shrewsbury [in June], as I had + finished my Journal. I shall now be very busy in filling up gaps and + getting it quite ready for the press by the first of August. I shall + always feel respect for every one who has written a book, let it be what + it may, for I had no idea of the trouble which trying to write common + English could cost one. And, alas, there yet remains the worst part of + all, correcting the press. As soon as ever that is done I must put my + shoulder to the wheel and commence at the Geology. I have read some short + papers to the Geological Society, and they were favourably received by the + great guns, and this gives me much confidence, and I hope not a very great + deal of vanity, though I confess I feel too often like a peacock admiring + his tail. I never expected that my Geology would ever have been worth the + consideration of such men as Lyell, who has been to me, since my return, a + most active friend. My life is a very busy one at present, and I hope may + ever remain so; though Heaven knows there are many serious drawbacks to + such a life, and chief amongst them is the little time it allows one for + seeing one's natural friends. For the last three years, I have been + longing and longing to be living at Shrewsbury, and after all now in the + course of several months, I see my dear good people at Shrewsbury for a + week. Susan and Catherine have, however, been staying with my brother here + for some weeks, but they had returned home before my visit." + </p> + <p> + [Besides the work already mentioned he had much to busy him in making + arrangements for the publication of the 'Zoology of the Voyage of the + "Beagle".' The following letters illustrate this subject.] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO L. JENYNS. (Now Rev L. Blomefield.) 36 Great + Marlborough Street, April 10th, 1837. + </p> + <p> + Dear Jenyns, + </p> + <p> + During the last week several of the zoologists of this place have been + urging me to consider the possibility of publishing the 'Zoology of the + "Beagle's" Voyage' on some uniform plan. Mr. Macleay (William Sharp + Macleay was the son of Alexander Macleay, formerly Colonial Secretary of + New South Wales, and for many years Secretary of the Linnean Society.) The + son, who was a most zealous Naturalist, and had inherited from his father + a very large general collection of insects, made Entomology his chief + study, and gained great notoriety by his now forgotten "Quinary System", + set forth in the Second Part of his 'Horae Entomologicae,' published in + 1821.—[I am indebted to Rev. L. Blomefield for the foregoing note.] + has taken a great deal of interest in the subject, and maintains that such + a publication is very desirable, because it keeps together a series of + observations made respecting animals inhabiting the same part of the + world, and allows any future traveller taking them with him. How far this + facility of reference is of any consequence I am very doubtful; but if + such is the case, it would be more satisfactory to myself to see the + gleanings of my hands, after having passed through the brains of other + naturalists, collected together in one work. But such considerations ought + not to have much weight. The whole scheme is at present merely floating in + the air; but I was determined to let you know, as I should much like to + know what you think about it, and whether you would object to supply + descriptions of the fish to such a work instead of to 'Transactions.' I + apprehend the whole will be impracticable, without Government will aid in + engraving the plates, and this I fear is a mere chance, only I think I can + put in a strong claim, and get myself well backed by the naturalists of + this place, who nearly all take a good deal of interest in my collections. + I mean to-morrow to see Mr. Yarrell; if he approves, I shall begin and + take more active steps; for I hear he is most prudent and most wise. It is + scarcely any use speculating about any plan, but I thought of getting + subscribers and publishing the work in parts (as long as funds would last, + for I myself will not lose money by it). In such case, whoever had his own + part ready on any order might publish it separately (and ultimately the + parts might be sold separately), so that no one should be delayed by the + other. The plan would resemble, on a humble scale, Ruppel's 'Atlas,' or + Humboldt's 'Zoologie,' where Latreille, Cuvier, etc., wrote different + parts. I myself should have little to do with it; excepting in some orders + adding habits and ranges, etc., and geographical sketches, and perhaps + afterwards some descriptions of invertebrate animals... + </p> + <p> + I am working at my Journal; it gets on slowly, though I am not idle. I + thought Cambridge a bad place from good dinners and other temptations, but + I find London no better, and I fear it may grow worse. I have a capital + friend in Lyell, and see a great deal of him, which is very advantageous + to me in discussing much South American geology. I miss a walk in the + country very much; this London is a vile smoky place, where a man loses a + great part of the best enjoyments in life. But I see no chance of + escaping, even for a week, from this prison for a long time to come. I + fear it will be some time before we shall meet; for I suppose you will not + come up here during the spring, and I do not think I shall be able to go + down to Cambridge. How I should like to have a good walk along the + Newmarket road to-morrow, but Oxford Street must do instead. I do hate the + streets of London. Will you tell Henslow to be careful with the EDIBLE + fungi from Tierra del Fuego, for I shall want some specimens for Mr. + Brown, who seems PARTICULARLY interested about them. Tell Henslow, I think + my silicified wood has unflintified Mr. Brown's heart, for he was very + gracious to me, and talked about the Galapagos plants; but before he never + would say a word. It is just striking twelve o'clock; so I will wish you a + very good night. + </p> + <p> + My dear Jenyns, Yours most truly, CHARLES DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + [A few weeks later the plan seems to have been matured, and the idea of + seeking Government aid to have been adopted.] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.S. HENSLOW. 36 Great Marlborough Street, + [18th May, 1837]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Henslow, + </p> + <p> + I was very glad to receive your letter. I wanted much to hear how you were + getting on with your manifold labours. Indeed I do not wonder your head + began to ache; it is almost a wonder you have any head left. Your account + of the Gamlingay expedition was cruelly tempting, but I cannot anyhow + leave London. I wanted to pay my good, dear people at Shrewsbury a visit + of a few days, but I found I could not manage it; at present I am waiting + for the signatures of the Duke of Somerset, as President of the Linnean, + and of Lord Derby and Whewell, to a statement of the value of my + collection; the instant I get this I shall apply to Government for + assistance in engraving, and so publish the 'Zoology' on some uniform + plan. It is quite ridiculous the time any operation requires which depends + on many people. + </p> + <p> + I have been working very steadily, but have only got two-thirds through + the Journal part alone. I find, though I remain daily many hours at work, + the progress is very slow: it is an awful thing to say to oneself, every + fool and every clever man in England, if he chooses, may make as many + ill-natured remarks as he likes on this unfortunate sentence.... + </p> + <p> + In August he writes to Henslow to announce the success of the scheme for + the publication of the 'Zoology of the Voyage of the "Beagle",' through + the promise of a grant of 1000 pounds from the Treasury: "I have delayed + writing to you, to thank you most sincerely for having so effectually + managed my affair. I waited till I had an interview with the Chancellor of + the Exchequer (T. Spring Rice.). He appointed to see me this morning, and + I had a long conversation with him, Mr. Peacock being present. Nothing + could be more thoroughly obliging and kind than his whole manner. He made + no sort of restriction, but only told me to make the most of [the] money, + which of course I am right willing to do. + </p> + <p> + "I expected rather an awful interview, but I never found anything less so + in my life. It will be my fault if I do not make a good work; but I + sometimes take an awful fright that I have not materials enough. It will + be excessively satisfactory at the end of some two years to find all + materials made the most they were capable of." + </p> + <p> + Later in the autumn he wrote to Henslow: "I have not been very well of + late, with an uncomfortable palpitation of the heart, and my doctors urge + me STRONGLY to knock off all work, and go and live in the country for a + few weeks." He accordingly took a holiday of about a month at Shrewsbury + and Maer, and paid a visit in the Isle of Wight. It was, I believe, during + this visit, at Mr. Wedgwood's house at Maer, that he made his first + observations on the work done by earthworms, and late in the autumn he + read a paper on the subject at the Geological Society. ("On the formation + of mould," 'Geol. Soc. Proc.' ii. 1838, pages 574-576.) During these two + months he was also busy preparing the scheme of the 'Zoology of the Voyage + of the "Beagle",' and in beginning to put together the Geological results + of his travels. + </p> + <p> + The following letter refers to the proposal that he should take the + Secretaryship of the Geological Society.] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.S. HENSLOW. October 14th, [1837]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Henslow, + </p> + <p> + ...I am much obliged to you for your message about the Secretaryship. I am + exceedingly anxious for you to hear my side of the question, and will you + be so kind as afterwards to give me your fair judgment. The subject has + haunted me all summer. I am unwilling to undertake the office for the + following reasons: First, my entire ignorance of English Geology, a + knowledge of which would be almost necessary in order to shorten many of + the papers before reading them before the Society, or rather to know what + parts to skip. Again, my ignorance of all languages, and not knowing how + to pronounce a SINGLE word of French—a language so perpetually + quoted. It would be disgraceful to the Society to have a Secretary who + could not read French. Secondly, the loss of time; pray consider that I + should have to look after the artists, superintend and furnish materials + for the Government work, which will come out in parts, and which must + appear regularly. All my Geological notes are in a very rough state; none + of my fossil shells worked up; and I have much to read. I have had hopes, + by giving up society and not wasting an hour, that I should finish my + Geology in a year and a half, by which time the description of the higher + animals by others would be completed, and my whole time would then + necessarily be required to complete myself the description of the + invertebrate ones. If this plan fails, as the Government work must go on, + the Geology would necessarily be deferred till probably at least three + years from this time. In the present state of the science, a great part of + the utility of the little I have done would be lost, and all freshness and + pleasure quite taken from me. + </p> + <p> + I know from experience the time required to make abstracts EVEN of my own + papers for the 'Proceedings.' If I was Secretary, and had to make double + abstracts of each paper, studying them before reading, and attendance + would AT LEAST cost me three days (and often more) in the fortnight. There + are likewise other accidental and contingent losses of time; I know Dr. + Royle found the office consumed much of his time. If by merely giving up + any amusement, or by working harder than I have done, I could save time, I + would undertake the Secretaryship; but I appeal to you whether, with my + slow manner of writing, with two works in hand, and with the certainty, if + I cannot complete the Geological part within a fixed period, that its + publication must be retarded for a very long time,—whether any + Society whatever has any claim on me for three days' disagreeable work + every fortnight. I cannot agree that it is a duty on my part, as a + follower of science, as long as I devote myself to the completion of the + work I have in hand, to delay that, by undertaking what may be done by any + person who happens to have more spare time than I have at present. + Moreover, so early in my scientific life, with so very much as I have to + learn, the office, though no doubt a great honour, etc., for me, would be + the more burdensome. Mr. Whewell (I know very well), judging from himself, + will think I exaggerate the time the Secretaryship would require; but I + absolutely know the time which with me the simplest writing consumes. I do + not at all like appearing so selfish as to refuse Mr. Whewell, more + especially as he has always shown, in the kindest manner, an interest in + my affairs. But I cannot look forward with even tolerable comfort to + undertaking an office without entering on it heart and soul, and that + would be impossible with the Government work and the Geology in hand. + </p> + <p> + My last objection is, that I doubt how far my health will stand the + confinement of what I have to do, without any additional work. I merely + repeat, that you may know I am not speaking idly, that when I consulted + Dr. Clark in town, he at first urged me to give up entirely all writing + and even correcting press for some weeks. Of late anything which flurries + me completely knocks me up afterwards, and brings on a violent palpitation + of the heart. Now the Secretaryship would be a periodical source of more + annoying trouble to me than all the rest of the fortnight put together. In + fact, till I return to town, and see how I get on, if I wished the office + ever so much, I COULD not say I would positively undertake it. I beg of + you to excuse this very long prose all about myself, but the point is one + of great interest. I can neither bear to think myself very selfish and + sulky, nor can I see the possibility of my taking the Secretaryship + without making a sacrifice of all my plans and a good deal of comfort. + </p> + <p> + If you see Whewell, would you tell him the substance of this letter; or, + if he will take the trouble, he may read it. My dear Henslow, I appeal to + you in loco parentis. Pray tell me what you think? But do not judge me by + the activity of mind which you and a few others possess, for in that case + the more difficult things in hand the pleasanter the work; but, though I + hope I never shall be idle, such is not the case with me. + </p> + <p> + Ever, dear Henslow, Yours most truly, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + [He ultimately accepted the post, and held it for three years—from + February 16, 1838, to February 19, 1841. + </p> + <p> + After being assured of the Grant for the publication of the 'Zoology of + the Voyage of the "Beagle",' there was much to be done in arranging the + scheme of publication, and this occupied him during part of October and + November.] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.S. HENSLOW. [4th November, 1837.] + </p> + <p> + My dear Henslow, + </p> + <p> + ...Pray tell Leonard (Rev. L. Jenyns.) that my Government work is going on + smoothly, and I hope will be prosperous. He will see in the Prospectus his + name attached to the fish; I set my shoulders to the work with a good + heart. I am very much better than I was during the last month before my + Shrewsbury visit. I fear the Geology will take me a great deal of time; I + was looking over one set of notes, and the quantity I found I had to read, + for that one place was frightful. If I live till I am eighty years old I + shall not cease to marvel at finding myself an author; in the summer + before I started, if any one had told me that I should have been an angel + by this time, I should have thought it an equal impossibility. This + marvellous transformation is all owing to you. + </p> + <p> + I am sorry to find that a good many errata are left in the part of my + volume, which is printed. During my absence Mr. Colburn employed some + goose to revise, and he has multiplied, instead of diminishing my + oversights; but for all that, the smooth paper and clear type has a + charming appearance, and I sat the other evening gazing in silent + admiration at the first page of my own volume, when I received it from the + printers! + </p> + <p> + Good-bye, my dear Henslow, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + 1838. + </p> + <p> + [From the beginning of this year to nearly the end of June, he was busily + employed on the zoological and geological results of his voyage. This + spell of work was interrupted only by a visit of three days to Cambridge, + in May; and even this short holiday was taken in consequence of failing + health, as we may assume from the entry in his diary: "May 1st, unwell," + and from a letter to his sister (May 16, 1838), when he wrote:— + </p> + <p> + "My trip of three days to Cambridge has done me such wonderful good, and + filled my limbs with such elasticity, that I must get a little work out of + my body before another holiday." This holiday seems to have been + thoroughly enjoyed; he wrote to his sister:— + </p> + <p> + "Now for Cambridge: I stayed at Henslow's house and enjoyed my visit + extremely. My friends gave me a most cordial welcome. Indeed, I was quite + a lion there. Mrs. Henslow unfortunately was obliged to go on Friday for a + visit in the country. That evening we had at Henslow's a brilliant party + of all the geniuses in Cambridge, and a most remarkable set of men they + most assuredly are. On Saturday I rode over to L. Jenyns', and spent the + morning with him. I found him very cheerful, but bitterly complaining of + his solitude. On Saturday evening dined at one of the Colleges, played at + bowls on the College Green after dinner, and was deafened with + nightingales singing. Sunday, dined in Trinity; capital dinner, and was + very glad to sit by Professor Lee (Samuel Lee, of Queens', was Professor + of Arabic from 1819 to 1831, and Regius Professor of Hebrew from 1831 to + 1848.)...; I find him a very pleasant chatting man, and in high spirits + like a boy, at having lately returned from a living or a curacy, for seven + years in Somersetshire, to civilised society and oriental manuscripts. He + had exchanged his living to one within fourteen miles of Cambridge, and + seemed perfectly happy. In the evening attended Trinity Chapel, and heard + 'The Heavens are telling the Glory of God,' in magnificent style; the last + chorus seemed to shake the very walls of the College. After chapel a large + party in Sedgwick's rooms. So much for my Annals." + </p> + <p> + He started, towards the end of June, on his expedition to Glen Roy, of + which he writes to Fox: "I have not been very well of late, which has + suddenly determined me to leave London earlier than I had anticipated. I + go by the steam-packet to Edinburgh,—take a solitary walk on + Salisbury Craigs, and call up old thoughts of former times, then go on to + Glasgow and the great valley of Inverness, near which I intend stopping a + week to geologise the parallel roads of Glen Roy, thence to Shrewsbury, + Maer for one day, and London for smoke, ill-health and hard work." + </p> + <p> + He spent "eight good days" over the Parallel Roads. His Essay on this + subject was written out during the same summer, and published by the Royal + Society. ('Phil. Trans.' 1839, pages 39-82.) He wrote in his Pocket Book: + "September 6 [1838]. Finished the paper on 'Glen Roy,' one of the most + difficult and instructive tasks I was ever engaged on." It will be + remembered that in his 'Recollections' he speaks of this paper as a + failure, of which he was ashamed. + </p> + <p> + At the time at which he wrote, the latest theory of the formation of the + Parallel Roads was that of Sir Lauder Dick and Dr. Macculloch, who + believed that lakes had anciently existed in Glen Roy, caused by dams of + rock or alluvium. In arguing against this theory he conceived that he had + disproved the admissibility of any lake theory, but in this point he was + mistaken. He wrote (Glen Roy paper, page 49) "the conclusion is + inevitable, that no hypothesis founded on the supposed existence of a + sheet of water confined by BARRIERS, that is a lake, can be admitted as + solving the problematical origin of the parallel roads of Lochaber." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Archibald Geikie has been so good as to allow me to quote a passage + from a letter addressed to me (November 19, 1884) in compliance with my + request for his opinion on the character of my father's Glen Roy work:— + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Darwin's 'Glen Roy' paper, I need not say, is marked by all his + characteristic acuteness of observation and determination to consider all + possible objections. It is a curious example, however, of the danger of + reasoning by a method of exclusion in Natural Science. Finding that the + waters which formed the terraces in the Glen Roy region could not possibly + have been dammed back by barriers of rock or of detritus, he saw no + alternative but to regard them as the work of the sea. Had the idea of + transient barriers of glacier-ice occurred to him, he would have found the + difficulties vanish from the lake-theory which he opposed, and he would + not have been unconsciously led to minimise the altogether overwhelming + objections to the supposition that the terraces are of marine origin." + </p> + <p> + It may be added that the idea of the barriers being formed by glaciers + could hardly have occurred to him, considering what was the state of + knowledge at the time, and bearing in mind his want of opportunities of + observing glacial action on a large scale. + </p> + <p> + The latter half of July was passed at Shrewsbury and Maer. The only entry + of any interest is one of being "very idle" at Shrewsbury, and of opening + "a note-book connected with metaphysical inquiries." In August he records + that he read "a good deal of various amusing books, and paid some + attention to metaphysical subjects." + </p> + <p> + The work done during the remainder of the year comprises the book on coral + reefs (begun in October), and some work on the phenomena of elevation in + S. America.] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO C. LYELL. 36 Great Marlborough Street, August + 9th [1838]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Lyell, + </p> + <p> + I do not write to you at Norwich, for I thought I should have more to say, + if I waited a few more days. Very many thanks for the present of your + 'Elements,' which I received (and I believe the VERY FIRST copy + distributed) together with your note. I have read it through every word, + and am full of admiration of it, and, as I now see no geologist, I must + talk to you about it. There is no pleasure in reading a book if one cannot + have a good talk over it; I repeat, I am full of admiration of it, it is + as clear as daylight, in fact I felt in many parts some mortification at + thinking how geologists have laboured and struggled at proving what seems, + as you have put it, so evidently probable. I read with much interest your + sketch of the secondary deposits; you have contrived to make it quite + "juicy," as we used to say as children of a good story. There was also + much new to me, and I have to copy out some fifty notes and references. It + must do good, the heretics against common sense must yield...By the way, + do you recollect my telling you how much I disliked the manner — + referred to his other works, as much as to say, "You must, ought, and + shall buy everything I have written." To my mind, you have somehow quite + avoided this; your references only seem to say, "I can't tell you all in + this work, else I would, so you must go to the 'Principles'"; and many a + one, I trust, you will send there, and make them, like me, adorers of the + good science of rock-breaking. You will see I am in a fit of enthusiasm, + and good cause I have to be, when I find you have made such infinitely + more use of my Journal than I could have anticipated. I will say no more + about the book, for it is all praise. I must, however, admire the + elaborate honesty with which you quote the words of all living and dead + geologists. + </p> + <p> + My Scotch expedition answered brilliantly; my trip in the steam-packet was + absolutely pleasant, and I enjoyed the spectacle, wretch that I am, of two + ladies, and some small children quite sea-sick, I being well. Moreover, on + my return from Glasgow to Liverpool, I triumphed in a similar manner over + some full-grown men. I stayed one whole day in Edinburgh, or more truly on + Salisbury Craigs; I want to hear some day what you think about that + classical ground,—the structure was to me new and rather curious,—that + is, if I understand it right. I crossed from Edinburgh in gigs and carts + (and carts without springs, as I never shall forget) to Loch Leven. I was + disappointed in the scenery, and reached Glen Roy on Saturday evening, one + week after leaving Marlborough Street. Here I enjoyed five [?] days of the + most beautiful weather with gorgeous sunsets, and all nature looking as + happy as I felt. I wandered over the mountains in all directions, and + examined that most extraordinary district. I think, without any + exceptions, not even the first volcanic island, the first elevated beach, + or the passage of the Cordillera, was so interesting to me as this week. + It is far the most remarkable area I ever examined. I have fully convinced + myself (after some doubting at first) that the shelves are sea-beaches, + although I could not find a trace of a shell; and I think I can explain + away most, if not all, the difficulties. I found a piece of a road in + another valley, not hitherto observed, which is important; and I have some + curious facts about erratic blocks, one of which was perched up on a peak + 2200 feet above the sea. I am now employed in writing a paper on the + subject, which I find very amusing work, excepting that I cannot anyhow + condense it into reasonable limits. At some future day I hope to talk over + some of the conclusions with you, which the examination of Glen Roy has + led me to. Now I have had my talk out, I am much easier, for I can assure + you Glen Roy has astonished me. + </p> + <p> + I am living very quietly, and therefore pleasantly, and am crawling on + slowly but steadily with my work. I have come to one conclusion, which you + will think proves me to be a very sensible man, namely, that whatever you + say proves right; and as a proof of this, I am coming into your way of + only working about two hours at a spell; I then go out and do my business + in the streets, return and set to work again, and thus make two separate + days out of one. The new plan answers capitally; after the second half day + is finished I go and dine at the Athenaeum like a gentleman, or rather + like a lord, for I am sure the first evening I sat in that great + drawing-room, all on a sofa by myself, I felt just like a duke. I am full + of admiration at the Athenaeum, one meets so many people there that one + likes to see. The very first time I dined there (i.e. last week) I met Dr. + Fitton (W.H. Fitton (1780-1861) was a physician and geologist, and + sometime president of the Geological Society. He established the + 'Proceedings,' a mode of publication afterwards adopted by other + societies.) at the door, and he got together quite a party—Robert + Brown, who is gone to Paris and Auvergne, Macleay [?] and Dr. Boott. + (Francis Boott (1792-1863) is chiefly known as a botanist through his work + on the genus Carex. He was also well-known in connection with the Linnean + Society of which he was for many years an office-bearer. He is described + (in a biographical sketch published in the "Gardener's Chronicle", 1864) + as having been one of the first physicians in London who gave up the + customary black coat, knee-breeches and silk stockings, and adopted the + ordinary dress of the period, a blue coat with brass buttons, and a buff + waiscoat, a costume which he continued to wear to the last. After giving + up practice, which he did early in life, he spent much of his time in acts + of unpretending philanthropy.) Your helping me into the Athenaeum has not + been thrown away, and I enjoy it the more because I fully expected to + detest it. + </p> + <p> + I am writing you a most unmerciful letter, but I shall get Owen to take it + to Newcastle. If you have a mind to be a very generous man you will write + to me from Kinnordy (The house of Lyell's father.), and tell me some + Newcastle news, as well as about the Craig, and about yourself and Mrs. + Lyell, and everything else in the world. I will send by Hall the + 'Entomological Transactions,' which I have borrowed for you; you will be + disappointed in —'s papers, that is if you suppose my dear friend + has a single clear idea upon any one subject. He has so involved recent + insects and true fossil insects in one table that I fear you will not make + much out of it, though it is a subject which ought I should think to come + into the 'Principles.' You will be amused at some of the ridiculo-sublime + passages in the papers, and no doubt will feel acutely a sneer there is at + yourself. I have heard from more than one quarter that quarrelling is + expected at Newcastle (At the meeting of the British Association.); I am + sorry to hear it. I met old — this evening at the Athenaeum, and he + muttered something about writing to you or some one on the subject; I am + however all in the dark. I suppose, however, I shall be illuminated, for I + am going to dine with him in a few days, as my inventive powers failed in + making any excuse. A friend of mine dined with him the other day, a party + of four, and they finished ten bottles of wine—a pleasant prospect + for me; but I am determined not even to taste his wine, partly for the fun + of seeing his infinite disgust and surprise... + </p> + <p> + I pity you the infliction of this most unmerciful letter. Pray remember me + most kindly to Mrs. Lyell when you arrive at Kinnordy. I saw her name in + the landlord's book of Inverorum. Tell Mrs. Lyell to read the second + series of 'Mr. Slick of Slickville's Sayings.'...He almost beats + "Samivel," that prince of heroes. Goodnight, my dear Lyell; you will think + I have been drinking some strong drink to write so much nonsense, but I + did not even taste Minerva's small beer to-day. + </p> + <p> + Yours most sincerely, CHAS. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO C. LYELL. Friday night, September 13th [1838]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Lyell, + </p> + <p> + I was astonished and delighted at your gloriously long letter, and I am + sure I am very much obliged to Mrs. Lyell for having taken the trouble to + write so much. (Lyell dictated much of his correspondence.) I mean to have + a good hour's enjoyment and scribble away to you, who have so much + geological sympathy that I do not care how egotistically I write... + </p> + <p> + I have got so much to say about all sorts of trifling things that I hardly + know what to begin about. I need not say how pleased I am to hear that Mr. + Lyell (Father of the geologist.) likes my Journal. To hear such tidings is + a kind of resurrection, for I feel towards my first-born child as if it + had long since been dead, buried, and forgotten; but the past is nothing + and the future everything to us geologists, as you show in your capital + motto to the 'Elements.' By the way, have you read the article, in the + 'Edinburgh Review,' on M. Comte, 'Cours de la Philosophie' (or some such + title)? It is capital; there are some fine sentences about the very + essence of science being prediction, which reminded me of "its law being + progress." + </p> + <p> + I will now begin and go through your letter seriatim. I dare say your plan + of putting the Elie de Beaumont's chapter separately and early will be + very good; anyhow, it is showing a bold front in the first edition which + is to be translated into French. It will be a curious point to geologists + hereafter to note how long a man's name will support a theory so + completely exposed as that of De Beaumont's has been by you; you say you + "begin to hope that the great principles there insisted on will stand the + test of time." BEGIN TO HOPE: why, the POSSIBILITY of a doubt has never + crossed my mind for many a day. This may be very unphilosophical, but my + geological salvation is staked on it. After having just come back from + Glen Roy, and found how difficulties smooth away under your principles, it + makes me quite indignant that you should talk of HOPING. With respect to + the question, how far my coral theory bears on De Beaumont's theory, I + think it would be prudent to quote me with great caution until my whole + account is published, and then you (and others) can judge how far there is + foundation for such generalisation. Mind, I do not doubt its truth; but + the extension of any view over such large spaces, from comparatively few + facts, must be received with much caution. I do not myself the least doubt + that within the recent (or as you, much to my annoyment, would call it, + "New Pliocene") period, tortuous bands—not all the bands parallel to + each other—have been elevated and corresponding ones subsided, + though within the same period some parts probably remained for a time + stationary, or even subsided. I do not believe a more utterly false view + could have been invented than great straight lines being suddenly thrown + up. + </p> + <p> + When my book on Volcanoes and Coral Reefs will be published I hardly know; + I fear it will be at least four or five months; though, mind, the greater + part is written. I find so much time is lost in correcting details and + ascertaining their accuracy. The Government Zoological work is a millstone + round my neck, and the Glen Roy paper has lost me six weeks. I will not, + however, say lost; for, supposing I can prove to others' satisfaction what + I have convinced myself is the case, the inference I think you will allow + to be important. I cannot doubt that the molten matter beneath the earth's + crust possesses a high degree of fluidity, almost like the sea beneath the + block ice. By the way, I hope you will give me some Swedish case to quote, + of shells being preserved on the surface, but not in contemporaneous beds + of gravel... + </p> + <p> + Remember what I have often heard you say: the country is very bad for the + intellects; the Scotch mists will put out some volcanic speculations. You + see I am affecting to become very Cockneyfied, and to despise the poor + country-folk, who breath fresh air instead of smoke, and see the goodly + fields instead of the brick houses in Marlborough Street, the very sight + of which I confess I abhor. I am glad to hear what a favourable report you + give of the British Association. I am the more pleased because I have been + fighting its battles with Basil Hall, Stokes, and several others, having + made up my mind, from the report in the "Athenaeum", that it must have + been an excellent meeting. I have been much amused with an account I have + received of the wars of Don Roderick (Murchison.) and Babbage. What a + grievous pity it is that the latter should be so implacable...This is a + most rigmarole letter, for after each sentence I take breath, and you will + have need of it in reading it... + </p> + <p> + I wish with all my heart that my Geological book was out. I have every + motive to work hard, and will, following your steps, work just that degree + of hardness to keep well. I should like my volume to be out before your + new edition of 'Principles' appears. Besides the Coral theory, the + volcanic chapters will, I think, contain some new facts. I have lately + been sadly tempted to be idle—that is, as far as pure geology is + concerned—by the delightful number of new views which have been + coming in thickly and steadily,—on the classification and affinities + and instincts of animals—bearing on the question of species. + Note-book after note-book has been filled with facts which begin to group + themselves CLEARLY under sub-laws. + </p> + <p> + Good night, my dear Lyell. I have filled my letter and enjoyed my talk to + you as much as I can without having you in propria persona. Think of the + bad effects of the country—so once more good night. + </p> + <p> + Ever yours, CHAS. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + Pray again give my best thanks to Mrs. Lyell. + </p> + <p> + [The record of what he wrote during the year does not give a true index of + the most important work that was in progress,—the laying of the + foundation-stones of what was to be the achievement of his life. This is + shown in the foregoing letter to Lyell, where he speaks of being "idle," + and the following extract from a letter to Fox, written in June, is of + interest in this point of view: + </p> + <p> + "I am delighted to hear you are such a good man as not to have forgotten + my questions about the crossing of animals. It is my prime hobby, and I + really think some day I shall be able to do something in that most + intricate subject, species and varieties."] + </p> + <p> + 1839-1841. + </p> + <p> + [In the winter of 1839 (January 29) my father was married to his cousin, + Emma Wedgwood. (Daughter of Josiah Wedgwood of Maer, and grand-daughter of + the founder of the Etruria Pottery Works.) The house in which they lived + for the first few years of their married life, No. 12 Upper Gower Street, + was a small common-place London house, with a drawing-room in front, and a + small room behind, in which they lived for the sake of quietness. In later + years my father used to laugh over the surpassing ugliness of the + furniture, carpets, etc., of the Gower Street house. The only redeeming + feature was a better garden than most London houses have, a strip as wide + as the house, and thirty yards long. Even this small space of dingy grass + made their London house more tolerable to its two country-bred + inhabitants. + </p> + <p> + Of his life in London he writes to Fox (October 1839): "We are living a + life of extreme quietness; Delamere itself, which you describe as so + secluded a spot, is, I will answer for it, quite dissipated compared with + Gower Street. We have given up all parties, for they agree with neither of + us; and if one is quiet in London, there is nothing like its quietness—there + is a grandeur about its smoky fogs, and the dull distant sounds of cabs + and coaches; in fact you may perceive I am becoming a thorough-paced + Cockney, and I glory in thoughts that I shall be here for the next six + months." + </p> + <p> + The entries of ill health in the Diary increase in number during these + years, and as a consequence the holidays become longer and more frequent. + From April 26 to May 13, 1839, he was at Maer and Shrewsbury. Again, from + August 23 to October 2 he was away from London at Maer, Shrewsbury, and at + Birmingham for the meeting of the British Association. + </p> + <p> + The entry under August 1839 is: "During my visit to Maer, read a little, + was much unwell and scandalously idle. I have derived this much good, that + NOTHING is so intolerable as idleness." + </p> + <p> + At the end of 1839 his eldest child was born, and it was then that he + began his observations ultimately published in the 'Expression of the + Emotions.' His book on this subject, and the short paper published in + 'Mind,' (July 1877.) show how closely he observed his child. He seems to + have been surprised at his own feelings for a young baby, for he wrote to + Fox (July 1840): "He [i.e. the baby] is so charming that I cannot pretend + to any modesty. I defy anybody to flatter us on our baby, for I defy any + one to say anything in its praise of which we are not fully conscious...I + had not the smallest conception there was so much in a five-month baby. + You will perceive by this that I have a fine degree of paternal fervour." + </p> + <p> + During these years he worked intermittently at 'Coral Reefs,' being + constantly interrupted by ill health. Thus he speaks of "recommencing" the + subject in February 1839, and again in the October of the same year, and + once more in July 1841, "after more than thirteen months' interval." His + other scientific work consisted of a contribution to the Geological + Society ('Geol. Soc. Proc.' iii. 1842, and 'Geol. Soc. Trans.' vi), on the + boulders and "till" of South America, as well as a few other minor papers + on geological subjects. He also worked busily at the ornithological part + of the Zoology of the "Beagle", i.e. the notice of the habits and ranges + of the birds which were described by Gould.] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO C. LYELL. Wednesday morning [February 1840]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Lyell, + </p> + <p> + Many thanks for your kind note. I will send for the "Scotsman". Dr. + Holland thinks he has found out what is the matter with me, and now hopes + he shall be able to set me going again. Is it not mortifying, it is now + nine weeks since I have done a whole day's work, and not more than four + half days. But I won't grumble any more, though it is hard work to prevent + doing so. Since receiving your note I have read over my chapter on Coral, + and find I am prepared to stand by almost everything; it is much more + cautiously and accurately written than I thought. I had set my heart upon + having my volume completed before your new edition, but not, you may + believe me, for you to notice anything new in it (for there is very little + besides details), but you are the one man in Europe whose opinion of the + general truth of a toughish argument I should be always most anxious to + hear. My MS. is in such confusion, otherwise I am sure you should most + willingly if it had been worth your while, have looked at any part you + choose.... + </p> + <p> + [In a letter to Fox (January 1841) he shows that his "Species work" was + still occupying his mind:— + </p> + <p> + "If you attend at all to Natural History I send you this P.S. as a + memento, that I continue to collect all kinds of facts about 'Varieties + and Species,' for my some-day work to be so entitled; the smallest + contributions thankfully accepted; descriptions of offspring of all + crosses between all domestic birds and animals, dogs, cats, etc., etc., + very valuable. Don't forget, if your half-bred African cat should die that + I should be very much obliged for its carcase sent up in a little hamper + for the skeleton; it, or any cross-bred pigeons, fowl, duck, etc., etc., + will be more acceptable than the finest haunch of venison, or the finest + turtle." + </p> + <p> + Later in the year (September) he writes to Fox about his health, and also + with reference to his plan of moving into the country:— + </p> + <p> + "I have steadily been gaining ground, and really believe now I shall some + day be quite strong. I write daily for a couple of hours on my Coral + volume, and take a little walk or ride every day. I grow very tired in the + evenings, and am not able to go out at that time, or hardly to receive my + nearest relations; but my life ceases to be burdensome now that I can do + something. We are taking steps to leave London, and live about twenty + miles from it on some railway."] + </p> + <p> + 1842. + </p> + <p> + [The record of work includes his volume on 'Coral Reefs' (A notice of the + Coral Reef work appeared in the Geograph. Soc. Journal, xii., page 115.), + the manuscript of which was at last sent to the printers in January of + this year, and the last proof corrected in May. He thus writes of the work + in his diary:— + </p> + <p> + "I commenced this work three years and seven months ago. Out of this + period about twenty months (besides work during "Beagle's" voyage) has + been spent on it, and besides it, I have only compiled the Bird part of + Zoology; Appendix to Journal, paper on Boulders, and corrected papers on + Glen Roy and earthquakes, reading on species, and rest all lost by + illness." + </p> + <p> + In May and June he was at Shrewsbury and Maer, whence he went on to make + the little tour in Wales, of which he spoke in his 'Recollections,' and of + which the results were published as "Notes on the effects produced by the + ancient glaciers of Caernarvonshire, and on the Boulders transported by + floating Ice." ('Philosophical Magazine,' 1842, page 352.) + </p> + <p> + Mr. Archibald Geikie speaks of this paper as standing "almost at the top + of the long list of English contributions to the history of the Ice Age." + (Charles Darwin, 'Nature' Series, page 23.) + </p> + <p> + The latter part of this year belongs to the period including the + settlement at Down, and is therefore dealt with in another chapter.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 1.VIII. — RELIGION. + </h2> + <p> + [The history of this part of my father's life may justly include some + mention of his religious views. For although, as he points out, he did not + give continuous systematic thought to religious questions, yet we know + from his own words that about this time (1836-39) the subject was much + before his mind.] + </p> + <p> + In his published works he was reticent on the matter of religion, and what + he has left on the subject was not written with a view to publication. (As + an exception may be mentioned, a few words of concurrence with Dr. Abbot's + 'Truths for the Times,' which my father allowed to be published in the + "Index".) + </p> + <p> + I believe that his reticence arose from several causes. He felt strongly + that a man's religion is an essentially private matter, and one concerning + himself alone. This is indicated by the following extract from a letter of + 1879:—(Addressed to Mr. J. Fordyce, and published by him in his + 'Aspects of Scepticism,' 1883.) + </p> + <p> + "What my own views may be is a question of no consequence to any one but + myself. But, as you ask, I may state that my judgment often + fluctuates...In my most extreme fluctuations I have never been an Atheist + in the sense of denying the existence of a God. I think that generally + (and more and more as I grow older), but not always, that an Agnostic + would be the more correct description of my state of mind." + </p> + <p> + He naturally shrank from wounding the sensibilities of others in religious + matters, and he was also influenced by the consciousness that a man ought + not to publish on a subject to which he has not given special and + continuous thought. That he felt this caution to apply to himself in the + matter of religion is shown in a letter to Dr. F.E. Abbot, of Cambridge, + U.S. (September 6, 1871). After explaining that the weakness arising from + his bad health prevented him from feeling "equal to deep reflection, on + the deepest subject which can fill a man's mind," he goes on to say: "With + respect to my former notes to you, I quite forget their contents. I have + to write many letters, and can reflect but little on what I write; but I + fully believe and hope that I have never written a word, which at the time + I did not think; but I think you will agree with me, that anything which + is to be given to the public ought to be maturely weighed and cautiously + put. It never occurred to me that you would wish to print any extract from + my notes: if it had, I would have kept a copy. I put 'private' from habit, + only as yet partially acquired, from some hasty notes of mine having been + printed, which were not in the least degree worth printing, though + otherwise unobjectionable. It is simply ridiculous to suppose that my + former note to you would be worth sending to me, with any part marked + which you desire to print; but if you like to do so, I will at once say + whether I should have any objection. I feel in some degree unwilling to + express myself publicly on religious subjects, as I do not feel that I + have thought deeply enough to justify any publicity." + </p> + <p> + I may also quote from another letter to Dr. Abbot (November 16, 1871), in + which my father gives more fully his reasons for not feeling competent to + write on religious and moral subjects:— + </p> + <p> + "I can say with entire truth that I feel honoured by your request that I + should become a contributor to the "Index", and am much obliged for the + draft. I fully, also, subscribe to the proposition that it is the duty of + every one to spread what he believes to be the truth; and I honour you for + doing so, with so much devotion and zeal. But I cannot comply with your + request for the following reasons; and excuse me for giving them in some + detail, as I should be very sorry to appear in your eyes ungracious. My + health is very weak: I NEVER pass 24 hours without many hours of + discomfort, when I can do nothing whatever. I have thus, also, lost two + whole consecutive months this season. Owing to this weakness, and my head + being often giddy, I am unable to master new subjects requiring much + thought, and can deal only with old materials. At no time am I a quick + thinker or writer: whatever I have done in science has solely been by long + pondering, patience and industry. + </p> + <p> + "Now I have never systematically thought much on religion in relation to + science, or on morals in relation to society; and without steadily keeping + my mind on such subjects for a LONG period, I am really incapable of + writing anything worth sending to the 'Index'." + </p> + <p> + He was more than once asked to give his views on religion, and he had, as + a rule, no objection to doing so in a private letter. Thus in answer to a + Dutch student he wrote (April 2, 1873):— + </p> + <p> + "I am sure you will excuse my writing at length, when I tell you that I + have long been much out of health, and am now staying away from my home + for rest. + </p> + <p> + "It is impossible to answer your question briefly; and I am not sure that + I could do so, even if I wrote at some length. But I may say that the + impossibility of conceiving that this grand and wondrous universe, with + our conscious selves, arose through chance, seems to me the chief argument + for the existence of God; but whether this is an argument of real value, I + have never been able to decide. I am aware that if we admit a first cause, + the mind still craves to know whence it came, and how it arose. Nor can I + overlook the difficulty from the immense amount of suffering through the + world. I am, also, induced to defer to a certain extent to the judgment of + the many able men who have fully believed in God; but here again I see how + poor an argument this is. The safest conclusion seems to me that the whole + subject is beyond the scope of man's intellect; but man can do his duty." + </p> + <p> + Again in 1879 he was applied to by a German student, in a similar manner. + The letter was answered by a member of my father's family, who wrote:— + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Darwin begs me to say that he receives so many letters, that he + cannot answer them all. + </p> + <p> + "He considers that the theory of Evolution is quite compatible with the + belief in a God; but that you must remember that different persons have + different definitions of what they mean by God." + </p> + <p> + This, however, did not satisfy the German youth, who again wrote to my + father, and received from him the following reply:— + </p> + <p> + "I am much engaged, an old man, and out of health, and I cannot spare time + to answer your questions fully,—nor indeed can they be answered. + Science has nothing to do with Christ, except in so far as the habit of + scientific research makes a man cautious in admitting evidence. For + myself, I do not believe that there ever has been any revelation. As for a + future life, every man must judge for himself between conflicting vague + probabilities." + </p> + <p> + The passages which here follow are extracts, somewhat abbreviated, from a + part of the Autobiography, written in 1876, in which my father gives the + history of his religious views:— + </p> + <p> + "During these two years (October 1836 to January 1839.) I was led to think + much about religion. Whilst on board the 'Beagle' I was quite orthodox, + and I remember being heartily laughed at by several of the officers + (though themselves orthodox) for quoting the Bible as an unanswerable + authority on some point of morality. I suppose it was the novelty of the + argument that amused them. But I had gradually come by this time, i.e. + 1836 to 1839, to see that the Old Testament was no more to be trusted than + the sacred books of the Hindoos. The question then continually rose before + my mind and would not be banished,—is it credible that if God were + now to make a revelation to the Hindoos, he would permit it to be + connected with the belief in Vishnu, Siva, etc., as Christianity is + connected with the Old Testament? This appeared to me utterly incredible. + </p> + <p> + "By further reflecting that the clearest evidence would be requisite to + make any sane man believe in the miracles by which Christianity is + supported,—and that the more we know of the fixed laws of nature the + more incredible do miracles become,—that the men at that time were + ignorant and credulous to a degree almost incomprehensible by us,—that + the Gospels cannot be proved to have been written simultaneously with the + events,—that they differ in many important details, far too + important, as it seemed to me, to be admitted as the usual inaccuracies of + eye-witnesses;—by such reflections as these, which I give not as + having the least novelty or value, but as they influenced me, I gradually + came to disbelieve in Christianity as a divine revelation. The fact that + many false religions have spread over large portions of the earth like + wild-fire had some weight with me. + </p> + <p> + "But I was very unwilling to give up my belief; I feel sure of this, for I + can well remember often and often inventing day-dreams of old letters + between distinguished Romans, and manuscripts being discovered at Pompeii + or elsewhere, which confirmed in the most striking manner all that was + written in the Gospels. But I found it more and more difficult, with free + scope given to my imagination, to invent evidence which would suffice to + convince me. Thus disbelief crept over me at a very slow rate, but was at + last complete. The rate was so slow that I felt no distress. + </p> + <p> + "Although I did not think much about the existence of a personal God until + a considerably later period of my life, I will here give the vague + conclusions to which I have been driven. The old argument from design in + Nature, as given by Paley, which formerly seemed to me so conclusive, + fails, now that the law of natural selection has been discovered. We can + no longer argue that, for instance, the beautiful hinge of a bivalve shell + must have been made by an intelligent being, like the hinge of a door by + man. There seems to be no more design in the variability of organic + beings, and in the action of natural selection, than in the course which + the wind blows. But I have discussed this subject at the end of my book on + the 'Variations of Domesticated Animals and Plants' (My father asks + whether we are to believe that the forms are preordained of the broken + fragments of rock tumbled from a precipice which are fitted together by + man to build his houses. If not, why should we believe that the variations + of domestic animals or plants are preordained for the sake of the breeder? + "But if we give up the principle in one case,... no shadow of reason can + be assigned for the belief that variations, alike in nature and the result + of the same general laws, which have been the groundwork through natural + selection of the formation of the most perfectly adapted animals in the + world, man included, were intentionally and specially guided."—'The + Variation of Animals and Plants,' 1st Edition volume ii. page 431.—F.D.), + and the argument there given has never, as far as I can see, been + answered. + </p> + <p> + "But passing over the endless beautiful adaptations which we everywhere + meet with, it may be asked how can the generally beneficent arrangement of + the world be accounted for? Some writers indeed are so much impressed with + the amount of suffering in the world, that they doubt, if we look to all + sentient beings, whether there is more of misery or of happiness; whether + the world as a whole is a good or bad one. According to my judgment + happiness decidedly prevails, though this would be very difficult to + prove. If the truth of this conclusion be granted, it harmonises well with + the effects which we might expect from natural selection. If all the + individuals of any species were habitually to suffer to an extreme degree, + they would neglect to propagate their kind; but we have no reason to + believe that this has ever, or at least often occurred. Some other + considerations, moreover, lead to the belief that all sentient beings have + been formed so as to enjoy, as a general rule, happiness. + </p> + <p> + "Everyone who believes, as I do, that all the corporeal and mental organs + (excepting those which are neither advantageous nor disadvantageous to the + possessor) of all beings have been developed through natural selection, or + the survival of the fittest, together with use or habit, will admit that + these organs have been formed so that their possessors may compete + successfully with other beings, and thus increase in number. Now an animal + may be led to pursue that course of action which is most beneficial to the + species by suffering, such as pain, hunger, thirst, and fear; or by + pleasure, as in eating and drinking, and in the propagation of the + species, etc.; or by both means combined, as in the search for food. But + pain or suffering of any kind, if long continued, causes depression and + lessens the power of action, yet is well adapted to make a creature guard + itself against any great or sudden evil. Pleasurable sensations, on the + other hand, may be long continued without any depressing effect; on the + contrary, they stimulate the whole system to increased action. Hence it + has come to pass that most or all sentient beings have been developed in + such a manner, through natural selection, that pleasurable sensations + serve as their habitual guides. We see this in the pleasure from exertion, + even occasionally from great exertion of the body or mind,—in the + pleasure of our daily meals, and especially in the pleasure derived from + sociability, and from loving our families. The sum of such pleasures as + these, which are habitual or frequently recurrent, give, as I can hardly + doubt, to most sentient beings an excess of happiness over misery, + although many occasionally suffer much. Such suffering is quite compatible + with the belief in Natural Selection, which is not perfect in its action, + but tends only to render each species as successful as possible in the + battle for life with other species, in wonderfully complex and changing + circumstances. + </p> + <p> + "That there is much suffering in the world no one disputes. Some have + attempted to explain this with reference to man by imagining that it + serves for his moral improvement. But the number of men in the world is as + nothing compared with that of all other sentient beings, and they often + suffer greatly without any moral improvement. This very old argument from + the existence of suffering against the existence of an intelligent First + Cause seems to me a strong one; whereas, as just remarked, the presence of + much suffering agrees well with the view that all organic beings have been + developed through variation and natural selection. + </p> + <p> + "At the present day the most usual argument for the existence of an + intelligent God is drawn from the deep inward conviction and feelings + which are experienced by most persons. + </p> + <p> + "Formerly I was led by feelings such as those just referred to (although I + do not think that the religious sentiment was ever strongly developed in + me), to the firm conviction of the existence of God, and of the + immortality of the soul. In my Journal I wrote that whilst standing in the + midst of the grandeur of a Brazilian forest, "it is not possible to give + an adequate idea of the higher feelings of wonder, admiration, and + devotion, which fill and elevate the mind." I well remember my conviction + that there is more in man than the mere breath of his body. But now the + grandest scenes would not cause any such convictions and feelings to rise + in my mind. It may be truly said that I am like a man who has become + colour-blind, and the universal belief by men of the existence of redness + makes my present loss of perception of not the least value as evidence. + This argument would be a valid one if all men of all races had the same + inward conviction of the existence of one God; but we know that this is + very far from being the case. Therefore I cannot see that such inward + convictions and feelings are of any weight as evidence of what really + exists. The state of mind which grand scenes formerly excited in me, and + which was intimately connected with a belief in God, did not essentially + differ from that which is often called the sense of sublimity; and however + difficult it may be to explain the genesis of this sense, it can hardly be + advanced as an argument for the existence of God, any more than the + powerful though vague and similar feelings excited by music. + </p> + <p> + "With respect to immortality, nothing shows me [so clearly] how strong and + almost instinctive a belief it is, as the consideration of the view now + held by most physicists, namely, that the sun with all the planets will in + time grow too cold for life, unless indeed some great body dashes into the + sun, and thus gives it fresh life. Believing as I do that man in the + distant future will be a far more perfect creature than he now is, it is + an intolerable thought that he and all other sentient beings are doomed to + complete annihilation after such long-continued slow progress. To those + who fully admit the immortality of the human soul, the destruction of our + world will not appear so dreadful. + </p> + <p> + "Another source of conviction in the existence of God, connected with the + reason, and not with the feelings, impresses me as having much more + weight. This follows from the extreme difficulty or rather impossibility + of conceiving this immense and wonderful universe, including man with his + capacity of looking far backwards and far into futurity, as the result of + blind chance or necessity. When thus reflecting I feel compelled to look + to a First Cause having an intelligent mind in some degree analogous to + that of man; and I deserve to be called a Theist. This conclusion was + strong in my mind about the time, as far as I can remember, when I wrote + the 'Origin of Species;' and it is since that time that it has very + gradually, with many fluctuations, become weaker. But then arises the + doubt, can the mind of man, which has, as I fully believe, been developed + from a mind as low as that possessed by the lowest animals, be trusted + when it draws such grand conclusions? + </p> + <p> + "I cannot pretend to throw the least light on such abstruse problems. The + mystery of the beginning of all things is insoluble by us; and I for one + must be content to remain an Agnostic." + </p> + <p> + [The following letters repeat to some extent what has been given from the + Autobiography. The first one refers to 'The Boundaries of Science, a + Dialogue,' published in 'Macmillan's Magazine,' for July 1861.] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO MISS JULIA WEDGWOOD. July 11 [1861]. + </p> + <p> + Some one has sent us 'Macmillan'; and I must tell you how much I admire + your Article; though at the same time I must confess that I could not + clearly follow you in some parts, which probably is in main part due to my + not being at all accustomed to metaphysical trains of thought. I think + that you understand my book (The 'Origin of Species.') perfectly, and that + I find a very rare event with my critics. The ideas in the last page have + several times vaguely crossed my mind. Owing to several correspondents I + have been led lately to think, or rather to try to think over some of the + chief points discussed by you. But the result has been with me a maze—something + like thinking on the origin of evil, to which you allude. The mind refuses + to look at this universe, being what it is, without having been designed; + yet, where one would most expect design, viz. in the structure of a + sentient being, the more I think on the subject, the less I can see proof + of design. Asa Gray and some others look at each variation, or at least at + each beneficial variation (which A. Gray would compare with the rain drops + (Dr. Gray's rain-drop metaphor occurs in the Essay 'Darwin and his + Reviewers' ('Darwiniana,' page 157): "The whole animate life of a country + depends absolutely upon the vegetation, the vegetation upon the rain. The + moisture is furnished by the ocean, is raised by the sun's heat from the + ocean's surface, and is wafted inland by the winds. But what multitudes of + rain-drops fall back into the ocean—are as much without a final + cause as the incipient varieties which come to nothing! Does it therefore + follow that the rains which are bestowed upon the soil with such rule and + average regularity were not designed to support vegetable and animal + life?") which do not fall on the sea, but on to the land to fertilize it) + as having been providentially designed. Yet when I ask him whether he + looks at each variation in the rock-pigeon, by which man has made by + accumulation a pouter or fantail pigeon, as providentially designed for + man's amusement, he does not know what to answer; and if he, or any one, + admits [that] these variations are accidental, as far as purpose is + concerned (of course not accidental as to their cause or origin); then I + can see no reason why he should rank the accumulated variations by which + the beautifully adapted woodpecker has been formed, as providentially + designed. For it would be easy to imagine the enlarged crop of the pouter, + or tail of the fantail, as of some use to birds, in a state of nature, + having peculiar habits of life. These are the considerations which perplex + me about design; but whether you will care to hear them, I know not.... + </p> + <p> + [On the subject of design, he wrote (July 1860) to Dr. Gray: + </p> + <p> + "One word more on 'designed laws' and 'undesigned results.' I see a bird + which I want for food, take my gun and kill it, I do this DESIGNEDLY. An + innocent and good man stands under a tree and is killed by a flash of + lightning. Do you believe (and I really should like to hear) that God + DESIGNEDLY killed this man? Many or most persons do believe this; I can't + and don't. If you believe so, do you believe that when a swallow snaps up + a gnat that God designed that that particular swallow should snap up that + particular gnat at that particular instant? I believe that the man and the + gnat are in the same predicament. If the death of neither man nor gnat are + designed, I see no good reason to believe that their FIRST birth or + production should be necessarily designed."] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO W. GRAHAM. Down, July 3rd, 1881. + </p> + <p> + Dear Sir, + </p> + <p> + I hope that you will not think it intrusive on my part to thank you + heartily for the pleasure which I have derived from reading your admirably + written 'Creed of Science,' though I have not yet quite finished it, as + now that I am old I read very slowly. It is a very long time since any + other book has interested me so much. The work must have cost you several + years and much hard labour with full leisure for work. You would not + probably expect any one fully to agree with you on so many abstruse + subjects; and there are some points in your book which I cannot digest. + The chief one is that the existence of so-called natural laws implies + purpose. I cannot see this. Not to mention that many expect that the + several great laws will some day be found to follow inevitably from some + one single law, yet taking the laws as we now know them, and look at the + moon, where the law of gravitation—and no doubt of the conservation + of energy—of the atomic theory, etc. etc., hold good, and I cannot + see that there is then necessarily any purpose. Would there be purpose if + the lowest organisms alone, destitute of consciousness existed in the + moon? But I have had no practice in abstract reasoning, and I may be all + astray. Nevertheless you have expressed my inward conviction, though far + more vividly and clearly than I could have done, that the Universe is not + the result of chance. (The Duke of Argyll ('Good Words,' Ap. 1885, page + 244) has recorded a few words on this subject, spoken by my father in the + last year of his life. "...in the course of that conversation I said to + Mr. Darwin, with reference to some of his own remarkable works on the + 'Fertilization of Orchids,' and upon 'The Earthworms,' and various other + observations he made of the wonderful contrivances for certain purposes in + nature—I said it was impossible to look at these without seeing that + they were the effect and the expression of mind. I shall never forget Mr. + Darwin's answer. He looked at me very hard and said, 'Well, that often + comes over me with overwhelming force; but at other times,' and he shook + his head vaguely, adding, 'it seems to go away.'") But then with me the + horrid doubt always arises whether the convictions of man's mind, which + has been developed from the mind of the lower animals, are of any value or + at all trustworthy. Would any one trust in the convictions of a monkey's + mind, if there are any convictions in such a mind? Secondly, I think that + I could make somewhat of a case against the enormous importance which you + attribute to our greatest men; I have been accustomed to think, second, + third, and fourth rate men of very high importance, at least in the case + of Science. Lastly, I could show fight on natural selection having done + and doing more for the progress of civilization than you seem inclined to + admit. Remember what risk the nations of Europe ran, not so many centuries + ago of being overwhelmed by the Turks, and how ridiculous such an idea now + is! The more civilised so-called Caucasian races have beaten the Turkish + hollow in the struggle for existence. Looking to the world at no very distant + date, what an endless number of the lower races will have been eliminated + by the higher civilized races throughout the world. But I will write no + more, and not even mention the many points in your work which have much + interested me. I have indeed cause to apologise for troubling you with my + impressions, and my sole excuse is the excitement in my mind which your + book has aroused. + </p> + <p> + I beg leave to remain, Dear Sir, Yours faithfully and obliged, CHARLES + DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + [My father spoke little on these subjects, and I can contribute nothing + from my own recollection of his conversation which can add to the + impression here given of his attitude towards Religion. Some further idea + of his views may, however, be gathered from occasional remarks in his + letters.] (Dr. Aveling has published an account of a conversation with my + father. I think that the readers of this pamphlet ('The Religious Views of + Charles Darwin,' Free Thought Publishing Company, 1883) may be misled into + seeing more resemblance than really existed between the positions of my + father and Dr. Aveling: and I say this in spite of my conviction that Dr. + Aveling gives quite fairly his impressions of my father's views. Dr. + Aveling tried to show that the terms "Agnostic" and "Atheist" were + practically equivalent—that an atheist is one who, without denying + the existence of God, is without God, inasmuch as he is unconvinced of the + existence of a Deity. My father's replies implied his preference for the + unaggressive attitude of an Agnostic. Dr. Aveling seems (page 5) to regard + the absence of aggressiveness in my father's views as distinguishing them + in an unessential manner from his own. But, in my judgment, it is + precisely differences of this kind which distinguish him so completely + from the class of thinkers to which Dr. Aveling belongs.) + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 1.IX. — LIFE AT DOWN. + </h2> + <h3> + 1842-1854. + </h3> + <p> + "My life goes on like clockwork, and I am fixed on the spot where I shall + end it." + </p> + <p> + Letter to Captain Fitz-Roy, October, 1846. + </p> + <p> + [With the view of giving in the following chapters a connected account of + the growth of the 'Origin of Species,' I have taken the more important + letters bearing on that subject out of their proper chronological position + here, and placed them with the rest of the correspondence bearing on the + same subject; so that in the present group of letters we only get + occasional hints of the growth of my father's views, and we may suppose + ourselves to be looking at his life, as it might have been looked at by + those who had no knowledge of the quiet development of his theory of + evolution during this period.] + </p> + <p> + On September 14, 1842, my father left London with his family and settled + at Down. (I must not omit to mention a member of the household who + accompanied him. This was his butler, Joseph Parslow, who remained in the + family, a valued friend and servant, for forty years, and became as Sir + Joseph Hooker once remarked to me, "an integral part of the family, and + felt to be such by all visitors at the house.") In the Autobiographical + chapter, his motives for taking this step in the country are briefly + given. He speaks of the attendance at scientific societies, and ordinary + social duties, as suiting his health so "badly that we resolved to live in + the country, which we both preferred and have never repented of." His + intention of keeping up with scientific life in London is expressed in a + letter to Fox (December, 1842):— + </p> + <p> + "I hope by going up to town for a night every fortnight or three weeks, to + keep up my communication with scientific men and my own zeal, and so not + to turn into a complete Kentish hog." + </p> + <p> + Visits to London of this kind were kept up for some years at the cost of + much exertion on his part. I have often heard him speak of the wearisome + drives of ten miles to or from Croydon or Sydenham—the nearest + stations—with an old gardener acting as coachman, who drove with + great caution and slowness up and down the many hills. In later years, all + regular scientific intercourse with London became, as before mentioned, an + impossibility. + </p> + <p> + The choice of Down was rather the result of despair than of actual + preference; my father and mother were weary of house-hunting, and the + attractive points about the place thus seemed to them to counterbalance + its somewhat more obvious faults. It had at least one desideratum, namely + quietness. Indeed it would have been difficult to find a more retired + place so near to London. In 1842 a coach drive of some twenty miles was + the only means of access to Down; and even now that railways have crept + closer to it, it is singularly out of the world, with nothing to suggest + the neighbourhood of London, unless it be the dull haze of smoke that + sometimes clouds the sky. The village stands in an angle between two of + the larger high-roads of the country, one leading to Tunbridge and the + other to Westerham and Edenbridge. It is cut off from the Weald by a line + of steep chalk hills on the south, and an abrupt hill, now smoothed down + by a cutting and embankment, must formerly have been something of a + barrier against encroachments from the side of London. In such a + situation, a village, communicating with the main lines of traffic, only + by stony tortuous lanes, may well have been enabled to preserve its + retired character. Nor is it hard to believe in the smugglers and their + strings of pack-horses making their way up from the lawless old villages + of the Weald, of which the memory still existed when my father settled in + Down. The village stands on solitary upland country, 500 to 600 feet above + the sea,— a country with little natural beauty, but possessing a + certain charm in the shaws, or straggling strips of wood, capping the + chalky banks and looking down upon the quiet ploughed lands of the + valleys. The village, of three or four hundred inhabitants, consists of + three small streets of cottages meeting in front of the little flint-built + church. It is a place where new-comers are seldom seen, and the names + occurring far back in the old church registers are still well-known in the + village. The smock-frock is not yet quite extinct, though chiefly used as + a ceremonial dress by the "bearers" at funerals: but as a boy I remember + the purple or green smocks of the men at church. + </p> + <p> + The house stands a quarter of a mile from the village, and is built, like + so many houses of the last century, as near as possible to the road—a + narrow lane winding away to the Westerham high-road. In 1842, it was dull + and unattractive enough: a square brick building of three storeys, covered + with shabby whitewash and hanging tiles. The garden had none of the + shrubberies or walls that now give shelter; it was overlooked from the + lane, and was open, bleak, and desolate. One of my father's first + undertakings was to lower the lane by about two feet, and to build a flint + wall along that part of it which bordered the garden. The earth thus + excavated was used in making banks and mounds round the lawn: these were + planted with evergreens, which now give to the garden its retired and + sheltered character. + </p> + <p> + The house was made to look neater by being covered with stucco, but the + chief improvement effected was the building of a large bow extending up + through three storeys. This bow became covered with a tangle of creepers, + and pleasantly varied the south side of the house. The drawing-room, with + its verandah opening into the garden, as well as the study in which my + father worked during the later years of his life, were added at subsequent + dates. + </p> + <p> + Eighteen acres of land were sold with the house, of which twelve acres on + the south side of the house formed a pleasant field, scattered with + fair-sized oaks and ashes. From this field a strip was cut off and + converted into a kitchen garden, in which the experimental plot of ground + was situated, and where the greenhouses were ultimately put up. + </p> + <p> + The following letter to Mr. Fox (March 28th, 1843) gives among other + things my father's early impressions of Down:— + </p> + <p> + "I will tell you all the trifling particulars about myself that I can + think of. We are now exceedingly busy with the first brick laid down + yesterday to an addition to our house; with this, with almost making a new + kitchen garden and sundry other projected schemes, my days are very full. + I find all this very bad for geology, but I am very slowly progressing + with a volume, or rather pamphlet, on the volcanic islands which we + visited: I manage only a couple of hours per day and that not very + regularly. It is uphill work writing books, which cost money in + publishing, and which are not read even by geologists. I forget whether I + ever described this place: it is a good, very ugly house with 18 acres, + situated on a chalk flat, 560 feet above sea. There are peeps of far + distant country and the scenery is moderately pretty: its chief merit is + its extreme rurality. I think I was never in a more perfectly quiet + country. Three miles south of us the great chalk escarpment quite cuts us + off from the low country of Kent, and between us and the escarpment there + is not a village or gentleman's house, but only great woods and arable + fields (the latter in sadly preponderant numbers) so that we are + absolutely at the extreme verge of the world. The whole country is + intersected by foot-paths; but the surface over the chalk is clayey and + sticky, which is the worst feature in our purchase. The dingles and banks + often remind me of Cambridgeshire and walks with you to Cherry Hinton, and + other places, though the general aspect of the country is very different. + I was looking over my arranged cabinet (the only remnant I have preserved + of all my English insects), and was admiring Panagaeus Crux-major: it is + curious the vivid manner in which this insect calls up in my mind your + appearance, with little Fan trotting after, when I was first introduced to + you. Those entomological days were very pleasant ones. I am VERY much + stronger corporeally, but am little better in being able to stand mental + fatigue, or rather excitement, so that I cannot dine out or receive + visitors, except relations with whom I can pass some time after dinner in + silence." + </p> + <p> + I could have wished to give here some idea of the position which, at this + period of his life, my father occupied among scientific men and the + reading public generally. But contemporary notices are few and of no + particular value for my purpose,—which therefore must, in spite of a + good deal of pains, remain unfulfilled. + </p> + <p> + His 'Journal of Researches' was then the only one of his books which had + any chance of being commonly known. But the fact that it was published + with the 'Voyages' of Captains King and Fitz-Roy probably interfered with + its general popularity. Thus Lyell wrote to him in 1838 ('Lyell's Life,' + ii. page 43), "I assure you my father is quite enthusiastic about your + journal...and he agrees with me that it would have a large sale if + published separately. He was disappointed at hearing that it was to be + fettered by the other volumes, for, although he should equally buy it, he + feared so many of the public would be checked from doing so." In a notice + of the three voyages in the 'Edinburgh Review' (July, 1839), there is + nothing leading a reader to believe that he would find it more attractive + than its fellow-volumes. And, as a fact, it did not become widely known + until it was separately published in 1845. It may be noted, however, that + the 'Quarterly Review' (December, 1839) called the attention of its + readers to the merits of the 'Journal' as a book of travels. The reviewer + speaks of the "charm arising from the freshness of heart which is thrown + over these virgin pages of a strong intellectual man and an acute and deep + observer." + </p> + <p> + The German translation (1844) of the 'Journal' received a favourable + notice in No. 12 of the 'Heidelberger Jahrbucher der Literatur,' 1847—where + the Reviewer speaks of the author's "varied canvas, on which he sketches + in lively colours the strange customs of those distant regions with their + remarkable fauna, flora and geological peculiarities." Alluding to the + translation, my father writes—"Dr. Dieffenbach...has translated my + 'Journal' into German, and I must, with unpardonable vanity, boast that it + was at the instigation of Liebig and Humboldt." + </p> + <p> + The geological work of which he speaks in the above letter to Mr. Fox + occupied him for the whole of 1843, and was published in the spring of the + following year. It was entitled 'Geological Observations on the Volcanic + Islands, visited during the voyage of H.M.S. "Beagle", together with some + brief notices on the geology of Australia and the Cape of Good Hope': it + formed the second part of the 'Geology of the Voyage of the "Beagle",' + published "with the Approval of the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's + Treasury." The volume on 'Coral Reefs' forms Part I. of the series, and + was published, as we have seen, in 1842. For the sake of the + non-geological reader, I may here quote Professor Geikie's words (Charles + Darwin, 'Nature' Series, 1882.) on these two volumes—which were up + to this time my father's chief geological works. Speaking of the 'Coral + Reefs,' he says:—page 17, "This well-known treatise, the most + original of all its author's geological memoirs, has become one of the + classics of geological literature. The origin of those remarkable rings of + coral-rock in mid-ocean has given rise to much speculation, but no + satisfactory solution of the problem has been proposed. After visiting + many of them, and examining also coral reefs that fringe islands and + continents, he offered a theory which for simplicity and grandeur strikes + every reader with astonishment. It is pleasant, after the lapse of many + years, to recall the delight with which one first read the 'Coral Reefs'; + how one watched the facts being marshalled into their places, nothing + being ignored or passed lightly over; and how, step by step, one was led + to the grand conclusion of wide oceanic subsidence. No more admirable + example of scientific method was ever given to the world, and even if he + had written nothing else, the treatise alone would have placed Darwin in + the very front of investigators of nature." + </p> + <p> + It is interesting to see in the following extract from one of Lyell's + letters (To Sir John Herschel, May 24, 1837. 'Life of Sir Charles Lyell,' + vol. ii. page 12.) how warmly and readily he embraced the theory. The + extract also gives incidentally some idea of the theory itself. + </p> + <p> + "I am very full of Darwin's new theory of Coral Islands, and have urged + Whewell to make him read it at our next meeting. I must give up my + volcanic crater theory for ever, though it cost me a pang at first, for it + accounted for so much, the annular form, the central lagoon, the sudden + rising of an isolated mountain in a deep sea; all went so well with the + notion of submerged, crateriform, and conical volcanoes,... and then the + fact that in the South Pacific we had scarcely any rocks in the regions of + coral islands, save two kinds, coral limestone and volcanic! Yet spite of + all this, the whole theory is knocked on the head, and the annular shape + and central lagoon have nothing to do with volcanoes, nor even with a + crateriform bottom. Perhaps Darwin told you when at the Cape what he + considers the true cause? Let any mountain be submerged gradually, and + coral grow in the sea in which it is sinking, and there will be a ring of + coral, and finally only a lagoon in the centre. Why? For the same reason + that a barrier reef of coral grows along certain coasts: Australia, etc. + Coral islands are the last efforts of drowning continents to lift their + heads above water. Regions of elevation and subsidence in the ocean may be + traced by the state of the coral reefs." There is little to be said as to + published contemporary criticism. The book was not reviewed in the + 'Quarterly Review' till 1847, when a favourable notice was given. The + reviewer speaks of the "bold and startling" character of the work, but + seems to recognize the fact that the views are generally accepted by + geologists. By that time the minds of men were becoming more ready to + receive geology of this type. Even ten years before, in 1837, Lyell ('Life + of Sir Charles Lyell,' vol. ii. page 6.) says, "people are now much better + prepared to believe Darwin when he advances proofs of the slow rise of the + Andes, than they were in 1830, when I first startled them with that + doctrine." This sentence refers to the theory elaborated in my father's + geological observations on South America (1846), but the gradual change in + receptivity of the geological mind must have been favourable to all his + geological work. Nevertheless, Lyell seems at first not to have expected + any ready acceptance of the Coral theory; thus he wrote to my father in + 1837:—"I could think of nothing for days after your lesson on coral + reefs, but of the tops of submerged continents. It is all true, but do not + flatter yourself that you will be believed till you are growing bald like + me, with hard work and vexation at the incredulity of the world." + </p> + <p> + The second part of the 'Geology of the Voyage of the "Beagle",' i.e. the + volume on Volcanic Islands, which specially concerns us now, cannot be + better described than by again quoting from Professor Geikie (page 18):— + </p> + <p> + "Full of detailed observations, this work still remains the best authority + on the general geological structure of most of the regions it describes. + At the time it was written the 'crater of elevation theory,' though + opposed by Constant Prevost, Scrope, and Lyell, was generally accepted, at + least on the Continent. Darwin, however, could not receive it as a valid + explanation of the facts; and though he did not share the view of its + chief opponents, but ventured to propose a hypothesis of his own, the + observations impartially made and described by him in this volume must be + regarded as having contributed towards the final solution of the + difficulty." Professor Geikie continues (page 21): "He is one of the + earliest writers to recognize the magnitude of the denudation to which + even recent geological accumulations have been subjected. One of the most + impressive lessons to be learnt from his account of 'Volcanic Islands' is + the prodigious extent to which they have been denuded...He was disposed to + attribute more of this work to the sea than most geologists would now + admit; but he lived himself to modify his original views, and on this + subject his latest utterances are quite abreast of the time." + </p> + <p> + An extract from a letter of my father's to Lyell shows his estimate of his + own work. "You have pleased me much by saying that you intend looking + through my 'Volcanic Islands': it cost me eighteen months!!! and I have + heard of very few who have read it. Now I shall feel, whatever little (and + little it is) there is confirmatory of old work, or new, will work its + effect and not be lost." + </p> + <p> + The third of his geological books, 'Geological Observations on South + America,' may be mentioned here, although it was not published until 1846. + "In this work the author embodied all the materials collected by him for + the illustration of South American Geology, save some which have been + published elsewhere. One of the most important features of the book was + the evidence which it brought forward to prove the slow interrupted + elevation of the South American Continent during a recent geological + period." (Geikie, loc. cit.) + </p> + <p> + Of this book my father wrote to Lyell:—"My volume will be about 240 + pages, dreadfully dull, yet much condensed. I think whenever you have time + to look through it, you will think the collection of facts on the + elevation of the land and on the formation of terraces pretty good." + </p> + <p> + Of his special geological work as a whole, Professor Geikie, while + pointing out that it was not "of the same epoch-making kind as his + biological researches," remarks that he "gave a powerful impulse to" the + general reception of Lyell's teaching "by the way in which he gathered + from all parts of the world facts in its support." + </p> + <p> + WORK OF THE PERIOD 1842 TO 1854. + </p> + <p> + The work of these years may be roughly divided into a period of geology + from 1842 to 1846, and one of zoology from 1846 onwards. + </p> + <p> + I extract from his diary notices of the time spent on his geological books + and on his 'Journal.' + </p> + <p> + 'Volcanic Islands.' Summer of 1842 to January, 1844. + </p> + <p> + 'Geology of South America.' July, 1844, to April, 1845. + </p> + <p> + Second Edition of 'The Journal,' October, 1845, to October, 1846. + </p> + <p> + The time between October, 1846, and October, 1854, was practically given + up to working at the Cirripedia (Barnacles); the results were published in + two volumes by the Ray Society in 1851 and 1854. His volumes on the Fossil + Cirripedes were published by the Palaeontographical Society in 1851 and + 1854. + </p> + <p> + Some account of these volumes will be given later. + </p> + <p> + The minor works may be placed together, independently of subject matter. + </p> + <p> + "Observations on the Structure, etc., of the genus Sagitta," Ann. Nat. + Hist. xiii., 1844, pages 1-6. + </p> + <p> + "Brief descriptions of several Terrestrial Planariae, etc.," Ann. Nat. + Hist. xiv., 1844, pages 241-251. + </p> + <p> + "An Account of the Fine Dust (A sentence occurs in this paper of interest, + as showing that the author was alive to the importance of all means of + distribution:— + </p> + <p> + "The fact that particles of this size have been brought at least 330 miles + from the land is interesting as bearing on the distribution of Cryptogamic + plants.") which often Falls on Vessels in the Atlantic Ocean," Geol. Soc. + Journ. ii., 1846, pages 26-30. + </p> + <p> + "On the Geology of the Falkland Islands," Geol. Soc. Journ. ii., 1846, + pages 267-274. + </p> + <p> + "On the Transportal of Erratic Boulders, etc.," Geol. Soc. Journ. iv., + 1848, pages 315-323. (An extract from a letter to Lyell, 1847, is of + interest in connection with this essay:—"Would you be so good (if + you know it) as to put Maclaren's address on the enclosed letter and post + it. It is chiefly to enquire in what paper he has described the Boulders + on Arthur's Seat. Mr. D. Milne in the last Edinburgh 'New Phil. Journal' + [1847], has a long paper on it. He says: 'Some glacialists have ventured + to explain the transportation of boulders even in the situation of those + now referred to, by imagining that they were transported on ice floes,' + etc. He treats this view, and the scratching of rocks by icebergs, as + almost absurd...he has finally stirred me up so, that (without you would + answer him) I think I will send a paper in opposition to the same Journal. + I can thus introduce some old remarks of mine, and some new, and will + insist on your capital observations in N. America. It is a bore to stop + one's work, but he has made me quite wroth.") + </p> + <p> + The article "Geology," in the Admiralty Manual of Scientific Enquiry + (1849), pages 156-195. This was written in the spring of 1848. + </p> + <p> + "On British Fossil Lepadidae," 'Geol. Soc. Journ.' vi., 1850, pages + 439-440. + </p> + <p> + "Analogy of the structure of some Volcanic Rocks with that of Glaciers," + 'Edin. Roy. Soc. Proc.' ii., 1851, pages 17-18. + </p> + <p> + Professor Geikie has been so good as to give me (in a letter dated + November 1885) his impressions of my father's article in the 'Admiralty + Manual.' He mentions the following points as characteristic of the work:— + </p> + <p> + "1. Great breadth of view. No one who had not practically studied and + profoundly reflected on the questions discussed could have written it. + </p> + <p> + "2. The insight so remarkable in all that Mr. Darwin ever did. The way in + which he points out lines of enquiry that would elucidate geological + problems is eminently typical of him. Some of these lines have never yet + been adequately followed; so with regard to them he was in advance of his + time. + </p> + <p> + "3. Interesting and sympathetic treatment. The author at once puts his + readers into harmony with him. He gives them enough of information to show + how delightful the field is to which he invites them, and how much they + might accomplish in it. There is a broad sketch of the subject which + everybody can follow, and there is enough of detail to instruct and guide + a beginner and start him on the right track. + </p> + <p> + "Of course, geology has made great strides since 1849, and the article, if + written now, would need to take notice of other branches of inquiry, and + to modify statements which are not now quite accurate; but most of the + advice Mr. Darwin gives is as needful and valuable now as when it was + given. It is curious to see with what unerring instinct he seems to have + fastened on the principles that would stand the test of time." + </p> + <p> + In a letter to Lyell (1853) my father wrote, "I went up for a paper by the + Arctic Dr. Sutherland, on ice action, read only in abstract, but I should + think with much good matter. It was very pleasant to hear that it was + written owing to the Admiralty Manual." + </p> + <p> + To give some idea of the retired life which now began for my father at + Down, I have noted from his diary the short periods during which he was + away from home between the autumn of 1842, when he came to Down, and the + end of 1854. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1843 July.—Week at Maer and Shrewsbury. + October.—Twelve days at Shrewsbury. + + 1844 April.—Week at Maer and Shrewsbury. + July.—Twelve days at Shrewsbury. + + 1845 September 15.—Six weeks, "Shrewsbury, Lincolnshire, York, + the Dean of Manchester, Waterton, Chatsworth." + + 1846 February.—Eleven days at Shrewsbury. + July.—Ten days at Shrewsbury. + September.—Ten days at Southampton, etc., for the British + Association. + + 1847 February.—Twelve days at Shrewsbury. + June.—Ten days at Oxford, etc., for the British Association. + October.—Fortnight at Shrewsbury. + + 1848 May.—Fortnight at Shrewsbury. + July.—Week at Swanage. + October.—Fortnight at Shrewsbury. + November.—Eleven days at Shrewsbury. + + 1849 March to June.—Sixteen weeks at Malvern. + September.—Eleven days at Birmingham for the + British Association. + + 1850 June.—Week at Malvern. + August.—Week at Leith Hill, the house of a relative. + October.—Week at the house of another relative. + + 1851 March.—Week at Malvern. + April.—Nine days at Malvern. + July.—Twelve days in London. + + 1852 March.—Week at Rugby and Shrewsbury. + September.—Six days at the house of a relative. + + 1853 July.—Three weeks at Eastbourne. + August.—Five days at the military Camp at Chobham. + + 1854 March.—Five days at the house of a relative. + July.—Three days at the house of a relative. + October.—Six days at the house of a relative. +</pre> + <p> + It will be seen that he was absent from home sixty weeks in twelve years. + But it must be remembered that much of the remaining time spent at Down + was lost through ill-health.] + </p> + <p> + LETTERS. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO R. FITZ-ROY. Down [March 31st, 1843]. + </p> + <p> + Dear Fitz-Roy, + </p> + <p> + I read yesterday with surprise and the greatest interest, your appointment + as Governor of New Zealand. I do not know whether to congratulate you on + it, but I am sure I may the Colony, on possessing your zeal and energy. I + am most anxious to know whether the report is true, for I cannot bear the + thoughts of your leaving the country without seeing you once again; the + past is often in my memory, and I feel that I owe to you much bygone + enjoyment, and the whole destiny of my life, which (had my health been + stronger) would have been one full of satisfaction to me. During the last + three months I have never once gone up to London without intending to call + in the hopes of seeing Mrs. Fitz-Roy and yourself; but I find, most + unfortunately for myself, that the little excitement of breaking out of my + most quiet routine so generally knocks me up, that I am able to do + scarcely anything when in London, and I have not even been able to attend + one evening meeting of the Geological Society. Otherwise, I am very well, + as are, thank God, my wife and two children. The extreme retirement of + this place suits us all very well, and we enjoy our country life much. But + I am writing trifles about myself, when your mind and time must be fully + occupied. My object in writing is to beg of you or Mrs. Fitz-Roy to have + the kindness to send me one line to say whether it is true, and whether + you sail soon. I shall come up next week for one or two days; could you + see me for even five minutes, if I called early on Thursday morning, viz. + at nine or ten o'clock, or at whatever hour (if you keep early ship hours) + you finish your breakfast. Pray remember me very kindly to Mrs. Fitz-Roy, + who I trust is able to look at her long voyage with boldness. + </p> + <p> + Believe me, dear Fitz-Roy, Your ever truly obliged, CHARLES DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + [A quotation from another letter (1846) to Fitz-Roy may be worth giving, + as showing my father's affectionate remembrance of his old Captain. + </p> + <p> + "Farewell, dear Fitz-Roy, I often think of your many acts of kindness to + me, and not seldomest on the time, no doubt quite forgotten by you, when, + before making Madeira, you came and arranged my hammock with your own + hands, and which, as I afterwards heard, brought tears into my father's + eyes."] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO W.D. FOX. [Down, September 5, 1843.] Monday + morning. + </p> + <p> + My dear Fox, + </p> + <p> + When I sent off the glacier paper, I was just going out and so had no time + to write. I hope your friend will enjoy (and I wish you were going there + with him) his tour as much as I did. It was a kind of geological novel. + But your friend must have patience, for he will not get a good GLACIAL EYE + for a few days. Murchison and Count Keyserling RUSHED through North Wales + the same autumn and could see nothing except the effects of rain trickling + over the rocks! I cross-examined Murchison a little, and evidently saw he + had looked carefully at nothing. I feel CERTAIN about the glacier-effects + in North Wales. Get up your steam, if this weather lasts, and have a + ramble in Wales; its glorious scenery must do every one's heart and body + good. I wish I had energy to come to Delamere and go with you; but as you + observe, you might as well ask St. Paul's. Whenever I give myself a trip, + it shall be, I think, to Scotland, to hunt for more parallel roads. My + marine theory for these roads was for a time knocked on the head by + Agassiz ice-work, but it is now reviving again... + </p> + <p> + Farewell,—we are getting nearly finished—almost all the + workmen gone, and the gravel laying down on the walks. Ave Maria! how the + money does go. There are twice as many temptations to extravagance in the + country compared with London. Adios. + </p> + <p> + Yours, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down [1844?]. + </p> + <p> + ...I have also read the 'Vestiges,' ('The Vestiges of the Natural History + of Creation' was published anonymously in 1844, and is confidently + believed to have been written by the late Robert Chambers. My father's + copy gives signs of having been carefully read, a long list of marked + passages being pinned in at the end. One useful lesson he seems to have + learned from it. He writes: "The idea of a fish passing into a reptile, + monstrous. I will not specify any genealogies—much too little known + at present." He refers again to the book in a letter to Fox, February, + 1845: "Have you read that strange, unphilosophical but capitally-written + book, the 'Vestiges': it has made more talk than any work of late, and has + been by some attributed to me—at which I ought to be much flattered + and unflattered."), but have been somewhat less amused at it than you + appear to have been: the writing and arrangement are certainly admirable, + but his geology strikes me as bad, and his zoology far worse. I should be + very much obliged, if at any future or leisure time you could tell me on + what you ground your doubtful belief in imagination of a mother affecting + her offspring. (This refers to the case of a relative of Sir J. Hooker's, + who insisted that a mole, which appeared on one of her children, was the + effect of fright upon herself on having, before the birth of the child, + blotted with sepia a copy of Turner's 'Liber Studiorum' that had been lent + to her with special injunctions to be careful.) I have attended to the + several statements scattered about, but do not believe in more than + accidental coincidences. W. Hunter told my father, then in a lying-in + hospital, that in many thousand cases, he had asked the mother, BEFORE HER + CONFINEMENT, whether anything had affected her imagination, and recorded + the answers; and absolutely not one case came right, though, when the + child was anything remarkable, they afterwards made the cap to fit. + Reproduction seems governed by such similar laws in the whole animal + kingdom, that I am most loth [to believe]... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.M. HERBERT. Down [1844 or 1845]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Herbert, + </p> + <p> + I was very glad to see your handwriting and hear a bit of news about you. + Though you cannot come here this autumn, I do hope you and Mrs. Herbert + will come in the winter, and we will have lots of talk of old times, and + lots of Beethoven. + </p> + <p> + I have little or rather nothing to say about myself; we live like + clock-work, and in what most people would consider the dullest possible + manner. I have of late been slaving extra hard, to the great discomfiture + of wretched digestive organs, at South America, and thank all the fates, I + have done three-fourths of it. Writing plain English grows with me more + and more difficult, and never attainable. As for your pretending that you + will read anything so dull as my pure geological descriptions, lay not + such a flattering unction on my soul (On the same subject he wrote to + Fitz-Roy: "I have sent my 'South American Geology' to Dover Street, and + you will get it, no doubt, in the course of time. You do not know what you + threaten when you propose to read it—it is purely geological. I said + to my brother, 'You will of course read it,' and his answer was, 'Upon my + life, I would sooner even buy it.'") for it is incredible. I have long + discovered that geologists never read each other's works, and that the + only object in writing a book is a proof of earnestness, and that you do + not form your opinions without undergoing labour of some kind. Geology is + at present very oral, and what I here say is to a great extent quite true. + But I am giving you a discussion as long as a chapter in the odious book + itself. + </p> + <p> + I have lately been to Shrewsbury, and found my father surprisingly well + and cheerful. + </p> + <p> + Believe me, my dear old friend, ever yours, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, Monday [February 10th, + 1845]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + I am much obliged for your very agreeable letter; it was very + good-natured, in the midst of your scientific and theatrical dissipation, + to think of writing so long a letter to me. I am astonished at your news, + and I must condole with you in your PRESENT view of the Professorship (Sir + J.D. Hooker was a candidate for the Professorship of Botany at Edinburgh + University.), and most heartily deplore it on my own account. There is + something so chilling in a separation of so many hundred miles, though we + did not see much of each other when nearer. You will hardly believe how + deeply I regret for MYSELF your present prospects. I had looked forward to + [our] seeing much of each other during our lives. It is a heavy + disappointment; and in a mere selfish point of view, as aiding me in my + work, your loss is indeed irreparable. But, on the other hand, I cannot + doubt that you take at present a desponding, instead of bright, view of + your prospects: surely there are great advantages, as well as + disadvantages. The place is one of eminence; and really it appears to me + there are so many indifferent workers, and so few readers, that it is a + high advantage, in a purely scientific point of view, for a good worker to + hold a position which leads others to attend to his work. I forget whether + you attended Edinburgh, as a student, but in my time there was a knot of + men who were far from being the indifferent and dull listeners which you + expect for your audience. Reflect what a satisfaction and honour it would + be to MAKE a good botanist—with your disposition you will be to many + what Henslow was at Cambridge to me and others, a most kind friend and + guide. Then what a fine garden, and how good a Public Library! why, Forbes + always regrets the advantages of Edinburgh for work: think of the + inestimable advantage of getting within a short walk of those noble rocks + and hills and sandy shores near Edinburgh! Indeed, I cannot pity you much, + though I pity myself exceedingly in your loss. Surely lecturing will, in a + year or two, with your GREAT capacity for work (whatever you may be + pleased to say to the contrary) become easy, and you will have a fair time + for your Antarctic Flora and general views of distribution. If I thought + your Professorship would stop your work, I should wish it and all the good + worldly consequences at el Diavolo. I know I shall live to see you the + first authority in Europe on that grand subject, that almost keystone of + the laws of creation, Geographical Distribution. Well, there is one + comfort, you will be at Kew, no doubt, every year, so I shall finish by + forcing down your throat my sincere congratulations. Thanks for all your + news. I grieve to hear Humboldt is failing; one cannot help feeling, + though unrightly, that such an end is humiliating: even when I saw him he + talked beyond all reason. If you see him again, pray give him my most + respectful and kind compliments, and say that I never forget that my whole + course of life is due to having read and re-read as a youth his 'Personal + Narrative.' How true and pleasing are all your remarks on his kindness; + think how many opportunities you will have, in your new place, of being a + Humboldt to others. Ask him about the river in N.E. Europe, with the Flora + very different on its opposite banks. I have got and read your Wilkes; + what a feeble book in matter and style, and how splendidly got up! Do + write me a line from Berlin. Also thanks for the proof-sheets. I do not, + however, mean proof plates; I value them, as saving me copying extracts. + Farewell, my dear Hooker, with a heavy heart I wish you joy of your + prospects. + </p> + <p> + Your sincere friend, + </p> + <p> + C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + [The second edition of the 'Journal,' to which the following letter + refers, was completed between April 25th and August 25th. It was published + by Mr. Murray in the 'Colonial and Home Library,' and in this more + accessible form soon had a large sale. + </p> + <p> + Up to the time of his first negotiations with Mr. Murray for its + publication in this form, he had received payment only in the form of a + large number of presentation copies, and he seems to have been glad to + sell the copyright of the second edition to Mr. Murray for 150 pounds. + </p> + <p> + The points of difference between it and the first edition are of interest + chiefly in connection with the growth of the author's views on evolution, + and will be considered later.] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO C. LYELL. Down [July, 1845]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Lyell, + </p> + <p> + I send you the first part (No doubt proof-sheets.) of the new edition [of + the 'Journal of Researches'], which I so entirely owe to you. You will see + that I have ventured to dedicate it to you (The dedication of the second + edition of the 'Journal of Researches,' is as follows:—"To Charles + Lyell, Esq., F.R.S., this second edition is dedicated with grateful + pleasure—as an acknowledgment that the chief part of whatever + scientific merit this Journal and the other works of the Author may + possess, has been derived from studying the well-known and admirable + 'Principles of Geology.'"), and I trust that this cannot be disagreeable. + I have long wished, not so much for your sake, as for my own feelings of + honesty, to acknowledge more plainly than by mere reference, how much I + geologically owe you. Those authors, however, who like you, educate + people's minds as well as teach them special facts, can never, I should + think, have full justice done them except by posterity, for the mind thus + insensibly improved can hardly perceive its own upward ascent. I had + intended putting in the present acknowledgment in the third part of my + Geology, but its sale is so exceedingly small that I should not have had + the satisfaction of thinking that as far as lay in my power I had owned, + though imperfectly, my debt. Pray do not think that I am so silly, as to + suppose that my dedication can any ways gratify you, except so far as I + trust you will receive it, as a most sincere mark of my gratitude and + friendship. I think I have improved this edition, especially the second + part, which I have just finished. I have added a good deal about the + Fuegians, and cut down into half the mercilessly long discussion on + climate and glaciers, etc. I do not recollect anything added to the first + part, long enough to call your attention to; there is a page of + description of a very curious breed of oxen in Banda Oriental. I should + like you to read the few last pages; there is a little discussion on + extinction, which will not perhaps strike you as new, though it has so + struck me, and has placed in my mind all the difficulties with respect to + the causes of extinction, in the same class with other difficulties which + are generally quite overlooked and undervalued by naturalists; I ought, + however, to have made my discussion longer and shewn by facts, as I easily + could, how steadily every species must be checked in its numbers. + </p> + <p> + I received your Travels ('Travels in North America,' 2 volumes, 1845.) + yesterday; and I like exceedingly its external and internal appearance; I + read only about a dozen pages last night (for I was tired with + hay-making), but I saw quite enough to perceive how VERY much it will + interest me, and how many passages will be scored. I am pleased to find a + good sprinkling of Natural History; I shall be astonished if it does not + sell very largely... + </p> + <p> + How sorry I am to think that we shall not see you here again for so long; + I wish you may knock yourself a little bit up before you start and require + a day's fresh air, before the ocean breezes blow on you... + </p> + <p> + Ever yours, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO C. LYELL. Down, Saturday [August 1st, 1845]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Lyell, + </p> + <p> + I have been wishing to write to you for a week past, but every five + minutes' worth of strength has been expended in getting out my second + part. (Of the second edition of the 'Journal of Researches.') Your note + pleased me a good deal more I dare say than my dedication did you, and I + thank you much for it. Your work has interested me much, and I will give + you my impressions, though, as I never thought you would care to hear what + I thought of the non-scientific parts, I made no notes, nor took pains to + remember any particular impression of two-thirds of the first volume. The + first impression I should say would be with most (though I have literally + seen not one soul since reading it) regret at there not being more of the + non-scientific [parts]. I am not a good judge, for I have read nothing, + i.e. non-scientific about North America, but the whole struck me as very + new, fresh, and interesting. Your discussions bore to my mind the evident + stamp of matured thought, and of conclusions drawn from facts observed by + yourself, and not from the opinions of the people whom you met; and this I + suspect is comparatively rare. + </p> + <p> + Your slave discussion disturbed me much; but as you would care no more for + my opinion on this head than for the ashes of this letter, I will say + nothing except that it gave me some sleepless, most uncomfortable hours. + Your account of the religious state of the States particularly interested + me; I am surprised throughout at your very proper boldness against the + Clergy. In your University chapter the Clergy, and not the State of + Education, are most severely and justly handled, and this I think is very + bold, for I conceive you might crush a leaden-headed old Don, as a Don, + with more safety, than touch the finger of that Corporate Animal, the + Clergy. What a contrast in Education does England show itself! Your + apology (using the term, like the old religionists who meant anything but + an apology) for lectures, struck me as very clever; but all the arguments + in the world on your side, are not equal to one course of Jamieson's + Lectures on the other side, which I formerly for my sins experienced. + Although I had read about the 'Coalfields in North America,' I never in + the smallest degree really comprehended their area, their thickness and + favourable position; nothing hardly astounded me more in your book. + </p> + <p> + Some few parts struck me as rather heterogeneous, but I do not know + whether to an extent that at all signified. I missed however, a good deal, + some general heading to the chapters, such as the two or three principal + places visited. One has no right to expect an author to write down to the + zero of geographical ignorance of the reader; but I not knowing a single + place, was occasionally rather plagued in tracing your course. Sometimes + in the beginning of a chapter, in one paragraph your course was traced + through a half dozen places; anyone, as ignorant as myself, if he could be + found, would prefer such a disturbing paragraph left out. I cut your map + loose, and I found that a great comfort; I could not follow your engraved + track. I think in a second edition, interspaces here and there of one line + open, would be an improvement. By the way, I take credit to myself in + giving my Journal a less scientific air in having printed all names of + species and genera in Romans; the printing looks, also, better. All the + illustrations strike me as capital, and the map is an admirable volume in + itself. If your 'Principles' had not met with such universal admiration, I + should have feared there would have been too much geology in this for the + general reader; certainly all that the most clear and light style could + do, has been done. To myself the geology was an excellent, well-condensed, + well-digested resume of all that has been made out in North America, and + every geologist ought to be grateful to you. The summing up of the Niagara + chapter appeared to me the grandest part; I was also deeply interested by + your discussion on the origin of the Silurian formations. I have made + scores of SCORES marking passages hereafter useful to me. + </p> + <p> + All the coal theory appeared to me very good; but it is no use going on + enumerating in this manner. I wish there had been more Natural History; I + liked ALL the scattered fragments. I have now given you an exact + transcript of my thoughts, but they are hardly worth your reading... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO C. LYELL. Down, August 25th [1845]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Lyell, + </p> + <p> + This is literally the first day on which I have had any time to spare; and + I will amuse myself by beginning a letter to you... + </p> + <p> + I was delighted with your letter in which you touch on Slavery; I wish the + same feelings had been apparent in your published discussion. But I will + not write on this subject, I should perhaps annoy you, and most certainly + myself. I have exhaled myself with a paragraph or two in my Journal on the + sin of Brazilian slavery; you perhaps will think that it is in answer to + you; but such is not the case. I have remarked on nothing which I did not + hear on the coast of South America. My few sentences, however, are merely + an explosion of feeling. How could you relate so placidly that atrocious + sentiment (In the passage referred to, Lyell does not give his own views, + but those of a planter.) about separating children from their parents; and + in the next page speak of being distressed at the whites not having + prospered; I assure you the contrast made me exclaim out. But I have + broken my intention, and so no more on this odious deadly subject. + </p> + <p> + There is a favourable, but not strong enough review on you, in the + "Gardeners' Chronicle". I am sorry to see that Lindley abides by the + carbonic acid gas theory. By the way, I was much pleased by Lindley + picking out my extinction paragraphs and giving them uncurtailed. To my + mind, putting the comparative rarity of existing species in the same + category with extinction has removed a great weight; though of course it + does not explain anything, it shows that until we can explain comparative + rarity, we ought not to feel any surprise at not explaining extinction... + </p> + <p> + I am much pleased to hear of the call for a new edition of the + 'Principles': what glorious good that work has done. I fear this time you + will not be amongst the old rocks; how I shall rejoice to live to see you + publish and discover another stage below the Silurian—it would be + the grandest step possible, I think. I am very glad to hear what progress + Bunbury is making in fossil Botany; there is a fine hiatus for him to fill + up in this country. I will certainly call on him this winter...From what + little I saw of him, I can quite believe everything which you say of his + talents... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Shrewsbury [1845?]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + I have just received your note, which has astonished me, and has most + truly grieved me. I never for one minute doubted of your success, for I + most erroneously imagined, that merit was sure to gain the day. I feel + most sure that the day will come soon, when those who have voted against + you, if they have any shame or conscience in them, will be ashamed at + having allowed politics to blind their eyes to your qualifications, and + those qualifications vouched for by Humboldt and Brown! Well, those + testimonials must be a consolation to you. Proh pudor! I am vexed and + indignant by turns. I cannot even take comfort in thinking that I shall + see more of you, and extract more knowledge from your well-arranged stock. + I am pleased to think, that after having read a few of your letters, I + never once doubted the position you will ultimately hold amongst European + Botanists. I can think about nothing else, otherwise I should like [to] + discuss 'Cosmos' (A translation of Humboldt's 'Kosmos.') with you. I trust + you will pay me and my wife a visit this autumn at Down. I shall be at + Down on the 24th, and till then moving about. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, allow me to call myself Your very true friend, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO C. LYELL. October 8th [1845], Shrewsbury. + </p> + <p> + ...I have lately been taking a little tour to see a farm I have purchased + in Lincolnshire (He speaks of his Lincolnshire farm in a letter to Henslow + (July 4th):—"I have bought a farm in Lincolnshire, and when I go + there this autumn, I mean to see what I can do in providing any cottage on + my small estate with gardens. It is a hopeless thing to look to, but I + believe few things would do this country more good in future ages than the + destruction of primogeniture, so as to lessen the difference in + land-wealth, and make more small freeholders. How atrociously unjust are + the stamp laws, which render it so expensive for the poor man to buy his + quarter of an acre; it makes one's blood burn with indignation.") and then + to York, where I visited the Dean of Manchester (Hon. and Rev. W. Herbert. + The visit is mentioned in a letter to Dr. Hooker:—"I have been + taking a little tour, partly on business, and visited the Dean of + Manchester, and had very much interesting talk with him on hybrids, + sterility, and variation, etc., etc. He is full of self-gained knowledge, + but knows surprisingly little what others have done on the same subjects. + He is very heterodox on 'species': not much better as most naturalists + would esteem it, than poor Mr. Vestiges.") the great maker of Hybrids, who + gave me much curious information. I also visited Waterton at Walton Hall, + and was extremely amused with my visit there. He is an amusing strange + fellow; at our early dinner, our party consisted of two Catholic priests + and two Mulattresses! He is past sixty years old, and the day before ran + down and caught a leveret in a turnip-field. It is a fine old house, and + the lake swarms with water-fowl. I then saw Chatsworth, and was in + transport with the great hothouse; it is a perfect fragment of a tropical + forest, and the sight made me think with delight of old recollections. My + little ten-day tour made me feel wonderfully strong at the time, but the + good effects did not last. My wife, I am sorry to say, does not get very + strong, and the children are the hope of the family, for they are all + happy, life, and spirits. I have been much interested with Sedgwick's + review (Sedgwick's review of the 'Vestiges of Creation' in the 'Edinburgh + Review,' July, 1845.) though I find it far from popular with our + scientific readers. I think some few passages savour of the dogmatism of + the pulpit, rather than of the philosophy of the Professor's Chair; and + some of the wit strikes me as only worthy of — in the 'Quarterly.' + Nevertheless, it is a grand piece of argument against mutability of + species, and I read it with fear and trembling, but was well pleased to + find that I had not overlooked any of the arguments, though I had put them + to myself as feebly as milk and water. Have you read 'Cosmos' yet? The + English translation is wretched, and the semi-metaphysico-politico + descriptions in the first part are barely intelligible; but I think the + volcanic discussion well worth your attention, it has astonished me by its + vigour and information. I grieve to find Humboldt an adorer of Von Buch, + with his classification of volcanos, craters of elevation, etc., etc., and + carbonic acid gas atmosphere. He is indeed a wonderful man. + </p> + <p> + I hope to get home in a fortnight and stick to my wearyful South America + till I finish it. I shall be very anxious to hear how you get on from the + Horners, but you must not think of wasting your time by writing to me. We + shall miss, indeed, your visits to Down, and I shall feel a lost man in + London without my morning "house of call" at Hart Street... + </p> + <p> + Believe me, my dear Lyell, ever yours, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, Farnborough, Kent. + Thursday, September, 1846. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + I hope this letter will catch you at Clifton, but I have been prevented + writing by being unwell, and having had the Horners here as visitors, + which, with my abominable press-work, has fully occupied my time. It is, + indeed, a long time since we wrote to each other; though, I beg to tell + you, that I wrote last, but what about I cannot remember, except, I know, + it was after reading your last numbers (Sir J.D. Hooker's Antarctic + Botany.), and I send you a uniquely laudatory epistle, considering it was + from a man who hardly knows a Daisy from a Dandelion to a professed + Botanist... + </p> + <p> + I cannot remember what papers have given me the impression, but I have + that, which you state to be the case, firmly fixed on my mind, namely, the + little chemical importance of the soil to its vegetation. What a strong + fact it is, as R. Brown once remarked to me, of certain plants being + calcareous ones here, which are not so under a more favourable climate on + the Continent, or the reverse, for I forget which; but you, no doubt, will + know to what I refer. By-the-way, there are some such cases in Herbert's + paper in the 'Horticultural Journal.' ('Journal of the Horticultural + Society,' 1846.) Have you read it: it struck me as extremely original, and + bears DIRECTLY on your present researches. (Sir J.D. Hooker was at this + time attending to polymorphism, variability, etc.) To a NON-BOTANIST the + chalk has the most peculiar aspect of any flora in England; why will you + not come here to make your observations? WE go to Southampton, if my + courage and stomach do not fail, for the Brit. Assoc. (Do you not consider + it your duty to be there?) And why cannot you come here afterward and + WORK?... + </p> + <p> + THE MONOGRAPH OF THE CIRRIPEDIA, + </p> + <p> + October 1846 to October 1854. + </p> + <p> + [Writing to Sir J.D. Hooker in 1845, my father says: "I hope this next + summer to finish my South American Geology, then to get out a little + Zoology, and hurrah for my species work..." This passage serves to show + that he had at this time no intention of making an exhaustive study of the + Cirripedes. Indeed it would seem that his original intention was, as I + learn from Sir J.D. Hooker, merely to work out one special problem. This + is quite in keeping with the following passage in the Autobiography: "When + on the coast of Chile, I found a most curious form, which burrowed into + the shells of Concholepas, and which differed so much from all other + Cirripedes that I had to form a new sub-order for its sole reception...To + understand the structure of my new Cirripede I had to examine and dissect + many of the common forms; and this gradually led me on to take up the + whole group." In later years he seems to have felt some doubt as to the + value of these eight years of work,—for instance when he wrote in + his Autobiography—"My work was of considerable use to me, when I had + to discuss in the 'Origin of Species,' the principles of a natural + classification. Nevertheless I doubt whether the work was worth the + consumption of so much time." Yet I learn from Sir J.D. Hooker that he + certainly recognised at the time its value to himself as systematic + training. Sir Joseph writes to me: "Your father recognised three stages in + his career as a biologist: the mere collector at Cambridge; the collector + and observer in the "Beagle", and for some years afterwards; and the + trained naturalist after, and only after the Cirripede work. That he was a + thinker all along is true enough, and there is a vast deal in his writings + previous to the Cirripedes that a trained naturalist could but + emulate...He often alluded to it as a valued discipline, and added that + even the 'hateful' work of digging out synonyms, and of describing, not + only improved his methods but opened his eyes to the difficulties and + merits of the works of the dullest of cataloguers. One result was that he + would never allow a depreciatory remark to pass unchallenged on the + poorest class of scientific workers, provided that their work was honest, + and good of its kind. I have always regarded it as one of the finest + traits of his character,—this generous appreciation of the hod-men + of science, and of their labours...and it was monographing the Barnacles + that brought it about."] + </p> + <p> + Professor Huxley allows me to quote his opinion as to the value of the + eight years given to the Cirripedes:— + </p> + <p> + "In my opinion your sagacious father never did a wiser thing than when he + devoted himself to the years of patient toil which the Cirripede-book cost + him. + </p> + <p> + "Like the rest of us, he had no proper training in biological science, and + it has always struck me as a remarkable instance of his scientific + insight, that he saw the necessity of giving himself such training, and of + his courage, that he did not shirk the labour of obtaining it. + </p> + <p> + "The great danger which besets all men of large speculative faculty, is + the temptation to deal with the accepted statements of facts in natural + science, as if they were not only correct, but exhaustive; as if they + might be dealt with deductively, in the same way as propositions in Euclid + may be dealt with. In reality, every such statement, however true it may + be, is true only relatively to the means of observation and the point of + view of those who have enunciated it. So far it may be depended upon. But + whether it will bear every speculative conclusion that may be logically + deduced from it, is quite another question. + </p> + <p> + "Your father was building a vast superstructure upon the foundations + furnished by the recognised facts of geological and biological science. In + Physical Geography, in Geology proper, in Geographical Distribution, and + in Palaeontology, he had acquired an extensive practical training during + the voyage of the "Beagle". He knew of his own knowledge the way in which + the raw materials of these branches of science are acquired, and was + therefore a most competent judge of the speculative strain they would + bear. That which he needed, after his return to England, was a + corresponding acquaintance with Anatomy and Development, and their + relation to Taxonomy—and he acquired this by his Cirripede work. + </p> + <p> + "Thus, in my apprehension, the value of the Cirripede monograph lies not + merely in the fact that it is a very admirable piece of work, and + constituted a great addition to positive knowledge, but still more in the + circumstance that it was a piece of critical self-discipline, the effect + of which manifested itself in everything your father wrote afterwards, and + saved him from endless errors of detail. + </p> + <p> + "So far from such work being a loss of time, I believe it would have been + well worth his while, had it been practicable, to have supplemented it by + a special study of embryology and physiology. His hands would have been + greatly strengthened thereby when he came to write out sundry chapters of + the 'Origin of Species.' But of course in those days it was almost + impossible for him to find facilities for such work." + </p> + <p> + No one can look a the two volumes on the recent Cirripedes, of 399 and 684 + pages respectively (not to speak of the volumes on the fossil species), + without being struck by the immense amount of detailed work which they + contain. The forty plates, some of them with thirty figures, and the + fourteen pages of index in the two volumes together, give some rough idea + of the labour spent on the work. (The reader unacquainted with Zoology + will find some account of the more interesting results in Mr. Romanes' + article on "Charles Darwin" ('Nature' Series, 1882).) The state of + knowledge, as regards the Cirripedes, was most unsatisfactory at the time + that my father began to work at them. As an illustration of this fact, it + may be mentioned that he had even to re-organise the nomenclature of the + group, or, as he expressed it, he "unwillingly found it indispensable to + give names to several valves, and to some few of the softer parts of + Cirripedes." (Vol. i. page 3.) It is interesting to learn from his diary + the amount of time which he gave to different genera. Thus the genus + Chthamalus, the description of which occupies twenty-two pages, occupied + him for thirty-six days; Coronula took nineteen days, and is described in + twenty-seven pages. Writing to Fitz-Roy, he speaks of being "for the last + half-month daily hard at work in dissecting a little animal about the size + of a pin's head, from the Chonos archipelago, and I could spend another + month, and daily see more beautiful structure." + </p> + <p> + Though he became excessively weary of the work before the end of the eight + years, he had much keen enjoyment in the course of it. Thus he wrote to + Sir J.D. Hooker (1847?):—"As you say, there is an extraordinary + pleasure in pure observation; not but what I suspect the pleasure in this + case is rather derived from comparisons forming in one's mind with allied + structures. After having been so long employed in writing my old + geological observations, it is delightful to use one's eyes and fingers + again." It was, in fact, a return to the work which occupied so much of + his time when at sea during his voyage. His zoological notes of that + period give an impression of vigorous work, hampered by ignorance and want + of appliances. And his untiring industry in the dissection of marine + animals, especially of Crustacea, must have been of value to him as + training for his Cirripede work. Most of his work was done with the simple + dissecting microscope—but it was the need which he found for higher + powers that induced him, in 1846, to buy a compound microscope. He wrote + to Hooker:—"When I was drawing with L., I was so delighted with the + appearance of the objects, especially with their perspective, as seen + through the weak powers of a good compound microscope, that I am going to + order one; indeed, I often have structures in which the 1/30 is not power + enough." + </p> + <p> + During part of the time covered by the present chapter, my father suffered + perhaps more from ill-health than at any other time of his life. He felt + severely the depressing influence of these long years of illness; thus as + early as 1840 he wrote to Fox: "I am grown a dull, old, spiritless dog to + what I used to be. One gets stupider as one grows older I think." It is + not wonderful that he should so have written, it is rather to be wondered + at that his spirit withstood so great and constant a strain. He wrote to + Sir J.D. Hooker in 1845: "You are very kind in your enquiries about my + health; I have nothing to say about it, being always much the same, some + days better and some worse. I believe I have not had one whole day, or + rather night, without my stomach having been greatly disordered, during + the last three years, and most days great prostration of strength: thank + you for your kindness; many of my friends, I believe, think me a + hypochondriac." + </p> + <p> + Again, in 1849, he notes in his diary:—"January 1st to March 10th.—Health + very bad, with much sickness and failure of power. Worked on all well + days." This was written just before his first visit to Dr. Gully's + Water-Cure Establishment at Malvern. In April of the same year he wrote:—"I + believe I am going on very well, but I am rather weary of my present + inactive life, and the water-cure has the most extraordinary effect in + producing indolence and stagnation of mind: till experiencing it, I could + not have believed it possible. I now increase in weight, have escaped + sickness for thirty days." He returned in June, after sixteen weeks' + absence, much improved in health, and, as already described, continued the + water-cure at home for some time.] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down [October, 1846]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + I have not heard from Sulivan (Admiral Sir B.J. Sulivan, formerly an + officer of the "Beagle".) lately; when he last wrote he named from 8th to + 10th as the most likely time. Immediately that I hear, I will fly you a + line, for the chance of your being able to come. I forget whether you know + him, but I suppose so; he is a real good fellow. Anyhow, if you do not + come then, I am very glad that you propose coming soon after... + </p> + <p> + I am going to begin some papers on the lower marine animals, which will + last me some months, perhaps a year, and then I shall begin looking over + my ten-year-long accumulation of notes on species and varieties, which, + with writing, I dare say will take me five years, and then, when + published, I dare say I shall stand infinitely low in the opinion of all + sound Naturalists—so this is my prospect for the future. + </p> + <p> + Are you a good hand at inventing names. I have a quite new and curious + genus of Barnacle, which I want to name, and how to invent a name + completely puzzles me. + </p> + <p> + By the way, I have told you nothing about Southampton. We enjoyed (wife + and myself) our week beyond measure: the papers were all dull, but I met + so many friends and made so many new acquaintances (especially some of the + Irish Naturalists), and took so many pleasant excursions. I wish you had + been there. On Sunday we had so pleasant an excursion to Winchester with + Falconer (Hugh Falconer, 1809-1865. Chiefly known as a palaeontologist, + although employed as a botanist during his whole career in India, where he + was also a medical officer in the H.E.I.C. Service; he was superintendent + of the Company's garden, first at Saharunpore, and then at Calcutta. He + was one of the first botanical explorers of Kashmir. Falconer's + discoveries of Miocene mammalian remains in the Sewalik Hills, were, at + the time, perhaps the greatest "finds" which had been made. His book on + the subject, 'Fauna Antiqua Sivalensis,' remained unfinished at the time + of his death.), Colonel Sabine (The late Sir Edward Sabine, formerly + President of the Royal Society, and author of a long series of memoirs on + Terrestrial Magnetism.), and Dr. Robinson (The late Dr. Thomas Romney + Robinson, of the Armagh Observatory.), and others. I never enjoyed a day + more in my life. I missed having a look at H. Watson. (The late Hewett + Cottrell Watson, author of the 'Cybele Britannica,' one of a most valuable + series of works on the topography and geographical distribution of the + plants of the British Islands.) I suppose you heard that he met Forbes and + told him he had a severe article in the Press. I understood that Forbes + explained to him that he had no cause to complain, but as the article was + printed, he would not withdraw it, but offered it to Forbes for him to + append notes to it, which Forbes naturally declined... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, April 7th [1847?]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + I should have written before now, had I not been almost continually + unwell, and at present I am suffering from four boils and swellings, one + of which hardly allows me the use of my right arm, and has stopped all my + work, and damped all my spirits. I was much disappointed at missing my + trip to Kew, and the more so, as I had forgotten you would be away all + this month; but I had no choice, and was in bed nearly all Friday and + Saturday. I congratulate you over your improved prospects about India (Sir + J. Hooker left England on November 11, 1847, for his Himalayan and Tibetan + journey. The expedition was supported by a small grant from the Treasury, + and thus assumed the character of a Government mission.), but at the same + time must sincerely groan over it. I shall feel quite lost without you to + discuss many points with, and to point out (ill-luck to you) difficulties + and objections to my species hypotheses. It will be a horrid shame if + money stops your expedition; but Government will surely help you to some + extent...Your present trip, with your new views, amongst the coal-plants, + will be very interesting. If you have spare time, BUT NOT WITHOUT, I + should enjoy having some news of your progress. Your present trip will + work well in, if you go to any of the coal districts in India. Would this + not be a good object to parade before Government; the utilitarian souls + would comprehend this. By the way, I will get some work out of you, about + the domestic races of animals in India... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO L. JENYNS (BLOMEFIELD). Down [1847]. + </p> + <p> + Dear Jenyns, + </p> + <p> + ("This letter relates to a small Almanack first published in 1843, under + the name of 'The Naturalists' Pocket Almanack,' by Mr. Van Voorst, and + which I edited for him. It was intended especially for those who interest + themselves in the periodic phenomena of animals and plants, of which a + select list was given under each month of the year. + </p> + <p> + "The Pocket Almanack contained, moreover, miscellaneous information + relating to Zoology and Botany; to Natural History and other scientific + societies; to public Museums and Gardens, in addition to the ordinary + celestial phenomena found in most other Almanacks. It continued to be + issued till 1847, after which year the publication was abandoned."—From + a letter from Rev. L. Blomefield to F. Darwin.) + </p> + <p> + I am very much obliged for the capital little Almanack; it so happened + that I was wishing for one to keep in my portfolio. I had never seen this + kind before, and shall certainly get one for the future. I think it is + very amusing to have a list before one's eyes of the order of appearance + of the plants and animals around one; it gives a fresh interest to each + fine day. There is one point I should like to see a little improved, viz., + the correction for the clock at shorter intervals. Most people, I suspect, + who like myself have dials, will wish to be more precise than with a + margin of three minutes. I always buy a shilling almanack for this SOLE + end. By the way, YOURS, i.e., Van Voorst's Almanack, is very dear; it + ought, at least, to be advertised post-free for the shilling. Do you not + think a table (not rules) of conversion of French into English measures, + and perhaps weights, would be exceedingly useful; also centigrade into + Fahrenheit,—magnifying powers according to focal distances?—in + fact you might make it the more useful publication of the age. I know what + I should like best of all, namely, current meteorological remarks for each + month, with statement of average course of winds and prediction of + weather, in accordance with movements of barometer. People, I think, are + always amused at knowing the extremes and means of temperature for + corresponding times in other years. + </p> + <p> + I hope you will go on with it another year. With many thanks, my dear + Jenyns, + </p> + <p> + Yours very truly, CHARLES DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, Sunday [April 18th, 1847]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + I return with many thanks Watson's letter, which I have had copied. It is + a capital one, and I am extremely obliged to you for obtaining me such + valuable information. Surely he is rather in a hurry when he says + intermediate varieties must almost be necessarily rare, otherwise they + would be taken as the types of the species; for he overlooks numerical + frequency as an element. Surely if A, B, C were three varieties, and if A + were a good deal the commonest (therefore, also, first known), it would be + taken as the type, without regarding whether B was quite intermediate or + not, or whether it was rare or not. What capital essays W would write; but + I suppose he has written a good deal in the 'Phytologist.' You ought to + encourage him to publish on variation; it is a shame that such facts as + those in his letter should remain unpublished. I must get you to introduce + me to him; would he be a good and sociable man for Dropmore? (A much + enjoyed expedition made from Oxford—when the British Association met + there in 1847.) though if he comes, Forbes must not (and I think you + talked of inviting Forbes), or we shall have a glorious battle. I should + like to see sometime the war correspondence. Have you the 'Phytologist,' + and could you sometime spare it? I would go through it quickly...I have + read your last five numbers (Of the Botany of Hooker's 'Antarctic + Voyage.'), and as usual have been much interested in several points, + especially with your discussions on the beech and potato. I see you have + introduced several sentences against us Transmutationists. I have also + been looking through the latter volumes of the 'Annals of Natural + History,' and have read two such soulless, pompous papers of —, + quite worthy of the author...The contrast of the papers in the "Annals" + with those in the "Annales" is rather humiliating; so many papers in the + former, with short descriptions of species, without one word on their + affinities, internal structure, range or habits. I am now reading —, + and I have picked out some things which have interested me; but he strikes + me as rather dullish, and with all his Materia Medica smells of the + doctor's shop. I shall ever hate the name of the Materia Medica, since + hearing Duncan's lectures at eight o'clock on a winter's morning—a + whole, cold breakfastless hour on the properties of rhubarb! + </p> + <p> + I hope your journey will be very prosperous. Believe me, my dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + Ever yours, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + P.S.—I think I have only made one new acquaintance of late, that is + R. Chambers; and I have just received a presentation copy of the sixth + edition of the 'Vestiges.' Somehow I now feel perfectly convinced he is + the author. He is in France, and has written to me thence. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down [1847?]. + </p> + <p> + ...I am delighted to hear that Brongniart thought Sigillaria aquatic, and + that Binney considers coal a sort of submarine peat. I would bet 5 to 1 + that in twenty years this will be generally admitted (An unfulfilled + prophecy.); and I do not care for whatever the botanical difficulties or + impossibilities may be. If I could but persuade myself that Sigillaria and + Co. had a good range of depth, i.e., could live from 5 to 100 fathoms + under water, all difficulties of nearly all kinds would be removed (for + the simple fact of muddy ordinary shallow sea implies proximity of land). + [N.B.—I am chuckling to think how you are sneering all this time.] + It is not much of a difficulty, there not being shells with the coal, + considering how unfavourable deep mud is for most Mollusca, and that + shells would probably decay from the humic acid, as seems to take place in + peat and in the BLACK moulds (as Lyell tells me) of the Mississippi. So + coal question settled—Q.E.D. Sneer away! + </p> + <p> + Many thanks for your welcome note from Cambridge, and I am glad you like + my alma mater, which I despise heartily as a place of education, but love + from many most pleasant recollections... + </p> + <p> + Thanks for your offer of the 'Phytologist;' I shall be very much obliged + for it, for I do not suppose I should be able to borrow it from any other + quarter. I will not be set up too much by your praise, but I do not + believe I ever lost a book or forgot to return it during a long lapse of + time. Your 'Webb' is well wrapped up, and with your name in large letters + OUTSIDE. + </p> + <p> + My new microscope is come home (a "splendid plaything," as old R. Brown + called it), and I am delighted with it; it really is a splendid plaything. + I have been in London for three days, and saw many of our friends. I was + extremely sorry to hear a not very good account of Sir William. Farewell, + my dear Hooker, and be a good boy, and make Sigillaria a submarine + sea-weed. + </p> + <p> + Ever yours, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down [May 6th, 1847]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + You have made a savage onslaught, and I must try to defend myself. But, + first, let me say that I never write to you except for my own good + pleasure; now I fear that you answer me when busy and without inclination + (and I am sure I should have none if I was as busy as you). Pray do not do + so, and if I thought my writing entailed an answer from you nolens volens, + it would destroy all my pleasure in writing. Firstly, I did not consider + my letter as REASONING, or even as SPECULATION, but simply as mental + rioting; and as I was sending Binney's paper, I poured out to you the + result of reading it. Secondly, you are right, indeed, in thinking me mad, + if you suppose that I would class any ferns as marine plants; but surely + there is a wide distinction between the plants found upright in the + coal-beds and those not upright, and which might have been drifted. Is it + not possible that the same circumstances which have preserved the + vegetation in situ, should have preserved drifted plants? I know Calamites + is found upright; but I fancied its affinities were very obscure, like + Sigillaria. As for Lepidodendron, I forgot its existence, as happens when + one goes riot, and now know neither what it is, or whether upright. If + these plants, i.e. Calamites and Lepidodendron, have VERY CLEAR RELATIONS + to terrestrial vegetables, like the ferns have, and are found upright in + situ, of course I must give up the ghost. But surely Sigillaria is the + main upright plant, and on its obscure affinities I have heard you + enlarge. + </p> + <p> + Thirdly, it never entered my head to undervalue botanical relatively to + zoological evidence; except in so far as I thought it was admitted that + the vegetative structure seldom yielded any evidence of affinity nearer + than that of families, and not always so much. And is it not in plants, as + certainly it is in animals, dangerous to judge of habits without very near + affinity. Could a Botanist tell from structure alone that the Mangrove + family, almost or quite alone in Dicotyledons, could live in the sea, and + the Zostera family almost alone among the Monocotyledons? Is it a safe + argument, that because algae are almost the only, or the only submerged + sea-plants, that formerly other groups had not members with such habits? + With animals such an argument would not be conclusive, as I could + illustrate by many examples; but I am forgetting myself; I want only to + some degree to defend myself, and not burn my fingers by attacking you. + The foundation of my letter, and what is my deliberate opinion, though I + dare say you will think it absurd, is that I would rather trust, caeteris + paribus, pure geological evidence than either zoological or botanical + evidence. I do not say that I would sooner trust POOR geological evidence + than GOOD organic. I think the basis of pure geological reasoning is + simpler (consisting chiefly of the action of water on the crust of the + earth, and its up and down movements) than a basis drawn from the + difficult subject of affinities and of structure in relation to habits. I + can hardly analyze the facts on which I have come to this conclusion; but + I can illustrate it. Pallas's account would lead any one to suppose that + the Siberian strata, with the frozen carcasses, had been quickly + deposited, and hence that the embedded animals had lived in the + neighbourhood; but our zoological knowledge of thirty years ago led every + one falsely to reject this conclusion. + </p> + <p> + Tell me that an upright fern in situ occurs with Sigillaria and Stigmaria, + or that the affinities of Calamites and Lepidodendron (supposing that they + are found in situ with Sigillaria) are so CLEAR, that they could not have + been marine, like, but in a greater degree, than the mangrove and + sea-wrack, and I will humbly apologise to you and all Botanists for having + let my mind run riot on a subject on which assuredly I know nothing. But + till I hear this, I shall keep privately to my own opinion with the same + pertinacity and, as you will think, with the same philosophical spirit + with which Koenig maintains that Cheirotherium-footsteps are fuci. + </p> + <p> + Whether this letter will sink me lower in your opinion, or put me a little + right, I know not, but hope the latter. Anyhow, I have revenged myself + with boring you with a very long epistle. Farewell, and be forgiving. Ever + yours, + </p> + <p> + C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + P.S.—When will you return to Kew? I have forgotten one main object + of my letter, to thank you MUCH for your offer of the 'Hort. Journal,' but + I have ordered the two numbers. + </p> + <p> + [The two following extracts [1847] give the continuation and conclusion of + the coal battle. + </p> + <p> + "By the way, as submarine coal made you so wrath, I thought I would + experimentise on Falconer and Bunbury (The late Sir C. Bunbury, well-known + as a palaeobotanist.) together, and it made [them] even more savage; 'such + infernal nonsense ought to be thrashed out of me.' Bunbury was more polite + and contemptuous. So I now know how to stir up and show off any Botanist. + I wonder whether Zoologists and Geologists have got their tender points; I + wish I could find out." + </p> + <p> + "I cannot resist thanking you for your most kind note. Pray do not think + that I was annoyed by your letter: I perceived that you had been thinking + with animation, and accordingly expressed yourself strongly, and so I + understood it. Forfend me from a man who weighs every expression with + Scotch prudence. I heartily wish you all success in your noble problem, + and I shall be very curious to have some talk with you and hear your + ultimatum."] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. (Parts of two letters.) Down + [October, 1847]. + </p> + <p> + I congratulate you heartily on your arrangements being completed, with + some prospect for the future. It will be a noble voyage and journey, but I + wish it was over, I shall miss you selfishly and all ways to a dreadful + extent ...I am in great perplexity how we are to meet...I can well + understand how dreadfully busy you must be. If you CANNOT come here, you + MUST let me come to you for a night; for I must have one more chat and one + more quarrel with you over the coal. + </p> + <p> + By the way, I endeavoured to stir up Lyell (who has been staying here some + days with me) to theorise on the coal: his oolitic UPRIGHT Equisetums are + dreadful for my submarine flora. I should die much easier if some one + would solve me the coal question. I sometimes think it could not have been + formed at all. Old Sir Anthony Carlisle once said to me gravely, that he + supposed Megatherium and such cattle were just sent down from heaven to + see whether the earth would support them; and I suppose the coal was + rained down to puzzle mortals. You must work the coal well in India. + </p> + <p> + Ever yours, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. [November 6th, 1847.] + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + I have just received your note with sincere grief: there is no help for + it. I shall always look at your intention of coming here, under such + circumstances, as the greatest proof of friendship I ever received from + mortal man. My conscience would have upbraided me in not having come to + you on Thursday, but, as it turned out, I could not, for I was quite + unable to leave Shrewsbury before that day, and I reached home only last + night, much knocked up. Without I hear to-morrow (which is hardly + possible), and if I am feeling pretty well, I will drive over to Kew on + Monday morning, just to say farewell. I will stay only an hour... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. [November, 1847.] + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + I am very unwell, and incapable of doing anything. I do hope I have not + inconvenienced you. I was so unwell all yesterday, that I was rejoicing + you were not here; for it would have been a bitter mortification to me to + have had you here and not enjoyed your last day. I shall not now see you. + Farewell, and God bless you. + </p> + <p> + Your affectionate friend, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + I will write to you in India. + </p> + <p> + [In 1847 appeared a paper by Mr. D. Milne (Now Mr. Milne Home. The essay + was published in Transactions of the Edinburgh Royal Society, vol. xvi.), + in which my father's Glen Roy work is criticised, and which is referred to + in the following characteristic extract from a letter to Sir J. Hooker:] + "I have been bad enough for these few last days, having had to think and + write too much about Glen Roy...Mr. Milne having attacked my theory, which + made me horribly sick." I have not been able to find any published reply + to Mr. Milne, so that I imagine the "writing" mentioned was confined to + letters. Mr. Milne's paper was not destructive to the Glen Roy paper, and + this my father recognises in the following extract from a letter to Lyell + (March, 1847). The reference to Chambers is explained by the fact that he + accompanied Mr. Milne in his visit to Glen Roy. "I got R. Chambers to give + me a sketch of Milne's Glen Roy views, and I have re-read my paper, and + am, now that I have heard what is to be said, not even staggered. It is + provoking and humiliating to find that Chambers not only had not read with + any care my paper on this subject, or even looked at the coloured map, so + that the new shelf described by me had not been searched for, and my + arguments and facts of detail not in the least attended to. I entirely + gave up the ghost, and was quite chicken-hearted at the Geological + Society, till you reassured and reminded me of the main facts in the whole + case." + </p> + <p> + The two following letters to Lyell, though of later date (June, 1848), + bear on the same subject:— + </p> + <p> + "I was at the evening meeting [of the Geological Society], but did not get + within hail of you. What a fool (though I must say a very amusing one) + — did make of himself. Your speech was refreshing after it, and was + well characterized by Fox (my cousin) in three words—'What a + contrast!' That struck me as a capital speculation about the Wealden + Continent going down. I did not hear what you settled at the Council; I + was quite wearied out and bewildered. I find Smith, of Jordan Hill, has a + much worse opinion of R. Chambers's book than even I have. Chambers has + piqued me a little ('Ancient Sea Margins, 1848.' The words quoted by my + father should be "the mobility of the land was an ascendant idea."); he + says I 'propound' and 'profess my belief' that Glen Roy is marine, and + that the idea was accepted because the 'mobility of the land was the + ascendant idea of the day.' He adds some very faint UPPER lines in Glen + Spean (seen, by the way, by Agassiz), and has shown that Milne and Kemp + are right in there being horizontal aqueous markings (NOT at coincident + levels with those of Glen Roy) in other parts of Scotland at great + heights, and he adds several other cases. This is the whole of his + addition to the data. He not only takes my line of argument from the + buttresses and terraces below the lower shelf and some other arguments + (without acknowledgment), but he sneers at all his predecessors not having + perceived the importance of the short portions of lines intermediate + between the chief ones in Glen Roy; whereas I commence the description of + them with saying, that 'perceiving their importance, I examined them with + scrupulous care,' and expatiate at considerable length on them. I have + indirectly told him I do not think he has quite claims to consider that he + alone (which he pretty directly asserts) has solved the problem of Glen + Roy. With respect to the terraces at lower levels coincident in height all + round Scotland and England, I am inclined to believe he shows some little + probability of there being some leading ones coincident, but much more + exact evidence is required. Would you believe it credible? he advances as + a probable solution to account for the rise of Great Britain that in some + great ocean one-twentieth of the bottom of the whole aqueous surface of + the globe has sunk in (he does not say where he puts it) for a thickness + of half a mile, and this he has calculated would make an apparent rise of + 130 feet." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO C. LYELL. Down [June, 1848]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Lyell, + </p> + <p> + Out of justice to Chambers I must trouble you with one line to say, as far + as I am personally concerned in Glen Roy, he has made the amende + honorable, and pleads guilty through inadvertency of taking my two lines + of arguments and facts without acknowledgment. He concluded by saying he + "came to the same point by an independent course of inquiry, which in a + small degree excuses this inadvertency." His letter altogether shows a + very good disposition, and says he is "much gratified with the MEASURED + approbation which you bestow, etc." I am heartily glad I was able to say + in truth that I thought he had done good service in calling more attention + to the subject of the terraces. He protests it is unfair to call the + sinking of the sea his theory, for that he with care always speaks of mere + change of level, and this is quite true; but the one section in which he + shows how he conceives the sea might sink is so astonishing, that I + believe it will with others, as with me, more than counterbalance his + previous caution. I hope that you may think better of the book than I do. + </p> + <p> + Yours most truly, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. October 6th, 1848. + </p> + <p> + ...I have lately been trying to get up an agitation (but I shall not + succeed, and indeed doubt whether I have time and strength to go on with + it), against the practice of Naturalists appending for perpetuity the name + of the FIRST describer to species. I look at this as a direct premium to + hasty work, to NAMING instead of DESCRIBING. A species ought to have a + name so well known that the addition of the author's name would be + superfluous, and a [piece] of empty vanity. (His contempt for the + self-regarding spirit in a naturalist is illustrated by an anecdote, for + which I am indebted to Rev. L. Blomefield. After speaking of my father's + love of Entomology at Cambridge, Mr. Blomefield continues:—"He + occasionally came over from Cambridge to my Vicarage at Swaffham Bulbeck, + and we went out together to collect insects in the woods at Bottisham + Hall, close at hand, or made longer excursions in the Fens. On one + occasion he captured in a large bag net, with which he used vigorously to + sweep the weeds and long grass, a rare coleopterous insect, one of the + Lepturidae, which I myself had never taken in Cambridgeshire. He was + pleased with his capture, and of course carried it home in triumph. Some + years afterwards, the voyage of the 'Beagle' having been made in the + interim, talking over old times with him, I reverted to this circumstance, + and asked if he remembered it. 'Oh, yes,' (he said,) 'I remember it well; + and I was selfish enough to keep the specimen, when you were collecting + materials for a Fauna of Cambridgeshire, and for a local museum in the + Philosophical Society.' He followed this up with some remarks on the + pettiness of collectors, who aimed at nothing beyond filling their + cabinets with rare things.") At present, it would not do to give mere + specific names; but I think Zoologists might open the road to the + omission, by referring to good systematic writers instead of to first + describers. Botany, I fancy, has not suffered so much as Zoology from mere + NAMING; the characters, fortunately, are more obscure. Have you ever + thought on this point? Why should Naturalists append their own names to + new species, when Mineralogists and Chemists do not do so to new + substances? When you write to Falconer pray remember me affectionately to + him. I grieve most sincerely to hear that he has been ill, my dear Hooker, + God bless you, and fare you well. + </p> + <p> + Your sincere friend, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO HUGH STRICKLAND. (Hugh Edwin Strickland, M.A., + F.R.S., was born 2nd of March, 1811, and educated at Rugby, under Arnold, + and at Oriel College, Oxford. In 1835 and 1836 he travelled through Europe + to the Levant with W.J. Hamilton, the geologist, wintering in Asia Minor. + In 1841 he brought the subject of Natural History Nomenclature before the + British Association, and prepared the Code of Rules for Zoological + Nomenclature, now known by his name—the principles of which are very + generally adopted. In 1843 he was one of the founders (if not the original + projector) of the Ray Society. In 1845 he married the second daughter of + Sir William Jardine, Bart. In 1850 he was appointed, in consequence of + Buckland's illness, Deputy Reader in Geology at Oxford. His promising + career was suddenly cut short on September 14, 1853, when, while + geologizing in a railway cutting between Retford and Gainsborough, he was + run over by a train and instantly killed. A memoir of him and a reprint of + his principal contributions to journals was published by Sir William + Jardine in 1858; but he was also the author of 'The Dodo and its Kindred' + (1848); 'Bibliographia Zoologiae' (the latter in conjunction with Louis + Agassiz, and issued by the Ray Society); 'Ornithological Synonyms' (one + volume only published, and that posthumously). A catalogue of his + ornithological collection, given by his widow to the University of + Cambridge, was compiled by Mr. Salvin, and published in 1882. (I am + indebted to Prof. Newton for the above note.)) Down, January 29th [1849]. + </p> + <p> + ...What a labour you have undertaken; I do HONOUR your devoted zeal in the + good cause of Natural Science. Do you happen to have a SPARE copy of the + Nomenclature rules published in the 'British Association Transactions?' if + you have, and would give it to me, I should be truly obliged, for I grudge + buying the volume for it. I have found the rules very useful, it is quite + a comfort to have something to rest on in the turbulent ocean of + nomenclature (and am accordingly grateful to you), though I find it very + difficult to obey always. Here is a case (and I think it should have been + noticed in the rules), Coronula, Cineras and Otion, are names adopted by + Cuvier, Lamarck, Owen, and almost EVERY well-known writer, but I find that + all three names were anticipated by a German: now I believe if I were to + follow the strict rule of priority, more harm would be done than good, and + more especially as I feel sure that the newly fished-up names would not be + adopted. I have almost made up my mind to reject the rule of priority in + this case; would you grudge the trouble to send me your opinion? I have + been led of late to reflect much on the subject of naming, and I have come + to a fixed opinion that the plan of the first describer's name, being + appended for perpetuity to a species, had been the greatest curse to + Natural History. Some months since, I wrote out the enclosed badly + drawn-up paper, thinking that perhaps I would agitate the subject; but the + fit has passed, and I do not suppose I ever shall; I send it you for the + CHANCE of your caring to see my notions. I have been surprised to find in + conversation that several naturalists were of nearly my way of thinking. I + feel sure as long as species-mongers have their vanity tickled by seeing + their own names appended to a species, because they miserably described it + in two or three lines, we shall have the same VAST amount of bad work as + at present, and which is enough to dishearten any man who is willing to + work out any branch with care and time. I find every genus of Cirripedia + has half-a-dozen names, and not one careful description of any one species + in any one genus. I do not believe that this would have been the case if + each man knew that the memory of his own name depended on his doing his + work well, and not upon merely appending a name with a few wretched lines + indicating only a few prominent external characters. But I will not weary + you with any longer tirade. Read my paper or NOT, just as you like, and + return it whenever you please. + </p> + <p> + Yours most sincerely, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + HUGH STRICKLAND TO CHARLES DARWIN. The Lodge, Tewkesbury, January 31st, + 1849. + </p> + <p> + ...I have next to notice your second objection—that retaining the + name of the FIRST describer in perpetuum along with that of the species, + is a premium on hasty and careless work. This is quite a different + question from that of the law of priority itself, and it never occurred to + me before, though it seems highly probable that the general recognition of + that law may produce such a result. We must try to counteract this evil in + some other way. + </p> + <p> + The object of appending the name of a man to the name of a species is not + to gratify the vanity of the man, but to indicate more precisely the + species. Sometimes two men will, by accident, give the same name + (independently) to two species of the same genus. More frequently a later + author will misapply the specific name of an older one. Thus the Helix + putris of Montagu is not H. putris of Linnaeus, though Montague supposed + it to be so. In such a case we cannot define the species by Helix putris + alone, but must append the name of the author whom we quote. But when a + species has never borne but one name (as Corvus frugilegus), and no other + species of Corvus has borne the same name, it is, of course, unnecessary + to add the author's name. Yet even here I like the form Corvus frugilegus, + Linn., as it reminds us that this is one of the old species, long known, + and to be found in the 'Systema Naturae,' etc. I fear, therefore, that (at + least until our nomenclature is more definitely settled) it will be + impossible to indicate species with scientific accuracy, without adding + the name of their first author. You may, indeed, do it as you propose, by + saying in Lam. An. Invert., etc., but then this would be incompatible with + the law of priority, for where Lamarck has violated that low, one cannot + adopt his name. It is, nevertheless, highly conducive to accurate + indication to append to the (oldest) specific name ONE good reference to a + standard work, especially to a FIGURE, with an accompanying synonym if + necessary. This method may be cumbrous, but cumbrousness is a far less + evil than uncertainty. + </p> + <p> + It, moreover, seems hardly possible to carry out the PRIORITY principle, + without the historical aid afforded by appending the author's name to the + specific one. If I, a PRIORITY MAN, called a species C.D., it implies that + C.D. is the oldest name that I know of; but in order that you and others + may judge of the propriety of that name, you must ascertain when, and by + whom, the name was first coined. Now, if to the specific name C.D., I + append the name A.B., of its first describer, I at once furnish you with + the clue to the dates when, and the book in which, this description was + given, and I thus assist you in determining whether C.D. be really the + oldest, and therefore the correct, designation. + </p> + <p> + I do, however, admit that the priority principle (excellent as it is) has + a tendency, when the author's name is added, to encourage vanity and + slovenly work. I think, however, that much might be done to discourage + those obscure and unsatisfactory definitions of which you so justly + complain, by WRITING DOWN the practice. Let the better disposed + naturalists combine to make a formal protest against all vague, loose, and + inadequate definitions of (supposed) new species. Let a committee (say of + the British Association) be appointed to prepare a sort of CLASS LIST of + the various modern works in which new species are described, arranged in + order of merit. The lowest class would contain the worst examples of the + kind, and their authors would thus be exposed to the obloquy which they + deserve, and be gibbeted in terrorem for the edification of those who may + come after. + </p> + <p> + I have thus candidly stated my views (I hope intelligibly) of what seems + best to be done in the present transitional and dangerous state of + systematic zoology. Innumerable labourers, many of them crotchety and + half-educated, are rushing into the field, and it depends, I think, on the + present generation whether the science is to descend to posterity a + chaotic mass, or possessed of some traces of law and organisation. If we + could only get a congress of deputies from the chief scientific bodies of + Europe and America, something might be done, but, as the case stands, I + confess I do not clearly see my way, beyond humbly endeavouring to reform + NUMBER ONE. + </p> + <p> + Yours ever, H.E. STRICKLAND. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO HUGH STRICKLAND. Down, Sunday [February 4th, + 1849]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Strickland, + </p> + <p> + I am, in truth, GREATLY obliged to you for your long, most interesting, + and clear letter, and the Report. I will consider your arguments, which + are of the greatest weight, but I confess I cannot yet bring myself to + reject very WELL-KNOWN names, not in ONE country, but over the world, for + obscure ones,—simply on the ground that I do not believe I should be + followed. Pray believe that I should break the law of priority only in + rare cases; will you read the enclosed (and return it), and tell me + whether it does not stagger you? (N.B. I PROMISE that I will not give you + any more trouble.) I want simple answers, and not for you to waste your + time in reasons; I am curious for your answer in regard to Balanus. I put + the case of Otion, etc., to W. Thompson, who is fierce for the law of + priority, and he gave it up in such well-known names. I am in a perfect + maze of doubt on nomenclature. In not one large genus of Cirripedia has + ANY ONE species been correctly defined; it is pure guesswork (being guided + by range and commonness and habits) to recognise any species: thus I can + make out, from plates or descriptions, hardly any of the British sessile + cirripedes. I cannot bear to give new names to all the species, and yet I + shall perhaps do wrong to attach old names by little better than guess; I + cannot at present tell the least which of two species all writers have + meant by the common Anatifera laevis; I have, therefore, given that name + to the one which is rather the commonest. Literally, not one species is + properly defined; not one naturalist has ever taken the trouble to open + the shell of any species to describe it scientifically, and yet all the + genera have half-a-dozen synonyms. For ARGUMENT'S sake, suppose I do my + work thoroughly well, any one who happens to have the original specimens + named, I will say by Chenu, who has figured and named hundreds of species, + will be able to upset all my names according to the law of priority (for + he may maintain his descriptions are sufficient), do you think it + advantageous to science that this should be done: I think not, and that + convenience and high merit (here put as mere argument) had better come + into some play. The subject is heart-breaking. + </p> + <p> + I hope you will occasionally turn in your mind my argument of the evil + done by the "mihi" attached to specific names; I can most clearly see the + EXCESSIVE evil it has caused; in mineralogy I have myself found there is + no rage to merely name; a person does not take up the subject without he + intends to work it out, as he knows that his ONLY claim to merit rests on + his work being ably done, and has no relation whatever to NAMING. I give + up one point, and grant that reference to first describer's name should be + given in all systematic works, but I think something would be gained if a + reference was given without the author's name being actually appended as + part of the binomial name, and I think, except in systematic works, a + reference, such as I propose, would damp vanity much. I think a very wrong + spirit runs through all Natural History, as if some merit was due to a man + for merely naming and defining a species; I think scarcely any, or none, + is due; if he works out MINUTELY and anatomically any one species, or + systematically a whole group, credit is due, but I must think the mere + defining a species is nothing, and that no INJUSTICE is done him if it be + overlooked, though a great inconvenience to Natural History is thus + caused. I do not think more credit is due to a man for defining a species, + than to a carpenter for making a box. But I am foolish and rabid against + species-mongers, or rather against their vanity; it is useful and + necessary work which must be done; but they act as if they had actually + made the species, and it was their own property. + </p> + <p> + I use Agassiz's nomenclator; at least two-thirds of the dates in the + Cirripedia are grossly wrong. + </p> + <p> + I shall do what I can in fossil Cirripedia, and should be very grateful + for specimens; but I do not believe that species (and hardly genera) can + be defined by single valves; as in every recent species yet examined their + forms vary greatly: to describe a species by valves alone, is the same as + to describe a crab from SMALL portions of its carapace alone, these + portions being highly variable, and not, as in Crustacea, modelled over + viscera. I sincerely apologise for the trouble which I have given you, but + indeed I will give no more. + </p> + <p> + Yours most sincerely, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + P.S.—In conversation I found Owen and Andrew Smith much inclined to + throw over the practice of attaching authors' names; I believe if I + agitated I could get a large party to join. W. Thompson agreed some way + with me, but was not prepared to go nearly as far as I am. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO HUGH STRICKLAND. Down, February 10th [1849]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Strickland, + </p> + <p> + I have again to thank you cordially for your letter. Your remarks shall + fructify to some extent, and I will try to be more faithful to rigid + virtue and priority; but as for calling Balanus "Lepas" (which I did not + think of), I cannot do it, my pen won't write it—it is IMPOSSIBLE. I + have great hopes some of my difficulties will disappear, owing to wrong + dates in Agassiz, and to my having to run several genera into one, for I + have as yet gone, in but few cases, to original sources. With respect to + adopting my own notions in my Cirripedia book, I should not like to do so + without I found others approved, and in some public way,—nor, + indeed, is it well adapted, as I can never recognise a species without I + have the original specimen, which, fortunately, I have in many cases in + the British Museum. Thus far I mean to adopt my notion, as never putting + mihi or "Darwin" after my own species, and in the anatomical text giving + no authors' names at all, as the systematic Part will serve for those who + want to know the History of a species as far as I can imperfectly work it + out... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. [The Lodge, Malvern, March 28th, + 1849.] + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + Your letter of the 13th of October has remained unanswered till this day! + What an ungrateful return for a letter which interested me so much, and + which contained so much and curious information. But I have had a bad + winter. + </p> + <p> + On the 13th of November, my poor dear father died, and no one who did not + know him would believe that a man above eighty-three years old could have + retained so tender and affectionate a disposition, with all his sagacity + unclouded to the last. I was at the time so unwell, that I was unable to + travel, which added to my misery. Indeed, all this winter I have been bad + enough...and my nervous system began to be affected, so that my hands + trembled, and head was often swimming. I was not able to do anything one + day out of three, and was altogether too dispirited to write to you, or to + do anything but what I was compelled. I thought I was rapidly going the + way of all flesh. Having heard, accidentally, of two persons who had + received much benefit from the water-cure, I got Dr. Gully's book, and + made further enquiries, and at last started here, with wife, children, and + all our servants. We have taken a house for two months, and have been here + a fortnight. I am already a little stronger...Dr. Gully feels pretty sure + he can do me good, which most certainly the regular doctors could not...I + feel certain that the water-cure is no quackery. + </p> + <p> + How I shall enjoy getting back to Down with renovated health, if such is + to be my good fortune, and resuming the beloved Barnacles. Now I hope that + you will forgive me for my negligence in not having sooner answered your + letter. I was uncommonly interested by the sketch you give of your + intended grand expedition, from which I suppose you will soon be + returning. How earnestly I hope that it may prove in every way + successful... + </p> + <p> + [When my father was at the Water-cure Establishment at Malvern he was + brought into contact with clairvoyance, of which he writes in the + following extract from a letter to Fox, September, 1850. + </p> + <p> + "You speak about Homoeopathy, which is a subject which makes me more + wrath, even than does Clairvoyance. Clairvoyance so transcends belief, + that one's ordinary faculties are put out of the question, but in + homoeopathy common sense and common observation come into play, and both + these must go to the dogs, if the infinitesimal doses have any effect + whatever. How true is a remark I saw the other day by Quetelet, in respect + to evidence of curative processes, viz., that no one knows in disease what + is the simple result of nothing being done, as a standard with which to + compare homoeopathy, and all other such things. It is a sad flaw, I cannot + but think, in my beloved Dr. Gully, that he believes in everything. When + Miss — was very ill, he had a clairvoyant girl to report on internal + changes, a mesmerist to put her to sleep—an homoeopathist, viz. Dr. + —, and himself as hydropathist! and the girl recovered." + </p> + <p> + A passage out of an earlier letter to Fox (December, 1884) shows that he + was equally sceptical on the subject of mesmerism: "With respect to + mesmerism, the whole country resounds with wonderful facts or tales..I + have just heard of a child, three or four years old (whose parents and + self I well knew) mesmerised by his father, which is the first fact which + has staggered me. I shall not believe fully till I see or hear from good + evidence of animals (as has been stated is possible) not drugged, being + put to stupor; of course the impossibility would not prove mesmerism + false; but it is the only clear experimentum crucis, and I am astonished + it has not been systematically tried. If mesmerism was investigated, like + a science, this could not have been left till the present day to be DONE + SATISFACTORILY, as it has been I believe left. Keep some cats yourself, + and do get some mesmeriser to attempt it. One man told me he had + succeeded, but his experiments were most vague, and as was likely from a + man who said cats were more easily done than other animals, because they + were so electrical!"] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO C. LYELL. Down, December 4th [1849]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Lyell, + </p> + <p> + This letter requires no answer, and I write from exuberance of vanity. + Dana has sent me the Geology of the United States Expedition, and I have + just read the Coral part. To begin with a modest speech, I AM ASTONISHED + AT MY OWN ACCURACY!! If I were to rewrite now my Coral book there is + hardly a sentence I should have to alter, except that I ought to have + attributed more effect to recent volcanic action in checking growth of + coral. When I say all this I ought to add that the CONSEQUENCES of the + theory on areas of subsidence are treated in a separate chapter to which I + have not come, and in this, I suspect, we shall differ more. Dana talks of + agreeing with my theory IN MOST POINTS; I can find out not one in which he + differs. Considering how infinitely more he saw of Coral Reefs than I did, + this is wonderfully satisfactory to me. He treats me most courteously. + There now, my vanity is pretty well satisfied... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Malvern, April 9th, 1849. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + The very next morning after posting my last letter (I think on 23rd of + March), I received your two interesting gossipaceous and geological + letters; and the latter I have since exchanged with Lyell for his. I will + write higglety-pigglety just as subjects occur. I saw the Review in the + 'Athenaeum,' it was written in an ill-natured spirit; but the whole virus + consisted in saying that there was not novelty enough in your remarks for + publication. No one, nowadays, cares for reviews. I may just mention that + my Journal got some REAL GOOD abuse, "presumption," etc.,—ended with + saying that the volume appeared "made up of the scraps and rubbish of the + author's portfolio." I most truly enter into what you say, and quite + believe you that you care only for the review with respect to your father; + and that this ALONE would make you like to see extracts from your letters + more properly noticed in this same periodical. I have considered to the + very best of my judgment whether any portion of your present letters are + adapted for the 'Athenaeum' (in which I have no interest; the beasts not + having even NOTICED my three geological volumes which I had sent to them), + and I have come to the conclusion it is better not to send them. I feel + sure, considering all the circumstances, that without you took pains and + wrote WITH CARE, a condensed and finished sketch of some striking feature + in your travels, it is better not to send anything. These two letters are, + moreover, rather too geological for the 'Athenaeum,' and almost require + woodcuts. On the other hand, there are hardly enough details for a + communication to the Geological Society. I have not the SMALLEST DOUBT + that your facts are of the highest interest with regard to glacial action + in the Himalaya; but it struck both Lyell and myself that your evidence + ought to have been given more distinctly... + </p> + <p> + I have written so lately that I have nothing to say about myself; my + health prevented me going on with a crusade against "mihi" and "nobis," of + which you warn me of the dangers. I showed my paper to three or four + Naturalists, and they all agreed with me to a certain extent: with health + and vigour, I would not have shown a white feather, [and] with aid of + half-a-dozen really good Naturalists, I believe something might have been + done against the miserable and degrading passion of mere species naming. + In your letter you wonder what "Ornamental Poultry" has to do with + Barnacles; but do not flatter yourself that I shall not yet live to finish + the Barnacles, and then make a fool of myself on the subject of species, + under which head ornamental Poultry are very interesting... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO C. LYELL. The Lodge, Malvern [June, 1849]. + </p> + <p> + ...I have got your book ('A Second Visit to the United States.'), and have + read all the first and a small part of the second volume (reading is the + hardest work allowed here), and greatly I have been interested by it. It + makes me long to be a Yankee. E. desires me to say that she quite + "gloated" over the truth of your remarks on religious progress...I delight + to think how you will disgust some of the bigots and educational dons. As + yet there has not been MUCH Geology or Natural History, for which I hope + you feel a little ashamed. Your remarks on all social subjects strike me + as worthy of the author of the 'Principles.' And yet (I know it is + prejudice and pride) if I had written the Principles, I never would have + written any travels; but I believe I am more jealous about the honour and + glory of the Principles than you are yourself... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO C. LYELL. September 14th, 1849. + </p> + <p> + ...I go on with my aqueous processes, and very steadily but slowly gain + health and strength. Against all rules, I dined at Chevening with Lord + Mahon, who did me the great honour of calling on me, and how he heard of + me I can't guess. I was charmed with Lady Mahon, and any one might have + been proud at the pieces of agreeableness which came from her beautiful + lips with respect to you. I like old Lord Stanhope very much; though he + abused Geology and Zoology heartily. "To suppose that the Omnipotent God + made a world, found it a failure, and broke it up, and then made it again, + and again broke it up, as the Geologists say, is all fiddle faddle. + Describing Species of birds and shells, etc., is all fiddle faddle..." + </p> + <p> + I am heartily glad we shall meet at Birmingham, as I trust we shall, if my + health will but keep up. I work now every day at the Cirripedia for 2 1/2 + hours, and so get on a little, but very slowly. I sometimes, after being a + whole week employed and having described perhaps only two species, agree + mentally with Lord Stanhope, that it is all fiddle faddle; however, the + other day I got a curious case of a unisexual, instead of hermaphrodite + cirripede, in which the female had the common cirripedial character, and + in two valves of her shell had two little pockets, in EACH of which she + kept a little husband; I do not know of any other case where a female + invariably has two husbands. I have one still odder fact, common to + several species, namely, that though they are hermaphrodite, they have + small additional, or as I shall call them, complemental males, one + specimen itself hermaphrodite had no less than SEVEN, of these + complemental males attached to it. Truly the schemes and wonders of Nature + are illimitable. But I am running on as badly about my cirripedia as about + Geology; it makes me groan to think that probably I shall never again have + the exquisite pleasure of making out some new district, of evolving + geological light out of some troubled dark region. So I must make the best + of my Cirripedia... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, October 12th, 1849. + </p> + <p> + ...By the way, one of the pleasantest parts of the British Association was + my journey down to Birmingham with Mrs. Sabine, Mrs. Reeve, and the + Colonel; also Col. Sykes and Porter. Mrs. Sabine and myself agreed + wonderfully on many points, and in none more sincerely than about you. We + spoke about your letters from the Erebus; and she quite agreed with me, + that you and the AUTHOR (Sir J. Hooker wrote the spirited description of + cattle hunting in Sir J. Ross's 'Voyage of Discovery in the Southern + Regions,' 1847, vol. ii., page 245.), of the description of the cattle + hunting in the Falklands, would have made a capital book together! A very + nice woman she is, and so is her sharp and sagacious mother...Birmingham + was very flat compared to Oxford, though I had my wife with me. We saw a + good deal of the Lyells and Horners and Robinsons (the President); but the + place was dismal, and I was prevented, by being unwell, from going to + Warwick, though that, i.e., the party, by all accounts, was wonderfully + inferior to Blenheim, not to say anything of that heavenly day at + Dropmore. One gets weary of all the spouting... + </p> + <p> + You ask about my cold-water cure; I am going on very well, and am + certainly a little better every month, my nights mend much slower than my + days. I have built a douche, and am to go on through all the winter, frost + or no frost. My treatment now is lamp five times per week, and shallow + bath for five minutes afterwards; douche daily for five minutes, and + dripping sheet daily. The treatment is wonderfully tonic, and I have had + more better consecutive days this month than on any previous ones...I am + allowed to work now two and a half hours daily, and I find it as much as I + can do, for the cold-water cure, together with three short walks, is + curiously exhausting; and I am actually FORCED to go to bed at eight + o'clock completely tired. I steadily gain in weight, and eat immensely, + and am never oppressed with my food. I have lost the involuntary twitching + of the muscle, and all the fainting feelings, etc—black spots before + eyes, etc. Dr. Gully thinks he shall quite cure me in six or nine months + more. + </p> + <p> + The greatest bore, which I find in the water-cure, is the having been + compelled to give up all reading, except the newspapers; for my daily two + and a half hours at the Barnacles is fully as much as I can do of anything + which occupies the mind; I am consequently terribly behind in all + scientific books. I have of late been at work at mere species describing, + which is much more difficult than I expected, and has much the same sort + of interest as a puzzle has; but I confess I often feel wearied with the + work, and cannot help sometimes asking myself what is the good of spending + a week or fortnight in ascertaining that certain just perceptible + differences blend together and constitute varieties and not species. As + long as I am on anatomy I never feel myself in that disgusting, horrid, + cui bono, inquiring, humour. What miserable work, again, it is searching + for priority of names. I have just finished two species, which possess + seven generic, and twenty-four specific names! My chief comfort is, that + the work must be sometime done, and I may as well do it, as any one else. + </p> + <p> + I have given up my agitation against mihi and nobis; my paper is too long + to send to you, so you must see it, if you care to do so, on your return. + By-the-way, you say in your letter that you care more for my species work + than for the Barnacles; now this is too bad of you, for I declare your + decided approval of my plain Barnacle work over theoretic species work, + had very great influence in deciding me to go on with the former, and + defer my species paper... + </p> + <p> + [The following letter refers to the death of his little daughter, which + took place at Malvern on April 24, 1851:] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO W.D. FOX. Down, April 29th [1851]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Fox, + </p> + <p> + I do not suppose you will have heard of our bitter and cruel loss. Poor + dear little Annie, when going on very well at Malvern, was taken with a + vomiting attack, which was at first thought of the smallest importance; + but it rapidly assumed the form of a low and dreadful fever, which carried + her off in ten days. Thank God, she suffered hardly at all, and expired as + tranquilly as a little angel. Our only consolation is that she passed a + short, though joyous life. She was my favourite child; her cordiality, + openness, buoyant joyousness and strong affections made her most lovable. + Poor dear little soul. Well it is all over... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO W.D. FOX. Down, March 7th [1852]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Fox, + </p> + <p> + It is indeed an age since we have had any communication, and very glad I + was to receive your note. Our long silence occurred to me a few weeks + since, and I had then thought of writing, but was idle. I congratulate and + condole with you on your TENTH child; but please to observe when I have a + tenth, send only condolences to me. We have now seven children, all well, + thank God, as well as their mother; of these seven, five are boys; and my + father used to say that it was certain that a boy gave as much trouble as + three girls; so that bona fide we have seventeen children. It makes me + sick whenever I think of professions; all seem hopelessly bad, and as yet + I cannot see a ray of light. I should very much like to talk over this (by + the way, my three bugbears are Californian and Australian gold, beggaring + me by making my money on mortgage worth nothing; the French coming by the + Westerham and Sevenoaks roads, and therefore enclosing Down; and thirdly, + professions for my boys), and I should like to talk about education, on + which you ask me what we are doing. No one can more truly despise the old + stereotyped stupid classical education than I do; but yet I have not had + courage to break through the trammels. After many doubts we have just sent + our eldest boy to Rugby, where for his age he has been very well + placed...I honour, admire, and envy you for educating your boys at home. + What on earth shall you do with your boys? Towards the end of this month + we go to see W. at Rugby, and thence for five or six days to Susan (His + sister.) at Shrewsbury; I then return home to look after the babies, and + E. goes to F. Wedgwood's of Etruria for a week. Very many thanks for your + most kind and large invitation to Delamere, but I fear we can hardly + compass it. I dread going anywhere, on account of my stomach so easily + failing under any excitement. I rarely even now go to London; not that I + am at all worse, perhaps rather better, and lead a very comfortable life + with my three hours of daily work, but it is the life of a hermit. My + nights are ALWAYS bad, and that stops my becoming vigorous. You ask about + water-cure. I take at intervals of two or three months, five or six weeks + of MODERATELY severe treatment, and always with good effect. Do you come + here, I pray and beg whenever you can find time; you cannot tell how much + pleasure it would give me and E. I have finished the 1st volume for the + Ray Society of Pedunculated Cirripedes, which, as I think you are a + member, you will soon get. Read what I describe on the sexes of Ibla and + Scalpellum. I am now at work on the Sessile Cirripedes, and am wonderfully + tired of my job: a man to be a systematic naturalist ought to work at + least eight hours per day. You saw through me, when you said that I must + have wished to have seen the effects of the [word illegible] Debacle, for + I was saying a week ago to E., that had I been as I was in old days, I + would have been certainly off that hour. You ask after Erasmus; he is much + as usual, and constantly more or less unwell. Susan (His sister.) is much + better, and very flourishing and happy. Catherine (Another sister.) is at + Rome, and has enjoyed it in a degree that is quite astonishing to my dry + old bones. And now I think I have told you enough, and more than enough + about the house of Darwin; so my dear old friend, farewell. What pleasant + times we had in drinking coffee in your rooms at Christ's College, and + think of the glories of Crux major. (The beetle Panagaeus crux-major.) Ah, + in those days there were no professions for sons, no ill-health to fear + for them, no Californian gold, no French invasions. How paramount the + future is to the present when one is surrounded by children. My dread is + hereditary ill-health. Even death is better for them. + </p> + <p> + My dear Fox, your sincere friend, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + P.S.—Susan has lately been working in a way which I think truly + heroic about the scandalous violation of the Act against children climbing + chimneys. We have set up a little Society in Shrewsbury to prosecute those + who break the law. It is all Susan's doing. She has had very nice letters + from Lord Shaftesbury and the Duke of Sutherland, but the brutal + Shropshire squires are as hard as stones to move. The Act out of London + seems most commonly violated. It makes one shudder to fancy one of one's + own children at seven years old being forced up a chimney—to say + nothing of the consequent loathsome disease and ulcerated limbs, and utter + moral degradation. If you think strongly on this subject, do make some + inquiries; add to your many good works, this other one, and try to stir up + the magistrates. There are several people making a stir in different parts + of England on this subject. It is not very likely that you would wish for + such, but I could send you some essays and information if you so liked, + either for yourself or to give away. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO W.D. FOX. Down [October 24th, 1852]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Fox, + </p> + <p> + I received your long and most welcome letter this morning, and will answer + it this evening, as I shall be very busy with an artist, drawing + Cirripedia, and much overworked for the next fortnight. But first you + deserve to be well abused—and pray consider yourself well abused—for + thinking or writing that I could for one minute be bored by any amount of + detail about yourself and belongings. It is just what I like hearing; + believe me that I often think of old days spent with you, and sometimes + can hardly believe what a jolly careless individual one was in those old + days. A bright autumn evening often brings to mind some shooting excursion + from Osmaston. I do indeed regret that we live so far off each other, and + that I am so little locomotive. I have been unusually well of late (no + water-cure), but I do not find that I can stand any change better than + formerly...The other day I went to London and back, and the fatigue, + though so trifling, brought on my bad form of vomiting. I grieve to hear + that your chest has been ailing, and most sincerely do I hope that it is + only the muscles; how frequently the voice fails with the clergy. I can + well understand your reluctance to break up your large and happy party and + go abroad; but your life is very valuable, so you ought to be very + cautious in good time. You ask about all of us, now five boys (oh! the + professions; oh! the gold; and oh! the French—these three oh's all + rank as dreadful bugbears) and two girls...but another and the worst of my + bugbears is hereditary weakness. All my sisters are well except Mrs. + Parker, who is much out of health; and so is Erasmus at his poor average: + he has lately moved into Queen Anne Street. I had heard of the intended + marriage (To the Rev. J. Hughes.) of your sister Frances. I believe I have + seen her since, but my memory takes me back some twenty-five years, when + she was lying down. I remember well the delightful expression of her + countenance. I most sincerely wish her all happiness. + </p> + <p> + I see I have not answered half your queries. We like very well all that we + have seen and heard of Rugby, and have never repented of sending [W.] + there. I feel sure schools have greatly improved since our days; but I + hate schools and the whole system of breaking through the affections of + the family by separating the boys so early in life; but I see no help, and + dare not run the risk of a youth being exposed to the temptations of the + world without having undergone the milder ordeal of a great school. + </p> + <p> + I see you even ask after our pears. We have lots of Beurrees d'Aremberg, + Winter Nelis, Marie Louise, and "Ne plus Ultra," but all off the wall; the + standard dwarfs have borne a few, but I have no room for more trees, so + their names would be useless to me. You really must make a holiday and pay + us a visit sometime; nowhere could you be more heartily welcome. I am at + work at the second volume of the Cirripedia, of which creatures I am + wonderfully tired. I hate a Barnacle as no man ever did before, not even a + sailor in a slow-sailing ship. My first volume is out; the only part worth + looking at is on the sexes of Ibla and Scalpellum. I hope by next summer + to have done with my tedious work. Farewell,—do come whenever you + can possibly manage it. + </p> + <p> + I cannot but hope that the carbuncle may possibly do you good: I have + heard of all sorts of weaknesses disappearing after a carbuncle. I suppose + the pain is dreadful. I agree most entirely, what a blessed discovery is + chloroform. When one thinks of one's children, it makes quite a little + difference in one's happiness. The other day I had five grinders (two by + the elevator) out at a sitting under this wonderful substance, and felt + hardly anything. + </p> + <p> + My dear old friend, yours very affectionately, CHARLES DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO W.D. FOX. Down, January 29th [1853]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Fox, + </p> + <p> + Your last account some months ago was so little satisfactory that I have + often been thinking of you, and should be really obliged if you would give + me a few lines, and tell me how your voice and chest are. I most sincerely + hope that your report will be good...Our second lad has a strong + mechanical turn, and we think of making him an engineer. I shall try and + find out for him some less classical school, perhaps Bruce Castle. I + certainly should like to see more diversity in education than there is in + any ordinary school—no exercising of the observing or reasoning + faculties, no general knowledge acquired—I must think it a wretched + system. On the other hand, a boy who has learnt to stick at Latin and + conquer its difficulties, ought to be able to stick at any labour. I + should always be glad to hear anything about schools or education from + you. I am at my old, never-ending subject, but trust I shall really go to + press in a few months with my second volume on Cirripedes. I have been + much pleased by finding some odd facts in my first volume believed by Owen + and a few others, whose good opinion I regard as final...Do write pretty + soon, and tell me all you can about yourself and family; and I trust your + report of yourself may be much better than your last. + </p> + <p> + ...I have been very little in London of late, and have not seen Lyell + since his return from America; how lucky he was to exhume with his own + hand parts of three skeletons of reptiles out of the CARBONIFEROUS strata, + and out of the inside of a fossil tree, which had been hollow within. + </p> + <p> + Farewell, my dear Fox, yours affectionately, CHARLES DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO W.D. FOX. 13 Sea Houses, Eastbourne, [July + 15th? 1853]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Fox, + </p> + <p> + Here we are in a state of profound idleness, which to me is a luxury; and + we should all, I believe, have been in a state of high enjoyment, had it + not been for the detestable cold gales and much rain, which always gives + much ennui to children away from their homes. I received your letter of + 13th June, when working like a slave with Mr. Sowerby at drawing for my + second volume, and so put off answering it till when I knew I should be at + leisure. I was extremely glad to get your letter. I had intended a couple + of months ago sending you a savage or supplicating jobation to know how + you were, when I met Sir P. Egerton, who told me you were well, and, as + usual, expressed his admiration of your doings, especially your farming, + and the number of animals, including children, which you kept on your + land. Eleven children, ave Maria! it is a serious look-out for you. + Indeed, I look at my five boys as something awful, and hate the very + thoughts of professions, etc. If one could insure moderate health for them + it would not signify so much, for I cannot but hope, with the enormous + emigration, professions will somewhat improve. But my bugbear is + hereditary weakness. I particularly like to hear all that you can say + about education, and you deserve to be scolded for saying "you did not + mean to TORMENT me with a long yarn." You ask about Rugby. I like it very + well, on the same principle as my neighbour, Sir J. Lubbock, likes Eton, + viz., that it is not worse than any other school; the expense, WITH ALL + ETC., ETC., including some clothes, travelling expenses, etc., is from 110 + pounds to 120 pounds per annum. I do not think schools are so wicked as + they were, and far more industrious. The boys, I think, live too secluded + in their separate studies; and I doubt whether they will get so much + knowledge of character as boys used to do; and this, in my opinion, is the + ONE good of public schools over small schools. I should think the only + superiority of a small school over home was forced regularity in their + work, which your boys perhaps get at your home, but which I do not believe + my boys would get at my home. Otherwise, it is quite lamentable sending + boys so early in life from their home. + </p> + <p> + ...To return to schools. My main objection to them, as places of + education, is the enormous proportion of time spent over classics. I fancy + (though perhaps it is only fancy) that I can perceive the ill and + contracting effect on my eldest boy's mind, in checking interest in + anything in which reasoning and observation come into play. Mere memory + seems to be worked. I shall certainly look out for some school with more + diversified studies for my younger boys. I was talking lately to the Dean + of Hereford, who takes most strongly this view; and he tells me that there + is a school at Hereford commencing on this plan; and that Dr. Kennedy at + Shrewsbury is going to begin vigorously to modify that school... + </p> + <p> + I am EXTREMELY glad to hear that you approved of my cirripedial volume. I + have spent an almost ridiculous amount of labour on the subject, and + certainly would never have undertaken it had I foreseen what a job it was. + I hope to have finished by the end of the year. Do write again before a + very long time; it is a real pleasure to me to hear from you. Farewell, + with my wife's kindest remembrances to yourself and Mrs. Fox. + </p> + <p> + My dear old friend, yours affectionately, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO W.D. FOX. Down, August 10th [1853]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Fox, + </p> + <p> + I thank you sincerely for writing to me so soon after your most heavy + misfortune. Your letter affected me so much. We both most truly sympathise + with you and Mrs. Fox. We too lost, as you may remember, not so very long + ago, a most dear child, of whom I can hardly yet bear to think tranquilly; + yet, as you must know from your own most painful experience, time softens + and deadens, in a manner truly wonderful, one's feelings and regrets. At + first it is indeed bitter. I can only hope that your health and that of + poor Mrs. Fox may be preserved, and that time may do its work softly, and + bring you all together, once again, as the happy family, which, as I can + well believe, you so lately formed. + </p> + <p> + My dear Fox, your affectionate friend, CHARLES DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + [The following letter refers to the Royal Society's Medal, which was + awarded to him in November, 1853:] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, November 5th [1853]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + Amongst my letters received this morning, I opened first one from Colonel + Sabine; the contents certainly surprised me very much, but, though the + letter was a VERY KIND ONE, somehow, I cared very little indeed for the + announcement it contained. I then opened yours, and such is the effect of + warmth, friendship, and kindness from one that is loved, that the very + same fact, told as you told it, made me glow with pleasure till my very + heart throbbed. Believe me, I shall not soon forget the pleasure of your + letter. Such hearty, affectionate sympathy is worth more than all the + medals that ever were or will be coined. Again, my dear Hooker, I thank + you. I hope Lindley (John Lindley, 1799-1865, was the son of a nurseryman + near Norwich, through whose failure in business he was thrown at the age + of twenty on his own resources. He was befriended by Sir W. Hooker, and + employed as assistant librarian by Sir J. Banks. He seems to have had + enormous capacity of work, and is said to have translated Richard's + 'Analyse du Fruit' at one sitting of two days and three nights. He became + Assistant-Secretary to the Horticultural Society, and in 1829 was + appointed Professor of Botany at University College, a post which he held + for upwards of thirty years. His writings are numerous: the best known + being perhaps his 'Vegetable Kingdom,' published in 1846. His influence in + helping to introduce the natural system of classification was + considerable, and he brought "all the weight of his teaching and all the + force of his controversial powers to support it," as against the Linnean + system universally taught in the earlier part of his career. Sachs points + out (Geschichte der Botanik, 1875, page 161), that though Lindley adopted + in the main a sound classification of plants, he only did so by abandoning + his own theoretical principle that the physiological importance of an + organ is a measure of its classificatory value.) will never hear that he + was a competitor against me; for really it is almost RIDICULOUS (of course + you would never repeat that I said this, for it would be thought by + others, though not, I believe, by you, to be affectation) his not having + the medal long before me; I must feel SURE that you did quite right to + propose him; and what a good, dear, kind fellow you are, nevertheless, to + rejoice in this honour being bestowed on me. + </p> + <p> + What PLEASURE I have felt on the occasion, I owe almost entirely to you. + </p> + <p> + Farewell, my dear Hooker, yours affectionately, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + P.S.—You may believe what a surprise it was, for I had never heard + that the medals could be given except for papers in the 'Transactions.' + All this will make me work with better heart at finishing the second + volume. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO C. LYELL. Down, February 18th [1854]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Lyell, + </p> + <p> + I should have written before, had it not seemed doubtful whether you would + go on to Teneriffe, but now I am extremely glad to hear your further + progress is certain; not that I have much of any sort to say, as you may + well believe when you hear that I have only once been in London since you + started. I was particularly glad to see, two days since, your letter to + Mr. Horner, with its geological news; how fortunate for you that your + knees are recovered. I am astonished at what you say of the beauty, though + I had fancied it great. It really makes me quite envious to think of your + clambering up and down those steep valleys. And what a pleasant party on + your return from your expeditions. I often think of the delight which I + felt when examining volcanic islands, and I can remember even particular + rocks which I struck, and the smell of the hot, black, scoriaceous cliffs; + but of those HOT smells you do not seem to have had much. I do quite envy + you. How I should like to be with you, and speculate on the deep and + narrow valleys. + </p> + <p> + How very singular the fact is which you mention about the inclination of + the strata being greater round the circumference than in the middle of the + island; do you suppose the elevation has had the form of a flat dome? I + remember in the Cordillera being OFTEN struck with the greater abruptness + of the strata in the LOW EXTREME outermost ranges, compared with the great + mass of inner mountains. I dare say you will have thought of measuring + exactly the width of any dikes at the top and bottom of any great cliff + (which was done by Mr. Searle [?] at St. Helena), for it has often struck + me as VERY ODD that the cracks did not die out OFTENER upwards. I can + think of hardly any news to tell you, as I have seen no one since being in + London, when I was delighted to see Forbes looking so well, quite big and + burly. I saw at the Museum some of the surprisingly rich gold ore from + North Wales. Ramsay also told me that he has lately turned a good deal of + New Red Sandstone into Permian, together with the Labyrinthodon. No doubt + you see newspapers, and know that E. de Beaumont is perpetual Secretary, + and will, I suppose, be more powerful than ever; and Le Verrier has + Arago's place in the Observatory. There was a meeting lately at the + Geological Society, at which Prestwich (judging from what R. Jones told + me) brought forward your exact theory, viz. that the whole red clay and + flints over the chalk plateau hereabouts is the residuum from the slow + dissolution of the chalk! + </p> + <p> + As regards ourselves, we have no news, and are all well. The Hookers, + sometime ago, stayed a fortnight with us, and, to our extreme delight, + Henslow came down, and was most quiet and comfortable here. It does one + good to see so composed, benevolent, and intellectual a countenance. There + have been great fears that his heart is affected; but, I hope to God, + without foundation. Hooker's book (Sir J. Hooker's 'Himalayan Journal.') + is out, and MOST BEAUTIFULLY got up. He has honoured me beyond measure by + dedicating it to me! As for myself, I am got to the page 112 of the + Barnacles, and that is the sum total of my history. By-the-way, as you + care so much about North America, I may mention that I had a long letter + from a shipmate in Australia, who says the Colony is getting decidedly + republican from the influx of Americans, and that all the great and novel + schemes for working the gold are planned and executed by these men. What a + go-a-head nation it is! Give my kindest remembrances to Lady Lyell, and to + Mrs. Bunbury, and to Bunbury. I most heartily wish that the Canaries may + be ten times as interesting as Madeira, and that everything may go on most + prosperously with your whole party. + </p> + <p> + My dear Lyell, Yours most truly and affectionately, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, March 1st [1854]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + I finished yesterday evening the first volume, and I very sincerely + congratulate you on having produced a FIRST-CLASS book ('Himalayan + Journal.')—a book which certainly will last. I cannot doubt that it + will take its place as a standard, not so much because it contains real + solid matter, but that it gives a picture of the whole country. One can + feel that one has seen it (and desperately uncomfortable I felt in going + over some of the bridges and steep slopes), and one REALISES all the great + Physical features. You have in truth reason to be proud; consider how few + travellers there have been with a profound knowledge of one subject, and + who could in addition make a map (which, by-the-way, is one of the most + distinct ones I ever looked at, wherefore blessings alight on your head), + and study geology and meteorology! I thought I knew you very well, but I + had not the least idea that your Travels were your hobby; but I am + heartily glad of it, for I feel sure that the time will never come when + you and Mrs. Hooker will not be proud to look back at the labour bestowed + on these beautiful volumes. + </p> + <p> + Your letter, received this morning, has interested me EXTREMELY, and I + thank you sincerely for telling me your old thoughts and aspirations. All + that you say makes me even more deeply gratified by the Dedication; but + you, bad man, do you remember asking me how I thought Lyell would like the + work to be dedicated to him? I remember how strongly I answered, and I + presume you wanted to know what I should feel; whoever would have dreamed + of your being so crafty? I am glad you have shown a little bit of ambition + about your Journal, for you must know that I have often abused you for not + caring more about fame, though, at the same time, I must confess, I have + envied and honoured you for being so free (too free, as I have always + thought) of this "last infirmity of, etc." Do not say, "there never was a + past hitherto to me—the phantom was always in view," for you will + soon find other phantoms in view. How well I know this feeling, and did + formerly still more vividly; but I think my stomach has much deadened my + former pure enthusiasm for science and knowledge. + </p> + <p> + I am writing an unconscionably long letter, but I must return to the + Journals, about which I have hardly said anything in detail. Imprimis, the + illustrations and maps appear to me the best I have ever seen; the style + seems to me everywhere perfectly clear (how rare a virtue), and some + passages really eloquent. How excellently you have described the upper + valleys, and how detestable their climate; I felt quite anxious on the + slopes of Kinchin that dreadful snowy night. Nothing has astonished me + more than your physical strength; and all those devilish bridges! Well, + thank goodness! It is not VERY likely that I shall ever go to the + Himalaya. Much in a scientific point of view has interested me, especially + all about those wonderful moraines. I certainly think I quite realise the + valleys, more vividly perhaps from having seen the valleys of Tahiti. I + cannot doubt that the Himalaya owe almost all their contour to running + water, and that they have been subjected to such action longer than any + mountains (as yet described) in the world. What a contrast with the Andes! + </p> + <p> + Perhaps you would like to hear the very little that I can say per contra, + and this only applied to the beginning, in which (as it struck me) there + was not FLOW enough till you get to Mirzapore on the Ganges (but the Thugs + were MOST interesting), where the stream seemed to carry you on more + equably with longer sentences and longer facts and discussions, etc. In + another edition (and I am delighted to hear that Murray has sold all off), + I would consider whether this part could not be condensed. Even if the + meteorology was put in foot-notes, I think it would be an improvement. All + the world is against me, but it makes me very unhappy to see the Latin + names all in Italics, and all mingled with English names in Roman type; + but I must bear this burden, for all men of Science seem to think it would + corrupt the Latin to dress it up in the same type as poor old English. + Well, I am very proud of MY book; but there is one bore, that I do not + much like asking people whether they have seen it, and how they like it, + for I feel so much identified with it, that such questions become rather + personal. Hence, I cannot tell you the opinion of others. You will have + seen a fairly good review in the 'Athenaeum.' + </p> + <p> + What capital news from Tasmania: it really is a very remarkable and + creditable fact to the Colony. (This refers to an unsolicited grant by the + Colonial Government towards the expenses of Sir J. Hooker's 'Flora of + Tasmania.') I am always building veritable castles in the air about + emigrating, and Tasmania has been my head-quarters of late; so that I feel + very proud of my adopted country: is really a very singular and delightful + fact, contrasted with the slight appreciation of science in the old + country. I thank you heartily for your letter this morning, and for all + the gratification your Dedication has given me; I could not help thinking + how much — would despise you for not having dedicated it to some + great man, who would have done you and it some good in the eyes of the + world. Ah, my dear Hooker, you were very soft on this head, and justify + what I say about not caring enough for your own fame. I wish I was in + every way more worthy of your good opinion. Farewell. How pleasantly Mrs. + Hooker and you must rest from one of your many labours... + </p> + <p> + Again farewell: I have written a wonderfully long letter. Adios, and God + bless you. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, ever yours, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + P.S.—I have just looked over my rambling letter; I see that I have + not at all expressed my strong admiration at the amount of scientific + work, in so many branches, which you have effected. It is really grand. + You have a right to rest on your oars; or even to say, if it so pleases + you, that "your meridian is past;" but well assured do I feel that the day + of your reputation and general recognition has only just begun to dawn. + </p> + <p> + [In September, 1854, his Cirripede work was practically finished, and he + wrote to Dr. Hooker: + </p> + <p> + "I have been frittering away my time for the last several weeks in a + wearisome manner, partly idleness, and odds and ends, and sending ten + thousand Barnacles out of the house all over the world. But I shall now in + a day or two begin to look over my old notes on species. What a deal I + shall have to discuss with you; I shall have to look sharp that I do not + 'progress' into one of the greatest bores in life, to the few like you + with lots of knowledge."] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 1.X. — THE GROWTH OF THE 'ORIGIN OF SPECIES.' + </h2> + <p> + [The growth of the 'Origin of Species' has been briefly described in my + father's words (above). The letters given in the present and following + chapters will illustrate and amplify the history thus sketched out.] + </p> + <p> + It is clear that in the early part of the voyage of the "Beagle" he did + not feel it inconsistent with his views to express himself in thoroughly + orthodox language as to the genesis of new species. Thus in 1834 he wrote + (MS. Journals, page 468.) at Valparaiso: "I have already found beds of + recent shells yet retaining their colour at an elevation of 1300 feet, and + beneath, the level country is strewn with them. It seems not a very + improbable conjecture that the want of animals may be owing to none having + been created since this country was raised from the sea." + </p> + <p> + This passage does not occur in the published 'Journal,' the last proof of + which was finished in 1837; and this fact harmonizes with the change we + know to have been proceeding in his views. But in the published 'Journal' + we find passages which show a point of view more in accordance with + orthodox theological natural history than with his later views. Thus, in + speaking of the birds Synallaxis and Scytalopus (1st edition page 353; 2nd + edition page 289), he says: "When finding, as in this case, any animal + which seems to play so insignificant a part in the great scheme of nature, + one is apt to wonder why a distinct species should have been created." + </p> + <p> + A comparison of the two editions of the 'Journal' is instructive, as + giving some idea of the development of his views on evolution. It does not + give us a true index of the mass of conjecture which was taking shape in + his mind, but it shows us that he felt sure enough of the truth of his + belief to allow a stronger tinge of evolution to appear in the second + edition. He has mentioned in the Autobiography that it was not until he + read Malthus that he got a clear view of the potency of natural selection. + This was in 1838—a year after he finished the first edition (it was + not published until 1839), and five years before the second edition was + written (1845). Thus the turning-point in the formation of his theory took + place between the writing of the two editions. + </p> + <p> + I will first give a few passages which are practically the same in the two + editions, and which are, therefore, chiefly of interest as illustrating + his frame of mind in 1837. + </p> + <p> + The case of the two species of Molothrus (1st edition page 61; 2nd edition + page 53) must have been one of the earliest instances noticed by him of + the existence of representative species—a phenomenon which we know + ('Autobiography,') struck him deeply. The discussion on introduced animals + (1st edition page 139; 2nd edition page 120) shows how much he was + impressed by the complicated interdependence of the inhabitants of a given + area. + </p> + <p> + An analogous point of view is given in the discussion (1st edition page + 98; 2nd edition page 85) of the mistaken belief that large animals + require, for their support, a luxuriant vegetation; the incorrectness of + this view is illustrated by the comparison of the fauna of South Africa + and South America, and the vegetation of the two continents. The interest + of the discussion is that it shows clearly our a priori ignorance of the + conditions of life suitable to any organism. + </p> + <p> + There is a passage which has been more than once quoted as bearing on the + origin of his views. It is where he discusses the striking difference + between the species of mice on the east and west of the Andes (1st edition + page 399): "Unless we suppose the same species to have been created in two + different countries, we ought not to expect any closer similarity between + the organic beings on the opposite sides of the Andes than on shores + separated by a broad strait of the sea." In the 2nd edition page 327, the + passage is almost verbally identical, and is practically the same. + </p> + <p> + There are other passages again which are more strongly evolutionary in the + 2nd edition, but otherwise are similar to the corresponding passages in + the 1st edition. Thus, in describing the blind Tuco-tuco (1st edition page + 60; 2nd edition page 52), in the first edition he makes no allusion to + what Lamarck might have thought, nor is the instance used as an example of + modification, as in the edition of 1845. + </p> + <p> + A striking passage occurs in the 2nd edition (page 173) on the + relationship between the "extinct edentata and the living sloths, + ant-eaters, and armadillos." + </p> + <p> + "This wonderful relationship in the same continent between the dead and + the living, will, I do not doubt, hereafter throw more light on the + appearance of organic beings on our earth, and their disappearance from + it, than any other class of facts." + </p> + <p> + This sentence does not occur in the 1st edition, but he was evidently + profoundly struck by the disappearance of the gigantic forerunners of the + present animals. The difference between the discussions in the two + editions is most instructive. In both, our ignorance of the conditions of + life is insisted on, but in the second edition, the discussion is made to + led up to a strong statement of the intensity of the struggle for life. + Then follows a comparison between rarity (In the second edition, page 146, + the destruction of Niata cattle by droughts is given as a good example of + our ignorance of the causes of rarity or extinction. The passage does not + occur in the first edition.) and extinction, which introduces the idea + that the preservation and dominance of existing species depend on the + degree in which they are adapted to surrounding conditions. In the first + edition, he is merely "tempted to believe in such simple relations as + variation of climate and food, or introduction of enemies, or the + increased number of other species, as the cause of the succession of + races." But finally (1st edition) he ends the chapter by comparing the + extinction of a species to the exhaustion and disappearance of varieties + of fruit-trees: as if he thought that a mysterious term of life was + impressed on each species at its creation. + </p> + <p> + The difference of treatment of the Galapagos problem is of some interest. + In the earlier book, the American type of the productions of the islands + is noticed, as is the fact that the different islands possess forms + specially their own, but the importance of the whole problem is not so + strongly put forward. Thus, in the first edition, he merely says:— + </p> + <p> + "This similarity of type between distant islands and continents, while the + species are distinct, has scarcely been sufficiently noticed. The + circumstance would be explained, according to the views of some authors, + by saying that the creative power had acted according to the same law over + a wide area."—(1st edition page 474.) + </p> + <p> + This passage is not given in the second edition, and the generalisations + on geographical distribution are much wider and fuller. Thus he asks:— + </p> + <p> + "Why were their aboriginal inhabitants, associated...in different + proportions both in kind and number from those on the Continent, and + therefore acting on each other in a different manner—why were they + created on American types of organisation?"—(2nd edition page 393.) + </p> + <p> + The same difference of treatment is shown elsewhere in this chapter. Thus + the gradation in the form of beak presented by the thirteen allied species + of finch is described in the first edition (page 461) without comment. + Whereas in the second edition (page 380) he concludes:— + </p> + <p> + "One might really fancy that from an original paucity of birds in this + Archipelago, one species has been taken and modified for different ends." + </p> + <p> + On the whole it seems to me remarkable that the difference between the two + editions is not greater; it is another proof of the author's caution and + self-restraint in the treatment of his theory. After reading the second + edition of the 'Journal,' we find with a strong sense of surprise how far + developed were his views in 1837. We are enabled to form an opinion on + this point from the note-books in which he wrote down detached thoughts + and queries. I shall quote from the first note-book, completed between + July 1837 and February 1838: and this is the more worth doing, as it gives + us an insight into the condition of his thoughts before the reading of + Malthus. The notes are written in his most hurried style, so many words + being omitted, that it is often difficult to arrive at the meaning. With a + few exceptions (indicated by square brackets) (In the extracts from the + note-book ordinary brackets represent my father's parentheses.) I have + printed the extracts as written; the punctuation, however, has been + altered, and a few obvious slips corrected where it seemed necessary. The + extracts are not printed in order, but are roughly classified. (On the + first page of the note-book, is written "Zoonomia"; this seems to refer to + the first few pages in which reproduction by gemmation is discussed, and + where the "Zoonomia" is mentioned. Many pages have been cut out of the + note-book, probably for use in writing the Sketch of 1844, and these would + have no doubt contained the most interesting extracts.) + </p> + <p> + "Propagation explains why modern animals same type as extinct, which is + law, almost proved." + </p> + <p> + "We can see why structure is common in certain countries when we can + hardly believe necessary, but if it was necessary to one forefather, the + result would be as it is. Hence antelopes at Cape of Good Hope; marsupials + at Australia." + </p> + <p> + "Countries longest separated greatest differences—if separated from + immersage, possibly two distinct types, but each having its + representatives—as in Australia." + </p> + <p> + "Will this apply to whole organic kingdom when our planet first cooled?" + </p> + <p> + The two following extracts show that he applied the theory of evolution to + the "whole organic kingdom" from plants to man. + </p> + <p> + "If we choose to let conjecture run wild, then animals, our fellow + brethren in pain, disease, death, suffering and famine—our slaves in + the most laborious works, our companions in our amusements—they may + partake [of?] our origin in one common ancestor—we may be all melted + together." + </p> + <p> + "The different intellects of man and animals not so great as between + living things without thought (plants), and living things with thought + (animals)." + </p> + <p> + The following extracts are again concerned with an a priori view of the + probability of the origin of species by descent ["propagation," he called + it.]. + </p> + <p> + "The tree of life should perhaps be called the coral of life, base of + branches dead; so that passages cannot be seen." + </p> + <p> + "There never may have been grade between pig and tapir, yet from some + common progenitor. Now if the intermediate ranks had produced infinite + species, probably the series would have been more perfect." + </p> + <p> + At another place, speaking of intermediate forms he says:— + </p> + <p> + "Cuvier objects to propagation of species by saying, why have not some + intermediate forms been discovered between Palaeotherium, Megalonyx, + Mastodon, and the species now living? Now according to my view (in S. + America) parent of all Armadilloes might be brother to Megatherium—uncle + now dead." + </p> + <p> + Speaking elsewhere of intermediate forms, he remarks:— + </p> + <p> + "Opponents will say—'show them me.' I will answer yes, if you will + show me every step between bulldog and greyhound." + </p> + <p> + Here we see that the case of domestic animals was already present in his + mind as bearing on the production of natural species. The disappearance of + intermediate forms naturally leads up to the subject of extinction, with + which the next extract begins. + </p> + <p> + "It is a wonderful fact, horse, elephant, and mastodon, dying out about + same time in such different quarters. + </p> + <p> + "Will Mr. Lyell say that some [same?] circumstance killed it over a tract + from Spain to South America?—(Never). + </p> + <p> + "They die, without they change, like golden pippins; it is a GENERATION OF + SPECIES like generation OF INDIVIDUALS. + </p> + <p> + "Why does individual die? To perpetuate certain peculiarities (therefore + adaptation), and obliterate accidental varieties, and to accommodate + itself to change (for, of course, change, even in varieties, is + accommodation). Now this argument applies to species. + </p> + <p> + "If individual cannot propagate he has no issue—so with species. + </p> + <p> + "If SPECIES generate other SPECIES, their race is not utterly cut off:— + like golden pippins, if produced by seed, go on—otherwise all die. + </p> + <p> + "The fossil horse generated, in South Africa, zebra—and continued—perished + in America. + </p> + <p> + "All animals of same species are bound together just like buds of plants, + which die at one time, though produced either sooner or later. Prove + animals like plants—trace gradation between associated and + non-associated animals—and the story will be complete." + </p> + <p> + Here we have the view already alluded to of a term of life impressed on a + species. + </p> + <p> + But in the following note we get extinction connected with unfavourable + variation, and thus a hint is given of natural selection: + </p> + <p> + "With respect to extinction, we can easily see that [a] variety of [the] + ostrich (Petise), may not be well adapted, and thus perish out; or, on the + other hand, like Orpheus [a Galapagos bird], being favourable, many might + be produced. This requires [the] principle that the permanent variations + produced by confined breeding and changing circumstances are continued and + produced according to the adaptation of such circumstance, and therefore + that death of species is a consequence (contrary to what would appear from + America) of non-adaptation of circumstances." + </p> + <p> + The first part of the next extract has a similar bearing. The end of the + passage is of much interest, as showing that he had at this early date + visions of the far-reaching character of the theory of evolution:— + </p> + <p> + "With belief of transmutation and geographical grouping, we are lead to + endeavour to discover CAUSES of change; the manner of adaptation (wish of + parents??), instinct and structure becomes full of speculation and lines + of observation. View of generation being condensation (I imagine him to + mean that each generation is "condensed" to a small number of the best + organized individuals.) test of highest organisation intelligible...My + theory would give zest to recent and fossil comparative anatomy; it would + lead to the study of instincts, heredity, and mind-heredity, whole [of] + metaphysics. + </p> + <p> + "It would lead to closest examination of hybridity and generation, causes + of change in order to know what we have come from and to what we tend—to + what circumstances favour crossing and what prevents it—this, and + direct examination of direct passages of structure in species, might lead + to laws of change, which would then be [the] main object of study, to + guide our speculations." + </p> + <p> + The following two extracts have a similar interest; the second is + especially interesting, as it contains the germ of concluding sentence of + the 'Origin of Species': ('Origin of Species' (1st edition), page 490:— + "There is a grandeur in this view of life, with its several powers, having + been originally breathed into a few forms or into one; and that whilst + this planet has gone cycling on according to the fixed law of gravity, + from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful + have been, and are being evolved.")— + </p> + <p> + "Before the attraction of gravity discovered it might have been said it + was as great a difficulty to account for the movement of all [planets] by + one law, as to account for each separate one; so to say that all mammalia + were born from one stock, and since distributed by such means as we can + recognise, may be thought to explain nothing. + </p> + <p> + "Astronomers might formerly have said that God fore-ordered each planet to + move in its particular destiny. In the same manner God orders each animal + created with certain forms in certain countries, but how much more simple + and sublime [a] power—let attraction act according to certain law, + such are inevitable consequences—let animals be created, then by the + fixed laws of generation, such will be their successors. + </p> + <p> + "Let the powers of transportal be such, and so will be the forms of one + country to another—let geological changes go at such a rate, so will + be the number and distribution of the species!!" + </p> + <p> + The three next extracts are of miscellaneous interest:— + </p> + <p> + "When one sees nipple on man's breast, one does not say some use, but sex + not having been determined—so with useless wings under elytra of + beetles—born from beetles with wings, and modified—if simple + creation merely, would have been born without them." + </p> + <p> + "In a decreasing population at any one moment fewer closely related (few + species of genera); ultimately few genera (for otherwise the relationship + would converge sooner), and lastly, perhaps, some one single one. Will not + this account for the odd genera with few species which stand between great + groups, which we are bound to consider the increasing ones?" + </p> + <p> + The last extract which I shall quote gives the germ of his theory of the + relation between alpine plants in various parts of the world, in the + publication of which he was forestalled by E. Forbes (see volume i. page + 72). He says, in the 1837 note-book, that alpine plants, "formerly + descended lower, therefore [they are] species of lower genera altered, or + northern plants." + </p> + <p> + When we turn to the Sketch of his theory, written in 1844 (still therefore + before the second edition of the 'Journal' was completed), we find an + enormous advance made on the note-book of 1837. The Sketch is an fact a + surprisingly complete presentation of the argument afterwards familiar to + us in the 'Origin of Species.' There is some obscurity as to the date of + the short Sketch which formed the basis of the 1844 Essay. We know from + his own words (volume i., page 68), that it was in June 1842 that he first + wrote out a short sketch of his views. (This version I cannot find, and it + was probably destroyed, like so much of his MS., after it had been + enlarged and re-copied in 1844.) This statement is given with so much + circumstance that it is almost impossible to suppose that it contains an + error of date. It agrees also with the following extract from his Diary. + </p> + <p> + 1842. May 18th. Went to Maer. + </p> + <p> + "June 15th to Shrewsbury, and on 18th to Capel Curig. During my stay at + Maer and Shrewsbury (five years after commencement) wrote pencil-sketch of + species theory." + </p> + <p> + Again in the introduction to the 'Origin,' page 1, he writes, "after an + interval of five years' work" [from 1837, i.e. in 1842], "I allowed myself + to speculate on the subject, and drew up some short notes." + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless in the letter signed by Sir C. Lyell and Sir J.D. Hooker, + which serves as an introduction to the joint paper of Messrs. C. Darwin + and A. Wallace on the 'Tendency of Species to form Varieties,' ('Linn. + Soc. Journal,' 1858, page 45.) the essay of 1844 (extracts from which form + part of the paper) is said to have been "sketched in 1839, and copied in + 1844." This statement is obviously made on the authority of a note written + in my father's hand across the Table of Contents of the 1844 Essay. It is + to the following effect: "This was sketched in 1839, and copied out in + full, as here written and read by you in 1844." I conclude that this note + was added in 1858, when the MS. was sent to Sir J.D. Hooker (see Letter of + June 29, 1858, page 476). There is also some further evidence on this side + of the question. Writing to Mr. Wallace (January 25, 1859) my father says:— + "Every one whom I have seen has thought your paper very well written and + interesting. It puts my extracts (written in 1839, now just twenty years + ago!), which I must say in apology were never for an instant intended for + publication; into the shade." The statement that the earliest sketch was + written in 1839 has been frequently made in biographical notices of my + father, no doubt on the authority of the 'Linnean Journal,' but it must, I + think, be considered as erroneous. The error may possibly have arisen in + this way. In writing on the Table of Contents of the 1844 MS. that it was + sketched in 1839, I think my father may have intended to imply that the + framework of the theory was clearly thought out by him at that date. In + the Autobiography he speaks of the time, "about 1839, when the theory was + clearly conceived," meaning, no doubt, the end of 1838 and beginning of + 1839, when the reading of Malthus had given him the key to the idea of + natural selection. But this explanation does not apply to the letter to + Mr. Wallace; and with regard to the passage (My father certainly saw the + proofs of the paper, for he added a foot-note apologising for the style of + the extracts, on the ground that the "work was never intended for + publication.") in the 'Linnean Journal' it is difficult to understand how + it should have been allowed to remain as it now stands, conveying, as it + clearly does, the impression that 1839 was the date of his earliest + written sketch. + </p> + <p> + The sketch of 1844 is written in a clerk's hand, in two hundred and + thirty-one pages folio, blank leaves being alternated with the MS. with a + view to amplification. The text has been revised and corrected, criticisms + being pencilled by himself on the margin. It is divided into two parts: I. + "On the variation of Organic Beings under Domestication and in their + Natural State." II. "On the Evidence favourable and opposed to the view + that Species are naturally formed races descended from common Stocks." The + first part contains the main argument of the 'Origin of Species.' It is + founded, as is the argument of that work, on the study of domestic + animals, and both the Sketch and the 'Origin' open with a chapter on + variation under domestication and on artificial selection. This is + followed, in both essays, by discussions on variation under nature, on + natural selection, and on the struggle for life. Here, any close + resemblance between the two essays with regard to arrangement ceases. + Chapter III. of the Sketch, which concludes the first part, treats of the + variations which occur in the instincts and habits of animals, and thus + corresponds to some extent with Chapter VII. of the 'Origin' (1st + edition). It thus forms a complement to the chapters which deal with + variation in structure. It seems to have been placed thus early in the + Essay to prevent the hasty rejection of the whole theory by a reader to + whom the idea of natural selection acting on instincts might seem + impossible. This is the more probable, as the Chapter on Instinct in the + 'Origin' is specially mentioned (Introduction, page 5) as one of the "most + apparent and gravest difficulties on the theory." Moreover the chapter in + the Sketch ends with a discussion, "whether any particular corporeal + structures...are so wonderful as to justify the rejection prima facie of + our theory." Under this heading comes the discussion of the eye, which in + the 'Origin' finds its place in Chapter VI. under "Difficulties of the + Theory." The second part seems to have been planned in accordance with his + favourite point of view with regard to his theory. This is briefly given + in a letter to Dr. Asa Gray, November 11th, 1859: "I cannot possibly + believe that a false theory would explain so many classes of facts, as I + think it certainly does explain. On these grounds I drop my anchor, and + believe that the difficulties will slowly disappear." On this principle, + having stated the theory in the first part, he proceeds to show to what + extent various wide series of facts can be explained by its means. + </p> + <p> + Thus the second part of the Sketch corresponds roughly to the nine + concluding Chapters of the First Edition of the 'Origin.' But we must + exclude Chapter VII. ('Origin') on Instinct, which forms a chapter in the + first part of the Sketch, and Chapter VIII. ('Origin') on Hybridism, a + subject treated in the Sketch with 'Variation under Nature' in the first + part. + </p> + <p> + The following list of the chapters of the second part of the Sketch will + illustrate their correspondence with the final chapters of the 'Origin.' + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter I. "On the kind of intermediateness necessary, and the number + </h2> + <p> + of such intermediate forms." This includes a geological discussion, and + corresponds to parts of Chapters VI. and IX. of the 'Origin.' + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter II. "The gradual appearance and disappearance of organic + </h2> + <p> + beings." Corresponds to Chapter X. of the 'Origin.' + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter III. "Geographical Distribution." Corresponds to Chapters XI. + </h2> + <p> + and XII. of the 'Origin.' + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter IV. "Affinities and Classification of Organic beings." + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter V. "Unity of Type," Morphology, Embryology. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter VI. Rudimentary Organs. + </h2> + <h3> + These three chapters correspond to Chapter XII. of the 'Origin.' + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter VII. Recapitulation and Conclusion. The final sentence of the + </h2> + <p> + Sketch, which we saw in its first rough form in the Note Book of 1837, + closely resembles the final sentence of the 'Origin,' much of it being + identical. The 'Origin' is not divided into two "Parts," but we see traces + of such a division having been present in the writer's mind, in this + resemblance between the second part of the Sketch and the final chapters + of the 'Origin.' That he should speak ('Origin,' Introduction, page 5.) of + the chapters on transition, on instinct, on hybridism, and on the + geological record, as forming a group, may be due to the division of his + early MS. into two parts. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Huxley, who was good enough to read the Sketch at my request, while + remarking that the "main lines of argument," and the illustrations + employed are the same, points out that in the 1844 Essay, "much more + weight is attached to the influence of external conditions in producing + variation, and to the inheritance of acquired habits than in the Origin.'" + </p> + <p> + It is extremely interesting to find in the Sketch the first mention of + principles familiar to us in the 'Origin of Species.' Foremost among these + may be mentioned the principle of Sexual Selection, which is clearly + enunciated. The important form of selection known as "unconscious," is + also given. Here also occurs a statement of the law that peculiarities + tend to appear in the offspring at an age corresponding to that at which + they occurred in the parent. + </p> + <p> + Professor Newton, who was so kind as to look through the 1844 Sketch, + tells me that my father's remarks on the migration of birds, incidentally + given in more than one passage, show that he had anticipated the views of + some later writers. + </p> + <p> + With regard to the general style of the Sketch, it is not to be expected + that it should have all the characteristics of the 'Origin,' and we do + not, in fact, find that balance and control, that concentration and grasp, + which are so striking in the work of 1859. + </p> + <p> + In the Autobiography (page 68, volume 1) my father has stated what seemed + to him the chief flaw of the 1844 Sketch; he had overlooked "one problem + of great importance," the problem of the divergence of character. This + point is discussed in the 'Origin of Species,' but, as it may not be + familiar to all readers, I will give a short account of the difficulty and + its solution. The author begins by stating that varieties differ from each + other less than species, and then goes on: "Nevertheless, according to my + view, varieties are species in process of formation...How then does the + lesser difference between varieties become augmented into the greater + difference between species?" ('Origin,' 1st edition, page 111.) He shows + how an analogous divergence takes place under domestication where an + originally uniform stock of horses has been split up into race-horses, + dray-horses, etc., and then goes on to explain how the same principle + applies to natural species. "From the simple circumstance that the more + diversified the descendants from any one species become in structure, + constitution, and habits, by so much will they be better enabled to seize + on many and widely diversified places in the polity of nature, and so be + enabled to increase in numbers." + </p> + <p> + The principle is exemplified by the fact that if on one plot of ground a + single variety of wheat be sown, and on to another a mixture of varieties, + in the latter case the produce is greater. More individuals have been able + to exist because they were not all of the same variety. An organism + becomes more perfect and more fitted to survive when by division of labour + the different functions of life are performed by different organs. In the + same way a species becomes more efficient and more able to survive when + different sections of the species become differentiated so as to fill + different stations. + </p> + <p> + In reading the Sketch of 1844, I have found it difficult to recognise the + absence of any definite statement of the principle of divergence as a flaw + in the Essay. Descent with modification implies divergence, and we become + so habituated to a belief in descent, and therefore in divergence, that we + do not notice the absence of proof that divergence is in itself an + advantage. As shown in the Autobiography, my father in 1876 found it + hardly credible that he should have overlooked the problem and its + solution. + </p> + <p> + The following letter will be more in place here than its chronological + position, since it shows what was my father's feeling as to the value of + the Sketch at the time of its completion.] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO MRS. DARWIN. Down, July 5, 1844. + </p> + <p> + I have just finished my sketch of my species theory. If, as I believe, my + theory in time be accepted even by one competent judge, it will be a + considerable step in science. + </p> + <p> + I therefore write this in case of my sudden death, as my most solemn and + last request, which I am sure you will consider the same as if legally + entered in my will, that you will devote 400 pounds to its publication, + and further, will yourself, or through Hensleigh (Mr. H. Wedgwood.), take + trouble in promoting it. I wish that my sketch be given to some competent + person, with this sum to induce him to take trouble in its improvement and + enlargement. I give to him all my books on Natural History, which are + either scored or have references at the end to the pages, begging him + carefully to look over and consider such passages as actually bearing, or + by possibility bearing, on this subject. I wish you to make a list of all + such books as some temptation to an editor. I also request that you will + hand over [to] him all those scraps roughly divided in eight or ten brown + paper portfolios. The scraps, with copied quotations from various works, + are those which may aid my editor. I also request that you, or some + amanuensis, will aid in deciphering any of the scraps which the editor may + think possibly of use. I leave to the editor's judgment whether to + interpolate these facts in the text, or as notes, or under appendices. As + the looking over the references and scraps will be a long labour, and as + the CORRECTING and enlarging and altering my sketch will also take + considerable time, I leave this sum of 400 pounds as some remuneration, + and any profits from the work. I consider that for this the editor is + bound to get the sketch published either at a publisher's or his own risk. + Many of the scrap in the portfolios contains mere rude suggestions and + early views, now useless, and many of the facts will probably turn out as + having no bearing on my theory. + </p> + <p> + With respect to editors, Mr. Lyell would be the best if he would undertake + it; I believe he would find the work pleasant, and he would learn some + facts new to him. As the editor must be a geologist as well as a + naturalist, the next best editor would be Professor Forbes of London. The + next best (and quite best in many respects) would be Professor Henslow. + Dr. Hooker would be VERY good. The next, Mr. Strickland. (After Mr. + Strickland's name comes the following sentence, which has been erased but + remained legible. "Professor Owen would be very good; but I presume he + would not undertake such a work." If none of these would undertake it, I + would request you to consult with Mr. Lyell, or some other capable man for + some editor, a geologist and naturalist. Should one other hundred pounds + make the difference of procuring a good editor, request earnestly that you + will raise 500 pounds.) + </p> + <p> + My remaining collections in Natural History may be given to any one or any + museum where it would be accepted... + </p> + <p> + [The following note seems to have formed part of the original letter, but + may have been of later date: + </p> + <p> + "Lyell, especially with the aid of Hooker (and of any good zoological + aid), would be best of all. Without an editor will pledge himself to give + up time to it, it would be of no use paying such a sum. + </p> + <p> + "If there should be any difficulty in getting an editor who would go + thoroughly into the subject, and think of the bearing of the passages + marked in the books and copied out of scraps of paper, then let my sketch + be published as it is, stating that it was done several years ago (The + words "several years ago and," seem to have been added at a later date.) + and from memory without consulting any works, and with no intention of + publication in its present form." + </p> + <p> + The idea that the Sketch of 1844 might remain, in the event of his death, + as the only record of his work, seems to have been long in his mind, for + in August 1854, when he had finished with the Cirripedes, and was thinking + of beginning his "species work," he added on the back of the above letter, + "Hooker by far best man to edit my species volume. August 1854."] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 1.XI. — THE GROWTH OF THE 'ORIGIN OF SPECIES.' + </h2> + <h3> + LETTERS, 1843-1856. + </h3> + <p> + [The history of my father's life is told more completely in his + correspondence with Sir J.D. Hooker than in any other series of letters; + and this is especially true of the history of the growth of the 'Origin of + Species.' This, therefore, seems an appropriate place for the following + notes, which Sir Joseph Hooker has kindly given me. They give, moreover, + an interesting picture of his early friendship with my father:— + </p> + <p> + "My first meeting with Mr. Darwin was in 1839, in Trafalgar Square. I was + walking with an officer who had been his shipmate for a short time in the + "Beagle" seven years before, but who had not, I believe, since met him. I + was introduced; the interview was of course brief, and the memory of him + that I carried away and still retain was that of a rather tall and rather + broad-shouldered man, with a slight stoop, an agreeable and animated + expression when talking, beetle brows, and a hollow but mellow voice; and + that his greeting of his old acquaintance was sailor-like—that is, + delightfully frank and cordial. I observed him well, for I was already + aware of his attainments and labours, derived from having read various + proof-sheets of his then unpublished 'Journal.' These had been submitted + to Mr. (afterwards Sir Charles) Lyell by Mr. Darwin, and by him sent to + his father, Ch. Lyell, Esq., of Kinnordy, who (being a very old friend of + my father and taking a kind interest in my projected career as a + naturalist) had allowed me to peruse them. At this time I was hurrying on + my studies, so as to take my degree before volunteering to accompany Sir + James Ross in the Antarctic Expedition, which had just been determined on + by the Admiralty; and so pressed for time was I, that I used to sleep with + the sheets of the 'Journal' under my pillow, that I might read them + between waking and rising. They impressed me profoundly, I might say + despairingly, with the variety of acquirements, mental and physical, + required in a naturalist who should follow in Darwin's footsteps, whilst + they stimulated me to enthusiasm in the desire to travel and observe. + </p> + <p> + "It has been a permanent source of happiness to me that I knew so much of + Mr. Darwin's scientific work so many years before that intimacy began + which ripened into feelings as near to those of reverence for his life, + works, and character as is reasonable and proper. It only remains to add + to this little episode that I received a copy of the 'Journal' complete,—a + gift from Mr. Lyell,—a few days before leaving England. + </p> + <p> + "Very soon after the return of the Antarctic Expedition my correspondence + with Mr. Darwin began (December, 1843) by his sending me a long letter, + warmly congratulating me on my return to my family and friends, and + expressing a wish to hear more of the results of the expedition, of which + he had derived some knowledge from private letters of my own (written to + or communicated through Mr. Lyell). Then, plunging at once into scientific + matters, he directed my attention to the importance of correlating the + Fuegian Flora with that of the Cordillera and of Europe, and invited me to + study the botanical collections which he had made in the Galapagos + Islands, as well as his Patagonian and Fuegian plants. + </p> + <p> + "This led to me sending him an outline of the conclusions I had formed + regarding the distribution of plants in the southern regions, and the + necessity of assuming the destruction of considerable areas of land to + account for the relations of the flora of the so-called Antarctic Islands. + I do not suppose that any of these ideas were new to him, but they led to + an animated and lengthy correspondence full of instruction." + </p> + <p> + Here follows the letter (1843) to Sir J.D. Hooker above referred to.] + </p> + <p> + My dear Sir, + </p> + <p> + I had hoped before this time to have had the pleasure of seeing you and + congratulating you on your safe return from your long and glorious voyage. + But as I seldom go to London, we may not yet meet for some time—without + you are led to attend the Geological Meetings. + </p> + <p> + I am anxious to know what you intend doing with all your materials—I + had so much pleasure in reading parts of some of your letters, that I + shall be very sorry if I, as one of the public, have no opportunity of + reading a good deal more. I suppose you are very busy now and full of + enjoyment: how well I remember the happiness of my first few months of + England—it was worth all the discomforts of many a gale! But I have + run from the subject, which made me write, of expressing my pleasure that + Henslow (as he informed me a few days since by letter) has sent to you my + small collection of plants. You cannot think how much pleased I am, as I + feared they would have been all lost, and few as they are, they cost me a + good deal of trouble. There are a very few notes, which I believe Henslow + has got, describing the habitats, etc., of some few of the more remarkable + plants. I paid particular attention to the Alpine flowers of Tierra del + Fuego, and I am sure I got every plant which was in flower in Patagonia at + the seasons when we were there. I have long thought that some general + sketch of the Flora of the point of land, stretching so far into the + southern seas, would be very curious. Do make comparative remarks on the + species allied to the European species, for the advantage of botanical + ignoramuses like myself. It has often struck me as a curious point to find + out, whether there are many European genera in Tierra del Fuego which are + not found along the ridge of the Cordillera; the separation in such case + would be so enormous. Do point out in any sketch you draw up, what genera + are American and what European, and how great the differences of the + species are, when the genera are European, for the sake of the + ignoramuses. + </p> + <p> + I hope Henslow will send you my Galapagos plants (about which Humboldt + even expressed to me considerable curiosity)—I took much pains in + collecting all I could. A Flora of this archipelago would, I suspect, + offer a nearly parallel case to that of St. Helena, which has so long + excited interest. Pray excuse this long rambling note, and believe me, my + dear sir, yours very sincerely, + </p> + <p> + C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + Will you be so good as to present my respectful compliments to Sir W. + Hooker. + </p> + <p> + [Referring to Sir J.D. Hooker's work on the Galapagos Flora, my father + wrote in 1846: + </p> + <p> + "I cannot tell you how delighted and astonished I am at the results of + your examination; how wonderfully they support my assertion on the + differences in the animals of the different islands, about which I have + always been fearful." + </p> + <p> + Again he wrote (1849):— + </p> + <p> + "I received a few weeks ago your Galapagos papers (These papers include + the results of Sir J.D. Hooker's examination of my father's Galapagos + plants, and were published by the Linnean Society in 1849.), and I have + read them since being here. I really cannot express too strongly my + admiration of the geographical discussion: to my judgment it is a perfect + model of what such a paper should be; it took me four days to read and + think over. How interesting the Flora of the Sandwich Islands appears to + be, how I wish there were materials for you to treat its flora as you have + done the Galapagos. In the Systematic paper I was rather disappointed in + not finding general remarks on affinities, structures, etc., such as you + often give in conversation, and such as De Candolle and St. Hilaire + introduced in almost all their papers, and which make them interesting + even to a non-Botanist." + </p> + <p> + "Very soon afterwards [continues Sir J.D. Hooker] in a letter dated + January 1844, the subject of the 'Origin of Species' was brought forward + by him, and I believe that I was the first to whom he communicated his + then new ideas on the subject, and which being of interest as a + contribution to the history of Evolution, I here copy from his letter":—] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. [January 11th, 1844.] + </p> + <p> + Besides a general interest about the southern lands, I have been now ever + since my return engaged in a very presumptuous work, and I know no one + individual who would not say a very foolish one. I was so struck with the + distribution of the Galapagos organisms, etc. etc., and with the character + of the American fossil mammifers, etc. etc., that I determined to collect + blindly every sort of fact, which could bear any way on what are species. + I have read heaps of agricultural and horticultural books, and have never + ceased collecting facts. At last gleams of light have come, and I am + almost convinced (quite contrary to the opinion I started with) that + species are not (it is like confessing a murder) immutable. Heaven forfend + me from Lamarck nonsense of a "tendency to progression," "adaptations from + the slow willing of animals," etc.! But the conclusions I am led to are + not widely different from his; though the means of change are wholly so. I + think I have found out (here's presumption!) the simple way by which + species become exquisitely adapted to various ends. You will now groan, + and think to yourself, "on what a man have I been wasting my time and + writing to." I should, five years ago, have thought so... + </p> + <p> + [The following letter written on February 23, 1844, shows that the + acquaintanceship with Sir J.D. Hooker was then fast ripening into + friendship. The letter is chiefly of interest as showing the sort of + problems then occupying my father's mind:] + </p> + <p> + Dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + I hope you will excuse the freedom of my address, but I feel that as + co-circum-wanderers and as fellow labourers (though myself a very weak + one) we may throw aside some of the old-world formality...I have just + finished a little volume on the volcanic islands which we visited. I do + not know how far you care for dry simple geology, but I hope you will let + me send you a copy. I suppose I can send it from London by common coach + conveyance. + </p> + <p> + ...I am going to ask you some MORE questions, though I daresay, without + asking them, I shall see answers in your work, when published, which will + be quite time enough for my purposes. First for the Galapagos, you will + see in my Journal, that the Birds, though peculiar species, have a most + obvious S. American aspect: I have just ascertained the same thing holds + good with the sea-shells. It is so with those plants which are peculiar to + this archipelago; you state that their numerical proportions are + continental (is not this a very curious fact?) but are they related in + forms to S. America. Do you know of any other case of an archipelago, with + the separate islands possessing distinct representative species? I have + always intended (but have not yet done so) to examine Webb and Berthelot + on the Canary Islands for this object. Talking with Mr. Bentham, he told + me that the separate islands of the Sandwich Archipelago possessed + distinct representative species of the same genera of Labiatae: would not + this be worth your enquiry? How is it with the Azores; to be sure the + heavy western gales would tend to diffuse the same species over that + group. + </p> + <p> + I hope you will (I dare say my hope is quite superfluous) attend to this + general kind of affinity in isolated islands, though I suppose it is more + difficult to perceive this sort of relation in plants, than in birds or + quadrupeds, the groups of which are, I fancy, rather more confined. Can + St. Helena be classed, though remotely, either with Africa or S. America? + From some facts, which I have collected, I have been led to conclude that + the fauna of mountains are EITHER remarkably similar (sometimes in the + presence of the same species and at other times of same genera), OR that + they are remarkably dissimilar; and it has occurred to me that possibly + part of this peculiarity of the St. Helena and Galapagos floras may be + attributed to a great part of these two Floras being mountain Floras. I + fear my notes will hardly serve to distinguish much of the habitats of the + Galapagos plants, but they may in some cases; most, if not all, of the + green, leafy plants come from the summits of the islands, and the thin + brown leafless plants come from the lower arid parts: would you be so kind + as to bear this remark in mind, when examining my collection. + </p> + <p> + I will trouble you with only one other question. In discussion with Mr. + Gould, I found that in most of the genera of birds which range over the + whole or greater part of the world, the individual species have wider + ranges, thus the Owl is mundane, and many of the species have very wide + ranges. So I believe it is with land and fresh-water shells—and I + might adduce other cases. Is it not so with Cryptogamic plants; have not + most of the species wide ranges, in those genera which are mundane? I do + not suppose that the converse holds, viz.—that when a species has a + wide range, its genus also ranges wide. Will you so far oblige me by + occasionally thinking over this? It would cost me vast trouble to get a + list of mundane phanerogamic genera and then search how far the species of + these genera are apt to range wide in their several countries; but you + might occasionally, in the course of your pursuits, just bear this in + mind, though perhaps the point may long since have occurred to you or + other Botanists. Geology is bringing to light interesting facts, + concerning the ranges of shells; I think it is pretty well established, + that according as the geographical range of a species is wide, so is its + persistence and duration in time. I hope you will try to grudge as little + as you can the trouble of my letters, and pray believe me very truly + yours, + </p> + <p> + C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + P.S. I should feel extremely obliged for your kind offer of the sketch of + Humboldt; I venerate him, and after having had the pleasure of conversing + with him in London, I shall still more like to have any portrait of him. + </p> + <p> + [What follows is quoted from Sir J. Hooker's notes. "The next act in the + drama of our lives opens with personal intercourse. This began with an + invitation to breakfast with him at his brother's (Erasmus Darwin's) house + in Park Street; which was shortly afterwards followed by an invitation to + Down to meet a few brother Naturalists. In the short intervals of good + health that followed the long illnesses which oftentimes rendered life a + burthen to him, between 1844 and 1847, I had many such invitations, and + delightful they were. A more hospitable and more attractive home under + every point of view could not be imagined—of Society there were most + often Dr. Falconer, Edward Forbes, Professor Bell, and Mr. Waterhouse—there + were long walks, romps with the children on hands and knees, music that + haunts me still. Darwin's own hearty manner, hollow laugh, and thorough + enjoyment of home life with friends; strolls with him all together, and + interviews with us one by one in his study, to discuss questions in any + branch of biological or physical knowledge that we had followed; and which + I at any rate always left with the feeling that I had imparted nothing and + carried away more than I could stagger under. Latterly, as his health + became more seriously affected, I was for days and weeks the only visitor, + bringing my work with me and enjoying his society as opportunity offered. + It was an established rule that he every day pumped me, as he called it, + for half an hour or so after breakfast in his study, when he first brought + out a heap of slips with questions botanical, geographical, etc., for me + to answer, and concluded by telling me of the progress he had made in his + own work, asking my opinion on various points. I saw no more of him till + about noon, when I heard his mellow ringing voice calling my name under my + window—this was to join him in his daily forenoon walk round the + sand-walk. On joining him I found him in a rough grey shooting-coat in + summer, and thick cape over his shoulders in winter, and a stout staff in + his hand; away we trudged through the garden, where there was always some + experiment to visit, and on to the sand-walk, round which a fixed number + of turns were taken, during which our conversation usually ran on foreign + lands and seas, old friends, old books, and things far off to both mind + and eye. + </p> + <p> + "In the afternoon there was another such walk, after which he again + retired till dinner if well enough to join the family; if not, he + generally managed to appear in the drawing-room, where seated in his high + chair, with his feet in enormous carpet shoes, supported on a high stool—he + enjoyed the music or conversation of his family." + </p> + <p> + Here follows a series of letters illustrating the growth of my father's + views, and the nature of his work during this period.] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down [1844]. + </p> + <p> + ...The conclusion, which I have come at is, that those areas, in which + species are most numerous, have oftenest been divided and isolated from + other areas, united and again divided; a process implying antiquity and + some changes in the external conditions. This will justly sound very + hypothetical. I cannot give my reasons in detail; but the most general + conclusion, which the geographical distribution of all organic beings, + appears to me to indicate, is that isolation is the chief concomitant or + cause of the appearance of NEW forms (I well know there are some staring + exceptions). Secondly, from seeing how often the plants and animals swarm + in a country, when introduced into it, and from seeing what a vast number + of plants will live, for instance in England, if kept FREE FROM WEEDS, AND + NATIVE PLANTS, I have been led to consider that the spreading and number + of the organic beings of any country depend less on its external features, + than on the number of forms, which have been there originally created or + produced. I much doubt whether you will find it possible to explain the + number of forms by proportional differences of exposure; and I cannot + doubt if half the species in any country were destroyed or had not been + created, yet that country would appear to us fully peopled. With respect + to original creation or production of new forms, I have said that + isolation appears the chief element. Hence, with respect to terrestrial + productions, a tract of country, which had oftenest within the late + geological periods subsided and been converted into islands, and reunited, + I should expect to contain most forms. + </p> + <p> + But such speculations are amusing only to one self, and in this case + useless, as they do not show any direct line of observation: if I had seen + how hypothetical [is] the little, which I have unclearly written, I would + not have troubled you with the reading of it. Believe me,—at last + not hypothetically, + </p> + <p> + Yours very sincerely, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, 1844. + </p> + <p> + ...I forget my last letter, but it must have been a very silly one, as it + seems I gave my notion of the number of species being in great degree + governed by the degree to which the area had been often isolated and + divided; I must have been cracked to have written it, for I have no + evidence, without a person be willing to admit all my views, and then it + does follow; but in my most sanguine moments, all I expect, is that I + shall be able to show even to sound Naturalists, that there are two sides + to the question of the immutability of species;—that facts can be + viewed and grouped under the notion of allied species having descended + from common stocks. With respect to books on this subject, I do not know + of any systematical ones, except Lamarck's, which is veritable rubbish; + but there are plenty, as Lyell, Pritchard, etc., on the view of the + immutability. Agassiz lately has brought the strongest argument in favour + of immutability. Isidore G. St. Hilaire has written some good Essays, + tending towards the mutability-side, in the 'Suites a Buffon,' entitled + "Zoolog. Generale." Is it not strange that the author, of such a book as + the 'Animaux sans Vertebres,' should have written that insects, which + never see their eggs, should WILL (and plants, their seeds) to be of + particular forms, so as to become attached to particular objects. The + other, common (specially Germanic) notion is hardly less absurd, viz. that + climate, food, etc., should make a Pediculus formed to climb hair, or + wood-pecker, to climb trees. I believe all these absurd views arise, from + no one having, as far as I know, approached the subject on the side of + variation under domestication, and having studied all that is known about + domestication. I was very glad to hear your criticism on island-floras and + on non-diffusion of plants: the subject is too long for a letter: I could + defend myself to some considerable extent, but I doubt whether + successfully in your eyes, or indeed in my own... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down [July, 1844]. + </p> + <p> + ...I am now reading a wonderful book for facts on variation—Bronn, + 'Geschichte der Natur.' It is stiff German: it forestalls me, sometimes I + think delightfully, and sometimes cruelly. You will be ten times hereafter + more horrified at me than at H. Watson. I hate arguments from results, but + on my views of descent, really Natural History becomes a sublimely grand + result-giving subject (now you may quiz me for so foolish an escape of + mouth)...I must leave this letter till to-morrow, for I am tired; but I so + enjoy writing to you, that I must inflict a little more on you. + </p> + <p> + Have you any good evidence for absence of insects in small islands? I + found thirteen species in Keeling Atoll. Flies are good fertilizers, and I + have seen a microscopic Thrips and a Cecidomya take flight from a flower + in the direction of another with pollen adhering to them. In Arctic + countries a bee seems to go as far N. as any flower... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Shrewsbury [September, 1845]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + I write a line to say that Cosmos (A translation of Humboldt's 'Kosmos.') + arrived quite safely [N.B. One sheet came loose in Part I.], and to thank + you for your nice note. I have just begun the introduction, and groan over + the style, which in such parts is full half the battle. How true many of + the remarks are (i.e. as far as I can understand the wretched English) on + the scenery; it is an exact expression of one's own thoughts. + </p> + <p> + I wish I ever had any books to lend you in return for the many you have + lent me... + </p> + <p> + All of what you kindly say about my species work does not alter one iota + my long self-acknowledged presumption in accumulating facts and + speculating on the subject of variation, without having worked out my due + share of species. But now for nine years it has been anyhow the greatest + amusement to me. + </p> + <p> + Farewell, my dear Hooker, I grieve more than you can well believe, over + our prospect of so seldom meeting. + </p> + <p> + I have never perceived but one fault in you, and that you have grievously, + viz. modesty; you form an exception to Sydney Smith's aphorism, that merit + and modesty have no other connection, except in their first letter. + </p> + <p> + Farewell, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO L. JENYNS (BLOMEFIELD). Down, October 12th, + [1845]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Jenyns, + </p> + <p> + Thanks for your note. I am sorry to say I have not even the tail-end of a + fact in English Zoology to communicate. I have found that even trifling + observations require, in my case, some leisure and energy, both of which + ingredients I have had none to spare, as writing my Geology thoroughly + expends both. I had always thought that I would keep a journal and record + everything, but in the way I now live I find I observe nothing to record. + Looking after my garden and trees, and occasionally a very little walk in + an idle frame of mind, fills up every afternoon in the same manner. I am + surprised that with all your parish affairs, you have had time to do all + that which you have done. I shall be very glad to see your little work + (Mr. Jenyns' 'Observations in Natural History.' It is prefaced by an + Introduction on "Habits of observing as connected with the study of + Natural History," and followed by a "Calendar of Periodic Phenomena in + Natural History," with "Remarks on the importance of such Registers." My + father seems to be alluding to this Register in the P.S. to the letter + dated October 17, 1846.) (and proud should I have been if I could have + added a single fact to it). My work on the species question has impressed + me very forcibly with the importance of all such works as your intended + one, containing what people are pleased generally to call trifling facts. + These are the facts which make one understand the working or economy of + nature. There is one subject, on which I am very curious, and which + perhaps you may throw some light on, if you have ever thought on it; + namely, what are the checks and what the periods of life,—by which + the increase of any given species is limited. Just calculate the increase + of any bird, if you assume that only half the young are reared, and these + breed: within the NATURAL (i.e., if free from accidents) life of the + parents the number of individuals will become enormous, and I have been + much surprised to think how great destruction MUST annually or + occasionally be falling on every species, yet the means and period of such + destruction is scarcely perceived by us. + </p> + <p> + I have continued steadily reading and collecting facts on variation of + domestic animals and plants, and on the question of what are species. I + have a grand body of facts, and I think I can draw some sound conclusions. + The general conclusions at which I have slowly been driven from a directly + opposite conviction, is that species are mutable, and that allied species + are co-descendants from common stocks. I know how much I open myself to + reproach for such a conclusion, but I have at least honestly and + deliberately come to it. I shall not publish on this subject for several + years. At present I am on the Geology of South America. I hope to pick up + from your book some facts on slight variations in structure or instincts + in the animals of your acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + Believe me, ever yours, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO L. JENYNS (REV. L. BLOMEFIELD). Down, [1845?]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Jenyns, + </p> + <p> + I am very much obliged to you for the trouble you have taken in having + written me so long a note. The question of where, when, and how the check + to the increase of a given species falls appears to me particularly + interesting, and our difficulty in answering it shows how really ignorant + we are of the lives and habits of our most familiar species. I was aware + of the bare fact of old birds driving away their young, but had never + thought of the effect you so clearly point out, of local gaps in number + being thus immediately filled up. But the original difficulty remains; for + if your farmers had not killed your sparrows and rooks, what would have + become of those which now immigrate into your parish? in the middle of + England one is too far distant from the natural limits of the rook and + sparrow to suppose that the young are thus far expelled from + Cambridgeshire. The check must fall heavily at some time of each species' + life; for, if one calculates that only half the progeny are reared and + bred, how enormous is the increase! One has, however, no business to feel + so much surprise at one's ignorance, when one knows how impossible it is + without statistics to conjecture the duration of life and percentage of + deaths to births in mankind. If it could be shown that apparently the + birds of passage WHICH BREED HERE and increase, return in the succeeding + years in about the same number, whereas those that come here for their + winter and non-breeding season annually, come here with the same numbers, + but return with greatly decreased numbers, one would know (as indeed seems + probable) that the check fell chiefly on full-grown birds in the winter + season, and not on the eggs and very young birds, which has appeared to me + often the most probable period. If at any time any remarks on this subject + should occur to you, I should be most grateful for the benefit of them. + </p> + <p> + With respect to my far distant work on species, I must have expressed + myself with singular inaccuracy if I led you to suppose that I meant to + say that my conclusions were inevitable. They have become so, after years + of weighing puzzles, to myself ALONE; but in my wildest day-dream, I never + expect more than to be able to show that there are two sides to the + question of the immutability of species, i.e. whether species are DIRECTLY + created or by intermediate laws (as with the life and death of + individuals). I did not approach the subject on the side of the difficulty + in determining what are species and what are varieties, but (though, why I + should give you such a history of my doings it would be hard to say) from + such facts as the relationship between the living and extinct mammifers in + South America, and between those living on the Continent and on adjoining + islands, such as the Galapagos. It occured to me that a collection of all + such analogous facts would throw light either for or against the view of + related species being co-descendants from a common stock. A long searching + amongst agricultural and horticultural books and people makes me believe + (I well know how absurdly presumptuous this must appear) that I see the + way in which new varieties become exquisitely adapted to the external + conditions of life and to other surrounding beings. I am a bold man to lay + myself open to being thought a complete fool, and a most deliberate one. + From the nature of the grounds which make me believe that species are + mutable in form, these grounds cannot be restricted to the closest-allied + species; but how far they extend I cannot tell, as my reasons fall away by + degrees, when applied to species more and more remote from each other. + Pray do not think that I am so blind as not to see that there are numerous + immense difficulties in my notions, but they appear to me less than on the + common view. I have drawn up a sketch and had it copied (in 200 pages) of + my conclusions; and if I thought at some future time that you would think + it worth reading, I should, of course, be most thankful to have the + criticism of so competent a critic. Excuse this very long and egotistical + and ill-written letter, which by your remarks you had led me into, and + believe me, + </p> + <p> + Yours very truly, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO L. JENYNS (BLOMEFIELD). Down, October 17th, + 1846. + </p> + <p> + Dear Jenyns, + </p> + <p> + I have taken a most ungrateful length of time in thanking you for your + very kind present of your 'Observations.' But I happened to have had in + hand several other books, and have finished yours only a few days ago. I + found it very pleasant reading, and many of your facts interested me much. + I think I was more interested, which is odd, with your notes on some of + the lower animals than on the higher ones. The introduction struck me as + very good; but this is what I expected, for I well remember being quite + delighted with a preliminary essay to the first number of the 'Annals of + Natural History.' I missed one discussion, and think myself ill-used, for + I remember your saying you would make some remarks on the weather and + barometer, as a guide for the ignorant in prediction. I had also hoped to + have perhaps met with some remarks on the amount of variation in our + common species. Andrew Smith once declared he would get some hundreds of + specimens of larks and sparrows from all parts of Great Britain, and see + whether, with finest measurements, he could detect any proportional + variations in beaks or limbs, etc. This point interests me from having + lately been skimming over the absurdly opposite conclusions of Gloger and + Brehm; the one making half-a-dozen species out of every common bird, and + the other turning so many reputed species into one. Have you ever done + anything of this kind, or have you ever studied Gloger's or Brehm's works? + I was interested in your account of the martins, for I had just before + been utterly perplexed by noticing just such a proceeding as you describe: + I counted seven, one day lately, visiting a single nest and sticking dirt + on the adjoining wall. I may mention that I once saw some squirrels + eagerly splitting those little semi-transparent spherical galls on the + back of oak-leaves for the maggot within; so that they are insectivorous. + A Cychrus rostratus once squirted into my eyes and gave me extreme pain; + and I must tell you what happened to me on the banks of the Cam, in my + early entomological days: under a piece of bark I found two Carabi (I + forget which), and caught one in each hand, when lo and behold I saw a + sacred Panagaeus crux major! I could not bear to give up either of my + Carabi, and to lose Panagaeus was out of the question; so that in despair + I gently seized one of the Carabi between my teeth, when to my unspeakable + disgust and pain the little inconsiderate beast squirted his acid down my + throat, and I lost both Carabi and Panagaeus! I was quite astonished to + hear of a terrestrial Planaria; for about a year or two ago I described in + the 'Annals of Natural History' several beautifully coloured terrestrial + species of the Southern Hemisphere, and thought it quite a new fact. By + the way, you speak of a sheep with a broken leg not having flukes: I have + heard my father aver that a fever, or any SERIOUS ACCIDENT, as a broken + limb, will cause in a man all the intestinal worms to be evacuated. Might + not this possibly have been the case with the flukes in their early state? + </p> + <p> + I hope you were none the worse for Southampton (The meeting of the British + Association.); I wish I had seen you looking rather fatter. I enjoyed my + week extremely, and it did me good. I missed you the last few days, and we + never managed to see much of each other; but there were so many people + there, that I for one hardly saw anything of any one. Once again I thank + you very cordially for your kind present, and the pleasure it has given + me, and believe me, + </p> + <p> + Ever most truly yours, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + P.S.—I have quite forgotten to say how greatly interested I was with + your discussion on the statistics of animals: when will Natural History be + so perfect that such points as you discuss will be perfectly known about + any one animal? + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Malvern, June 13 [1849]. + </p> + <p> + ...At last I am going to press with a small poor first-fruit of my + confounded Cirripedia, viz. the fossil pedunculate cirripedia. You ask + what effect studying species has had on my variation theories; I do not + think much—I have felt some difficulties more. On the other hand, I + have been struck (and probably unfairly from the class) with the + variability of every part in some slight degree of every species. When the + same organ is RIGOROUSLY compared in many individuals, I always find some + slight variability, and consequently that the diagnosis of species from + minute differences is always dangerous. I had thought the same parts of + the same species more resemble (than they do anyhow in Cirripedia) objects + cast in the same mould. Systematic work would be easy were it not for this + confounded variation, which, however, is pleasant to me as a speculatist, + though odious to me as a systematist. Your remarks on the distinctness (so + unpleasant to me) of the Himalayan Rubi, willows, etc., compared with + those of northern [Europe?], etc., are very interesting; if my rude + species-sketch had any SMALL share in leading you to these observations, + it has already done good and ample service, and may lay its bones in the + earth in peace. I never heard anything so strange as Falconer's neglect of + your letters; I am extremely glad you are cordial with him again, though + it must have cost you an effort. Falconer is a man one must love...May you + prosper in every way, my dear Hooker. + </p> + <p> + Your affectionate friend, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, Wednesday [September, + n.d.]. + </p> + <p> + ...Many thanks for your letter received yesterday, which, as always, set + me thinking: I laughed at your attack at my stinginess in changes of level + towards Forbes (Edward Forbes, 1815-1854, born in the Isle of Man. His + best known work was his Report on the distribution of marine animals at + different depths in the Mediterranean. An important memoir of his is + referred to in my father's 'Autobiography.' He held successively the posts + of Curator to the Geological Society's Museum, and Professor of Natural + History in the Museum of Practical Geology; shortly before he died he was + appointed Professor of Natural History in the University of Edinburgh. He + seems to have impressed his contemporaries as a man of strikingly + versatile and vigorous mind. The above allusion to changes of level refers + to Forbes's tendency to explain the facts of geographical distribution by + means of an active geological imagination.), being so liberal towards + myself; but I must maintain, that I have never let down or upheaved our + mother-earth's surface, for the sake of explaining any one phenomenon, and + I trust I have very seldom done so without some distinct evidence. So I + must still think it a bold step (perhaps a very true one) to sink into the + depths of ocean, within the period of existing species, so large a tract + of surface. But there is no amount or extent of change of level, which I + am not fully prepared to admit, but I must say I should like better + evidence, than the identity of a few plants, which POSSIBLY (I do not say + probably) might have been otherwise transported. Particular thanks for + your attempt to get me a copy of 'L'Espece' (Probably Godron's essay, + published by the Academy of Nancy in 1848-49, and afterwards as a separate + book in 1859.), and almost equal thanks for your criticisms on him: I + rather misdoubted him, and felt not much inclined to take as gospel his + facts. I find this one of my greatest difficulties with foreign authors, + viz. judging of their credibility. How painfully (to me) true is your + remark, that no one has hardly a right to examine the question of species + who has not minutely described many. I was, however, pleased to hear from + Owen (who is vehemently opposed to any mutability in species), that he + thought it was a very fair subject, and that there was a mass of facts to + be brought to bear on the question, not hitherto collected. My only + comfort is (as I mean to attempt the subject), that I have dabbled in + several branches of Natural History, and seen good specific men work out + my species, and know something of geology (an indispensable union); and + though I shall get more kicks than half-pennies, I will, life serving, + attempt my work. Lamarck is the only exception, that I can think of, of an + accurate describer of species at least in the Invertebrate Kingdom, who + has disbelieved in permanent species, but he in his absurd though clever + work has done the subject harm, as has Mr. Vestiges, and, as (some future + loose naturalist attempting the same speculations will perhaps say) has + Mr. D... + </p> + <p> + C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, September 25th [1853]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + I have read your paper with great interest; it seems all very clear, and + will form an admirable introduction to the New Zealand Flora, or to any + Flora in the world. How few generalizers there are among systematists; I + really suspect there is something absolutely opposed to each other and + hostile in the two frames of mind required for systematising and reasoning + on large collections of facts. Many of your arguments appear to me very + well put, and, as far as my experience goes, the candid way in which you + discuss the subject is unique. The whole will be very useful to me + whenever I undertake my volume, though parts take the wind very completely + out of my sails; it will be all nuts to me...for I have for some time + determined to give the arguments on BOTH sides (as far as I could), + instead of arguing on the mutability side alone. + </p> + <p> + In my own Cirripedial work (by the way, thank you for the dose of soft + solder; it does one—or at least me—a great deal of good)—in + my own work I have not felt conscious that disbelieving in the mere + PERMANENCE of species has made much difference one way or the other; in + some few cases (if publishing avowedly on doctrine of non-permanence), I + should NOT have affixed names, and in some few cases should have affixed + names to remarkable varieties. Certainly I have felt it humiliating, + discussing and doubting, and examining over and over again, when in my own + mind the only doubt has been whether the form varied TO-DAY OR YESTERDAY + (not to put too fine a point on it, as Snagsby (In 'Bleak House.') would + say). After describing a set of forms as distinct species, tearing up my + MS., and making them one species, tearing that up and making them + separate, and then making them one again (which has happened to me), I + have gnashed my teeth, cursed species, and asked what sin I had committed + to be so punished. But I must confess that perhaps nearly the same thing + would have happened to me on any scheme of work. + </p> + <p> + I am heartily glad to hear your Journal (Sir J.D. Hooker's 'Himalayan + Journal.') is so much advanced; how magnificently it seems to be + illustrated! An "Oriental Naturalist," with lots of imagination and not + too much regard to facts, is just the man to discuss species! I think your + title of 'A Journal of a Naturalist in the East' very good; but whether + "in the Himalaya" would not be better, I have doubted, for the East sounds + rather vague... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. [1853]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + I have no remarks at all worth sending you, nor, indeed, was it likely + that I should, considering how perfect and elaborated an essay it is. + ('New Zealand Flora,' 1853.) As far as my judgment goes, it is the most + important discussion on the points in question ever published. I can say + no more. I agree with almost everything you say; but I require much time + to digest an essay of such quality. It almost made me gloomy, partly from + feeling I could not answer some points which theoretically I should have + liked to have been different, and partly from seeing SO FAR BETTER DONE + than I COULD have done, discussions on some points which I had intended to + have taken up... + </p> + <p> + I much enjoyed the slaps you have given to the provincial species-mongers. + I wish I could have been of the slightest use: I have been deeply + interested by the whole essay, and congratulate you on having produced a + memoir which I believe will be memorable. I was deep in it when your most + considerate note arrived, begging me not to hurry. I thank Mrs. Hooker and + yourself most sincerely for your wish to see me. I will not let another + summer pass without seeing you at Kew, for indeed I should enjoy it + much... + </p> + <p> + You do me really more honour than I have any claim to, putting me in after + Lyell on ups and downs. In a year or two's time, when I shall be at my + species book (if I do not break down), I shall gnash my teeth and abuse + you for having put so many hostile facts so confoundedly well. + </p> + <p> + Ever yours affectionately, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, March 26th [1854]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + I had hoped that you would have had a little breathing-time after your + Journal, but this seems to be very far from the case; and I am the more + obliged (and somewhat contrite) for the long letter received this morning, + MOST juicy with news and MOST interesting to me in many ways. I am very + glad indeed to hear of the reforms, etc., in the Royal Society. With + respect to the Club (The Philosophical Club, to which my father was + elected (as Professor Bonney is good enough to inform me) on April 24, + 1854. He resigned his membership in 1864. The Club was founded in 1847. + The number of members being limited to 47, it was proposed to christen it + "the Club of 47," but the name was never adopted. The nature of the Club + may be gathered from its first rule: "The purpose of the Club is to + promote as much as possible the scientific objects of the Royal Society; + to facilitate intercourse between those Fellows who are actively engaged + in cultivating the various branches of Natural Science, and who have + contributed to its progress; to increase the attendance at the evening + meetings, and to encourage the contribution and discussion of papers." The + Club met for dinner (at first) at 6, and the chair was to be quitted at + 8.15, it being expected that members would go to the Royal Society. Of + late years the dinner has been at 6.30, the Society meeting in the + afternoon.), I am deeply interested; only two or three days ago, I was + regretting to my wife, how I was letting drop and being dropped by nearly + all my acquaintances, and that I would endeavour to go oftener to London; + I was not then thinking of the Club, which, as far as any one thing goes, + would answer my exact object in keeping up old and making some new + acquaintances. I will therefore come up to London for every (with rare + exceptions) Club-day, and then my head, I think, will allow me on an + average to go to every other meeting. But it is grievous how often any + change knocks me up. I will further pledge myself, as I told Lyell, to + resign after a year, if I did not attend pretty often, so that I should AT + WORST encumber the Club temporarily. If you can get me elected, I + certainly shall be very much pleased. Very many thanks for answers about + Glaciers. I am very glad to hear of the second Edition (Of the Himalayan + Journal.) so very soon; but am not surprised, for I have heard of several, + in our small circle, reading it with very much pleasure. I shall be + curious to hear what Humboldt will say: it will, I should think, delight + him, and meet with more praise from him than any other book of Travels, + for I cannot remember one, which has so many subjects in common with him. + What a wonderful old fellow he is...By the way, I hope, when you go to + Hitcham, towards the end of May, you will be forced to have some rest. I + am grieved to hear that all the bad symptoms have not left Henslow; it is + so strange and new to feel any uneasiness about his health. I am + particularly obliged to you for sending me Asa Gray's letter; how very + pleasantly he writes. To see his and your caution on the species-question + ought to overwhelm me in confusion and shame; it does make me feel deuced + uncomfortable...It is delightful to hear all that he says on Agassiz: how + very singular it is that so EMINENTLY clever a man, with such IMMENSE + knowledge on many branches of Natural History, should write as he does. + Lyell told me that he was so delighted with one of his (Agassiz) lectures + on progressive development, etc., etc., that he went to him afterwards and + told him, "that it was so delightful, that he could not help all the time + wishing it was true." I seldom see a Zoological paper from North America, + without observing the impress of Agassiz's doctrines—another proof, + by the way, of how great a man he is. I was pleased and surprised to see + A. Gray's remarks on crossing, obliterating varieties, on which, as you + know, I have been collecting facts for these dozen years. How awfully flat + I shall feel, if when I get my notes together on species, etc., etc., the + whole thing explodes like an empty puff-ball. Do not work yourself to + death. + </p> + <p> + Ever yours most truly, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, November 5th [1854]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + I was delighted to get your note yesterday. I congratulate you very + heartily (On the award to him of the Royal Society's Medal.), and whether + you care much or little, I rejoice to see the highest scientific + judgment-court in Great Britain recognise your claims. I do hope Mrs. + Hooker is pleased, and E. desires me particularly to send her cordial + congratulations ...I pity you from the very bottom of my heart about your + after-dinner speech, which I fear I shall not hear. Without you have a + very much greater soul than I have (and I believe that you have), you will + find the medal a pleasant little stimulus, when work goes badly, and one + ruminates that all is vanity, it is pleasant to have some tangible proof, + that others have thought something of one's labours. + </p> + <p> + Good-bye my dear Hooker, I can assure [you] that we both most truly + enjoyed your and Mrs. Hooker's visit here. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, your sincere friend, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. March 7 [1855]. + </p> + <p> + ...I have just finished working well at Wollaston's (Thomas Vernon + Wollaston died (in his fifty-seventh year, as I believe) on January 4, + 1878. His health forcing him in early manhood to winter in the south, he + devoted himself to a study of the Coleoptera of Madeira, the Cape de + Verdes, and St. Helena, whence he deduced evidence in support of the + belief in the submerged continent of 'Atlantis.' In an obituary notice by + Mr. Rye ('Nature,' 1878) he is described as working persistently "upon a + broad conception of the science to which he was devoted," while being at + the same time "accurate, elaborate, and precise ad punctum, and naturally + of a minutely critical habit." His first scientific paper was written when + he was an undergraduate at Jesus College, Cambridge. While at the + University, he was an Associate and afterwards a Member of the Ray Club: + this is a small society which still meets once a week, and where the + undergraduate members, or Associates, receive much kindly encouragement + from their elders.) 'Insecta Maderensia': it is an ADMIRABLE work. There + is a very curious point in the astounding proportion of Coleoptera that + are apterous; and I think I have guessed the reason, viz., that powers of + flight would be injurious to insects inhabiting a confined locality, and + expose them to be blown to the sea: to test this, I find that the insects + inhabiting the Dezerte Grande, a quite small islet, would be still more + exposed to this danger, and here the proportion of apterous insects is + even considerably greater than on Madeira Proper. Wollaston speaks of + Madeira and the other Archipelagoes as being "sure and certain witnesses + of Forbes' old continent," and of course the Entomological world + implicitly follows this view. But to my eyes it would be difficult to + imagine facts more opposed to such a view. It is really disgusting and + humiliating to see directly opposite conclusions drawn from the same + facts. + </p> + <p> + I have had some correspondence with Wollaston on this and other subjects, + and I find that he coolly assumes, (1) that formerly insects possessed + greater migratory powers than now, (2) that the old land was SPECIALLY + rich in centres of creation, (3) that the uniting land was destroyed + before the special creations had time to diffuse, and (4) that the land + was broken down before certain families and genera had time to reach from + Europe or Africa the points of land in question. Are not these a jolly lot + of assumptions? and yet I shall see for the next dozen or score of years + Wollaston quoted as proving the former existence of poor Forbes' Atlantis. + </p> + <p> + I hope I have not wearied you, but I thought you would like to hear about + this book, which strikes me as EXCELLENT in its facts, and the author a + most nice and modest man. + </p> + <p> + Most truly yours, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO W.D. FOX. Down, March 19th [1855]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Fox, + </p> + <p> + How long it is since we have had any communication, and I really want to + hear how the world goes with you; but my immediate object is to ask you to + observe a point for me, and as I know now you are a very busy man with too + much to do, I shall have a good chance of your doing what I want, as it + would be hopeless to ask a quite idle man. As you have a Noah's Ark, I do + not doubt that you have pigeons. (How I wish by any chance they were + fantails!) Now what I want to know is, at what age nestling pigeons have + their tail feathers sufficiently developed to be counted. I do not think I + ever saw a young pigeon. I am hard at work at my notes collecting and + comparing them, in order in some two or three years to write a book with + all the facts and arguments, which I can collect, FOR AND VERSUS the + immutability of species. I want to get the young of our domestic breeds, + to see how young, and to what degree the differences appear. I must either + breed myself (which is no amusement but a horrid bore to me) the pigeons + or buy their young; and before I go to a seller, whom I have heard of from + Yarrell, I am really anxious to know something about their development, + not to expose my excessive ignorance, and therefore be excessively liable + to be cheated and gulled. With respect to the ONE point of the tail + feathers, it is of course in relation to the wonderful development of tail + feathers in the adult fantail. If you had any breed of poultry pure, I + would beg a chicken with exact age stated, about a week or fortnight old! + To be sent in a box by post, if you could have the heart to kill one; and + secondly, would let me pay postage...Indeed, I should be very glad to have + a nestling common pigeon sent, for I mean to make skeletons, and have + already just begun comparing wild and tame ducks. And I think the results + rather curious ("I have just been testing practically what disuse does in + reducing parts; I have made skeleton of wild and tame duck (oh, the smell + of well-boiled, high duck!!) and I find the tame-duck wing ought, + according to scale of wild prototype, to have its two wings 360 grains in + weight, but it has it only 317."—A letter to Sir J. Hooker, 1855.), + for on weighing the several bones very carefully, when perfectly cleaned + the proportional weights of the two have greatly varied, the foot of the + tame having largely increased. How I wish I could get a little wild duck + of a week old, but that I know is almost impossible. + </p> + <p> + With respect to ourselves, I have not much to say; we have now a terribly + noisy house with the whooping cough, but otherwise are all well. Far the + greatest fact about myself is that I have at last quite done with the + everlasting barnacles. At the end of the year we had two of our little + boys very ill with fever and bronchitis, and all sorts of ailments. Partly + for amusement, and partly for change of air, we went to London and took a + house for a month, but it turned out a great failure, for that dreadful + frost just set in when we went, and all our children got unwell, and E. + and I had coughs and colds and rheumatism nearly all the time. We had put + down first on our list of things to do, to go and see Mrs. Fox, but + literally after waiting some time to see whether the weather would not + improve, we had not a day when we both could go out. + </p> + <p> + I do hope before very long you will be able to manage to pay us a visit. + Time is slipping away, and we are getting oldish. Do tell us about + yourself and all your large family. + </p> + <p> + I know you will help me IF YOU CAN with information about the young + pigeons; and anyhow do write before very long. + </p> + <p> + My dear Fox, your sincere old friend, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + P.S.—Amongst all sorts of odds and ends, with which I am amusing + myself, I am comparing the seeds of the variations of plants. I had + formerly some wild cabbage seeds, which I gave to some one, was it to you? + It is a THOUSAND to one it was thrown away, if not I should be very glad + of a pinch of it. + </p> + <p> + [The following extract from a letter to Mr. Fox (March 27th, 1855) refers + to the same subject as the last letter, and gives some account of the + "species work:" "The way I shall kill young things will be to put them + under a tumbler glass with a teaspoon of ether or chloroform, the glass + being pressed down on some yielding surface, and leave them for an hour or + two, young have such power of revivication. (I have thus killed moths and + butterflies.) The best way would be to send them as you procure them, in + pasteboard chip-box by post, on which you could write and just tie up with + string; and you will REALLY make me happier by allowing me to keep an + account of postage, etc. Upon my word I can hardly believe that ANY ONE + could be so good-natured as to take such trouble and do such a very + disagreeable thing as kill babies; and I am very sure I do not know one + soul who, except yourself, would do so. I am going to ask one thing more; + should old hens of any above poultry (not duck) die or become so old as to + be USELESS, I wish you would send her to me per rail, addressed to C. + Darwin, care of Mr. Acton, Post-office, Bromley, Kent." Will you keep this + address? as shortest way for parcels. But I do not care so much for this, + as I could buy the old birds dead at Baily to make skeletons. I should + have written at once even if I had not heard from you, to beg you not to + take trouble about pigeons, for Yarrell has persuaded me to attempt it, + and I am now fitting up a place, and have written to Baily about prices, + etc., etc. SOMETIME (when you are better) I should like very much to hear + a little about your "Little Call Duck"; why so-called? And where you got + it? and what it is like?... I was so ignorant I do not even know there + were three varieties of Dorking fowl: how do they differ?... + </p> + <p> + I forget whether I ever told you what the object of my present work is,—it + is to view all facts that I can master (eheu, eheu, how ignorant I find I + am) in Natural History (as on geographical distribution, palaeontology, + classification, hybridism, domestic animals and plants, etc., etc., etc.) + to see how far they favour or are opposed to the notion that wild species + are mutable or immutable: I mean with my utmost power to give all + arguments and facts on both sides. I have a NUMBER of people helping me in + every way, and giving me most valuable assistance; but I often doubt + whether the subject will not quite overpower me. + </p> + <p> + So much for the quasi-business part of my letter. I am very very sorry to + hear so indifferent account of your health: with your large family your + life is very precious, and I am sure with all your activity and goodness + it ought to be a happy one, or as happy as can reasonably be expected with + all the cares of futurity on one. + </p> + <p> + One cannot expect the present to be like the old Crux-major days at the + foot of those noble willow stumps, the memory of which I revere. I now + find my little entomology which I wholly owe to you, comes in very useful. + I am very glad to hear that you have given yourself a rest from Sunday + duties. How much illness you have had in your life! Farewell my dear Fox. + I assure you I thank you heartily for your proffered assistance.] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO W.D. FOX. Down, May 7th [1855]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Fox, + </p> + <p> + My correspondence has cost you a deal of trouble, though this note will + not. I found yours on my return home on Saturday after a week's work in + London. Whilst there I saw Yarrell, who told me he had carefully examined + all points in the Call Duck, and did not feel any doubt about it being + specifically identical, and that it had crossed freely with common + varieties in St. James's Park. I should therefore be very glad for a + seven-days' duckling and for one of the old birds, should one ever die a + natural death. Yarrell told me that Sabine had collected forty varieties + of the common duck!...Well, to return to business; nobody, I am sure, + could fix better for me than you the characteristic age of little + chickens; with respect to skeletons, I have feared it would be impossible + to make them, but I suppose I shall be able to measure limbs, etc., by + feeling the joints. What you say about old cocks just confirms what I + thought, and I will make my skeletons of old cocks. Should an old wild + turkey ever die, please remember me; I do not care for a baby turkey, nor + for a mastiff. Very many thanks for your offer. I have puppies of + bull-dogs and greyhound in salt, and I have had cart-horse and race-horse + young colts carefully measured. Whether I shall do any good I doubt. I am + getting out of my depth. + </p> + <p> + Most truly yours, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + [An extract from a letter to Mr. Fox may find a place here, though of a + later date, viz. July, 1855]: + </p> + <p> + "Many thanks for the seven days' old white Dorking, and for the other + promised ones. I am getting quite a 'chamber of horrors,' I appreciate + your kindness even more than before; for I have done the black deed and + murdered an angelic little fantail and pouter at ten days old. I tried + chloroform and ether for the first, and though evidently a perfectly easy + death, it was prolonged; and for the second I tried putting lumps of + cyanide of potassium in a very large damp bottle, half an hour before + putting in the pigeon, and the prussic acid gas thus generated was very + quickly fatal." + </p> + <p> + A letter to Mr. Fox (May 23rd, 1855) gives the first mention of my + father's laborious piece of work on the breeding of pigeons: + </p> + <p> + "I write now to say that I have been looking at some of our mongrel + chickens, and I should say ONE WEEK OLD would do very well. The chief + points which I am, and have been for years, very curious about, is to + ascertain whether the YOUNG of our domestic breeds differ as much from + each other as do their parents, and I have no faith in anything short of + actual measurement and the Rule of Three. I hope and believe I am not + giving so much trouble without a motive of sufficient worth. I have got my + fantails and pouters (choice birds, I hope, as I paid 20 shillings for + each pair from Baily) in a grand cage and pigeon-house, and they are a + decided amusement to me, and delight to H." + </p> + <p> + In the course of my father's pigeon-fancying enterprise he necessarily + became acquainted with breeders, and was fond of relating his experiences + as a member of the Columbarian and Philoperistera Clubs, where he met the + purest enthusiasts of the "fancy," and learnt much of the mysteries of + their art. In writing to Mr. Huxley some years afterwards, he quotes from + a book on 'Pigeons' by Mr. J. Eaton, in illustration of the "extreme + attention and close observation" necessary to be a good fancier. + </p> + <p> + "In his [Mr. Eaton's] treatise, devoted to the Almond Tumbler ALONE, which + is a sub-variety of the short-faced variety, which is a variety of the + Tumbler, as that is of the Rock-pigeon, Mr. Eaton says: 'There are some of + the young fanciers who are over-covetous, who go for all the five + properties at once [i.e., the five characteristic points which are mainly + attended to,—C.D.], they have their reward by getting nothing.' In + short, it is almost beyond the human intellect to attend to ALL the + excellencies of the Almond Tumbler! + </p> + <p> + "To be a good breeder, and to succeed in improving any breed, beyond + everything enthusiasm is required. Mr. Eaton has gained lots of prizes, + listen to him. + </p> + <p> + "'If it was possible for noblemen and gentlemen to know the amazing amount + of solace and pleasure derived from the Almond Tumbler, when they begin to + understand their (i.e., the tumbler's) properties, I should think that + scarce any nobleman or gentleman would be without their aviaries of Almond + Tumblers.'" + </p> + <p> + My father was fond of quoting this passage, and always with a tone of + fellow-feeling for the author, though, no doubt, he had forgotten his own + wonderings as a child that "every gentleman did not become an + ornithologist."—('Autobiography,' page 32.) + </p> + <p> + To Mr. W.B. Tegetmeier, the well-known writer on poultry, etc., he was + indebted for constant advice and co-operation. Their correspondence began + in 1855, and lasted to 1881, when my father wrote: "I can assure you that + I often look back with pleasure to the old days when I attended to + pigeons, fowls, etc., and when you gave me such valuable assistance. I not + rarely regret that I have had so little strength that I have not been able + to keep up old acquaintances and friendships." My father's letters to Mr. + Tegetmeier consist almost entirely of series of questions relating to the + different breeds of fowls, pigeons, etc., and are not, therefore + interesting. In reading through the pile of letters, one is much struck by + the diligence of the writer's search for facts, and it is made clear that + Mr. Tegetmeier's knowledge and judgment were completely trusted and highly + valued by him. Numerous phrases, such as "your note is a mine of wealth to + me," occur, expressing his sense of the value of Mr. Tegetmeier's help, as + well as words expressing his warm appreciation of Mr. Tegetmeier's + unstinting zeal and kindness, or his "pure and disinterested love of + science." On the subject of hive-bees and their combs, Mr. Tegetmeier's + help was also valued by my father, who wrote, "your paper on 'Bees-cells,' + read before the British Association, was highly useful and suggestive to + me." + </p> + <p> + To work out the problems on the Geographical Distributions of animals and + plants on evolutionary principles, he had to study the means by which + seeds, eggs, etc., can be transported across wide spaces of ocean. It was + this need which gave an interest to the class of experiment to which the + following letters allude.] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO W.D. FOX. Down, May 17th [1855]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Fox, + </p> + <p> + You will hate the very sight of my hand-writing; but after this time I + promise I will ask for nothing more, at least for a long time. As you live + on sandy soil, have you lizards at all common? If you have, should you + think it too ridiculous to offer a reward for me for lizard's eggs to the + boys in your school; a shilling for every half-dozen, or more if rare, + till you got two or three dozen and send them to me? If snake's eggs were + brought in mistake it would be very well, for I want such also; and we + have neither lizards nor snakes about here. My object is to see whether + such eggs will float on sea water, and whether they will keep alive thus + floating for a month or two in my cellar. I am trying experiments on + transportation of all organic beings that I can; and lizards are found on + every island, and therefore I am very anxious to see whether their eggs + stand sea water. Of course this note need not be answered, without, by a + strange and favourable chance, you can some day answer it with the eggs. + </p> + <p> + Your most troublesome friend, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. April 13th [1855]. + </p> + <p> + ...I have had one experiment some little time in progress, which will, I + think, be interesting, namely, seeds in salt water immersed in water of + 32-33 degrees, which I have and shall long have, as I filled a great tank + with snow. When I wrote last I was going to triumph over you, for my + experiment had in a slight degree succeeded; but this, with infinite + baseness, I did not tell, in hopes that you would say that you would eat + all the plants which I could raise after immersion. It is very aggravating + that I cannot in the least remember what you did formerly say that made me + think you scoffed at the experiments vastly; for you now seem to view the + experiment like a good Christian. I have in small bottles out of doors, + exposed to variation of temperature, cress, radish, cabbages, lettuces, + carrots, and celery, and onion seed—four great families. These, + after immersion for exactly one week, have all germinated, which I did not + in the least expect (and thought how you would sneer at me); for the water + of nearly all, and of the cress especially, smelt very badly, and the + cress seed emitted a wonderful quantity of mucus (the 'Vestiges' would + have expected them to turn into tadpoles), so as to adhere in a mass; but + these seeds germinated and grew splendidly. The germination of all + (especially cress and lettuces) has been accelerated, except the cabbages, + which have come up very irregularly, and a good many, I think, dead. One + would have thought, from their native habitat, that the cabbage would have + stood well. The Umbelliferae and onions seem to stand the salt well. I + wash the seed before planting them. I have written to the "Gardeners' + Chronicle" (A few words asking for information. The results were published + in the 'Gardeners' Chronicle,' May 26, November 24, 1855. In the same year + (page 789) he sent a P.S. to his former paper, correcting a misprint and + adding a few words on the seeds of the Leguminosae. A fuller paper on the + germination of seeds after treatment in salt water, appeared in the + 'Linnaean Soc. Journal,' 1857, page 130.), though I doubt whether it was + worth while. If my success seems to make it worth while, I will send a + seed list, to get you to mark some different classes of seeds. To-day I + replant the same seeds as above after fourteen days' immersion. As many + sea-currents go a mile an hour, even in a week they might be transported + 168 miles; the Gulf Stream is said to go fifty and sixty miles a day. So + much and too much on this head; but my geese are always swans... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. [April 14th, 1855.] + </p> + <p> + ...You are a good man to confess that you expected the cress would be + killed in a week, for this gives me a nice little triumph. The children at + first were tremendously eager, and asked me often, "whether I should beat + Dr. Hooker!" The cress and lettuce have just vegetated well after + twenty-one days' immersion. But I will write no more, which is a great + virtue in me; for it is to me a very great pleasure telling you everything + I do. + </p> + <p> + ...If you knew some of the experiments (if they may be so-called) which I + am trying, you would have a good right to sneer, for they are so ABSURD + even in MY opinion that I dare not tell you. + </p> + <p> + Have not some men a nice notion of experimentising? I have had a letter + telling me that seeds MUST have GREAT power of resisting salt water, for + otherwise how could they get to islands? This is the true way to solve a + problem! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down [1855]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + You have been a very good man to exhale some of your satisfaction in + writing two notes to me; you could not have taken a better line in my + opinion; but as for showing your satisfaction in confounding my + experiments, I assure you I am quite enough confounded—those horrid + seeds, which, as you truly observe, if they sink they won't float. + </p> + <p> + I have written to Scoresby and have had a rather dry answer, but very much + to the purpose, and giving me no hopes of any law unknown to me which + might arrest their everlasting descent into the deepest depths of the + ocean. By the way it was very odd, but I talked to Col. Sabine for half an + hour on the subject, and could not make him see with respect to + transportal the difficulty of the sinking question! The bore is, if the + confounded seeds will sink, I have been taking all this trouble in salting + the ungrateful rascals for nothing. + </p> + <p> + Everything has been going wrong with me lately; the fish at the Zoological + Society ate up lots of soaked seeds, and in imagination they had in my + mind been swallowed, fish and all, by a heron, had been carried a hundred + miles, been voided on the banks of some other lake and germinated + splendidly, when lo and behold, the fish ejected vehemently, and with + disgust equal to my own, ALL the seeds from their mouths. (In describing + these troubles to Mr. Fox, my father wrote:—"All nature is perverse + and will not do as I wish it; and just at present I wish I had my old + barnacles to work at, and nothing new." The experiment ultimately + succeeded, and he wrote to Sir J. Hooker:—"I find fish will greedily + eat seeds of aquatic grasses, and that millet-seed put into fish and given + to a stork, and then voided, will germinate. So this is the nursery rhyme + of 'this is the stick that beats the pig,' etc., etc.,") + </p> + <p> + But I am not going to give up the floating yet: in first place I must try + fresh seeds, though of course it seems far more probable that they will + sink; and secondly, as a last resource, I must believe in the pod or even + whole plant or branch being washed into the sea; with floods and slips and + earthquakes; this must continually be happening, and if kept wet, I fancy + the pods, etc. etc., would not open and shed their seeds. Do try your + Mimosa seed at Kew. + </p> + <p> + I had intended to have asked you whether the Mimosa scandens and + Guilandina bonduc grows at Kew, to try fresh seeds. R. Brown tells me he + believes four W. Indian seeds have been washed on shores of Europe. I was + assured at Keeling Island that seeds were not rarely washed on shore: so + float they must and shall! What a long yarn I have been spinning. + </p> + <p> + If you have several of the Loffoden seeds, do soak some in tepid water, + and get planted with the utmost care: this is an experiment after my own + heart, with chances 1000 to 1 against its success. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, May 11th [1855]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker,—I have just received your note. I am most sincerely + and heartily glad at the news (The appointment of Sir J.D. Hooker as + Assistant Director of the Royal Gardens at Kew.) it contains, and so is my + wife. Though the income is but a poor one, yet the certainty, I hope, is + satisfactory to yourself and Mrs. Hooker. As it must lead in future years + to the Directorship, I do hope you look at it, as a piece of good fortune. + For my own taste I cannot fancy a pleasanter position, than the Head of + such a noble and splendid place; far better, I should think, than a + Professorship in a great town. The more I think of it, the gladder I am. + But I will say no more; except that I hope Mrs. Hooker is pretty well + pleased... + </p> + <p> + As the "Gardeners' Chronicle" put in my question, and took notice of it, I + think I am bound to send, which I had thought of doing next week, my first + report to Lindley to give him the option of inserting it; but I think it + likely that he may not think it fit for a Gardening periodical. When my + experiments are ended (should the results appear worthy) and should the + 'Linnean Journal' not object to the previous publication of imperfect and + provisional reports, I should be DELIGHTED to insert the final report + there; for it has cost me so much trouble, that I should think that + probably the result was worthy of more permanent record than a newspaper; + but I think I am bound to send it first to Lindley. + </p> + <p> + I begin to think the floating question more serious than the germinating + one; and am making all the inquiries which I can on the subject, and hope + to get some little light on it... + </p> + <p> + I hope you managed a good meeting at the Club. The Treasurership must be a + plague to you, and I hope you will not be Treasurer for long: I know I + would much sooner give up the Club than be its Treasurer. + </p> + <p> + Farewell, Mr. Assistant Director and dear friend, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. June 5th, 1855. + </p> + <p> + ...Miss Thorley (A lady who was for many years a governess in the family.) + and I are doing A LITTLE BOTANICAL WORK! for our amusement, and it does + amuse me very much, viz., making a collection of all the plants, which + grow in a field, which has been allowed to run waste for fifteen years, + but which before was cultivated from time immemorial; and we are also + collecting all the plants in an adjoining and SIMILAR but cultivated + field; just for the fun of seeing what plants have survived or died out. + Hereafter we shall want a bit of help in naming puzzlers. How dreadfully + difficult it is to name plants. + </p> + <p> + What a REMARKABLY nice and kind letter Dr. A. Gray has sent me in answer + to my troublesome queries; I retained your copy of his 'Manual' till I + heard from him, and when I have answered his letter, I will return it to + you. + </p> + <p> + I thank you much for Hedysarum: I do hope it is not very precious, for as + I told you it is for probably a MOST foolish purpose. I read somewhere + that no plant closes its leaves so promptly in darkness, and I want to + cover it up daily for half an hour, and see if I can teach it to close by + itself, or more easily than at first in darkness...I cannot make out why + you would prefer a continental transmission, as I think you do, to + carriage by sea. I should have thought you would have been pleased at as + many means of transmission as possible. For my own pet theoretic notions, + it is quite indifferent whether they are transmitted by sea or land, as + long as some tolerably probable way is shown. But it shocks my philosophy + to create land, without some other and independent evidence. Whenever we + meet, by a very few words I should, I think, more clearly understand your + views... + </p> + <p> + I have just made out my first grass, hurrah! hurrah! I must confess that + fortune favours the bold, for, as good luck would have it, it was the easy + Anthoxanthum odoratum: nevertheless it is a great discovery; I never + expected to make out a grass in all my life, so hurrah! It has done my + stomach surprising good... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, [June?] 15th, [1855]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + I just write one line to say that the Hedysarum is come QUITE SAFELY, and + thank you for it. + </p> + <p> + You cannot imagine what amusement you have given me by naming those three + grasses: I have just got paper to dry and collect all grasses. If ever you + catch quite a beginner, and want to give him a taste of Botany, tell him + to make a perfect list of some little field or wood. Both Miss Thorley and + I agree that it gives a really uncommon interest to the work, having a + nice little definite world to work on, instead of the awful abyss and + immensity of all British Plants. + </p> + <p> + Adios. I was really consummately impudent to express my opinion "on the + retrograde step" ("To imagine such enormous geological changes within the + period of the existence of now living beings, on no other ground but to + account for their distribution, seems to me, in our present state of + ignorance on the means of transportal, an almost retrograde step in + science."—Extract from the paper on 'Salt Water and Seeds' in + "Gardeners' Chronicle", May 26, 1855.), and I deserved a good snub, and + upon reflection I am very glad you did not answer me in "Gardeners' + Chronicle". + </p> + <p> + I have been VERY MUCH interested with the Florula. (Godron's 'Florula + Juvenalis,' which gives an interesting account of plants introduced in + imported wool.) + </p> + <p> + [Writing on June 5th to Sir J.D. Hooker, my father mentions a letter from + Dr. Asa Gray. The letter referred to was an answer to the following:] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO ASA GRAY. (The well-known American Botanist. + My father's friendship with Dr. Gray began with the correspondence of + which the present is the first letter. An extract from a letter to Sir J. + Hooker, 1857, shows that my father's strong personal regard for Dr. Gray + had an early origin: "I have been glad to see A. Gray's letters; there is + always something in them that shows that he is a very lovable man.") Down, + April 25th [1855]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Sir, + </p> + <p> + I hope that you will remember that I had the pleasure of being introduced + to you at Kew. I want to beg a great favour of you, for which I well know + I can offer no apology. But the favour will not, I think, cause you much + trouble, and will greatly oblige me. As I am no botanist, it will seem so + absurd to you my asking botanical questions; that I may premise that I + have for several years been collecting facts on "variation," and when I + find that any general remark seems to hold good amongst animals, I try to + test it in Plants. [Here follows a request for information on American + Alpine plants, and a suggestion as to publishing on the subject.] I can + assure you that I perceive how presumptuous it is in me, not a botanist, + to make even the most trifling suggestion to such a botanist as yourself; + but from what I saw and have heard of you from our dear and kind friend + Hooker, I hope and think you will forgive me, and believe me, with much + respect, + </p> + <p> + Dear sir, yours very faithfully, CHARLES DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO ASA GRAY. Down, June 8th [1855]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Sir, + </p> + <p> + I thank you cordially for your remarkably kind letter of the 22d. ult., + and for the extremely pleasant and obliging manner in which you have taken + my rather troublesome questions. I can hardly tell you how much your list + of Alpine plants has interested me, and I can now in some degree picture + to myself the plants of your Alpine summits. The new edition of your + Manual is CAPITAL news for me. I know from your preface how pressed you + are for room, but it would take no space to append (Eu) in brackets to any + European plant, and, as far as I am concerned, this would answer every + purpose. (This suggestion Dr. Gray adopted in subsequent editions.) From + my own experience, whilst making out English plants in our manuals, it has + often struck me how much interest it would give if some notion of their + range had been given; and so, I cannot doubt, your American inquirers and + beginners would much like to know which of their plants were indigenous + and which European. Would it not be well in the Alpine plants to append + the very same addition which you have now sent me in MS.? though here, + owing to your kindness, I do not speak selfishly, but merely pro bono + Americano publico. I presume it would be too troublesome to give in your + manual the habitats of those plants found west of the Rocky Mountains, and + likewise those found in Eastern Asia, taking the Yenesei (?),—which, + if I remember right, according to Gmelin, is the main partition line of + Siberia. Perhaps Siberia more concerns the northern Flora of North + America. The ranges of plants to the east and west, viz., whether most + found are in Greenland and Western Europe, or in E. Asia, appears to me a + very interesting point as tending to show whether the migration has been + eastward or westward. Pray believe me that I am most entirely conscious + that the ONLY USE of these remarks is to show a botanist what points a + non-botanist is curious to learn; for I think every one who studies + profoundly a subject often becomes unaware [on] what points the ignorant + require information. I am so very glad that you think of drawing up some + notice on your geographical distribution, for the air of the Manual + strikes me as in some points better adapted for comparison with Europe + than that of the whole of North America. You ask me to state definitely + some of the points on which I much wish for information; but I really + hardly can, for they are so vague; and I rather wish to see what results + will come out from comparisons, than have as yet defined objects. I + presume that, like other botanists, you would give, for your area, the + proportion (leaving out introduced plants) to the whole of the great + leading families: this is one point I had intended (and, indeed, have done + roughly) to tabulate from your book, but of course I could have done it + only VERY IMPERFECTLY. I should also, of course, have ascertained the + proportion, to the whole Flora, of the European plants (leaving out + introduced) AND OF THE SEPARATE GREAT FAMILIES, in order to speculate on + means of transportal. By the way, I ventured to send a few days ago a copy + of the "Gardeners' Chronicle" with a short report by me of some trifling + experiments which I have been trying on the power of seeds to withstand + sea water. I do not know whether it has struck you, but it has me, that it + would be advisable for botanists to give in WHOLE NUMBERS, as well as in + the lowest fraction, the proportional numbers of the families, thus I make + out from your Manual that of the INDIGENOUS plants the proportion of the + Umbelliferae are 36/1798 = 1/49; for, without one knows the WHOLE numbers, + one cannot judge how really close the numbers of the plants of the same + family are in two distant countries; but very likely you may think this + superfluous. Mentioning these proportional numbers, I may give you an + instance of the sort of points, and how vague and futile they often are, + which I ATTEMPT to work out...; reflecting on R. Brown's and Hooker's + remark, that near identity of proportional numbers of the great families + in two countries, shows probably that they were once continuously united, + I thought I would calculate the proportions of, for instance, the + INTRODUCED Compositae in Great Britain to all the introduced plants, and + the result was, 10/92 = 1/9.2. In our ABORIGINAL or indigenous flora the + proportion is 1/10; and in many other cases I found an equally striking + correspondence. I then took your Manual, and worked out the same question; + here I find in the Compositae an almost equally striking correspondence, + viz. 24/206 = 1/8 in the introduced plants, and 223/1798 = 1/8 in the + indigenous; but when I came to the other families I found the proportion + entirely different, showing that the coincidences in the British Flora + were probably accidental! + </p> + <p> + You will, I presume, give the proportion of the species to the genera, + i.e., show on an average how many species each genus contains; though I + have done this for myself. + </p> + <p> + If it would not be too troublesome, do you not think it would be very + interesting, and give a very good idea of your Flora, to divide the + species into three groups, viz., (a) species common to the old world, + stating numbers common to Europe and Asia; (b) indigenous species, but + belonging to genera found in the old world; and (c) species belonging to + genera confined to America or the New World. To make (according to my + ideas) perfection perfect, one ought to be told whether there are other + cases, like Erica, of genera common in Europe or in Old World not found in + your area. But honestly I feel that it is quite ridiculous my writing to + you at such length on the subject; but, as you have asked me, I do it + gratefully, and write to you as I should to Hooker, who often laughs at me + unmercifully, and I am sure you have better reason to do so. + </p> + <p> + There is one point on which I am MOST anxious for information, and I + mention it with the greatest hesitation, and only in the FULL BELIEF that + you will believe me that I have not the folly and presumption to hope for + a second that you will give it, without you can with very little trouble. + The point can at present interest no one but myself, which makes the case + wholly different from geographical distribution. The only way in which, I + think, you possibly could do it with little trouble would be to bear in + mind, whilst correcting your proof-sheets of the Manual, my question and + put a cross or mark to the species, and whenever sending a parcel to + Hooker to let me have such old sheets. But this would give you the trouble + of remembering my question, and I can hardly hope or expect that you will + do it. But I will just mention what I want; it is to have marked the + "close species" in a Flora, so as to compare in DIFFERENT Floras whether + the same genera have "close species," and for other purposes too vague to + enumerate. I have attempted, by Hooker's help, to ascertain in a similar + way whether the different species of the same genera in distant quarters + of the globe are variable or present varieties. The definition I should + give of a "CLOSE SPECIES" was one that YOU thought specifically distinct, + but which you could conceive some other GOOD botanist might think only a + race or variety; or, again, a species that you had trouble, though having + opportunities of knowing it well, in discriminating from some other + species. Supposing that you were inclined to be so very kind as to do + this, and could (which I do not expect) spare the time, as I have said, a + mere cross to each such species in any useless proof-sheets would give me + the information desired, which, I may add, I know must be vague. + </p> + <p> + How can I apologise enough for all my presumption and the extreme length + of this letter? The great good nature of your letter to me has been partly + the cause, so that, as is too often the case in this world, you are + punished for your good deeds. With hearty thanks, believe me, + </p> + <p> + Yours very truly and gratefully, CH. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, 18th [July, 1855]. + </p> + <p> + ...I think I am getting a MILD case about Charlock seed (In the + "Gardeners' Chronicle", 1855, page 758, appeared a notice (half a column + in length) by my father on the "Vitality of Seeds." The facts related + refer to the "Sand-walk"; the wood was planted in 1846 on a piece of + pasture land laid down as grass in 1840. In 1855, on the soil being dug in + several places, Charlock (Brassica sinapistrum) sprang up freely. The + subject continued to interest him, and I find a note dated July 2nd, 1874, + in which my father recorded that forty-six plants of Charlock sprang up in + that year over a space (14 x 7 feet) which had been dug to a considerable + depth.); but just as about salting, ill-luck to it, I cannot remember how + many years you would allow that Charlock seed might live in the ground. + Next time you write, show a bold face, and say in how many years, you + think, Charlock seed would probably all be dead. A man told me the other + day of, as I thought, a splendid instance,—and SPLENDID it was, for + according to his evidence the seed came up alive out of the LOWER PART of + the LONDON CLAY!! I disgusted him by telling him that Palms ought to have + come up. + </p> + <p> + You ask how far I go in attributing organisms to a common descent; I + answer I know not; the way in which I intend treating the subject, is to + show (AS FAR AS I CAN) the facts and arguments for and against the common + descent of the species of the same genus; and then show how far the same + arguments tell for or against forms, more and more widely different: and + when we come to forms of different orders and classes, there remain only + some such arguments as those which can perhaps be deduced from similar + rudimentary structures, and very soon not an argument is left. + </p> + <p> + [The following extract from a letter to Mr. Fox [October, 1855 (In this + year he published ('Phil. Mag.' x.) a paper 'On the power of icebergs to + make rectilinear uniformly-directed grooves across a submarine undulatory + surface.'") gives a brief mention of the last meeting of the British + Association which he attended:] "I really have no news: the only thing we + have done for a long time, was to go to Glasgow; but the fatigue was to me + more than it was worth, and E. caught a bad cold. On our return we stayed + a single day at Shrewsbury, and enjoyed seeing the old place. I saw a + little of Sir Philip (Sir P. Egerton was a neighbour of Mr. Fox.) (whom I + liked much), and he asked me "why on earth I instigated you to rob his + poultry-yard?' The meeting was a good one, and the Duke of Argyll spoke + excellently."] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 1.XII. — THE UNFINISHED BOOK. + </h2> + <h3> + MAY 1856 TO JUNE 1858. + </h3> + <p> + [In the Autobiographical chapter (page 69,) my father wrote:—"Early + in 1856 Lyell advised me to write out my views pretty fully, and I began + at once to do so on a scale three or four times as extensive as that which + was afterwards followed in my 'Origin of Species;' yet it was only an + abstract of the materials which I had collected." The letters in the + present chapter are chiefly concerned with the preparation of this + unfinished book. + </p> + <p> + The work was begun on May 14th, and steadily continued up to June 1858, + when it was interrupted by the arrival of Mr. Wallace's MS. During the two + years which we are now considering he wrote ten chapters (that is about + one-half) of the projected book. He remained for the most part at home, + but paid several visits to Dr. Lane's Water-Cure Establishment at Moor + Park, during one of which he made a pilgrimage to the shrine of Gilbert + White at Selborne.] + </p> + <p> + LETTERS. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO C. LYELL May 3 [1856]. + </p> + <p> + ...With respect to your suggestion of a sketch of my views, I hardly know + what to think, but will reflect on it, but it goes against my prejudices. + To give a fair sketch would be absolutely impossible, for every + proposition requires such an array of facts. If I were to do anything, it + could only refer to the main agency of change—selection—and + perhaps point out a very few of the leading features, which countenance + such a view, and some few of the main difficulties. But I do not know what + to think; I rather hate the idea of writing for priority, yet I certainly + should be vexed if any one were to publish my doctrines before me. Anyhow, + I thank you heartily for your sympathy. I shall be in London next week, + and I will call on you on Thursday morning for one hour precisely, so as + not to lose much of your time and my own; but will you let me this time + come as early as 9 o'clock, for I have much which I must do in the morning + in my strongest time? Farewell, my dear old patron. + </p> + <p> + Yours, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + By the way, THREE plants have come up out of the earth, perfectly enclosed + in the roots of the trees. And twenty-nine plants in the table-spoonful of + mud, out of the little pond; Hooker was surprised at this, and struck with + it, when I showed him how much mud I had scraped off one duck's feet. + </p> + <p> + If I did publish a short sketch, where on earth should I publish it? + </p> + <p> + If I do NOT hear, I shall understand that I may come from 9 to 10 on + Thursday. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. May 9th, [1856]. + </p> + <p> + ...I very much want advice and TRUTHFUL consolation if you can give it. I + had a good talk with Lyell about my species work, and he urges me strongly + to publish something. I am fixed against any periodical or Journal, as I + positively will NOT expose myself to an Editor or a Council, allowing a + publication for which they might be abused. If I publish anything it must + be a VERY THIN and little volume, giving a sketch of my views and + difficulties; but it is really dreadfully unphilosophical to give a + resume, without exact references, of an unpublished work. But Lyell seemed + to think I might do this, at the suggestion of friends, and on the ground, + which I might state, that I had been at work for eighteen (The interval of + eighteen years, from 1837 when he began to collect facts, would bring the + date of this letter to 1855, not 1856, nevertheless the latter seems the + more probable date.) years, and yet could not publish for several years, + and especially as I could point out difficulties which seemed to me to + require especial investigation. Now what think you? I should be really + grateful for advice. I thought of giving up a couple of months and writing + such a sketch, and trying to keep my judgment open whether or no to + publish it when completed. It will be simply impossible for me to give + exact references; anything important I should state on the authority of + the author generally; and instead of giving all the facts on which I + ground my opinion, I could give by memory only one or two. In the Preface + I would state that the work could not be considered strictly scientific, + but a mere sketch or outline of a future work in which full references, + etc. should be given. Eheu, eheu, I believe I should sneer at any one else + doing this, and my only comfort is, that I TRULY never dreamed of it, till + Lyell suggested it, and seems deliberately to think it advisable. + </p> + <p> + I am in a peck of troubles and do pray forgive me for troubling you. + </p> + <p> + Yours affectionately, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. May 11th [1856]. + </p> + <p> + ...Now for a MORE IMPORTANT! subject, viz., my own self: I am extremely + glad you think well of a separate "Preliminary Essay" (i.e., if anything + whatever is published; for Lyell seemed rather to doubt on this head) (The + meaning of the sentence in parentheses is obscure.); but I cannot bear the + idea of BEGGING some Editor and Council to publish, and then perhaps to + have to APOLOGISE humbly for having led them into a scrape. In this one + respect I am in the state which, according to a very wise saying of my + father's, is the only fit state for asking advice, viz., with my mind + firmly made up, and then, as my father used to say, GOOD advice was very + comfortable, and it was easy to reject BAD advice. But Heaven knows I am + not in this state with respect to publishing at all any preliminary essay. + It yet strikes me as quite unphilosophical to publish results without the + full details which have lead to such results. + </p> + <p> + It is a melancholy, and I hope not quite true view of yours that facts + will prove anything, and are therefore superfluous! But I have rather + exaggerated, I see, your doctrine. I do not fear being tied down to error, + i.e., I feel pretty sure I should give up anything false published in the + preliminary essay, in my larger work; but I may thus, it is very true, do + mischief by spreading error, which as I have often heard you say is much + easier spread than corrected. I confess I lean more and more to at least + making the attempt and drawing up a sketch and trying to keep my judgment, + whether to publish, open. But I always return to my fixed idea that it is + dreadfully unphilosophical to publish without full details. I certainly + think my future work in full would profit by hearing what my friends or + critics (if reviewed) thought of the outline. + </p> + <p> + To any one but you I should apologise for such long discussion on so + personal an affair; but I believe, and indeed you have proved it by the + trouble you have taken, that this would be superfluous. + </p> + <p> + Yours truly obliged, CH. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + P.S. What you say (for I have just re-read your letter) that the Essay + might supersede and take away all novelty and value from any future larger + Book, is very true; and that would grieve me beyond everything. On the + other hand (again from Lyell's urgent advice), I published a preliminary + sketch of the Coral Theory, and this did neither good nor harm. I begin + MOST HEARTILY to wish that Lyell had never put this idea of an Essay into + my head. + </p> + <p> + FROM A LETTER TO SIR C. LYELL [July, 1856]. + </p> + <p> + "I am delighted that I may say (with absolute truth) that my essay is + published at your suggestion, but I hope it will not need so much apology + as I at first thought; for I have resolved to make it nearly as complete + as my present materials allow. I cannot put in all which you suggest, for + it would appear too conceited." + </p> + <p> + FROM A LETTER TO W.D. FOX. Down, June 14th [1856]. + </p> + <p> + "...What you say about my Essay, I dare say is very true; and it gave me + another fit of the wibber-gibbers: I hope that I shall succeed in making + it modest. One great motive is to get information on the many points on + which I want it. But I tremble about it, which I should not do, if I + allowed some three or four more years to elapse before publishing + anything..." + </p> + <p> + [The following extracts from letters to Mr. Fox are worth giving, as + showing how great was the accumulation of material which now had to be + dealt with. + </p> + <p> + June 14th [1856]. + </p> + <p> + "Very many thanks for the capital information on cats; I see I had + blundered greatly, but I know I had somewhere your original notes; but my + notes are so numerous during nineteen years' collection, that it would + take me at least a year to go over and classify them." + </p> + <p> + November 1856. + </p> + <p> + "Sometimes I fear I shall break down, for my subject gets bigger and + bigger with each month's work."] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO C. LYELL Down, 16th [June, 1856]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Lyell, + </p> + <p> + I am going to do the most impudent thing in the world. But my blood gets + hot with passion and turns cold alternately at the geological strides, + which many of your disciples are taking. + </p> + <p> + Here, poor Forbes made a continent to [i.e., extending to] North America + and another (or the same) to the Gulf weed; Hooker makes one from New + Zealand to South America and round the World to Kerguelen Land. Here is + Wollaston speaking of Madeira and P. Santo "as the sure and certain + witnesses of a former continent." Here is Woodward writes to me, if you + grant a continent over 200 or 300 miles of ocean depths (as if that was + nothing), why not extend a continent to every island in the Pacific and + Atlantic Oceans? And all this within the existence of recent species! If + you do not stop this, if there be a lower region for the punishment of + geologists, I believe, my great master, you will go there. Why, your + disciples in a slow and creeping manner beat all the old Catastrophists + who ever lived. You will live to be the great chief of the Catastrophists. + </p> + <p> + There, I have done myself a great deal of good, and have exploded my + passion. + </p> + <p> + So my master, forgive me, and believe me, ever yours, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + P.S. Don't answer this, I did it to ease myself. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down [June] 17th, 1856. + </p> + <p> + ...I have been very deeply interested by Wollaston's book ('The Variation + of Species,' 1856.), though I differ GREATLY from many of his doctrines. + Did you ever read anything so rich, considering how very far he goes, as + his denunciations against those who go further: "Most mischievous," + "absurd," "unsound." Theology is at the bottom of some of this. I told him + he was like Calvin burning a heretic. It is a very valuable and clever + book in my opinion. He has evidently read very little out of his own line. + I urged him to read the New Zealand essay. His Geology also is rather + eocene, as I told him. In fact I wrote most frankly; he says he is sure + that ultra-honesty is my characteristic: I do not know whether he meant it + as a sneer; I hope not. Talking of eocene geology, I got so wrath about + the Atlantic continent, more especially from a note from Woodward (who has + published a capital book on shells), who does not seem to doubt that every + island in the Pacific and Atlantic are the remains of continents, + submerged within period of existing species, that I fairly exploded, and + wrote to Lyell to protest, and summed up all the continents created of + late years by Forbes (the head sinner!) YOURSELF, Wollaston, and Woodward, + and a pretty nice little extension of land they make altogether! I am + fairly rabid on the question and therefore, if not wrong already, am + pretty sure to become so... + </p> + <p> + I have enjoyed your note much. Adios, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + P.S. [June] 18th. Lyell has written me a CAPITAL letter on your side, + which ought to upset me entirely, but I cannot say it does quite. + </p> + <p> + Though I must try and cease being rabid and try to feel humble, and allow + you all to make continents, as easily as a cook does pancakes. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO C. LYELL. Down, June 25th [1856]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Lyell, + </p> + <p> + I will have the following tremendous letter copied to make the reading + easier, and as I want to keep a copy. + </p> + <p> + As you say you would like to hear my reasons for being most unwilling to + believe in the continental extensions of late authors, I gladly write + them, as, without I am convinced of my error, I shall have to give them + condensed in my essay, when I discuss single and multiple creation; I + shall therefore be particularly glad to have your general opinion on them. + I may QUITE LIKELY have persuaded myself in my wrath that there is more in + them than there is. If there was much more reason to admit a continental + extension in any one or two instances (as in Madeira) than in other cases, + I should feel no difficulty whatever. But if on account of European + plants, and littoral sea shells, it is thought necessary to join Madeira + to the mainland, Hooker is quite right to join New Holland to New Zealand, + and Auckland Island (and Raoul Island to N.E.), and these to S. America + and the Falklands, and these to Tristan d'Acunha, and these to Kerguelen + Land; thus making, either strictly at the same time, or at different + periods, but all within the life of recent beings, an almost circumpolar + belt of land. So again Galapagos and Juan Fernandez must be joined to + America; and if we trust to littoral see shells, the Galapagos must have + been joined to the Pacific Islands (2400 miles distant) as well as to + America, and as Woodward seems to think all the islands in the Pacific + into a magnificent continent; also the islands in the Southern Indian + Ocean into another continent, with Madagascar and Africa, and perhaps + India. In the North Atlantic, Europe will stretch half-way across the + ocean to the Azores, and further north right across. In short, we must + suppose probably, half the present ocean was land within the period of + living organisms. The Globe within this period must have had a quite + different aspect. Now the only way to test this, that I can see, is to + consider whether the continents have undergone within this same period + such wonderful permutations. In all North and South and Central America, + we have both recent and miocene (or eocene) shells, quite distinct on the + opposite sides, and hence I cannot doubt that FUNDAMENTALLY America has + held its place since at least, the miocene period. In Africa almost all + the living shells are distinct on the opposite sides of the inter-tropical + regions, short as the distance is compared to the range of marine + mollusca, in uninterrupted seas; hence I infer that Africa has existed + since our present species were created. Even the isthmus of Suez and the + Aralo-Caspian basin have had a great antiquity. So I imagine, from the + tertiary deposits, has India. In Australia the great fauna of extinct + marsupials shows that before the present mammals appeared, Australia was a + separate continent. I do not for one second doubt that very large portions + of all these continents have undergone GREAT changes of level within this + period, but yet I conclude that fundamentally they stood as barriers in + the sea, where they now stand; and therefore I should require the + weightiest evidence to make me believe in such immense changes within the + period of living organisms in our oceans, where, moreover, from the great + depths, the changes must have been vaster in a vertical sense. + </p> + <p> + SECONDLY. + </p> + <p> + Submerge our present continents, leaving a few mountain peaks as islands, + and what will the character of the islands be,—Consider that the + Pyrenees, Sierra Nevada, Apennines, Alps, Carpathians, are non-volcanic, + Etna and Caucasus, volcanic. In Asia, Altai and Himalaya, I believe + non-volcanic. In North Africa the non-volcanic, as I imagine, Alps of + Abyssinia and of the Atlas. In South Africa, the Snow Mountains. In + Australia, the non-volcanic Alps. In North America, the White Mountains, + Alleghanies and Rocky Mountains—some of the latter alone, I believe, + volcanic. In South America to the east, the non-volcanic [Silla?] of + Caracas, and Itacolumi of Brazil, further south the Sierra Ventanas, and + in the Cordilleras, many volcanic but not all. Now compare these peaks + with the oceanic islands; as far as known all are volcanic, except St. + Paul's (a strange bedevilled rock), and the Seychelles, if this latter can + be called oceanic, in the line of Madagascar; the Falklands, only 500 + miles off, are only a shallow bank; New Caledonia, hardly oceanic, is + another exception. This argument has to me great weight. Compare on a + Geographical map, islands which, we have SEVERAL reasons to suppose, were + connected with mainland, as Sardinia, and how different it appears. + Believing, as I am inclined, that continents as continents, and oceans as + oceans, are of immense antiquity—I should say that if any of the + existing oceanic islands have any relation of any kind to continents, they + are forming continents; and that by the time they could form a continent, + the volcanoes would be denuded to their cores, leaving peaks of syenite, + diorite, or porphyry. But have we nowhere any last wreck of a continent, + in the midst of the ocean? St. Paul's Rock, and such old battered volcanic + islands, as St. Helena, may be; but I think we can see some reason why we + should have less evidence of sinking than of rising continents (if my view + in my Coral volume has any truth in it, viz.: that volcanic outbursts + accompany rising areas), for during subsidence there will be no + compensating agent at work, in rising areas there will be the ADDITIONAL + element of outpoured volcanic matter. + </p> + <p> + THIRDLY. + </p> + <p> + Considering the depth of the ocean, I was, before I got your letter, + inclined vehemently to dispute the vast amount of subsidence, but I must + strike my colours. With respect to coral reefs, I carefully guarded + against its being supposed that a continent was indicated by the groups of + atolls. It is difficult to guess, as it seems to me, the amount of + subsidence indicated by coral reefs; but in such large areas as the Lowe + Archipelago, the Marshall Archipelago, and Laccadive group, it would, + judging, from the heights of existing oceanic archipelagoes, be odd, if + some peaks of from 8000 to 10,000 feet had not been buried. Even after + your letter a suspicion crossed me whether it would be fair to argue from + subsidences in the middle of the greatest oceans to continents; but + refreshing my memory by talking with Ramsay in regard to the probable + thickness in one vertical line of the Silurian and carboniferous + formation, it seems there must have been AT LEAST 10,000 feet of + subsidence during these formations in Europe and North America, and + therefore during the continuance of nearly the same set of organic beings. + But even 12,000 feet would not be enough for the Azores, or for Hooker's + continent; I believe Hooker does not infer a continuous continent, but + approximate groups of islands, with, if we may judge from existing + continents, not PROFOUNDLY deep sea between them; but the argument from + the volcanic nature of nearly every existing oceanic island tell against + such supposed groups of islands,—for I presume he does not suppose a + mere chain of volcanic islands belting the southern hemisphere. + </p> + <p> + FOURTHLY. + </p> + <p> + The supposed continental extensions do not seem to me, perfectly to + account for all the phenomena of distribution on islands; as the absence + of mammals and Batrachians; the absence of certain great groups of insects + on Madeira, and of Acaciae and Banksias, etc., in New Zealand; the paucity + of plants in some cases, etc. Not that those who believe in various + accidental means of dispersal, can explain most of these cases; but they + may at least say that these facts seem hardly compatible with former + continuous land. + </p> + <p> + FINALLY. + </p> + <p> + For these several reasons, and especially considering it certain (in which + you will agree) that we are extremely ignorant of means of dispersal, I + cannot avoid thinking that Forbes' 'Atlantis,' was an ill-service to + science, as checking a close study of means of dissemination. I shall be + really grateful to hear, as briefly as you like, whether these arguments + have any weight with you, putting yourself in the position of an honest + judge. I told Hooker that I was going to write to you on this subject; and + I should like him to read this; but whether he or you will think it worth + time and postage remains to be proved. + </p> + <p> + Yours most truly, CHARLES DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + [On July 8th he wrote to Sir Charles Lyell. + </p> + <p> + "I am sorry you cannot give any verdict on Continental extensions; and I + infer that you think my argument of not much weight against such + extensions. I know I wish I could believe so."] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO ASA GRAY. Down, July 20th [1856]. + </p> + <p> + ...It is not a little egotistical, but I should like to tell you (and I do + not THINK I have) how I view my work. Nineteen years (!) ago it occurred + to me that whilst otherwise employed on Natural History, I might perhaps + do good if I noted any sort of facts bearing on the question of the origin + of species, and this I have since been doing. Either species have been + independently created, or they have descended from other species, like + varieties from one species. I think it can be shown to be probable that + man gets his most distinct varieties by preserving such as arise best + worth keeping and destroying the others, but I should fill a quire if I + were to go on. To be brief, I ASSUME that species arise like our domestic + varieties with MUCH extinction; and then test this hypothesis by + comparison with as many general and pretty well-established propositions + as I can find made out,—in geographical distribution, geological + history, affinities, etc., etc. And it seems to me that, SUPPOSING that + such hypothesis were to explain such general propositions, we ought, in + accordance with the common way of following all sciences, to admit it till + some better hypothesis be found out. For to my mind to say that species + were created so and so is no scientific explanation, only a reverent way + of saying it is so and so. But it is nonsensical trying to show how I try + to proceed in the compass of a note. But as an honest man, I must tell you + that I have come to the heterodox conclusion that there are no such things + as independently created species—that species are only strongly + defined varieties. I know that this will make you despise me. I do not + much underrate the many HUGE difficulties on this view, but yet it seems + to me to explain too much, otherwise inexplicable, to be false. Just to + allude to one point in your last note, viz., about species of the same + genus GENERALLY having a common or continuous area; if they are actual + lineal descendants of one species, this of course would be the case; and + the sadly too many exceptions (for me) have to be explained by climatal + and geological changes. A fortiori on this view (but on exactly same + grounds), all the individuals of the same species should have a continuous + distribution. On this latter branch of the subject I have put a chapter + together, and Hooker kindly read it over. I thought the exceptions and + difficulties were so great that on the whole the balance weighed against + my notions, but I was much pleased to find that it seemed to have + considerable weight with Hooker, who said he had never been so much + staggered about the permanence of species. + </p> + <p> + I must say one word more in justification (for I feel sure that your + tendency will be to despise me and my crotchets), that all my notions + about HOW species change are derived from long continued study of the + works of (and converse with) agriculturists and horticulturists; and I + believe I see my way pretty clearly on the means used by nature to change + her species and ADAPT them to the wondrous and exquisitely beautiful + contingencies to which every living being is exposed... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, July 30th 1856. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + Your letter is of MUCH value to me. I was not able to get a definite + answer from Lyell (On the continental extensions of Forbes and others.), + as you will see in the enclosed letters, though I inferred that he thought + nothing of my arguments. Had it not been for this correspondence, I should + have written sadly too strongly. You may rely on it I shall put my doubts + moderately. There never was such a predicament as mine: here you + continental extensionists would remove enormous difficulties opposed to + me, and yet I cannot honestly admit the doctrine, and must therefore say + so. I cannot get over the fact that not a fragment of secondary or + palaeozoic rock has been found on any island above 500 or 600 miles from a + mainland. You rather misunderstand me when you think I doubt the + POSSIBILITY of subsidence of 20,000 or 30,000 feet; it is only + probability, considering such evidence as we have independently of + distribution. I have not yet worked out in full detail the distribution of + mammalia, both IDENTICAL and allied, with respect to the ONE ELEMENT OF + DEPTH OF THE SEA; but as far as I have gone, the results are to me + surprisingly accordant with my very most troublesome belief in not such + great geographical changes as you believe; and in mammalia we certainly + know more of MEANS of distribution than in any other class. Nothing is so + vexatious to me, as so constantly finding myself drawing different + conclusions from better judges than myself, from the same facts. + </p> + <p> + I fancy I have lately removed many (not geographical) great difficulties + opposed to my notions, but God knows it may be all hallucination. + </p> + <p> + Please return Lyell's letters. + </p> + <p> + What a capital letter of Lyell's that to you is, and what a wonderful man + he is. I differ from him greatly in thinking that those who believe that + species are NOT fixed will multiply specific names: I know in my own case + my most frequent source of doubt was whether others would not think this + or that was a God-created Barnacle, and surely deserved a name. Otherwise + I should only have thought whether the amount of difference and permanence + was sufficient to justify a name: I am, also, surprised at his thinking it + immaterial whether species are absolute or not: whenever it is proved that + all species are produced by generation, by laws of change, what good + evidence we shall have of the gaps in formations. And what a science + Natural History will be, when we are in our graves, when all the laws of + change are thought one of the most important parts of Natural History. + </p> + <p> + I cannot conceive why Lyell thinks such notions as mine or of 'Vestiges,' + will invalidate specific centres. But I must not run on and take up your + time. My MS. will not, I fear, be copied before you go abroad. With hearty + thanks. + </p> + <p> + Ever yours, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + P.S.—After giving much condensed, my argument versus continental + extensions, I shall append some such sentence, as that two better judges + than myself have considered these arguments, and attach no weight to them. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, August 5th [1856]. + </p> + <p> + ...I quite agree about Lyell's letters to me, which, though to me + interesting, have afforded me no new light. Your letters, under the + GEOLOGICAL point of view, have been more valuable to me. You cannot + imagine how earnestly I wish I could swallow continental extension, but I + cannot; the more I think (and I cannot get the subject out of my head), + the more difficult I find it. If there were only some half-dozen cases, I + should not feel the least difficulty; but the generality of the facts of + all islands (except one or two) having a considerable part of their + productions in common with one or more mainlands utterly staggers me. What + a wonderful case of the Epacridae! It is most vexatious, also humiliating, + to me that I cannot follow and subscribe to the way in which you + strikingly put your view of the case. I look at your facts (about + Eucalyptus, etc.) as DAMNING against continental extension, and if you + like also damning against migration, or at least of ENORMOUS difficulty. I + see the ground of our difference (in a letter I must put myself on an + equality in arguing) lies, in my opinion, that scarcely anything is known + of means of distribution. I quite agree with A. De Candolle's (and I dare + say your) opinion that it is poor work putting together the merely + POSSIBLE means of distribution; but I see no other way in which the + subject can be attacked, for I think that A. De Candolle's argument, that + no plants have been introduced into England except by man's agency, [is] + of no weight. I cannot but think that the theory of continental extension + does do some little harm as stopping investigation of the means of + dispersal, which, whether NEGATIVE or positive, seems to me of value; when + negatived, then every one who believes in single centres will have to + admit continental extensions. + </p> + <p> + ...I see from your remarks that you do not understand my notions (whether + or no worth anything) about modification; I attribute very little to the + direct action of climate, etc. I suppose, in regard to specific centres, + we are at cross purposes; I should call the kitchen garden in which the + red cabbage was produced, or the farm in which Bakewell made the Shorthorn + cattle, the specific centre of these SPECIES! And surely this is + centralisation enough! + </p> + <p> + I thank you most sincerely for all your assistance; and whether or no my + book may be wretched, you have done your best to make it less wretched. + Sometimes I am in very good spirits and sometimes very low about it. My + own mind is decided on the question of the origin of species; but, good + heavens, how little that is worth!... + </p> + <p> + [With regard to "specific centres," a passage from a letter dated July 25, + 1856, by Sir Charles Lyell to Sir J.D. Hooker ('Life' ii. page 216) is of + interest: + </p> + <p> + "I fear much that if Darwin argues that species are phantoms, he will also + have to admit that single centres of dispersion are phantoms also, and + that would deprive me of much of the value which I ascribe to the present + provinces of animals and plants, as illustrating modern and tertiary + changes in physical geography." + </p> + <p> + He seems to have recognised, however, that the phantom doctrine would soon + have to be faced, for he wrote in the same letter: "Whether Darwin + persuades you and me to renounce our faith in species (when geological + epochs are considered) or not, I foresee that many will go over to the + indefinite modifiability doctrine." + </p> + <p> + In the autumn my father was still working at geographical distribution, + and again sought the aid of Sir J.D. Hooker. + </p> + <p> + A LETTER TO SIR J.D. HOOKER [September, 1856]. + </p> + <p> + "In the course of some weeks, you unfortunate wretch, you will have my MS. + on one point of Geographical Distribution. I will however, never ask such + a favour again; but in regard to this one piece of MS., it is of infinite + importance to me for you to see it; for never in my life have I felt such + difficulty what to do, and I heartily wish I could slur the whole subject + over." + </p> + <p> + In a letter to Sir J.D. Hooker (June, 1856), the following characteristic + passage occurs, suggested, no doubt, by the kind of work which his chapter + on Geographical Distribution entailed: + </p> + <p> + "There is wonderful ill logic in his [E. Forbes'] famous and admirable + memoir on distribution, as it appears to me, now that I have got it up so + as to give the heads in a page. Depend on it, my saying is a true one, + viz., that a compiler is a GREAT man, and an original man a commonplace + man. Any fool can generalise and speculate; but, oh, my heavens! To get up + AT SECOND HAND a New Zealand Flora, that is work." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO W.D. FOX. October 3 [1856]. + </p> + <p> + ...I remember you protested against Lyell's advice of writing a SKETCH of + my species doctrines. Well, when I began I found it such unsatisfactory + work that I have desisted, and am now drawing up my work as perfect as my + materials of nineteen years' collecting suffice, but do not intend to stop + to perfect any line of investigation beyond current work. Thus far and no + farther I shall follow Lyell's urgent advice. Your remarks weighed with me + considerably. I find to my sorrow it will run to quite a big book. I have + found my careful work at pigeons really invaluable, as enlightening me on + many points on variation under domestication. The copious old literature, + by which I can trace the gradual changes in the breeds of pigeons has been + extraordinarily useful to me. I have just had pigeons and fowls ALIVE from + the Gambia! Rabbits and ducks I am attending to pretty carefully, but less + so than pigeons. I find most remarkable differences in the skeletons of + rabbits. Have you ever kept any odd breeds of rabbits, and can you give me + any details? One other question: You used to keep hawks; do you at all + know, after eating a bird, how soon after they throw up the pellet? + </p> + <p> + No subject gives me so much trouble and doubt and difficulty as the means + of dispersal of the same species of terrestrial productions on the oceanic + islands. Land mollusca drive me mad, and I cannot anyhow get their eggs to + experimentise their power of floating and resistance to the injurious + action of salt water. I will not apologise for writing so much about my + own doings, as I believe you will like to hear. Do sometime, I beg you, + let me hear how you get on in health; and IF SO INCLINED, let me have some + words on call-ducks. + </p> + <p> + My dear Fox, yours affectionately, CH. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + [With regard to his book he wrote (November 10th) to Sir Charles Lyell]: + </p> + <p> + "I am working very steadily at my big book; I have found it quite + impossible to publish any preliminary essay or sketch; but am doing my + work as completely as my present materials allow without waiting to + perfect them. And this much acceleration I owe to you."] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, Sunday [October 1856]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + The seeds are come all safe, many thanks for them. I was very sorry to run + away so soon and miss any part of my MOST pleasant evening; and I ran away + like a Goth and Vandal without wishing Mrs. Hooker good-bye; but I was + only just in time, as I got on the platform the train had arrived. + </p> + <p> + I was particularly glad of our discussion after dinner, fighting a battle + with you always clears my mind wonderfully. I groan to hear that A. Gray + agrees with you about the condition of Botanical Geography. All I know is + that if you had had to search for light in Zoological Geography you would + by contrast, respect your own subject a vast deal more than you now do. + The hawks have behaved like gentlemen, and have cast up pellets with lots + of seeds in them; and I have just had a parcel of partridge's feet well + caked with mud!!! (The mud in such cases often contains seeds, so that + plants are thus transported.) Adios. + </p> + <p> + Your insane and perverse friend, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, November 4th [1856]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + I thank you more CORDIALLY than you will think probable, for your note. + Your verdict (On the MS. relating to geographical distribution.) has been + a great relief. On my honour I had no idea whether or not you would say it + was (and I knew you would say it very kindly) so bad, that you would have + begged me to have burnt the whole. To my own mind my MS. relieved me of + some few difficulties, and the difficulties seemed to me pretty fairly + stated, but I had become so bewildered with conflicting facts, evidence, + reasoning and opinions, that I felt to myself that I had lost all + judgment. Your general verdict is INCOMPARABLY more favourable than I had + anticipated... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, November 23rd [1856]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + I fear I shall weary you with letters, but do not answer this, for in + truth and without flattery, I so value your letters, that after a heavy + batch, as of late, I feel that I have been extravagant and have drawn too + much money, and shall therefore have to stint myself on another occasion. + </p> + <p> + When I sent my MS. I felt strongly that some preliminary questions on the + causes of variation ought to have been sent you. Whether I am right or + wrong in these points is quite a separate question, but the conclusion + which I have come to, quite independently of geographical distribution, is + that external conditions (to which naturalists so often appeal) do by + themselves VERY LITTLE. How much they do is the point of all others on + which I feel myself very weak. I judge from the facts of variation under + domestication, and I may yet get more light. But at present, after drawing + up a rough copy on this subject, my conclusion is that external conditions + do EXTREMELY little, except in causing mere variability. This mere + variability (causing the child NOT closely to resemble its parent) I look + at as VERY different from the formation of a marked variety or new + species. (No doubt the variability is governed by laws, some of which I am + endeavouring very obscurely to trace.) The formation of a strong variety + or species I look a as almost wholly due to the selection of what may be + incorrectly called CHANCE variations or variability. This power of + selection stands in the most direct relation to time, and in the state of + nature can be only excessively slow. Again, the slight differences + selected, by which a race or species is at last formed, stands, as I think + can be shown (even with plants, and obviously with animals), in a far more + important relation to its associates than to external conditions. + Therefore, according to my principles, whether right or wrong, I cannot + agree with your proposition that time, and altered conditions, and altered + associates, are 'convertible terms.' I look at the first and the last as + FAR more important: time being important only so far as giving scope to + selection. God knows whether you will perceive at what I am driving. I + shall have to discuss and think more about your difficulty of the + temperate and sub-arctic forms in the S. hemisphere than I have yet done. + But I am inclined to think that I am right (if my general principles are + right), that there would be little tendency to the formation of a new + species, during the period of migration, whether shorter or longer, though + considerable variability may have supervened... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. December 24th [1856]. + </p> + <p> + ...How I do wish I lived near you to discuss matters with. I have just + been comparing definitions of species, and stating briefly how systematic + naturalists work out their subjects. Aquilegia in the Flora Indica was a + capital example for me. It is really laughable to see what different ideas + are prominent in various naturalists' minds, when they speak of "species;" + in some, resemblance is everything and descent of little weight—in + some, resemblance seems to go for nothing, and Creation the reigning idea—in + some, descent is the key,—in some, sterility an unfailing test, with + others it is not worth a farthing. It all comes, I believe, from trying to + define the undefinable. I suppose you have lost the odd black seed from + the birds' dung, which germinated,—anyhow, it is not worth taking + trouble over. I have now got about a dozen seeds out of small birds' dung. + Adios, + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, ever yours, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO ASA GRAY. Down, January 1st [1857?]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Dr Gray, + </p> + <p> + I have received the second part of your paper ('Statistics of the Flora of + the Northern United States.' "Silliman's Journal", 1857.), and though I + have nothing particular to say, I must send you my thanks and hearty + admiration. The whole paper strikes me as quite exhausting the subject, + and I quite fancy and flatter myself I now appreciate the character of + your Flora. What a difference in regard to Europe your remark in relation + to the genera makes! I have been eminently glad to see your conclusion in + regard to the species of large genera widely ranging; it is in strict + conformity with the results I have worked out in several ways. It is of + great importance to my notions. By the way you have paid me a GREAT + compliment ("From some investigations of his own, this sagacious + naturalist inclines to think that [the species of] large genera range over + a larger area than the species of small genera do."—Asa Gray, loc. + cit.): to be SIMPLY mentioned even in such a paper I consider a very great + honour. One of your conclusions makes me groan, viz., that the line of + connection of the strictly alpine plants is through Greenland. I should + EXTREMELY like to see your reasons published in detail, for it "riles" me + (this is a proper expression, is it not?) dreadfully. Lyell told me, that + Agassiz having a theory about when Saurians were first created, on hearing + some careful observations opposed to this, said he did not believe it, + "for Nature never lied." I am just in this predicament, and repeat to you + that, "Nature never lies," ergo, theorisers are always right... + </p> + <p> + Overworked as you are, I dare say you will say that I am an odious plague; + but here is another suggestion! I was led by one of my wild speculations + to conclude (though it has nothing to do with geographical distribution, + yet it has with your statistics) that trees would have a strong tendency + to have flowers with dioecious, monoecious or polygamous structure. Seeing + that this seemed so in Persoon, I took one little British Flora, and + discriminating trees from bushes according to Loudon, I have found that + the result was in species, genera and families, as I anticipated. So I + sent my notions to Hooker to ask him to tabulate the New Zealand Flora for + this end, and he thought my result sufficiently curious, to do so; and the + accordance with Britain is very striking, and the more so, as he made + three classes of trees, bushes, and herbaceous plants. (He says further he + shall work the Tasmanian Flora on the same principle.) The bushes hold an + intermediate position between the other two classes. It seems to me a + curious relation in itself, and is very much so, if my theory and + explanation are correct. (See 'Origin,' Edition i., page 100.) + </p> + <p> + With hearty thanks, your most troublesome friend, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, April 12th [1857]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + Your letter has pleased me much, for I never can get it out of my head, + that I take unfair advantage of your kindness, as I receive all and give + nothing. What a splendid discussion you could write on the whole subject + of variation! The cases discussed in your last note are valuable to me + (though odious and damnable), as showing how profoundly ignorant we are on + the causes of variation. I shall just allude to these cases, as a sort of + sub-division of polymorphism a little more definite, I fancy, than the + variation of, for instance, the Rubi, and equally or more perplexing. + </p> + <p> + I have just been putting my notes together on variations APPARENTLY due to + the immediate and direct action of external causes; and I have been struck + with one result. The most firm sticklers for independent creation admit, + that the fur of the SAME species is thinner towards the south of the range + of the same species than to the north—that the SAME shells are + brighter-coloured to the south than north; that the same [shell] is + paler-coloured in deep water—that insects are smaller and darker on + mountains—more livid and testaceous near sea—that plants are + smaller and more hairy and with brighter flowers on mountains: now in all + such, and other cases, distinct species in the two zones follow the same + rule, which seems to me to be most simply explained by species, being only + strongly marked varieties, and therefore following the same laws as + recognised and admitted varieties. I mention all this on account of the + variation of plants in ascending mountains; I have quoted the foregoing + remark only generally with no examples, for I add, there is so much doubt + and dispute what to call varieties; but yet I have stumbled on so many + casual remarks on VARIETIES of plants on mountains being so characterised, + that I presume there is some truth in it. What think you? Do you believe + there is ANY tendency in VARIETIES, as GENERALLY so-called, of plants to + become more hairy and with proportionally larger and brighter-coloured + flowers in ascending a mountain? + </p> + <p> + I have been interested in my "weed garden," of 3 x 2 feet square: I mark + each seedling as it appears, and I am astonished at the number that come + up, and still more at the number killed by slugs, etc. Already 59 have + been so killed; I expected a good many, but I had fancied that this was a + less potent check than it seems to be, and I attributed almost exclusively + to mere choking, the destruction of the seedlings. Grass-seedlings seem to + suffer much less than exogens... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Moor Park, Farnham [April (?) + 1857]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + Your letter has been forwarded to me here, where I am undergoing + hydropathy for a fortnight, having been here a week, and having already + received an amount of good which is quite incredible to myself and quite + unaccountable. I can walk and eat like a hearty Christian, and even my + nights are good. I cannot in the least understand how hydropathy can act + as it certainly does on me. It dulls one's brain splendidly; I have not + thought about a single species of any kind since leaving home. Your note + has taken me aback; I thought the hairiness, etc., of Alpine SPECIES was + generally admitted; I am sure I have seen it alluded to a score of times. + Falconer was haranguing on it the other day to me. Meyen or Gay, or some + such fellow (whom you would despise), I remember, makes some remark on + Chilian Cordillera plants. Wimmer has written a little book on the same + lines, and on VARIETIES being so characterised in the Alps. But after + writing to you, I confess I was staggered by finding one man + (Moquin-Tandon, I think) saying that Alpine flowers are strongly inclined + to be white, and Linnaeus saying that cold makes plants APETALOUS, even + the same species! Are Arctic plants often apetalous? My general belief + from my compiling work is quite to agree with what you say about the + little direct influence of climate; and I have just alluded to the + hairiness of Alpine plants as an EXCEPTION. The odoriferousness would be a + good case for me if I knew of VARIETIES being more odoriferous in dry + habitats. + </p> + <p> + I fear that I have looked at the hairiness of Alpine plants as so + generally acknowledged that I have not marked passages, so as at all to + see what kind of evidence authors advance. I must confess, the other day, + when I asked Falconer, whether he knew of INDIVIDUAL plants losing or + acquiring hairiness when transported, he did not. But now THIS SECOND, my + memory flashes on me, and I am certain I have somewhere got marked a case + of hairy plants from the Pyrenees losing hairs when cultivated at + Montpellier. Shall you think me very impudent if I tell you that I have + sometimes thought that (quite independently of the present case), you are + a little too hard on bad observers; that a remark made by a bad observer + CANNOT be right; an observer who deserves to be damned you would utterly + damn. I feel entire deference to any remark you make out of your own head; + but when in opposition to some poor devil, I somehow involuntarily feel + not quite so much, but yet much deference for your opinion. I do not know + in the least whether there is any truth in this my criticism against you, + but I have often thought I would tell you it. + </p> + <p> + I am really very much obliged for your letter, for, though I intended to + put only one sentence and that vaguely, I should probably have put that + much too strongly. + </p> + <p> + Ever, my dear Hooker, yours most truly, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + P.S. This note, as you see, has not anything requiring an answer. + </p> + <p> + The distribution of fresh-water molluscs has been a horrid incubus to me, + but I think I know my way now; when first hatched they are very active, + and I have had thirty or forty crawl on a dead duck's foot; and they + cannot be jerked off, and will live fifteen and even twenty-four hours out + of water. + </p> + <p> + [The following letter refers to the expedition of the Austrian frigate + "Novara"; Lyell had asked my father for suggestions.] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO C. LYELL. Down, February 11th [1857]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Lyell, + </p> + <p> + I was glad to see in the newspapers about the Austrian Expedition. I have + nothing to add geologically to my notes in the Manual. (The article + "Geology" in the Admiralty Manual of Scientific Enquiry.) I do not know + whether the Expedition is tied down to call at only fixed spots. But if + there be any choice or power in the scientific men to influence the places—this + would be most desirable. It is my most deliberate conviction that nothing + would aid more, Natural History, than careful collecting and investigating + ALL THE PRODUCTIONS of the most isolated islands, especially of the + southern hemisphere. Except Tristan d'Acunha and Kerguelen Land, they are + very imperfectly known; and even at Kerguelen Land, how much there is to + make out about the lignite beds, and whether there are signs of old + Glacial action. Every sea shell and insect and plant is of value from such + spots. Some one in the Expedition especially ought to have Hooker's New + Zealand Essay. What grand work to explore Rodriguez, with its fossil + birds, and little known productions of every kind. Again the Seychelles, + which, with the Cocos so near, must be a remnant of some older land. The + outer island of Juan Fernandez is little known. The investigation of these + little spots by a band of naturalists would be grand; St. Paul's and + Amsterdam would be glorious, botanically, and geologically. Can you not + recommend them to get my 'Journal' and 'Volcanic Islands' on account of + the Galapagos. If they come from the north it will be a shame and a sin if + they do not call at Cocos Islet, one of the Galapagos. I always regretted + that I was not able to examine the great craters on Albemarle Island, one + of the Galapagos. In New Zealand urge on them to look out for erratic + boulders and marks of old glaciers. + </p> + <p> + Urge the use of the dredge in the Tropics; how little or nothing we know + of the limit of life downward in the hot seas? + </p> + <p> + My present work leads me to perceive how much the domestic animals have + been neglected in out of the way countries. + </p> + <p> + The Revillagigedo Island off Mexico, I believe, has never been trodden by + foot of naturalist. + </p> + <p> + If the expedition sticks to such places as Rio, Cape of Good Hope, Ceylon + and Australia, etc., it will not do much. + </p> + <p> + Ever yours most truly, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + [The following passage occurs in a letter to Mr. Fox, February 22, 1857, + and has reference to the book on Evolution on which he was still at work. + The remainder of the letter is made up in details of no interest: + </p> + <p> + "I am got most deeply interested in my subject; though I wish I could set + less value on the bauble fame, either present or posthumous, than I do, + but not I think, to any extreme degree: yet, if I know myself, I would + work just as hard, though with less gusto, if I knew that my book would be + published for ever anonymously."] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO A.R. WALLACE. Moor Park, May 1st, 1857. + </p> + <p> + My dear Sir, + </p> + <p> + I am much obliged for your letter of October 10th, from Celebes, received + a few days ago; in a laborious undertaking, sympathy is a valuable and + real encouragement. By your letter and even still more by your paper ('On + the law that has regulated the introduction of new species.'—Ann. + Nat. Hist., 1855.) in the Annals, a year or more ago, I can plainly see + that we have thought much alike and to a certain extent have come to + similar conclusions. In regard to the Paper in the Annals, I agree to the + truth of almost every word of your paper; and I dare say that you will + agree with me that it is very rare to find oneself agreeing pretty closely + with any theoretical paper; for it is lamentable how each man draws his + own different conclusions from the very same facts. This summer will make + the 20th year (!) since I opened my first note-book, on the question how + and in what way do species and varieties differ from each other. I am now + preparing my work for publication, but I find the subject so very large, + that though I have written many chapters, I do not suppose I shall go to + press for two years. I have never heard how long you intend staying in the + Malay Archipelago; I wish I might profit by the publication of your + Travels there before my work appears, for no doubt you will reap a large + harvest of facts. I have acted already in accordance with your advice of + keeping domestic varieties, and those appearing in a state of nature, + distinct; but I have sometimes doubted of the wisdom of this, and + therefore I am glad to be backed by your opinion. I must confess, however, + I rather doubt the truth of the now very prevalent doctrine of all our + domestic animals having descended from several wild stocks; though I do + not doubt that it is so in some cases. I think there is rather better + evidence on the sterility of hybrid animals than you seem to admit: and in + regard to plants the collection of carefully recorded facts by Kolreuter + and Gaertner (and Herbert,) is ENORMOUS. I most entirely agree with you on + the little effects of "climatal conditions," which one sees referred to ad + nauseam in all books: I suppose some very little effect must be attributed + to such influences, but I fully believe that they are very slight. It is + really IMPOSSIBLE to explain my views (in the compass of a letter), on the + causes and means of variation in a state of nature; but I have slowly + adopted a distinct and tangible idea,—whether true or false others + must judge; for the firmest conviction of the truth of a doctrine by its + author, seems, alas, not to be the slightest guarantee of truth!... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Moor Park, Saturday [May 2nd, + 1857]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + You have shaved the hair off the Alpine plants pretty effectually. The + case of the Anthyllis will make a "tie" with the believed case of Pyrenees + plants becoming glabrous at low levels. If I DO find that I have marked + such facts, I will lay the evidence before you. I wonder how the belief + could have originated! Was it through final causes to keep the plants + warm? Falconer in talk coupled the two facts of woolly Alpine plants and + mammals. How candidly and meekly you took my Jeremiad on your severity to + second-class men. After I had sent it off, an ugly little voice asked me, + once or twice, how much of my noble defence of the poor in spirit and in + fact, was owing to your having not seldom smashed favourite notions of my + own. I silenced the ugly little voice with contempt, but it would whisper + again and again. I sometimes despise myself as a poor compiler as heartily + as you could do, though I do NOT despise my whole work, as I think there + is enough known to lay a foundation for the discussion on the origin of + species. I have been led to despise and laugh at myself as a compiler, for + having put down that "Alpine plants have large flowers," and now perhaps I + may write over these very words, "Alpine plants have small or apetalous + flowers!"... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, [May] 16th [1857]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + You said—I hope honestly—that you did not dislike my asking + questions on general points, you of course answering or not as time or + inclination might serve. I find in the animal kingdom that the proposition + that any part or organ developed normally (i.e., not a monstrosity) in a + species in any HIGH or UNUSUAL degree, compared with the same part or + organ in allied species, tends to be HIGHLY VARIABLE. I cannot doubt this + from my mass of collected facts. To give an instance, the Cross-bill is + very abnormal in the structure of its bill compared with other allied + Fringillidae, and the beak is EMINENTLY VARIABLE. The Himantopus, + remarkable from the wonderful length of its legs, is VERY variable in the + length of its legs. I could give MANY most striking and curious + illustrations in all classes; so many that I think it cannot be chance. + But I have NONE in the vegetable kingdom, owing, as I believe, to my + ignorance. If Nepenthes consisted of ONE or two species in a group with a + pitcher developed, then I should have expected it to have been very + variable; but I do not consider Nepenthes a case in point, for when a + whole genus or group has an organ, however anomalous, I do not expect it + to be variable,—it is only when one or few species differ greatly in + some one part or organ from the forms CLOSELY ALLIED to it in all other + respects, that I believe such part or organ to be highly variable. Will + you turn this in your mind? It is an important apparent LAW (!) for me. + </p> + <p> + Ever yours, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + P.S.—I do not know how far you will care to hear, but I find + Moquin-Tandon treats in his 'Teratologie' on villosity of plants, and + seems to attribute more to dryness than altitude; but seems to think that + it must be admitted that mountain plants are villose, and that this + villosity is only in part explained by De Candolle's remark that the + dwarfed condition of mountain plants would condense the hairs, and so give + them the APPEARANCE of being more hairy. He quotes Senebier, 'Physiologie + Vegetale,' as authority—I suppose the first authority, for mountain + plants being hairy. + </p> + <p> + If I could show positively that the endemic species were more hairy in dry + districts, then the case of the varieties becoming more hairy in dry + ground would be a fact for me. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, June 3rd [1857]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + I am going to enjoy myself by having a prose on my own subjects to you, + and this is a greater enjoyment to me than you will readily understand, as + I for months together do not open my mouth on Natural History. Your letter + is of great value to me, and staggers me in regard to my proposition. I + dare say the absence of botanical facts may in part be accounted for by + the difficulty of measuring slight variations. Indeed, after writing, this + occurred to me; for I have Crucianella stylosa coming into flower, and the + pistil ought to be very variable in length, and thinking of this I at once + felt how could one judge whether it was variable in any high degree. How + different, for instance, from the beak of a bird! But I am not satisfied + with this explanation, and am staggered. Yet I think there is something in + the law; I have had so many instances, as the following: I wrote to + Wollaston to ask him to run through the Madeira Beetles and tell me + whether any one presented anything very anomalous in relation to its + allies. He gave me a unique case of an enormous head in a female, and then + I found in his book, already stated, that the size of the head was + ASTONISHINGLY variable. Part of the difference with plants may be + accounted for by many of my cases being secondary male or FEMALE + characters, but then I have striking cases with hermaphrodite Cirripedes. + The cases seem to me far too numerous for accidental coincidences, of + great variability and abnormal development. I presume that you will not + object to my putting a note saying that you had reflected over the case, + and though one or two cases seemed to support, quite as many or more + seemed wholly contradictory. This want of evidence is the more surprising + to me, as generally I find any proposition more easily tested by + observations in botanical works, which I have picked up, than in + zoological works. I never dreamed that you had kept the subject at all + before your mind. Altogether the case is one more of my MANY horrid + puzzles. My observations, though on so infinitely a small scale, on the + struggle for existence, begin to make me see a little clearer how the + fight goes on. Out of sixteen kinds of seed sown on my meadow, fifteen + have germinated, but now they are perishing at such a rate that I doubt + whether more than one will flower. Here we have choking which has taken + place likewise on a great scale, with plants not seedlings, in a bit of my + lawn allowed to grow up. On the other hand, in a bit of ground, 2 by 3 + feet, I have daily marked each seedling weed as it has appeared during + March, April and May, and 357 have come up, and of these 277 have ALREADY + been killed chiefly by slugs. By the way, at Moor Park, I saw rather a + pretty case of the effects of animals on vegetation: there are enormous + commons with clumps of old Scotch firs on the hills, and about eight or + ten years ago some of these commons were enclosed, and all round the + clumps nice young trees are springing up by the million, looking exactly + as if planted, so many are of the same age. In other parts of the common, + not yet enclosed, I looked for miles and not ONE young tree could be seen. + I then went near (within quarter of a mile of the clumps) and looked + closely in the heather, and there I found tens of thousands of young + Scotch firs (thirty in one square yard) with their tops nibbled off by the + few cattle which occasionally roam over these wretched heaths. One little + tree, three inches high, by the rings appeared to be twenty-six years old, + with a short stem about as thick as a stick of sealing-wax. What a + wondrous problem it is, what a play of forces, determining the kind and + proportion of each plant in a square yard of turf! It is to my mind truly + wonderful. And yet we are pleased to wonder when some animal or plant + becomes extinct. + </p> + <p> + I am so sorry that you will not be at the Club. I see Mrs. Hooker is going + to Yarmouth; I trust that the health of your children is not the motive. + Good-bye. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, ever yours, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + P.S.—I believe you are afraid to send me a ripe Edwardsia pod, for + fear I should float it from New Zealand to Chile!!! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, June 5 [1857]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + I honour your conscientious care about the medals. (The Royal Society's + medals.) Thank God! I am only an amateur (but a much interested one) on + the subject. + </p> + <p> + It is an old notion of mine that more good is done by giving medals to + younger men in the early part of their career, than as a mere reward to + men whose scientific career is nearly finished. Whether medals ever do any + good is a question which does not concern us, as there the medals are. I + am almost inclined to think that I would rather lower the standard, and + give medals to young workers than to old ones with no ESPECIAL claims. + With regard to especial claims, I think it just deserving your attention, + that if general claims are once admitted, it opens the door to great + laxity in giving them. Think of the case of a very rich man, who aided + SOLELY with his money, but to a grand extent—or such an + inconceivable prodigy as a minister of the Crown who really cared for + science. Would you give such men medals? Perhaps medals could not be + better applied than EXCLUSIVELY to such men. I confess at present I + incline to stick to especial claims which can be put down on paper... + </p> + <p> + I am much confounded by your showing that there are not obvious instances + of my (or rather Waterhouse's) law of abnormal developments being highly + variable. I have been thinking more of your remark about the difficulty of + judging or comparing variability in plants from the great general + variability of parts. I should look at the law as more completely smashed + if you would turn in your mind for a little while for cases of great + variability of an organ, and tell me whether it is moderately easy to pick + out such cases; For IF THEY CAN BE PICKED OUT, and, notwithstanding, do + not coincide with great or abnormal development, it would be a complete + smasher. It is only beginning in your mind at the variability end of the + question instead of at the abnormality end. PERHAPS cases in which a part + is highly variable in all the species of a group should be excluded, as + possibly being something distinct, and connected with the perplexing + subject of polymorphism. Will you perfect your assistance by further + considering, for a little, the subject this way? + </p> + <p> + I have been so much interested this morning in comparing all my notes on + the variation of the several species of the genus Equus and the results of + their crossing. Taking most strictly analogous facts amongst the blessed + pigeons for my guide, I believe I can plainly see the colouring and marks + of the grandfather of the Ass, Horse, Quagga, Hemionus and Zebra, some + millions of generations ago! Should not I [have] sneer[ed] at any one who + made such a remark to me a few years ago; but my evidence seems to me so + good that I shall publish my vision at the end of my little discussion on + this genus. + </p> + <p> + I have of late inundated you with my notions, you best of friends and + philosophers. + </p> + <p> + Adios, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Moor Park, Farnham, June 25th + [1857]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + This requires no answer, but I will ask you whenever we meet. Look at + enclosed seedling gorses, especially one with the top knocked off. The + leaves succeeding the cotyledons being almost clover-like in shape, seems + to me feebly analogous to embryonic resemblances in young animals, as, for + instance, the young lion being striped. I shall ask you whether this is + so...(See 'Power of Movement in Plants,' page 414.) + </p> + <p> + Dr. Lane (The physician at Moor Park.) and wife, and mother-in-law, Lady + Drysdale, are some of the nicest people I ever met. + </p> + <p> + I return home on the 30th. Good-bye, my dear Hooker. + </p> + <p> + Ever yours, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + [Here follows a group of letters, of various dates, bearing on the + question of large genera varying.] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. March 11th [1858]. + </p> + <p> + I was led to all this work by a remark of Fries, that the species in large + genera were more closely related to each other than in small genera; and + if this were so, seeing that varieties and species are so hardly + distinguishable, I concluded that I should find more varieties in the + large genera than in the small...Some day I hope you will read my short + discussion on the whole subject. You have done me infinite service, + whatever opinion I come to, in drawing my attention to at least the + possibility or the probability of botanists recording more varieties in + the large than in the small genera. It will be hard work for me to be + candid in coming to my conclusion. + </p> + <p> + Ever yours, most truly, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + P.S.—I shall be several weeks at my present job. The work has been + turning out badly for me this morning, and I am sick at heart; and, oh! + how I do hate species and varieties. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. July 14th [1857?]. + </p> + <p> + ...I write now to supplicate most earnestly a favour, viz., the loan of + "Boreau, Flore du centre de la France", either 1st or 2nd edition, last + best; also "Flora Ratisbonensis," by Dr. Furnrohr, in 'Naturhist. + Topographie von Regensburg, 1839.' If you can POSSIBLY spare them, will + you send them at once to the enclosed address. If you have not them, will + you send one line by return of post: as I must try whether Kippist (The + late Mr. Kippist was at this time in charge of the Linnean Society's + Library.) can anyhow find them, which I fear will be nearly impossible in + the Linnean Library, in which I know they are. + </p> + <p> + I have been making some calculations about varieties, etc., and talking + yesterday with Lubbock, he has pointed out to me the grossest blunder + which I have made in principle, and which entails two or three weeks' lost + work; and I am at a dead-lock till I have these books to go over again, + and see what the result of calculation on the right principle is. I am the + most miserable, bemuddled, stupid dog in all England, and am ready to cry + with vexation at my blindness and presumption. + </p> + <p> + Ever yours, most miserably, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO JOHN LUBBOCK. Down, [July] 14th [1857]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Lubbock, + </p> + <p> + You have done me the greatest possible service in helping me to clarify my + brains. If I am as muzzy on all subjects as I am on proportion and chance,—what + a book I shall produce! + </p> + <p> + I have divided the New Zealand Flora as you suggested, there are 329 + species in genera of 4 and upwards, and 323 in genera of 3 and less. + </p> + <p> + The 339 species have 51 species presenting one or more varieties. The 323 + species have only 37. Proportionately (339: 323:: 51: 48.5) they ought to + have had 48 1/2 species presenting vars. So that the case goes as I want + it, but not strong enough, without it be general, for me to have much + confidence in. I am quite convinced yours is the right way; I had thought + of it, but should never have done it had it not been for my most fortunate + conversation with you. + </p> + <p> + Un quite shocked to find how easily I am muddled, for I had before thought + over the subject much, and concluded my way was fair. It is dreadfully + erroneous. + </p> + <p> + What a disgraceful blunder you have saved me from. I heartily thank you. + </p> + <p> + Ever yours, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + P.S.—It is enough to make me tear up all my MS. and give up in + despair. + </p> + <p> + It will take me several weeks to go over all my materials. But oh, if you + knew how thankful I am to you! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, August [1857]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + It is a horrid bore you cannot come soon, and I reproach myself that I did + not write sooner. How busy you must be! with such a heap of botanists at + Kew. Only think, I have just had a letter from Henslow, saying he will + come here between 11th and 15th! Is not that grand? Many thanks about + Furnrohr. I must humbly supplicate Kippist to search for it: he most + kindly got Boreau for me. + </p> + <p> + I am got extremely interested in tabulating, according to mere size of + genera, the species having any varieties marked by Greek letters or + otherwise: the result (as far as I have yet gone) seems to me one of the + most important arguments I have yet met with, that varieties are only + small species—or species only strongly marked varieties. The subject + is in many ways so very important for me; I wish much you would think of + any well-worked Floras with from 1000-2000 species, with the varieties + marked. It is good to have hair-splitters and lumpers. (Those who make + many species are the "splitters," and those who make few are the + "lumpers.") I have done, or am doing:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Babington....................... + Henslow......................... + British Flora. London Catalogue. H.C. Watson... + + Boreau.......................... France. + + Miquel.......................... Holland. + + Asa Gray........................ N.U. States. + + Hooker.......................... New Zealand. + Fragment of Indian Flora. + + Wollaston....................... Madeira insects. +</pre> + <p> + Has not Koch published a good German Flora? Does he mark varieties? Could + you send it me? Is there not some grand Russian Flora, which perhaps has + varieties marked? The Floras ought to be well known. + </p> + <p> + I am in no hurry for a few weeks. Will you turn this in your head when, if + ever, you have leisure? The subject is very important for my work, though + I clearly see MANY causes of error... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO ASA GRAY. Down, February 21st [1859]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Gray, + </p> + <p> + My last letter begged no favour, this one does: but it will really cost + you very little trouble to answer to me, and it will be of very GREAT + service to me, owing to a remark made to me by Hooker, which I cannot + credit, and which was suggested to him by one of my letters. He suggested + my asking you, and I told him I would not give the least hint what he + thought. I generally believe Hooker implicitly, but he is sometimes, I + think, and he confesses it, rather over critical, and his ingenuity in + discovering flaws seems to me admirable. Here is my question:—"Do + you think that good botanists in drawing up a local Flora, whether small + or large, or in making a Prodromus like De Candolle's, would almost + universally, but unintentionally and unconsciously, tend to record (i.e., + marking with Greek letters and giving short characters) varieties in the + large or in the small genera? Or would the tendency be to record the + varieties about equally in genera of all sizes? Are you yourself conscious + on reflection that you have attended to, and recorded more carefully the + varieties in large or small, or very small genera?" + </p> + <p> + I know what fleeting and trifling things varieties very often are; but my + query applies to such as have been thought worth marking and recording. If + you could screw time to send me ever so brief an answer to this, pretty + soon, it would be a great service to me. + </p> + <p> + Yours most truly obliged, CH. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + P.S.—Do you know whether any one has ever published any remarks on + the geographical range of varieties of plants in comparison with the + species to which they are supposed to belong? I have in vain tried to get + some vague idea, and with the exception of a little information on this + head given me by Mr. Watson in a paper on Land Shells in United States, I + have quite failed; but perhaps it would be difficult for you to give me + even a brief answer on this head, and if so I am not so unreasonable, I + ASSURE YOU, as to expect it. + </p> + <p> + If you are writing to England soon, you could enclose other letters [for] + me to forward. + </p> + <p> + Please observe the question is not whether there are more or fewer + varieties in larger or smaller genera, but whether there is a stronger or + weaker tendency in the minds of botanists to RECORD such in large or small + genera. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, May 6th [1858]. + </p> + <p> + ...I send by this post my MS. on the "commonness," "range," and + "variation" of species in large and small genera. You have undertaken a + horrid job in so very kindly offering to read it, and I thank you warmly. + I have just corrected the copy, and am disappointed in finding how tough + and obscure it is; I cannot make it clearer, and at present I loathe the + very sight of it. The style of course requires further correction, and if + published I must try, but as yet see not how, to make it clearer. + </p> + <p> + If you have much to say and can have patience to consider the whole + subject, I would meet you in London on the Phil. Club day, so as to save + you the trouble of writing. For Heaven's sake, you stern and awful judge + and sceptic, remember that my conclusions may be true, notwithstanding + that Botanists may have recorded more varieties in large than in small + genera. It seems to me a mere balancing of probabilities. Again I thank + you most sincerely, but I fear you will find it a horrid job. + </p> + <p> + Ever yours, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + P.S.—As usual, Hydropathy has made a man of me for a short time: I + hope the sea will do Mrs. Hooker much good. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO A.R. WALLACE. Down, December 22nd, 1857. + </p> + <p> + My dear Sir, + </p> + <p> + I thank you for your letter of September 27th. I am extremely glad to hear + how you are attending to distribution in accordance with theoretical + ideas. I am a firm believer that without speculation there is no good and + original observation. Few travellers have attended to such points as you + are now at work on; and, indeed, the whole subject of distribution of + animals is dreadfully behind that of plants. You say that you have been + somewhat surprised at no notice having been taken of your paper in the + Annals. ('On the law that has regulated the introduction of New Species.' + Ann. Nat. Hist., 1855.) I cannot say that I am, for so very few + naturalists care for anything beyond the mere description of species. But + you must not suppose that your paper has not been attended to: two very + good men, Sir C. Lyell, and Mr. E. Blyth at Calcutta, specially called my + attention to it. Though agreeing with you on your conclusions in that + paper, I believe I go much further than you; but it is too long a subject + to enter on my speculative notions. I have not yet seen your paper on the + distribution of animals in the Aru Islands. I shall read it with the + utmost interest; for I think that the most interesting quarter of the + whole globe in respect to distribution, and I have long been very + imperfectly trying to collect data for the Malay Archipelago. I shall be + quite prepared to subscribe to your doctrine of subsidence; indeed, from + the quite independent evidence of the Coral Reefs I coloured my original + map (in my Coral volume) of the Aru Islands as one of subsidence, but got + frightened and left it uncoloured. But I can see that you are inclined to + go much further than I am in regard to the former connection of oceanic + islands with continents. Ever since poor E. Forbes propounded this + doctrine it has been eagerly followed; and Hooker elaborately discusses + the former connection of all the Antarctic Islands and New Zealand and + South America. About a year ago I discussed this subject much with Lyell + and Hooker (for I shall have to treat of it), and wrote out my arguments + in opposition; but you will be glad to hear that neither Lyell nor Hooker + thought much of my arguments. Nevertheless, for once in my life, I dare + withstand the almost preternatural sagacity of Lyell. + </p> + <p> + You ask about land-shells on islands far distant from continents: Madeira + has a few identical with those of Europe, and here the evidence is really + good, as some of them are sub-fossil. In the Pacific Islands there are + cases of identity, which I cannot at present persuade myself to account + for by introduction through man's agency; although Dr. Aug. Gould has + conclusively shown that many land-shells have thus been distributed over + the Pacific by man's agency. These cases of introduction are most + plaguing. Have you not found it so in the Malay Archipelago? It has seemed + to me in the lists of mammals of Timor and other islands, that SEVERAL in + all probability have been naturalised... + </p> + <p> + You ask whether I shall discuss "man." I think I shall avoid the whole + subject, as so surrounded with prejudices; though I fully admit that it is + the highest and most interesting problem for the naturalist. My work, on + which I have now been at work more or less for twenty years, will not fix + or settle anything; but I hope it will aid by giving a large collection of + facts, with one definite end. I get on very slowly, partly from + ill-health, partly from being a very slow worker. I have got about half + written; but I do not suppose I shall publish under a couple of years. I + have now been three whole months on one chapter on Hybridism! + </p> + <p> + I am astonished to see that you expect to remain out three or four years + more. What a wonderful deal you will have seen, and what interesting areas—the + grand Malay Archipelago and the richest parts of South America! I + infinitely admire and honour your zeal and courage in the good cause of + Natural Science; and you have my very sincere and cordial good wishes for + success of all kinds, and may all your theories succeed, except that on + Oceanic Islands, on which subject I will do battle to the death. + </p> + <p> + Pray believe me, my dear sir, yours very sincerely, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO W.D. FOX. February 8th [1858]. + </p> + <p> + ...I am working very hard at my book, perhaps too hard. It will be very + big, and I am become most deeply interested in the way facts fall into + groups. I am like Croesus overwhelmed with my riches in facts, and I mean + to make my book as perfect as ever I can. I shall not go to press at + soonest for a couple of years... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. February 23rd [1858]. + </p> + <p> + ...I was not much struck with the great Buckle, and I admired the way you + stuck up about deduction and induction. I am reading his book ('The + History of Civilisation.'), which, with much sophistry, as it seems to me, + is WONDERFULLY clever and original, and with astounding knowledge. + </p> + <p> + I saw that you admired Mrs. Farrer's 'Questa tomba' of Beethoven + thoroughly; there is something grand in her sweet tones. + </p> + <p> + Farewell. I have partly written this note to drive bee's-cells out of my + head; for I am half-mad on the subject to try to make out some simple + steps from which all the wondrous angles may result. (He had much + correspondence on this subject with the late Professor Miller of + Cambridge.) + </p> + <p> + I was very glad to see Mrs. Hooker on Friday; how well she appears to be + and looks. + </p> + <p> + Forgive your intolerable but affectionate friend, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO W.D. FOX. Down, April 16th [1858]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Fox, + </p> + <p> + I want you to observe one point for me, on which I am extremely much + interested, and which will give you no trouble beyond keeping your eyes + open, and that is a habit I know full well that you have. + </p> + <p> + I find horses of various colours often have a spinal band or stripe of + different and darker tint than the rest of the body; rarely transverse + bars on the legs, generally on the under-side of the front legs, still + more rarely a very faint transverse shoulder-stripe like an ass. + </p> + <p> + Is there any breed of Delamere forest ponies? I have found out little + about ponies in these respects. Sir P. Egerton has, I believe, some quite + thoroughbred chestnut horses; have any of them the spinal stripe? + Mouse-coloured ponies, or rather small horses, often have spinal and leg + bars. So have dun horses (by dun I mean real colour of cream mixed with + brown, bay, or chestnut). So have sometimes chestnuts, but I have not yet + got a case of spinal stripe in chestnut, race horse, or in quite heavy + cart-horse. Any fact of this nature of such stripes in horses would be + MOST useful to me. There is a parallel case in the legs of the donkey, and + I have collected some most curious cases of stripes appearing in various + crossed equine animals. I have also a large mass of parallel facts in the + breeds of pigeons about the wing bars. I SUSPECT it will throw light on + the colour of the primeval horse. So do help me if occasion turns up...My + health has been lately very bad from overwork, and on Tuesday I go for a + fortnight's hydropathy. My work is everlasting. Farewell. + </p> + <p> + My dear Fox, I trust you are well. Farewell, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Moor Park, Farnham [April 26th, + 1858]. + </p> + <p> + ...I have just had the innermost cockles of my heart rejoiced by a letter + from Lyell. I said to him (or he to me) that I believed from the character + of the flora of the Azores, that icebergs must have been stranded there; + and that I expected erratic boulders would be detected embedded between + the upheaved lava-beds; and I got Lyell to write to Hartung to ask, and + now H. says my question explains what had astounded him, viz., large + boulders (and some polished) of mica-schist, quartz, sandstone, etc., some + embedded, and some 40 and 50 feet above the level of the sea, so that he + had inferred that they had not been brought as ballast. Is this not + beautiful? + </p> + <p> + The water-cure has done me some good, but I [am] nothing to boast of + to-day, so good-bye. + </p> + <p> + My dear friend, yours, C.D. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO C. LYELL. Moor Park, Farnham, April 26th + [1858]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Lyell, + </p> + <p> + I have come here for a fortnight's hydropathy, as my stomach had got, from + steady work, into a horrid state. I am extremely much obliged to you for + sending me Hartung's interesting letter. The erratic boulders are + splendid. It is a grand case of floating ice versus glaciers. He ought to + have compared the northern and southern shores of the islands. It is + eminently interesting to me, for I have written a very long chapter on the + subject, collecting briefly all the geological evidence of glacial action + in different parts of the world, and then at great length (on the theory + of species changing) I have discussed the migration and modification of + plants and animals, in sea and land, over a large part of the world. To my + mind, it throws a flood of light on the whole subject of distribution, if + combined with the modification of species. Indeed, I venture to speak with + some little confidence on this, for Hooker, about a year ago, kindly read + over my chapter, and though he then demurred gravely to the general + conclusion, I was delighted to hear a week or two ago that he was inclined + to come round pretty strongly to my views of distribution and change + during the glacial period. I had a letter from Thompson, of Calcutta, the + other day, which helps me much, as he is making out for me what heat our + temperate plants can endure. But it is too long a subject for a note; and + I have written thus only because Hartung's note has set the whole subject + afloat in my mind again. But I will write no more, for my object here is + to think about nothing, bathe much, walk much, eat much, and read much + novels. Farewell, with many thanks, and very kind remembrance to Lady + Lyell. + </p> + <p> + Ever yours, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO MRS. DARWIN. Moor Park, Wednesday, April + [1858]. + </p> + <p> + The weather is quite delicious. Yesterday, after writing to you, I + strolled a little beyond the glade for an hour and a half, and enjoyed + myself—the fresh yet dark-green of the grand Scotch firs, the brown + of the catkins of the old birches, with their white stems, and a fringe of + distant green from the larches made an excessively pretty view. At last I + fell fast asleep on the grass, and awoke with a chorus of birds singing + around me, and squirrels running up the trees, and some woodpeckers + laughing, and it was as pleasant and rural a scene as ever I saw, and I + did not care one penny how any of the beasts or birds had been formed. I + sat in the drawing-room till after eight, and then went and read the Chief + Justice's summing up, and thought Bernard (Simon Bernard was tried in + April 1858 as an accessory to Orsini's attempt on the life of the Emperor + of the French. The verdict was "not guilty.") guilty, and then read a bit + of my novel, which is feminine, virtuous, clerical, philanthropical, and + all that sort of thing, but very decidedly flat. I say feminine, for the + author is ignorant about money matters, and not much of a lady—for + she makes her men say, "My Lady." I like Miss Craik very much, though we + have some battles, and differ on every subject. I like also the Hungarian; + a thorough gentleman, formerly attache at Paris, and then in the Austrian + cavalry, and now a pardoned exile, with broken health. He does not seem to + like Kossuth, but says, he is certain [he is] a sincere patriot, most + clever and eloquent, but weak, with no determination of character... + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 1. XIII. — THE WRITING OF THE 'ORIGIN OF SPECIES.' + </h2> + <h3> + JUNE 18, 1858, TO NOVEMBER, 1859. + </h3> + <p> + [The letters given in the present chapter tell their story with sufficient + clearness, and need but a few words of explanation. Mr. Wallace's Essay, + referred to in the first letter, bore the sub-title, 'On the Tendency of + Varieties to depart indefinitely from the Original Type,' was published in + the Linnean Society's Journal (1858, volume iii. page 53) as part of the + joint paper of "Messrs. C. Darwin and A. Wallace," of which the full title + was 'On the Tendency of Species to form Varieties; and on the Perpetuation + of Varieties and Species by Natural Means of Selection.' + </p> + <p> + My father's contribution to the paper consisted of (1) Extracts from the + sketch of 1844; (2) part of a letter addressed to Dr Asa Gray, dated + September 5, 1857, and which is given above. The paper was "communicated" + to the Society by Sir Charles Lyell and Sir Joseph Hooker, in whose + prefatory letter, a clear account of the circumstances of the case is + given. + </p> + <p> + Referring to Mr. Wallace's Essay, they wrote: + </p> + <p> + "So highly did Mr. Darwin appreciate the value of the views therein set + forth, that he proposed, in a letter to Sir Charles Lyell, to obtain Mr. + Wallace's consent to allow the Essay to be published as soon as possible. + Of this step we highly approved, provided Mr. Darwin did not withhold from + the public, as he was strongly inclined to do (in favour of Mr. Wallace), + the memoir which he had himself written on the same subject, and which, as + before stated, one of us had perused in 1844, and the contents of which we + had both of us been privy to for many years. On representing this to Mr. + Darwin, he gave us permission to make what use we thought proper of his + memoir, etc.; and in adopting our present course, of presenting it to the + Linnean Society, we have explained to him that we are not solely + considering the relative claims to priority of himself and his friend, but + the interests of science generally."] + </p> + <p> + LETTERS. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO C. LYELL. Down, 18th [June 1858]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Lyell, + </p> + <p> + Some year or so ago you recommended me to read a paper by Wallace in the + 'Annals' ('Annals and Magazine of Natural History', 1855.), which had + interested you, and, as I was writing to him, I knew this would please him + much, so I told him. He has to-day sent me the enclosed, and asked me to + forward it to you. It seems to me well worth reading. Your words have come + true with a vengeance—that I should be forestalled. You said this, + when I explained to you here very briefly my views of 'Natural Selection' + depending on the struggle for existence. I never saw a more striking + coincidence; if Wallace had my MS. sketch written out in 1842, he could + not have made a better short abstract! Even his terms now stand as heads + of my chapters. Please return me the MS., which he does not say he wishes + me to publish, but I shall of course, at once write and offer to send to + any journal. So all my originality, whatever it may amount to, will be + smashed, though my book, if it will ever have any value, will not be + deteriorated; as all the labour consists in the application of the theory. + </p> + <p> + I hope you will approve of Wallace's sketch, that I may tell him what you + say. + </p> + <p> + My dear Lyell, yours most truly, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO C. LYELL. Down, Friday [June 25, 1858]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Lyell, + </p> + <p> + I am very sorry to trouble you, busy as you are, in so merely a personal + an affair; but if you will give me your deliberate opinion, you will do me + as great a service as ever man did, for I have entire confidence in your + judgment and honour... + </p> + <p> + There is nothing in Wallace's sketch which is not written out much fuller + in my sketch, copied out in 1844, and read by Hooker some dozen years ago. + About a year ago I sent a short sketch, of which I have a copy, of my + views (owing to correspondence on several points) to Asa Gray, so that I + could most truly say and prove that I take nothing from Wallace. I should + be extremely glad now to publish a sketch of my general views in about a + dozen pages or so; but I cannot persuade myself that I can do so + honourably. Wallace says nothing about publication, and I enclose his + letter. But as I had not intended to publish any sketch, can I do so + honourably, because Wallace has sent me an outline of his doctrine? I + would far rather burn my whole book, than that he or any other man should + think that I had behaved in a paltry spirit. Do you not think his having + sent me this sketch ties my hands?... If I could honourably publish, I + would state that I was induced now to publish a sketch (and I should be + very glad to be permitted to say, to follow your advice long ago given) + from Wallace having sent me an outline of my general conclusions. We + differ only, [in] that I was led to my views from what artificial + selection has done for domestic animals. I would send Wallace a copy of my + letter to Asa Gray, to show him that I had not stolen his doctrine. But I + cannot tell whether to publish now would not be base and paltry. This was + my first impression, and I should have certainly acted on it had it not + been for your letter. + </p> + <p> + This is a trumpery affair to trouble you with, but you cannot tell how + much obliged I should be for your advice. + </p> + <p> + By the way, would you object to send this and your answer to Hooker to be + forwarded to me, for then I shall have the opinion of my two best and + kindest friends. This letter is miserably written, and I write it now, + that I may for a time banish the whole subject; and I am worn out with + musing... + </p> + <p> + My good dear friend forgive me. This is a trumpery letter, influenced by + trumpery feelings. + </p> + <p> + Yours most truly, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + I will never trouble you or Hooker on the subject again. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO C. LYELL. Down, 26th [June, 1858]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Lyell, + </p> + <p> + Forgive me for adding a P.S. to make the case as strong as possible + against myself. + </p> + <p> + Wallace might say, "You did not intend publishing an abstract of your + views till you received my communication. Is it fair to take advantage of + my having freely, though unasked, communicated to you my ideas, and thus + prevent me forestalling you?" The advantage which I should take being that + I am induced to publish from privately knowing that Wallace is in the + field. It seems hard on me that I should be thus compelled to lose my + priority of many years' standing, but I cannot feel at all sure that this + alters the justice of the case. First impressions are generally right, and + I at first thought it would be dishonourable in me now to publish. + </p> + <p> + Yours most truly, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + P.S.—I have always thought you would make a first-rate Lord + Chancellor; and I now appeal to you as a Lord Chancellor. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, Tuesday [June 29, 1858]. + </p> + <p> + ...I have received your letters. I cannot think now (So soon after the + death, from scarlet fever, of his infant child.) on the subject, but soon + will. But I can see that you have acted with more kindness, and so has + Lyell, even than I could have expected from you both, most kind as you + are. + </p> + <p> + I can easily get my letter to Asa Gray copied, but it is too short. + </p> + <p> + ...God bless you. You shall hear soon, as soon as I can think. + </p> + <p> + Yours affectionately, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Tuesday night [June 29, 1858]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + I have just read your letter, and see you want the papers at once. I am + quite prostrated, and can do nothing, but I send Wallace, and the abstract + ("Abstract" is here used in the sense of "extract;" in this sense also it + occurs in the 'Linnean Journal,' where the sources of my father's paper + are described.) of my letter to Asa Gray, which gives most imperfectly + only the means of change, and does not touch on reasons for believing that + species do change. I dare say all is too late. I hardly care about it. But + you are too generous to sacrifice so much time and kindness. It is most + generous, most kind. I send my sketch of 1844 solely that you may see by + your own handwriting that you did read it. I really cannot bear to look at + it. Do not waste much time. It is miserable in me to care at all about + priority. + </p> + <p> + The table of contents will show what it is. + </p> + <p> + I would make a similar, but shorter and more accurate sketch for the + 'Linnean Journal.' + </p> + <p> + I will do anything. God bless you, my dear kind friend. + </p> + <p> + I can write no more. I send this by my servant to Kew. + </p> + <p> + Yours, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + [The following letter is that already referred to as forming part of the + joint paper published in the Linnean Society's 'Journal,' 1858]:— + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO ASA GRAY. Down, September 5th [1857]. (The + date is given as October in the 'Linnean Journal.' The extracts were + printed from a duplicate undated copy in my father's possession, on which + he had written, "This was sent to Asa Gray 8 or 9 months ago, I think + October 1857.") + </p> + <p> + My dear Gray, + </p> + <p> + I forget the exact words which I used in my former letter, but I dare say + I said that I thought you would utterly despise me when I told you what + views I had arrived at, which I did because I thought I was bound as an + honest man to do so. I should have been a strange mortal, seeing how much + I owe to your quite extraordinary kindness, if in saying this I had meant + to attribute the least bad feeling to you. Permit me to tell you that, + before I had ever corresponded with you, Hooker had shown me several of + your letters (not of a private nature), and these gave me the warmest + feeling of respect to you; and I should indeed be ungrateful if your + letters to me, and all I have heard of you, had not strongly enhanced this + feeling. But I did not feel in the least sure that when you knew whither I + was tending, that you might not think me so wild and foolish in my views + (God knows, arrived at slowly enough, and I hope conscientiously), that + you would think me worth no more notice or assistance. To give one + example: the last time I saw my dear old friend Falconer, he attacked me + most vigorously, but quite kindly, and told me, "You will do more harm + than any ten Naturalists will do good. I can see that you have already + CORRUPTED and half-spoiled Hooker!!" Now when I see such strong feeling in + my oldest friends, you need not wonder that I always expect my views to be + received with contempt. But enough and too much of this. + </p> + <p> + I thank you most truly for the kind spirit of your last letter. I agree to + every word in it, and think I go as far as almost any one in seeing the + grave difficulties against my doctrine. With respect to the extent to + which I go, all the arguments in favour of my notions fall RAPIDLY away, + the greater the scope of forms considered. But in animals, embryology + leads me to an enormous and frightful range. The facts which kept me + longest scientifically orthodox are those of adaptation—the + pollen-masses in asclepias—the mistletoe, with its pollen carried by + insects, and seed by birds—the woodpecker, with its feet and tail, + beak and tongue, to climb the tree and secure insects. To talk of climate + or Lamarckian habit producing such adaptations to other organic beings is + futile. This difficulty I believe I have surmounted. As you seem + interested in the subject, and as it is an IMMENSE advantage to me to + write to you and to hear, ever so briefly, what you think, I will enclose + (copied, so as to save you trouble in reading) the briefest abstract of my + notions on the means by which Nature makes her species. Why I think that + species have really changed, depends on general facts in the affinities, + embryology, rudimentary organs, geological history, and geographical + distribution of organic beings. In regard to my Abstract, you must take + immensely on trust, each paragraph occupying one or two chapters in my + book. You will, perhaps, think it paltry in me, when I ask you not to + mention my doctrine; the reason is, if any one, like the author of the + 'Vestiges,' were to hear of them, he might easily work them in, and then I + should have to quote from a work perhaps despised by naturalists, and this + would greatly injure any chance of my views being received by those alone + whose opinions I value. [Here follows a discussion on "large genera + varying," which has no direct connection with the remainder of the + letter.] + </p> + <p> + I. It is wonderful what the principle of Selection by Man, that is the + picking out of individuals with any desired quality, and breeding from + them, and again picking out, can do. Even breeders have been astonished at + their own results. They can act on differences inappreciable to an + uneducated eye. Selection has been METHODICALLY followed in Europe for + only the last half century. But it has occasionally, and even in some + degree methodically, been followed in the most ancient times. There must + have been also a kind of unconscious selection from the most ancient + times, namely, in the preservation of the individual animals (without any + thought of their offspring) most useful to each race of man in his + particular circumstances. The "roguing," as nursery-men call the + destroying of varieties, which depart from their type, is a kind of + selection. I am convinced that intentional and occasional selection has + been the main agent in making our domestic races. But, however this may + be, its great power of modification has been indisputedly shown in late + times. Selection acts only by the accumulation of very slight or greater + variations, caused by external conditions, or by the mere fact that in + generation the child is not absolutely similar to its parent. Man, by this + power of accumulating variations, adapts living beings to his wants—he + MAY BE SAID to make the wool of one sheep good for carpets, and another + for cloth, etc. + </p> + <p> + II. Now, suppose there was a being, who did not judge by mere external + appearance, but could study the whole internal organisation—who + never was capricious—who should go on selecting for one end during + millions of generations, who will say what he might not effect! In nature + we have some SLIGHT variations, occasionally in all parts: and I think it + can be shown that a change in the conditions of existence is the main + cause of the child not exactly resembling its parents; and in nature, + geology shows us what changes have taken place, and are taking place. We + have almost unlimited time: no one but a practical geologist can fully + appreciate this: think of the Glacial period, during the whole of which + the same species of shells at least have existed; there must have been + during this period, millions on millions of generations. + </p> + <p> + III. I think it can be shown that there is such an unerring power at work, + or NATURAL SELECTION (the title of my book), which selects exclusively for + the good of each organic being. The elder De Candolle, W. Herbert, and + Lyell, have written strongly on the struggle for life; but even they have + not written strongly enough. Reflect that every being (even the elephant) + breeds at such a rate that, in a few years, or at most a few centuries or + thousands of years, the surface of the earth would not hold the progeny of + any one species. I have found it hard constantly to bear in mind that the + increase of every single species is checked during some part of its life, + or during some shortly recurrent generation. Only a few of those annually + born can live to propagate their kind. What a trifling difference must + often determine which shall survive and which perish. + </p> + <p> + IV. Now take the case of a country undergoing some change; this will tend + to cause some of its inhabitants to vary slightly; not but what I believe + most beings vary at all times enough for selection to act on. Some of its + inhabitants will be exterminated, and the remainder will be exposed to the + mutual action of a different set of inhabitants, which I believe to be + more important to the life of each being than mere climate. Considering + the infinitely various ways beings have to obtain food by struggling with + other beings, to escape danger at various times of life, to have their + eggs or seeds disseminated, etc., etc., I cannot doubt that during + millions of generations individuals of a species will be born with some + slight variation profitable to some part of its economy; such will have a + better chance of surviving, propagating this variation, which again will + be slowly increased by the accumulative action of natural selection; and + the variety thus formed will either coexist with, or more commonly will + exterminate its parent form. An organic being like the woodpecker, or the + mistletoe, may thus come to be adapted to a score of contingencies; + natural selection, accumulating those slight variations in all parts of + its structure which are in any way useful to it, during any part of its + life. + </p> + <p> + V. Multiform difficulties will occur to every one on this theory. Most + can, I think, be satisfactorily answered.—"Natura non facit saltum" + answer some of the most obvious. The slowness of the change, and only a + very few undergoing change at any one time answers others. The extreme + imperfections of our geological records answers others. + </p> + <p> + VI. One other principle, which may be called the principle of divergence, + plays, I believe, an important part in the origin of species. The same + spot will support more life if occupied by very diverse forms: we see this + in the many generic forms in a square yard of turf (I have counted twenty + species belonging to eighteen genera), or in the plants and insects, on + any little uniform islet, belonging to almost as many genera and families + as to species. We can understand this with the higher animals, whose + habits we best understand. We know that it has been experimentally shown + that a plot of land will yield a greater weight, if cropped with several + species of grasses, than with two or three species. Now every single + organic being, by propagating rapidly, may be said to be striving its + utmost to increase in numbers. So it will be with the offspring of any + species after it has broken into varieties, or sub-species, or true + species. And it follows, I think, from the foregoing facts, that the + varying offspring of each species will try (only a few will succeed) to + seize on as many and as diverse places in the economy of nature as + possible. Each new variety or species when formed will generally take the + place of, and so exterminate its less well-fitted parent. This, I believe, + to be the origin of the classification or arrangement of all organic + beings at all times. These always SEEM to branch and sub-branch like a + tree from a common trunk; the flourishing twigs destroying the less + vigorous—the dead and lost branches rudely representing extinct + genera and families. + </p> + <p> + This sketch is MOST imperfect; but in so short a space I cannot make it + better. Your imagination must fill up many wide blanks. Without some + reflection, it will appear all rubbish; perhaps it will appear so after + reflection. + </p> + <p> + C.D. + </p> + <p> + P.S.—This little abstract touches only the accumulative power of + natural selection, which I look at as by far the most important element in + the production of new forms. The laws governing the incipient or + primordial variation (unimportant except as the groundwork for selection + to act on, in which respect it is all important), I shall discuss under + several heads, but I can come, as you may well believe, only to very + partial and imperfect conclusions. + </p> + <p> + [The joint paper of Mr. Wallace and my father was read at the Linnean + Society on the evening of July 1st. Sir Charles Lyell and Sir J.D. Hooker + were present, and both, I believe, made a few remarks, chiefly with a view + of impressing on those present the necessity of giving the most careful + consideration to what they had heard. There was, however, no semblance of + a discussion. Sir Joseph Hooker writes to me: "The interest excited was + intense, but the subject was too novel and too ominous for the old school + to enter the lists, before armouring. After the meeting it was talked over + with bated breath: Lyell's approval, and perhaps in a small way mine, as + his lieutenant in the affair, rather overawed the Fellows, who would + otherwise have flown out against the doctrine. We had, too, the vantage + ground of being familiar with the authors and their theme."] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, July 5th [1858]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + We are become more happy and less panic-struck, now that we have sent out + of the house every child, and shall remove H.,as soon as she can move. The + first nurse became ill with ulcerated throat and quinsey, and the second + is now ill with the scarlet fever, but, thank God, is recovering. You may + imagine how frightened we have been. It has been a most miserable + fortnight. Thank you much for your note, telling me that all had gone on + prosperously at the Linnean Society. You must let me once again tell you + how deeply I feel your generous kindness and Lyell's on this occasion. But + in truth it shames me that you should have lost time on a mere point of + priority. I shall be curious to see the proofs. I do not in the least + understand whether my letter to A. Gray is to be printed; I suppose not, + only your note; but I am quite indifferent, and place myself absolutely in + your and Lyell's hands. + </p> + <p> + I can easily prepare an abstract of my whole work, but I can hardly see + how it can be made scientific for a Journal, without giving facts, which + would be impossible. Indeed, a mere abstract cannot be very short. Could + you give me any idea how many pages of the Journal could probably be + spared me? + </p> + <p> + Directly after my return home, I would begin and cut my cloth to my + measure. If the Referees were to reject it as not strictly scientific, I + could, perhaps publish it as a pamphlet. + </p> + <p> + With respect to my big interleaved abstract (The Sketch of 1844.), would + you send it any time before you leave England, to the enclosed address? If + you do not go till August 7th-10th, I should prefer it left with you. I + hope you have jotted criticisms on my MS. on big Genera, etc., sufficient + to make you remember your remarks, as I should be infinitely sorry to lose + them. And I see no chance of our meeting if you go soon abroad. We thank + you heartily for your invitation to join you: I can fancy nothing which I + should enjoy more; but our children are too delicate for us to leave; I + should be mere living lumber. + </p> + <p> + Lastly, you said you would write to Wallace; I certainly should much like + this, as it would quite exonerate me: if you would send me your note, + sealed up, I would forward it with my own, as I know the address, etc. + </p> + <p> + Will you answer me sometime about your notions of the length of my + abstract. + </p> + <p> + If you see Lyell, will you tell him how truly grateful I feel for his kind + interest in this affair of mine. You must know that I look at it, as very + important, for the reception of the view of species not being immutable, + the fact of the greatest Geologist and Botanist in England taking ANY SORT + OF INTEREST in the subject: I am sure it will do much to break down + prejudices. + </p> + <p> + Yours affectionately, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Miss Wedgwood's, Hartfield, + Tunbridge Wells, [July 13th, 1858]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + Your letter to Wallace seems to me perfect, quite clear and most + courteous. I do not think it could possibly be improved, and I have to day + forwarded it with a letter of my own. I always thought it very possible + that I might be forestalled, but I fancied that I had a grand enough soul + not to care; but I found myself mistaken and punished; I had, however, + quite resigned myself, and had written half a letter to Wallace to give up + all priority to him, and should certainly not have changed had it not been + for Lyell's and your quite extraordinary kindness. I assure you I feel it, + and shall not forget it. I am MORE than satisfied at what took place at + the Linnean Society. I had thought that your letter and mine to Asa Gray + were to be only an appendix to Wallace's paper. + </p> + <p> + We go from here in a few days to the sea-side, probably to the Isle of + Wight, and on my return (after a battle with pigeon skeletons) I will set + to work at the abstract, though how on earth I shall make anything of an + abstract in thirty pages of the Journal, I know not, but will try my best. + I shall order Bentham; is it not a pity that you should waste time in + tabulating varieties? for I can get the Down schoolmaster to do it on my + return, and can tell you all the results. + </p> + <p> + I must try and see you before your journey; but do not think I am fishing + to ask you to come to Down, for you will have no time for that. + </p> + <p> + You cannot imagine how pleased I am that the notion of Natural Selection + has acted as a purgative on your bowels of immutability. Whenever + naturalists can look at species changing as certain, what a magnificent + field will be open,—on all the laws of variation,—on the + genealogy of all living beings,—on their lines of migration, etc., + etc. Pray thank Mrs. Hooker for her very kind little note, and pray, say + how truly obliged I am, and in truth ashamed to think that she should have + had the trouble of copying my ugly MS. It was extraordinarily kind in her. + Farewell, my dear kind friend. + </p> + <p> + Yours affectionately, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + P.S.—I have had some fun here in watching a slave-making ant; for I + could not help rather doubting the wonderful stories, but I have now seen + a defeated marauding party, and I have seen a migration from one nest to + another of the slave-makers, carrying their slaves (who are HOUSE, and not + field niggers) in their mouths! + </p> + <p> + I am inclined to think that it is a true generalisation that, when honey + is secreted at one point of the circle of the corolla, if the pistil + bends, it always bends into the line of the gangway to the honey. The + Larkspur is a good instance, in contrast to Columbine,—if you think + of it, just attend to this little point. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO C. LYELL. King's Head Hotel, Sandown, Isle of + Wight, July 18th [1858]. + </p> + <p> + ...We are established here for ten days, and then go on to Shanklin, which + seems more amusing to one, like myself, who cannot walk. We hope much that + the sea may do H. and L. good. And if it does, our expedition will answer, + but not otherwise. + </p> + <p> + I have never half thanked you for all the extraordinary trouble and + kindness you showed me about Wallace's affair. Hooker told me what was + done at the Linnean Society, and I am far more than satisfied, and I do + not think that Wallace can think my conduct unfair in allowing you and + Hooker to do whatever you thought fair. I certainly was a little annoyed + to lose all priority, but had resigned myself to my fate. I am going to + prepare a longer abstract; but it is really impossible to do justice to + the subject, except by giving the facts on which each conclusion is + grounded, and that will, of course, be absolutely impossible. Your name + and Hooker's name appearing as in any way the least interested in my work + will, I am certain, have the most important bearing in leading people to + consider the subject without prejudice. I look at this as so very + important, that I am almost glad of Wallace's paper for having led to + this. + </p> + <p> + My dear Lyell, yours most gratefully, CH. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + [The following letter refers to the proof-sheets of the Linnean paper. The + 'introduction' means the prefatory letter signed by Sir C. Lyell and Sir + J.D. Hooker.] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. King's Head Hotel, Sandown, Isle + of Wight, July 21st [1858]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + I received only yesterday the proof-sheets, which I now return. I think + your introduction cannot be improved. + </p> + <p> + I am disgusted with my bad writing. I could not improve it, without + rewriting all, which would not be fair or worth while, as I have begun on + a better abstract for the Linnean Society. My excuse is that it NEVER was + intended for publication. I have made only a few corrections in the style; + but I cannot make it decent, but I hope moderately intelligible. I suppose + some one will correct the revise. (Shall I?) + </p> + <p> + Could I have a clean proof to send to Wallace? + </p> + <p> + I have not yet fully considered your remarks on big genera (but your + general concurrence is of the HIGHEST POSSIBLE interest to me); nor shall + I be able till I re-read my MS.; but you may rely on it that you never + make a remark to me which is lost from INATTENTION. I am particularly glad + you do not object to my stating your objections in a modified form, for + they always struck me as very important, and as having much inherent + value, whether or no they were fatal to my notions. I will consider and + reconsider all your remarks... + </p> + <p> + I have ordered Bentham, for, as — says, it will be very curious to + see a Flora written by a man who knows nothing of British plants!! + </p> + <p> + I am very glad at what you say about my Abstract, but you may rely on it + that I will condense to the utmost. I would aid in money if it is too + long. (That is to say, he would help to pay for the printing, if it should + prove too long for the Linnean Society.) In how many ways you have aided + me! + </p> + <p> + Yours affectionately, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + [The 'Abstract' mentioned in the last sentence of the preceding letter was + in fact the 'Origin of Species,' on which he now set to work. In his + 'Autobiography' he speaks of beginning to write in September, but in his + Diary he wrote, "July 20 to August 12, at Sandown, began Abstract of + Species book." "September 16, Recommenced Abstract." The book was begun + with the idea that it would be published as a paper, or series of papers, + by the Linnean Society, and it was only in the late autumn that it became + clear that it must take the form of an independent volume.] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Norfolk House, Shanklin, Isle of + Wight, Friday [July] 30th [1858]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + Will you give the enclosed scrap to Sir William to thank him for his + kindness; and this gives me an excuse to amuse myself by writing to you a + note, which requires no answer. + </p> + <p> + This is a very charming place, and we have got a very comfortable house. + But, alas, I cannot say that the sea has done H. or L. much good. Nor has + my stomach recovered from all our troubles. I am very glad we left home, + for six children have now died of scarlet fever in Down. We return on the + 14th of August. + </p> + <p> + I have got Bentham ('British Flora.'), and am charmed with it, and William + (who has just started for a tour abroad) has been making out all sorts of + new (to me) plants capitally. The little scraps of information are so + capital...The English names in the analytical keys drive us mad: give them + by all means, but why on earth [not] make them subordinate to the Latin; + it puts me in a passion. W. charged into the Compositae and Umbelliferae + like a hero, and demolished ever so many in grand style. + </p> + <p> + I pass my time by doing daily a couple of hours of my Abstract, and I find + it amusing and improving work. I am now most heartily obliged to you and + Lyell for having set me on this; for I shall, when it is done, be able to + finish my work with greater ease and leisure. I confess I hated the + thought of the job; and now I find it very unsatisfactory in not being + able to give my reasons for each conclusion. + </p> + <p> + I will be longer than I expected; it will take thirty-five of my MS. folio + pages to give an abstract on variation under domestication alone; but I + will try to put in nothing which does not seem to me of some interest, and + which was once new to me. It seems a queer plan to give an abstract of an + unpublished work; nevertheless, I repeat, I am extremely glad I have begun + in earnest on it. + </p> + <p> + I hope you and Mrs. Hooker will have a very very pleasant tour. Farewell, + my dear Hooker. + </p> + <p> + Yours affectionately, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Norfolk House, Shanklin, Isle of + Wight, Thursday [August 5, 1858]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + I should think the note apologetical about the style of the abstract was + best as a note...But I write now to ask you to send me by return of post + the MS. on big genera, that I may make an abstract of a couple of pages in + length. I presume that you have quite done with it, otherwise I would not + for anything have it back. If you tie it with string, and mark it MS. for + printing, it will not cost, I should think, more than 4 pence. I shall + wish much to say that you have read this MS. and concur; but you shall, + before I read it to the Society, hear the sentence. + </p> + <p> + What you tell me after speaking with Busk about the length of the Abstract + is an IMMENSE relief to me; it will make the labour far less, not having + to shorten so much every single subject; but I will try not to be too + diffusive. I fear it will spoil all interest in my book (The larger book + begun in 1856.), whenever published. The Abstract will do very well to + divide into several parts: thus I have just finished "Variation under + Domestication," in forty-four MS. pages, and that would do for one + evening; but I should be extremely sorry if all could not be published + together. + </p> + <p> + What else you say about my Abstract pleases me highly, but frightens me, + for I fear I shall never be able to make it good enough. But how I do run + on about my own affairs to you! + </p> + <p> + I was astonished to see Sir W. Hooker's card here two or three days ago: I + was unfortunately out walking. Henslow, also, has written to me, proposing + to come to Down on the 9th, but alas, I do not return till the 13th, and + my wife not till a week later; so that I am also most sorry to think I + shall not see you, for I should not like to leave home so soon. I had + thought of going to London and running down for an hour or two to Kew... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Norfolk House, Shanklin, Isle of + Wight, [August] [1858]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + I write merely to say that the MS. came safely two or three days ago. I am + much obliged for the correction of style: I find it unutterably difficult + to write clearly. When we meet I must talk over a few points on the + subject. + </p> + <p> + You speak of going to the sea-side somewhere; we think this the nicest + seaside place which we have ever seen, and we like Shanklin better than + other spots on the south coast of the island, though many are charming and + prettier, so that I would suggest your thinking of this place. We are on + the actual coast; but tastes differ so much about places. + </p> + <p> + If you go to Broadstairs, when there is a strong wind from the coast of + France and in fine, dry, warm weather, look out, and you will PROBABLY (!) + see thistle-seeds blown across the Channel. The other day I saw one blown + right inland, and then in a few minutes a second one and then a third; and + I said to myself, God bless me, how many thistles there must be in France; + and I wrote a letter in imagination to you. But I then looked at the LOW + clouds, and noticed that they were not coming inland, so I feared a screw + was loose. I then walked beyond a headland, and found the wind parallel to + the coast, and on this very headland a noble bed of thistles, which by + every wide eddy were blown far out to sea, and then came right in at right + angles to the shore! One day such a number of insects were washed up by + the tide, and I brought to life thirteen species of Coleoptera; not that I + suppose these came from France. But do you watch for thistle-seed as you + saunter along the coast... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO ASA GRAY. August 11th [1858]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Gray, + </p> + <p> + Your note of July 27th has just reached me in the Isle of Wight. It is a + real and great pleasure to me to write to you about my notions; and even + if it were not so, I should be a most ungrateful dog, after all the + invaluable assistance you have rendered me, if I did not do anything which + you asked. + </p> + <p> + I have discussed in my long MS. the later changes of climate and the + effect on migration, and I will here give you an ABSTRACT of an ABSTRACT + (which latter I am preparing of my whole work for the Linnean Society). I + cannot give you facts, and I must write dogmatically, though I do not feel + so on any point. I may just mention, in order that you may believe that I + have SOME foundation for my views, that Hooker has read my MS., and though + he at first demurred to my main point, he has since told me that further + reflection and new facts have made him a convert. + </p> + <p> + In the older, or perhaps newer, Pliocene age (a little BEFORE the Glacial + epoch) the temperature was higher; of this there can be little doubt; the + land, on a LARGE SCALE, held much its present disposition: the species + were mainly, judging from shells, what they are now. At this period when + all animals and plants ranged 10 or 15 degrees nearer the poles, I believe + the northern part of Siberia and of North America being almost CONTINUOUS, + were peopled (it is quite possible, considering the shallow water, that + Behring Straits were united, perhaps a little southward) by a nearly + uniform fauna and flora, just as the Arctic regions now are. The climate + then became gradually colder till it became what it now is; and then the + temperate parts of Europe and America would be separated, as far as + migration is concerned, just as they now are. Then came on the Glacial + period, driving far south all living things; middle or even southern + Europe being peopled with Arctic productions; as the warmth returned, the + Arctic productions slowly crawled up the mountains as they became denuded + of snow; and we now see on their summits the remnants of a once continuous + flora and fauna. This is E. Forbes' theory, which, however, I may add, I + had written out four years before he published. + </p> + <p> + Some facts have made me vaguely SUSPECT that between the glacial and the + present temperature there was a period of SLIGHTLY greater warmth. + According to my modification-doctrines, I look at many of the species of + North America which CLOSELY represent those of Europe, as having become + modified since the Pliocene period, when in the northern part of the world + there was nearly free communication between the old and new worlds. But + now comes a more important consideration; there is a considerable body of + geological evidence that during the Glacial epoch the whole world was + colder; I inferred that, many years ago, from erratic boulder phenomena + carefully observed by me on both the east and west coast of South America. + Now I am so bold as to believe that at the height of the Glacial epoch, + AND WHEN ALL TROPICAL PRODUCTIONS MUST HAVE BEEN CONSIDERABLY DISTRESSED, + that several temperate forms slowly travelled into the heart of the + Tropics, and even reached the southern hemisphere; and some few southern + forms penetrated in a reverse direction northward. (Heights of Borneo with + Australian forms, Abyssinia with Cape forms.) Wherever there was nearly + continuous HIGH land, this migration would have been immensely + facilitated; hence the European character of the plants of Tierra del + Fuego and summits of Cordilleras; hence ditto on Himalaya. As the + temperature rose, all the temperate intruders would crawl up the + mountains. Hence the European forms on Nilgherries, Ceylon, summit of + Java, Organ Mountains of Brazil. But these intruders being surrounded with + new forms would be very liable to be improved or modified by natural + selection, to adapt them to the new forms with which they had to compete; + hence most of the forms on the mountains of the Tropics are not identical, + but REPRESENTATIVE forms of North temperate plants. + </p> + <p> + There are similar classes of facts in marine productions. All this will + appear very rash to you, and rash it may be; but I am sure not so rash as + it will at first appear to you: Hooker could not stomach it at all at + first, but has become largely a convert. From mammalia and shallow sea, I + believe Japan to have been joined to main land of China within no remote + period; and then the migration north and south before, during, and after + the Glacial epoch would act on Japan, as on the corresponding latitude of + China and the United States. + </p> + <p> + I should beyond anything like to know whether you have any Alpine + collections from Japan, and what is their character. This letter is + miserably expressed, but perhaps it will suffice to show what I believe + have been the later main migrations and changes of temperature... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. [Down] October 6th, 1858. + </p> + <p> + ...If you have or can make leisure, I should very much like to hear news + of Mrs. Hooker, yourself, and the children. Where did you go, and what did + you do and are doing? There is a comprehensive text. + </p> + <p> + You cannot tell how I enjoyed your little visit here, it did me much good. + If Harvey is still with you, pray remember me very kindly to him. + </p> + <p> + ...I am working most steadily at my Abstract, but it grows to an + inordinate length; yet fully to make my view clear (and never giving + briefly more than a fact or two, and slurring over difficulties), I cannot + make it shorter. It will yet take me three or four months; so slow do I + work, though never idle. You cannot imagine what a service you have done + me in making me make this Abstract; for though I thought I had got all + clear, it has clarified my brains very much, by making me weigh the + relative importance of the several elements. + </p> + <p> + I have been reading with much interest your (as I believe it to be) + capital memoir of R. Brown in the "Gardeners' Chronicle"... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, October 12th, [1858]. + </p> + <p> + ...I have sent eight copies (Of the joint paper by C. Darwin and A.R. + Wallace.) by post to Wallace, and will keep the others for him, for I + could not think of any one to send any to. + </p> + <p> + I pray you not to pronounce too strongly against Natural Selection, till + you have read my abstract, for though I dare say you will strike out MANY + difficulties, which have never occurred to me; yet you cannot have thought + so fully on the subject as I have. + </p> + <p> + I expect my Abstract will run into a small volume, which will have to be + published separately... + </p> + <p> + What a splendid lot of work you have in hand. + </p> + <p> + Ever yours, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, October 13th [1858]. + </p> + <p> + ...I have been a little vexed at myself at having asked you not "to + pronounce too strongly against Natural Selection." I am sorry to have + bothered you, though I have been much interested by your note in answer. I + wrote the sentence without reflection. But the truth is, that I have so + accustomed myself, partly from being quizzed by my non-naturalist + relations, to expect opposition and even contempt, that I forgot for the + moment that you are the one living soul from whom I have constantly + received sympathy. Believe [me] that I never forget for even a minute how + much assistance I have received from you. You are quite correct that I + never even suspected that my speculations were a "jam-pot" to you; indeed, + I thought, until quite lately, that my MS. had produced no effect on you, + and this has often staggered me. Nor did I know that you had spoken in + general terms about my work to our friends, excepting to dear old + Falconer, who some few years ago once told me that I should do more + mischief than any ten other naturalists would do good, [and] that I had + half spoiled you already! All this is stupid egotistical stuff, and I + write it only because you may think me ungrateful for not having valued + and understood your sympathy; which God knows is not the case. It is an + accursed evil to a man to become so absorbed in any subject as I am in + mine. + </p> + <p> + I was in London yesterday for a few hours with Falconer, and he gave me a + magnificent lecture on the age of man. We are not upstarts; we can boast + of a pedigree going far back in time coeval with extinct species. He has a + grand fact of some large molar tooth in the Trias. + </p> + <p> + I am quite knocked up, and am going next Monday to revive under Water-cure + at Moor Park. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, yours affectionately, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. November 1858. + </p> + <p> + ...I had vowed not to mention my everlasting Abstract to you again, for I + am sure I have bothered you far more than enough about it; but, as you + allude to its previous publication, I may say that I have the chapters on + Instinct and Hybridism to abstract, which may take a fortnight each; and + my materials for Palaeontology, Geographical Distribution, and Affinities, + being less worked up, I dare say each of these will take me three weeks, + so that I shall not have done at soonest till April, and then my Abstract + will in bulk make a small volume. I never give more than one or two + instances, and I pass over briefly all difficulties, and yet I cannot make + my Abstract shorter, to be satisfactory, than I am now doing, and yet it + will expand to a small volume... + </p> + <p> + [About this time my father revived his old knowledge of beetles in helping + his boys in their collecting. He sent a short notice to the + 'Entomologist's Weekly Intelligencer,' June 25th, 1859, recording the + capture of Licinus silphoides, Clytus mysticus, Panagaeus 4-pustulatus. + The notice begins with the words, "We three very young collectors having + lately taken in the parish of Down," etc., and is signed by three of his + boys, but was clearly not written by them. I have a vivid recollection of + the pleasure of turning out my bottle of dead beetles for my father to + name, and the excitement, in which he fully shared, when any of them + proved to be uncommon ones. The following letters to Mr. Fox (November 13, + 1858), and to Sir John Lubbock, illustrate this point:] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO W.D. FOX. Down, November 13th [1858]. + </p> + <p> + ...W., my son, is now at Christ's College, in the rooms above yours. My + old Gyp, Impey, was astounded to hear that he was my son, and very simply + asked, "Why, has he been long married?" What pleasant hours those were + when I used to come and drink coffee with you daily! I am reminded of old + days by my third boy having just begun collecting beetles, and he caught + the other day Brachinus crepitans, of immortal Whittlesea Mere memory. My + blood boiled with old ardour when he caught a Licinus—a prize + unknown to me... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO JOHN LUBBOCK. Thursday [before 1857]. + </p> + <p> + Dear Lubbock, + </p> + <p> + I do not know whether you care about beetles, but for the chance I send + this in a bottle, which I never remember having seen; though it is + excessively rash to speak from a twenty-five-year old remembrance. + Whenever we meet you can tell me whether you know it... + </p> + <p> + I feel like an old war-horse at the sound of the trumpet, when I read + about the capturing of rare beetles—is not this a magnanimous simile + for a decayed entomologist?—It really almost makes me long to begin + collecting again. Adios. + </p> + <p> + "Floreat Entomologia"!—to which toast at Cambridge I have drunk many + a glass of wine. So again, "Floreat Entomologia." N.B. I have NOT now been + drinking any glasses full of wine. + </p> + <p> + Yours, C.D. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO HERBERT SPENCER. Down, November 25th [1858]. + </p> + <p> + Dear Sir, + </p> + <p> + I beg permission to thank you sincerely for your very kind present of your + Essays. ('Essays, Scientific, Political, and Speculative,' by Herbert + Spencer, 1858-74.) I have already read several of them with much interest. + Your remarks on the general argument of the so-called development theory + seems to me admirable. I am at present preparing an Abstract of a larger + work on the changes of species; but I treat the subject simply as a + naturalist, and not from a general point of view, otherwise, in my + opinion, your argument could not have been improved on, and might have + been quoted by me with great advantage. Your article on Music has also + interested me much, for I had often thought on the subject, and had come + to nearly the same conclusion with you, though unable to support the + notion in any detail. Furthermore, by a curious coincidence, expression + has been for years a persistent subject with me for LOOSE speculation, and + I must entirely agree with you that all expression has some biological + meaning. I hope to profit by your criticism on style, and with very best + thanks, I beg leave to remain, dear Sir, + </p> + <p> + Yours truly obliged, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, December 24th [1858]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + Your news about your unsolicited salary and house is jolly, and creditable + to the Government. My room (28 x 19), with divided room above, with ALL + FIXTURES (and painted), not furniture, and plastered outside, cost about + 500 pounds. I am heartily glad of this news. + </p> + <p> + Your facts about distribution are, indeed, very striking. I remember well + that none of your many wonderful facts in your several works, perplexed + me, for years, more than the migration having been mainly from north to + south, and not in the reverse direction. I have now at last satisfied + MYSELF (but that is very different from satisfying others) on this head; + but it would take a little volume to fully explain myself. I did not for + long see the bearing of a conclusion, at which I had arrived, with respect + to this subject. It is, that species inhabiting a very large area, and + therefore existing in large numbers, and which have been subjected to the + severest competition with many other forms, will have arrived, through + natural selection, at a higher stage of perfection than the inhabitants of + a small area. Thus I explain the fact of so many anomalies, or what may be + called "living fossils," inhabiting now only fresh water, having been + beaten out, and exterminated in the sea, by more improved forms; thus all + existing Ganoid fishes are fresh water, as [are] Lepidosiren and + Ornithorhynchus, etc. The plants of Europe and Asia, as being the largest + territory, I look at as the most "improved," and therefore as being able + to withstand the less-perfected Australian plants; [whilst] these could + not resist the Indian. See how all the productions of New Zealand yield to + those of Europe. I dare say you will think all this utter bosh, but I + believe it to be solid truth. + </p> + <p> + You will, I think, admit that Australian plants, flourishing so in India, + is no argument that they could hold their own against the ten thousand + natural contingencies of other plants, insects, animals, etc., etc. With + respect to South West Australia and the Cape, I am shut up, and can only d—n + the whole case. + </p> + <p> + ...You say you should like to see my MS., but you did read and approve of + my long Glacial chapter, and I have not yet written my Abstract on the + whole of the Geographical Distribution, nor shall I begin it for two or + three weeks. But either Abstract or the old MS. I should be DELIGHTED to + send you, especially the Abstract chapter... + </p> + <p> + I have now written 330 folio pages of my abstract, and it will require + 150-200 [more]; so that it will make a printed volume of 400 pages, and + must be printed separately, which I think will be better in many respects. + The subject really seems to me too large for discussion at any Society, + and I believe religion would be brought in by men whom I know. + </p> + <p> + I am thinking of a 12mo volume, like Lyell's fourth or fifth edition of + the 'Principles.'... + </p> + <p> + I have written you a scandalously long note. So now good-bye, my dear + Hooker, + </p> + <p> + Ever yours, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, January 20th, 1859. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + I should very much like to borrow Heer at some future time, for I want to + read nothing perplexing at present till my Abstract is done. Your last + very instructive letter shall make me very cautious on the + hyper-speculative points we have been discussing. + </p> + <p> + When you say you cannot master the train of thoughts, I know well enough + that they are too doubtful and obscure to be mastered. I have often + experienced what you call the humiliating feeling of getting more and more + involved in doubt the more one thinks of the facts and reasoning on + doubtful points. But I always comfort myself with thinking of the future, + and in the full belief that the problems which we are just entering on, + will some day be solved; and if we just break the ground we shall have + done some service, even if we reap no harvest. + </p> + <p> + I quite agree that we only differ in DEGREE about the means of dispersal, + and that I think a satisfactory amount of accordance. You put in a very + striking manner the mutation of our continents, and I quite agree; I doubt + only about our oceans. + </p> + <p> + I also agree (I am in a very agreeing frame of mind) with your argumentum + ad hominem, about the highness of the Australian Flora from the number of + species and genera; but here comes in a superlative bothering element of + doubt, viz., the effect of isolation. + </p> + <p> + The only point in which I PRESUMPTUOUSLY rather demur is about the status + of the naturalised plants in Australia. I think Muller speaks of their + having spread largely beyond cultivated ground; and I can hardly believe + that our European plants would occupy stations so barren that the native + plants could not live there. I should require much evidence to make me + believe this. I have written this note merely to thank you, as you will + see it requires no answer. + </p> + <p> + I have heard to my amazement this morning from Phillips that the + Geological Council have given me the Wollaston Medal!!! + </p> + <p> + Ever yours, CHARLES DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, January 23d, 1859. + </p> + <p> + ...I enclose letters to you and me from Wallace. I admire extremely the + spirit in which they are written. I never felt very sure what he would + say. He must be an amiable man. Please return that to me, and Lyell ought + to be told how well satisfied he is. These letters have vividly brought + before me how much I owe to your and Lyell's most kind and generous + conduct in all this affair. + </p> + <p> + ...How glad I shall be when the Abstract is finished, and I can rest!... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO A.R. WALLACE. Down, January 25th [1859]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Sir, + </p> + <p> + I was extremely much pleased at receiving three days ago your letter to me + and that to Dr. Hooker. Permit me to say how heartily I admire the spirit + in which they are written. Though I had absolutely nothing whatever to do + in leading Lyell and Hooker to what they thought a fair course of action, + yet I naturally could not but feel anxious to hear what your impression + would be. I owe indirectly much to you and them; for I almost think that + Lyell would have proved right, and I should never have completed my larger + work, for I have found my Abstract hard enough with my poor health, but + now, thank God, I am in my last chapter but one. My Abstract will make a + small volume of 400 or 500 pages. Whenever published, I will, of course, + send you a copy, and then you will see what I mean about the part which I + believe selection has played with domestic productions. It is a very + different part, as you suppose, from that played by "Natural Selection." I + sent off, by the same address as this note, a copy of the 'Journal of the + Linnean Society,' and subsequently I have sent some half-dozen copies of + the paper. I have many other copies at your disposal... + </p> + <p> + I am glad to hear that you have been attending to birds' nests. I have + done so, though almost exclusively under one point of view, viz., to show + that instincts vary, so that selection could work on and improve them. Few + other instincts, so to speak, can be preserved in a Museum. + </p> + <p> + Many thanks for your offer to look after horses' stripes; If there are any + donkeys, pray add them. I am delighted to hear that you have collected + bees' combs...This is an especial hobby of mine, and I think I can throw a + light on the subject. If you can collect duplicates, at no very great + expense, I should be glad of some specimens for myself with some bees of + each kind. Young, growing, and irregular combs, and those which have not + had pupae, are most valuable for measurements and examination. Their edges + should be well protected against abrasion. + </p> + <p> + Every one whom I have seen has thought your paper very well written and + interesting. It puts my extracts (written in 1839, now just twenty years + ago!), which I must say in apology were never for an instant intended for + publication, into the shade. + </p> + <p> + You ask about Lyell's frame of mind. I think he is somewhat staggered, but + does not give in, and speaks with horror, often to me, of what a thing it + would be, and what a job it would be for the next edition of 'The + Principles,' if he were "PERverted." But he is most candid and honest, and + I think will end by being PERverted. Dr. Hooker has become almost as + heterodox as you or I, and I look at Hooker as BY FAR the most capable + judge in Europe. + </p> + <p> + Most cordially do I wish you health and entire success in all your + pursuits, and, God knows, if admirable zeal and energy deserve success, + most amply do you deserve it. I look at my own career as nearly run out. + If I can publish my Abstract and perhaps my greater work on the same + subject, I shall look at my course as done. + </p> + <p> + Believe me, my dear sir, yours very sincerely, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, March 2nd [1859]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + Here is an odd, though very little, fact. I think it would be hardly + possible to name a bird which apparently could have less to do with + distribution than a Petrel. Sir W. Milner, at St. Kilda, cut open some + young nestling Petrels, and he found large, curious nuts in their crops; I + suspect picked up by parent birds from the Gulf stream. He seems to value + these nuts excessively. I have asked him (but I doubt whether he will) to + send a nut to Sir William Hooker (I gave this address for grandeur sake) + to see if any of you can name it and its native country. Will you PLEASE + MENTION this to Sir William Hooker, and if the nut does arrive, will you + oblige me by returning it to "Sir W. Milner, Bart., Nunappleton, + Tadcaster," in a registered letter, and I will repay you postage. Enclose + slip of paper with the name and country if you can, and let me hereafter + know. Forgive me asking you to take this much trouble; for it is a funny + little fact after my own heart. + </p> + <p> + Now for another subject. I have finished my Abstract of the chapter on + Geographical Distribution, as bearing on my subject. I should like you + much to read it; but I say this, believing that you will not do so, if, as + I believe to be the case, you are extra busy. On my honour, I shall not be + mortified, and I earnestly beg you not to do it, if it will bother you. I + want it, because I here feel especially unsafe, and errors may have crept + in. Also, I should much like to know what parts you will MOST VEHEMENTLY + object to. I know we do, and must, differ widely on several heads. Lastly, + I should like particularly to know whether I have taken anything from you, + which you would like to retain for first publication; but I think I have + chiefly taken from your published works, and, though I have several times, + in this chapter and elsewhere, acknowledged your assistance, I am aware + that it is not possible for me in the Abstract to do it sufficiently. ("I + never did pick any one's pocket, but whilst writing my present chapter I + keep on feeling (even when differing most from you) just as if I were + stealing from you, so much do I owe to your writings and conversation, so + much more than mere acknowledgments show."—Letter to Sir J.D. + Hooker, 1859.) But again let me say that you must not offer to read it if + very irksome. It is long—about ninety pages, I expect, when fully + copied out. + </p> + <p> + I hope you are all well. Moor Park has done me some good. + </p> + <p> + Yours affectionately, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + P.S.—Heaven forgive me, here is another question: How far am I right + in supposing that with plants, the most important characters for main + divisions are Embryological? The seed itself cannot be considered as such, + I suppose, nor the albumens, etc. But I suppose the Cotyledons and their + position, and the position of the plumule and the radicle, and the + position and form of the whole embryo in the seed are embryological, and + how far are these very important? I wish to instance plants as a case of + high importance of embryological characters in classification. In the + Animal Kingdom there is, of course, no doubt of this. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, March 5th [1859]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + Many thanks about the seed...it is curious. Petrels at St. Kilda + apparently being fed by seeds raised in the West Indies. It should be + noted whether it is a nut ever imported into England. I am VERY glad you + will read my Geographical MS.; it is now copying, and it will (I presume) + take ten days or so in being finished; it shall be sent as soon as done... + </p> + <p> + I shall be very glad to see your embryological ideas on plants; by the + sentence which I sent you, you will see that I only want one sentence; if + facts are at all, as I suppose, and I shall see this from your note, for + sending which very many thanks. + </p> + <p> + I have been so poorly, the last three days, that I sometimes doubt whether + I shall ever get my little volume done, though so nearly completed... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, March 15th [1859]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + I am PLEASED at what you say of my chapter. You have not attacked it + nearly so much as I feared you would. You do not seem to have detected + MANY errors. It was nearly all written from memory, and hence I was + particularly fearful; it would have been better if the whole had first + been carefully written out, and abstracted afterwards. I look at it as + morally certain that it must include much error in some of its general + views. I will just run over a few points in your note, but do not trouble + yourself to reply without you have something important to say... + </p> + <p> + ...I should like to know whether the case of Endemic bats in islands + struck you; it has me especially; perhaps too strongly. + </p> + <p> + With hearty thanks, ever yours, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + P.S. You cannot tell what a relief it has been to me your looking over + this chapter, as I felt very shaky on it. + </p> + <p> + I shall to-morrow finish my last chapter (except a recapitulation) on + Affinities, Homologies, Embryology, etc., and the facts seem to me to come + out VERY strong for mutability of species. + </p> + <p> + I have been much interested in working out the chapter. + </p> + <p> + I shall now, thank God, begin looking over the old first chapters for + press. + </p> + <p> + But my health is now so very poor, that even this will take me long. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO W.D. FOX. Down [March] 24th [1859]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Fox, + </p> + <p> + It was very good of you to write to me in the midst of all your troubles, + though you seem to have got over some of them, in the recovery of your + wife's and your own health. I had not heard lately of your mother's + health, and am sorry to hear so poor an account. But as she does not + suffer much, that is the great thing; for mere life I do not think is much + valued by the old. What a time you must have had of it, when you had to go + backwards and forwards. + </p> + <p> + We are all pretty well, and our eldest daughter is improving. I can see + daylight through my work, and am now finally correcting my chapters for + the press; and I hope in a month or six weeks to have proof-sheets. I am + weary of my work. It is a very odd thing that I have no sensation that I + overwork my brain; but facts compel me to conclude that my brain was never + formed for much thinking. We are resolved to go for two or three months, + when I have finished, to Ilkley, or some such place, to see if I can + anyhow give my health a good start, for it certainly has been wretched of + late, and has incapacitated me for everything. You do me injustice when + you think that I work for fame; I value it to a certain extent; but, if I + know myself, I work from a sort of instinct to try to make out truth. How + glad I should be if you could sometime come to Down; especially when I get + a little better, as I still hope to be. We have set up a billiard table, + and I find it does me a deal of good, and drives the horrid species out of + my head. Farewell, my dear old friend. + </p> + <p> + Yours affectionately, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO C. LYELL. Down, March 28th [1859]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Lyell, + </p> + <p> + If I keep decently well, I hope to be able to go to press with my volume + early in May. This being so, I want much to beg a little advice from you. + From an expression in Lady Lyell's note, I fancy that you have spoken to + Murray. Is it so? And is he willing to publish my Abstract? If you will + tell me whether anything, and what has passed, I will then write to him. + Does he know at all of the subject of the book? Secondly, can you advise + me, whether I had better state what terms of publication I should prefer, + or first ask him to propose terms? And what do you think would be fair + terms for an edition? Share profits, or what? + </p> + <p> + Lastly, will you be so very kind as to look at the enclosed title and give + me your opinion and any criticisms; you must remember that, if I have + health and it appears worth doing, I have a much larger and full book on + the same subject nearly ready. + </p> + <p> + My Abstract will be about five hundred pages of the size of your first + edition of the 'Elements of Geology.' + </p> + <p> + Pray forgive me troubling you with the above queries; and you shall have + no more trouble on the subject. I hope the world goes well with you, and + that you are getting on with your various works. + </p> + <p> + I am working very hard for me, and long to finish and be free and try to + recover some health. + </p> + <p> + My dear Lyell, ever yours, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + Very sincere thanks to you for standing my proxy for the Wollaston Medal. + </p> + <p> + P.S. Would you advise me to tell Murray that my book is not more + UN-orthodox than the subject makes inevitable. That I do not discuss the + origin of man. That I do not bring in any discussion about Genesis, etc., + etc., and only give facts, and such conclusions from them as seem to me + fair. + </p> + <p> + Or had I better say NOTHING to Murray, and assume that he cannot object to + this much unorthodoxy, which in fact is not more than any Geological + Treatise which runs slap counter to Genesis. + </p> + <p> + INCLOSURE. AN ABSTRACT OF AN ESSAY ON THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES AND VARIETIES + THROUGH NATURAL SELECTION BY CHARLES DARWIN, M.A. + </p> + <p> + Fellow of the Royal Geological and Linnean Societies... + </p> + <p> + LONDON: + </p> + <p> + etc., etc., etc., etc. + </p> + <p> + 1859. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO C. LYELL. Down, March 30th [1859]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Lyell, + </p> + <p> + You have been uncommonly kind in all you have done. You not only have + saved me much trouble and some anxiety, but have done all incomparably + better than I could have done it. I am much pleased at all you say about + Murray. I will write either to-day or to-morrow to him, and will send + shortly a large bundle of MS., but unfortunately I cannot for a week, as + the first three chapters are in the copyists' hands. + </p> + <p> + I am sorry about Murray objecting to the term Abstract, as I look at it as + the only possible apology for NOT giving references and facts in full, but + I will defer to him and you. I am also sorry about the term "natural + selection." I hope to retain it with explanation somewhat as thus— + </p> + <p> + "Through natural selection, or the preservation of favoured Races." + </p> + <p> + Why I like the term is that it is constantly used in all works on + breeding, and I am surprised that it is not familiar to Murray; but I have + so long studied such works that I have ceased to be a competent judge. + </p> + <p> + I again most truly and cordially thank you for your really valuable + assistance. + </p> + <p> + Yours most truly, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, April 2nd [1859]. + </p> + <p> + ...I wrote to him [Mr. Murray] and gave him the headings of the chapters, + and told him he could not have the MS. for ten days or so; and this + morning I received a letter, offering me handsome terms, and agreeing to + publish without seeing the MS.! So he is eager enough; I think I should + have been cautious, anyhow, but, owing to your letter, I told him most + EXPLICITLY that I accept his offer solely on condition that, after he has + seen part or all the MS., he has full power of retracting. You will think + me presumptuous, but I think my book will be popular to a certain extent + (enough to ensure [against] heavy loss) amongst scientific and + semi-scientific men; why I think so is, because I have found in + conversation so great and surprising an interest amongst such men, and + some o-scientific [non-scientific] men on this subject, and all my + chapters are not NEARLY so dry and dull as that which you have read on + geographical distribution. Anyhow, Murray ought to be the best judge, and + if he chooses to publish it, I think I may wash my hands of all + responsibility. I am sure my friends, i.e., Lyell and you, have been + EXTRAORDINARILY kind in troubling yourselves on the matter. + </p> + <p> + I shall be delighted to see you the day before Good Friday; there would be + one advantage for you in any other day—as I believe both my boys + come home on that day—and it would be almost impossible that I could + send the carriage for you. There will, I believe, be some relations in the + house—but I hope you will not care for that, as we shall easily get + as much talking as my IMBECILE STATE allows. I shall deeply enjoy seeing + you. + </p> + <p> + ...I am tired, so no more. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, your affectionate, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + P.S.—Please to send, well TIED UP with strong string, my + Geographical MS., towards the latter half of next week—i.e., 7th or + 8th—that I may send it with more to Murray; and God help him if he + tries to read it. + </p> + <p> + ...I cannot help a little doubting whether Lyell would take much pains to + induce Murray to publish my book; this was not done at my request, and it + rather grates against my pride. + </p> + <p> + I know that Lyell has been INFINITELY kind about my affair, but your + dashed (i.e., underlined) "INDUCE" gives the idea that Lyell had unfairly + urged Murray. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO ASA GRAY. April 4th [1859]. + </p> + <p> + ...You ask to see my sheets as printed off; I assure you that it will be + the HIGHEST satisfaction to me to do so: I look at the request as a high + compliment. I shall not, you may depend, forget a request which I look at + as a favour. But (and it is a heavy "but" to me) it will be long before I + go to press; I can truly say I am NEVER idle; indeed, I work too hard for + my much weakened health; yet I can do only three hours of work daily, and + I cannot at all see when I shall have finished: I have done eleven long + chapters, but I have got some other very difficult ones: as palaeontology, + classifications, and embryology, etc., and I have to correct and add + largely to all those done. I find, alas! each chapter takes me on an + average three months, so slow I am. There is no end to the necessary + digressions. I have just finished a chapter on Instinct, and here I found + grappling with such a subject as bees' cells, and comparing all my notes + made during twenty years, took up a despairing length of time. + </p> + <p> + But I am running on about myself in a most egotistical style. Yet I must + just say how useful I have again and again found your letters, which I + have lately been looking over and quoting! but you need not fear that I + shall quote anything you would dislike, for I try to be very cautious on + this head. I most heartily hope you may succeed in getting your "incubus" + of old work off your hands, and be in some degree a free man... + </p> + <p> + Again let me say that I do indeed feel grateful to you... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J. MURRAY. Down, April 5th [1859]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Sir, + </p> + <p> + I send by this post, the Title (with some remarks on a separate page), and + the first three chapters. If you have patience to read all Chapter I., I + honestly think you will have a fair notion of the interest of the whole + book. It may be conceit, but I believe the subject will interest the + public, and I am sure that the views are original. If you think otherwise, + I must repeat my request that you will freely reject my work; and though I + shall be a little disappointed, I shall be in no way injured. + </p> + <p> + If you choose to read Chapters II. and III., you will have a dull and + rather abstruse chapter, and a plain and interesting one, in my opinion. + </p> + <p> + As soon as you have done with the MS., please to send it by CAREFUL + MESSENGER, AND PLAINLY DIRECTED, to Miss G. Tollett, 14, Queen Anne + Street, Cavendish Square. + </p> + <p> + This lady, being an excellent judge of style, is going to look out for + errors for me. + </p> + <p> + You must take your own time, but the sooner you finish, the sooner she + will, and the sooner I shall get to press, which I so earnestly wish. + </p> + <p> + I presume you will wish to see Chapter IV., the key-stone of my arch, and + Chapters X. and XI., but please to inform me on this head. + </p> + <p> + My dear Sir, yours sincerely, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, April 11th [1859]. + </p> + <p> + ...I write one line to say that I heard from Murray yesterday, and he says + he has read the first three chapters of one MS.(and this includes a very + dull one), and he abides by his offer. Hence he does not want more MS., + and you can send my Geographical chapter when it pleases you... + </p> + <p> + [Part of the MS. seems to have been lost on its way back to my father; he + wrote (April 14) to Sir J.D. Hooker:] + </p> + <p> + "I have the old MS., otherwise, the loss would have killed me! The worst + is now that it will cause delay in getting to press, and FAR WORST of all, + lose all advantage of your having looked over my chapter, except the third + part returned. I am very sorry Mrs. Hooker took the trouble of copying the + two pages." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. [April or May, 1859]. + </p> + <p> + ...Please do not say to any one that I thought my book on Species would be + fairly popular, and have a fairly remunerative sale (which was the height + of my ambition), for if it prove a dead failure, it would make me the more + ridiculous. + </p> + <p> + I enclose a criticism, a taste of the future— + </p> + <p> + REV. S. HAUGHTON'S ADDRESS TO THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY, DUBLIN. (February 9, + 1859.) + </p> + <p> + "This speculation of Messrs. Darwin and Wallace would not be worthy of + notice were it not for the weight of authority of the names (i.e. Lyell's + and yours), under whose auspices it has been brought forward. If it means + what it says, it is a truism; if it means anything more, it is contrary to + fact." + </p> + <p> + Q.E.D. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, May 11th [1859]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + Thank you for telling me about obscurity of style. But on my life no + nigger with lash over him could have worked harder at clearness than I + have done. But the very difficulty to me, of itself leads to the + probability that I fail. Yet one lady who has read all my MS. has found + only two or three obscure sentences, but Mrs. Hooker having so found it, + makes me tremble. I will do my best in proofs. You are a good man to take + the trouble to write about it. + </p> + <p> + With respect to our mutual muddle ("When I go over the chapter I will see + what I can do, but I hardly know how I am obscure, and I think we are + somehow in a mutual muddle with respect to each other, from starting from + some fundamentally different notions."—Letter of May 6, 1859.), I + never for a moment thought we could not make our ideas clear to each other + by talk, or if either of us had time to write in extenso. + </p> + <p> + I imagine from some expressions (but if you ask me what, I could not + answer) that you look at variability as some necessary contingency with + organisms, and further that there is some necessary tendency in the + variability to go on diverging in character or degree. IF YOU DO, I do not + agree. "Reversion" again (a form of inheritance), I look at as in no way + directly connected with Variation, though of course inheritance is of + fundamental importance to us, for if a variation be not inherited, it is + of no significance to us. It was on such points as these I FANCIED that we + perhaps started differently. + </p> + <p> + I fear that my book will not deserve at all the pleasant things you say + about it; and Good Lord, how I do long to have done with it! + </p> + <p> + Since the above was written, I have received and have been MUCH INTERESTED + by A. Gray. I am delighted at his note about my and Wallace's paper. He + will go round, for it is futile to give up very many species, and stop at + an arbitrary line at others. It is what my grandfather called + Unitarianism, "a feather bed to catch a falling Christian."... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, May 18th [1859]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + My health has quite failed. I am off to-morrow for a week of Hydropathy. I + am very very sorry to say that I cannot look over any proofs (Of Sir J. + Hooker's Introduction to the 'Flora of Australia.') in the week, as my + object is to drive the subject out of my head. I shall return to-morrow + week. If it be worth while, which probably it is not, you could keep back + any proofs till my return home. + </p> + <p> + In haste, ever yours, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + [Ten days later he wrote to Sir J.D. Hooker: + </p> + <p> + "...I write one word to say that I shall return on Saturday, and if you + have any proof-sheets to send, I shall be glad to do my best in any + criticisms. I had... great prostration of mind and body, but entire rest, + and the douche, and 'Adam Bede,' have together done me a world of good."] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J. MURRAY. Down, June 14th [1859]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Sir, + </p> + <p> + The diagram will do very well, and I will send it shortly to Mr. West to + have a few trifling corrections made. + </p> + <p> + I get on very slowly with proofs. I remember writing to you that I thought + there would not be much correction. I honestly wrote what I thought, but + was most grievously mistaken. I find the style incredibly bad, and most + difficult to make clear and smooth. I am extremely sorry to say, on + account of expense, and loss of time for me, that the corrections are very + heavy, as heavy as possible. But from casual glances, I still hope that + later chapters are not so badly written. How I could have written so badly + is quite inconceivable, but I suppose it was owing to my whole attention + being fixed on the general line of argument, and not on details. All I can + say is, that I am very sorry. + </p> + <p> + Yours very sincerely, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + P.S. I have been looking at the corrections, and considering them. It + seems to me that I shall put you to a quite unfair expense. If you please + I should like to enter into some such arrangement as the following: when + work completed, you to allow in the account a fairly moderately heavy + charge for corrections, and all excess over that to be deducted from my + profits, or paid by me individually. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO C. LYELL. Down, June 21st [1859]. + </p> + <p> + I am working very hard, but get on slowly, for I find that my corrections + are terrifically heavy, and the work most difficult to me. I have + corrected 130 pages, and the volume will be about 500. I have tried my + best to make it clear and striking, but very much fear that I have failed—so + many discussions are and must be very perplexing. I have done my best. If + you had all my materials, I am sure you would have made a splendid book. I + long to finish, for I am nearly worn out. + </p> + <p> + My dear Lyell, ever yours most truly, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, 22nd [June, 1859]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + I did not answer your pleasant note, with a good deal of news to me, of + May 30th, as I have been expecting proofs from you. But now, having + nothing particular to do, I will fly a note, though I have nothing + particular to say or ask. Indeed, how can a man have anything to say, who + spends every day in correcting accursed proofs; and such proofs! I have + fairly to blacken them, and fasten slips of paper on, so miserable have I + found the style. You say that you dreamt that my book was ENTERTAINING; + that dream is pretty well over with me, and I begin to fear that the + public will find it intolerably dry and perplexing. But I will never give + up that a better man could have made a splendid book out of the materials. + I was glad to hear about Prestwich's paper. (Mr. Prestwich wrote on the + occurrence of flint instruments associated with the remains of extinct + animals in France.—(Proc. R. Soc., 1859.)) My doubt has been (and I + see Wright has inserted the same in the 'Athenaeum') whether the pieces of + flint are really tools; their numbers make me doubt, and when I formerly + looked at Boucher de Perthe's drawings, I came to the conclusion that they + were angular fragments broken by ice action. + </p> + <p> + Did crossing the Acacia do any good? I am so hard worked, that I can make + no experiments. I have got only to 150 pages in first proof. + </p> + <p> + Adios, my dear Hooker, ever yours, CHARLES DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J. MURRAY. Down, July 25th [1859]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Sir, + </p> + <p> + I write to say that five sheets are returned to the printers ready to + strike off, and two more sheets require only a revise; so that I presume + you will soon have to decide what number of copies to print off. + </p> + <p> + I am quite incapable of forming an opinion. I think I have got the style + FAIRLY good and clear, with infinite trouble. But whether the book will be + successful to a degree to satisfy you, I really cannot conjecture. I + heartily hope it may. + </p> + <p> + My dear Sir, yours very sincerely, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO A.R. WALLACE. Down, August 9th, 1859. + </p> + <p> + My dear Mr. Wallace, + </p> + <p> + I received your letter and memoir (This seems to refer to Mr. Wallace's + paper, "On the Zoological Geography of the Malay Archipelago," 'Linn. Soc. + Journ,' 1860.) on the 7th, and will forward it to-morrow to the Linnean + Society. But you will be aware that there is no meeting till the beginning + of November. Your paper seems to me ADMIRABLE in matter, style, and + reasoning; and I thank you for allowing me to read it. Had I read it some + months ago, I should have profited by it for my forthcoming volume. But my + two chapters on this subject are in type, and, though not yet corrected, I + am so wearied out and weak in health, that I am fully resolved not to add + one word, and merely improve the style. So you will see that my views are + nearly the same with yours, and you may rely on it that not one word shall + be altered owing to my having read your ideas. Are you aware that Mr. W. + Earl (Probably Mr. W. Earle's paper, Geographical Soc. Journal, 1845.) + published several years ago the view of distribution of animals in the + Malay Archipelago, in relation to the depth of the sea between the + islands? I was much struck with this, and have been in the habit of noting + all facts in distribution in that archipelago, and elsewhere, in this + relation. I have been led to conclude that there has been a good deal of + naturalisation in the different Malay islands, and which I have thought, + to a certain extent, would account for anomalies. Timor has been my + greatest puzzle. What do you say to the peculiar Felis there? I wish that + you had visited Timor; it has been asserted that a fossil mastodon's or + elephant's tooth (I forget which) has been found there, which would be a + grand fact. I was aware that Celebes was very peculiar; but the relation + to Africa is quite new to me, and marvellous, and almost passes belief. It + is as anomalous as the relation of PLANTS in S.W. Australia to the Cape of + Good Hope. I differ WHOLLY from you on the colonisation of oceanic + islands, but you will have EVERY ONE else on your side. I quite agree with + respect to all islands not situated far in the ocean. I quite agree on the + little occasional intermigration between lands [islands?] when once pretty + well stocked with inhabitants, but think this does not apply to rising and + ill-stocked islands. Are you aware that ANNUALLY birds are blown to + Madeira, the Azores (and to Bermuda from America). I wish I had given a + fuller abstract of my reasons for not believing in Forbes' great + continental extensions; but it is too late, for I will alter nothing—I + am worn out, and must have rest. Owen, I do not doubt, will bitterly + oppose us...Hooker is publishing a grand introduction to the Flora of + Australia, and goes the whole length. I have seen proofs of about half. + With every good wish. + </p> + <p> + Believe me, yours very sincerely, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, September 1st [1859]. + </p> + <p> + ...I am not surprised at your finding your Introduction very difficult. + But do not grudge the labour, and do not say you "have burnt your + fingers," and are "deep in the mud"; for I feel sure that the result will + be well worth the labour. Unless I am a fool, I must be a judge to some + extent of the value of such general essays, and I am fully convinced that + yours are the must valuable ever published. + </p> + <p> + I have corrected all but the last two chapters of my book, and hope to + have done revises and all in about three weeks, and then I (or we all) + shall start for some months' hydropathy; my health has been very bad, and + I am becoming as weak as a child, and incapable of doing anything + whatever, except my three hours daily work at proof-sheets. God knows + whether I shall ever be good at anything again, perhaps a long rest and + hydropathy may do something. + </p> + <p> + I have not had A. Gray's Essay, and should not feel up to criticise it, + even if I had the impertinence and courage. You will believe me that I + speak strictly the truth when I say that your Australian Essay is + EXTREMELY interesting to me, rather too much so. I enjoy reading it over, + and if you think my criticisms are worth anything to you, I beg you to + send the sheets (if you can give me time for good days); but unless I can + render you any little, however little assistance, I would rather read the + essay when published. Pray understand that I should be TRULY vexed not to + read them, if you wish it for your own sake. + </p> + <p> + I had a terribly long fit of sickness yesterday, which makes the world + rather extra gloomy to-day, and I have an insanely strong wish to finish + my accursed book, such corrections every page has required as I never saw + before. It is so weariful, killing the whole afternoon, after 12 o'clock + doing nothing whatever. But I will grumble no more. So farewell, we shall + meet in the winter I trust. + </p> + <p> + Farewell, my dear Hooker, your affectionate friend, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO C. LYELL. Down, September 2nd [1859]. + </p> + <p> + ...I am very glad you wish to see my clean sheets: I should have offered + them, but did not know whether it would bore you; I wrote by this + morning's post to Murray to send them. Unfortunately I have not got to the + part which will interest you, I think most, and which tells most in favour + of the view, viz., Geological Succession, Geographical Distribution, and + especially Morphology, Embryology and Rudimentary Organs. I will see that + the remaining sheets, when printed off, are sent to you. But would you + like for me to send the last and perfect revises of the sheets as I + correct them? if so, send me your address in a blank envelope. I hope that + you will read all, whether dull (especially latter part of Chapter II.) or + not, for I am convinced there is not a sentence which has not a bearing on + the whole argument. You will find Chapter IV. perplexing and + unintelligible, without the aid of the enclosed queer diagram (The diagram + illustrates descent with divergence.), of which I send an old and useless + proof. I have, as Murray says, corrected so heavily, as almost to have + re-written it; but yet I fear it is poorly written. Parts are intricate; + and I do not think that even you could make them quite clear. Do not, I + beg, be in a hurry in committing yourself (like so many naturalists) to go + a certain length and no further; for I am deeply convinced that it is + absolutely necessary to go the whole vast length, or stick to the creation + of each separate species; I argue this point briefly in the last chapter. + Remember that your verdict will probably have more influence than my book + in deciding whether such views as I hold will be admitted or rejected at + present; in the future I cannot doubt about their admittance, and our + posterity will marvel as much about the current belief as we do about + fossils shells having been thought to have been created as we now see + them. But forgive me for running on about my hobby-horse... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Down, [September] 11th [1859]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + I corrected the last proof yesterday, and I have now my revises, index, + etc., which will take me near to the end of the month. So that the neck of + my work, thank God, is broken. + </p> + <p> + I write now to say that I am uneasy in my conscience about hesitating to + look over your proofs, but I was feeling miserably unwell and shattered + when I wrote. I do not suppose I could be of hardly any use, but if I + could, pray send me any proofs. I should be (and fear I was) the most + ungrateful man to hesitate to do anything for you after some fifteen or + more years' help from you. + </p> + <p> + As soon as ever I have fairly finished I shall be off to Ilkley, or some + other Hydropathic establishment. But I shall be some time yet, as my + proofs have been so utterly obscured with corrections, that I have to + correct heavily on revises. + </p> + <p> + Murray proposes to publish the first week in November. Oh, good heavens, + the relief to my head and body to banish the whole subject from my mind! + </p> + <p> + I hope to God, you do not think me a brute about your proof-sheets. + </p> + <p> + Farewell, yours affectionately, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO C. LYELL. Down, September 20th [1859]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Lyell, + </p> + <p> + You once gave me intense pleasure, or rather delight, by the way you were + interested, in a manner I never expected, in my Coral Reef notions, and + now you have again given me similar pleasure by the manner you have + noticed my species work. (Sir Charles was President of the Geological + section at the meeting of the British Association at Aberdeen in 1859. The + following passage occurs in the address: "On this difficult and mysterious + subject a work will very shortly appear by Mr. Charles Darwin, the result + of twenty years of observations and experiments in Zoology, Botany, and + Geology, by which he had been led to the conclusion that those powers of + nature which give rise to races and permanent varieties in animals and + plants, are the same as those which in much longer periods produce + species, and in a still longer series of ages give rise to differences of + generic rank. He appears to me to have succeeded by his investigations and + reasonings in throwing a flood of light on many classes of phenomena + connected with the affinities, geographical distribution, and geological + succession of organic beings, for which no other hypothesis has been able, + or has even attempted to account.") Nothing could be more satisfactory to + me, and I thank you for myself, and even more for the subject's sake, as I + know well that the sentence will make many fairly consider the subject, + instead of ridiculing it. Although your previously felt doubts on the + immutability of species, may have more influence in converting you (if you + be converted) than my book; yet as I regard your verdict as far more + important in my own eyes, and I believe in the eyes of the world than of + any other dozen men, I am naturally very anxious about it. Therefore let + me beg you to keep your mind open till you receive (in perhaps a + fortnight's time) my latter chapters, which are the most important of all + on the favourable side. The last chapter, which sums up and balances in a + mass all the arguments contra and pro, will, I think, be useful to you. I + cannot too strongly express my conviction of the general truth of my + doctrines, and God knows I have never shirked a difficulty. I am foolishly + anxious for your verdict, not that I shall be disappointed if you are not + converted; for I remember the long years it took me to come round; but I + shall be most deeply delighted if you do come round, especially if I have + a fair share in the conversion, I shall then feel that my career is run, + and care little whether I ever am good for anything again in this life. + </p> + <p> + Thank you much for allowing me to put in the sentence about your grave + doubt. (As to the immutability of species, 'Origin,' Edition i., page + 310.) So much and too much about myself. + </p> + <p> + I have read with extreme interest in the Aberdeen paper about the flint + tools; you have made the whole case far clearer to me; I suppose that you + did not think the evidence sufficient about the Glacial period. + </p> + <p> + With cordial thanks for your splendid notice of my book. + </p> + <p> + Believe me, my dear Lyell, your affectionate disciple, CHARLES DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO W.D. FOX. Down, September 23rd [1859]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Fox, + </p> + <p> + I was very glad to get your letter a few days ago. I was wishing to hear + about you, but have been in such an absorbed, slavish, overworked state, + that I had not heart without compulsion to write to any one or do anything + beyond my daily work. Though your account of yourself is better, I cannot + think it at all satisfactory, and I wish you would soon go to Malvern + again. My father used to believe largely in an old saying that, if a man + grew thinner between fifty and sixty years of age, his chance of long life + was poor, and that on the contrary it was a very good sign if he grew + fatter; so that your stoutness, I look at as a very good omen. My health + has been as bad as it well could be all this summer; and I have kept on my + legs, only by going at short intervals to Moor Park; but I have been + better lately, and, thank Heaven, I have at last as good as done my book, + having only the index and two or three revises to do. It will be published + in the first week in November, and a copy shall be sent you. Remember it + is only an Abstract (but has cost me above thirteen months to write!!), + and facts and authorities are far from given in full. I shall be curious + to hear what you think of it, but I am not so silly as to expect to + convert you. Lyell has read about half of the volume in clean sheets, and + gives me very great kudos. He is wavering so much about the immutability + of species, that I expect he will come round. Hooker has come round, and + will publish his belief soon. So much for my abominable volume, which has + cost me so much labour that I almost hate it. On October 3rd I start for + Ilkley, but shall take three days for the journey! It is so late that we + shall not take a house; but I go there alone for three or four weeks, then + return home for a week and go to Moor Park for three or four weeks, and + then I shall get a moderate spell of hydropathy: and I intend, if I can + keep to my resolution, of being idle this winter. But I fear ennui will be + as bad as a bad stomach... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO C. LYELL. Down, September 25th [1859]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Lyell, + </p> + <p> + I send by this post four corrected sheets. I have altered the sentence + about the Eocene fauna being beaten by recent, thanks to your remark. But + I imagined that it would have been clear that I supposed the climate to be + nearly similar; you do not doubt, I imagine, that the climate of the + eocene and recent periods in DIFFERENT parts of the world could be + matched. Not that I think climate nearly so important as most naturalists + seem to think. In my opinion no error is more mischievous than this. + </p> + <p> + I was very glad to find that Hooker, who read over, in MS., my + Geographical chapters, quite agreed in the view of the greater importance + of organic relations. I should like you to consider page 77 and reflect on + the case of any organism in the midst of its range. + </p> + <p> + I shall be curious hereafter to hear what you think of distribution during + the glacial and preceding warmer periods. I am so glad you do not think + the Chapter on the Imperfection of the Geological Record exaggerated; I + was more fearful about this chapter than about any part. + </p> + <p> + Embryology in Chapter VIII. is one of my strongest points I think. But I + must not bore you by running on. My mind is so wearisomely full of the + subject. + </p> + <p> + I do thank you for your eulogy at Aberdeen. I have been so wearied and + exhausted of late that I have for months doubted whether I have not been + throwing away time and labour for nothing. But now I care not what the + universal world says; I have always found you right, and certainly on this + occasion I am not going to doubt for the first time. Whether you go far, + or but a very short way with me and others who believe as I do, I am + contented, for my work cannot be in vain. You would laugh if you knew how + often I have read your paragraph, and it has acted like a little dram... + </p> + <p> + Farewell, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO C. LYELL. Down, September 30th [1859]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Lyell, + </p> + <p> + I sent off this morning the last sheets, but without index, which is not + in type. I look at you as my Lord High Chancellor in Natural Science, and + therefore I request you, after you have finished, just to RERUN over the + heads in the Recapitulation-part of last chapter. I shall be deeply + anxious to hear what you decide (if you are able to decide) on the balance + of the pros and contras given in my volume, and of such other pros and + contras as may occur to you. I hope that you will think that I have given + the difficulties fairly. I feel an entire conviction that if you are now + staggered to any moderate extent, that you will come more and more round, + the longer you keep the subject at all before your mind. I remember well + how many long years it was before I could look into the faces of some of + the difficulties and not feel quite abashed. I fairly struck my colours + before the case of neuter insects. + </p> + <p> + I suppose that I am a very slow thinker, for you would be surprised at the + number of years it took me to see clearly what some of the problems were + which had to be solved, such as the necessity of the principle of + divergence of character, the extinction of intermediate varieties, on a + continuous area, with graduated conditions; the double problem of sterile + first crosses and sterile hybrids, etc., etc. + </p> + <p> + Looking back, I think it was more difficult to see what the problems were + than to solve them, so far as I have succeeded in doing, and this seems to + me rather curious. Well, good or bad, my work, thank God, is over; and + hard work, I can assure you, I have had, and much work which has never + borne fruit. You can see, by the way I am scribbling, that I have an idle + and rainy afternoon. I was not able to start for Ilkley yesterday as I was + too unwell; but I hope to get there on Tuesday or Wednesday. Do, I beg + you, when you have finished my book and thought a little over it, let me + hear from you. Never mind and pitch into me, if you think it requisite; + some future day, in London possibly, you may give me a few criticisms in + detail, that is, if you have scribbled any remarks on the margin, for the + chance of a second edition. + </p> + <p> + Murray has printed 1250 copies, which seems to me rather too large an + edition, but I hope he will not lose. + </p> + <p> + I make as much fuss about my book as if it were my first. Forgive me, and + believe me, my dear Lyell, + </p> + <p> + Yours most sincerely, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Ilkley, Yorkshire, October 15th + [1859]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + Be a good man and screw out time enough to write me a note and tell me a + little about yourself, your doings, and belongings. + </p> + <p> + Is your Introduction fairly finished? I know you will abuse it, and I know + well how much I shall like it. I have been here nearly a fortnight, and it + has done me very much good, though I sprained my ankle last Sunday, which + has quite stopped walking. All my family come here on Monday to stop three + or four weeks, and then I shall go back to the great establishment, and + stay a fortnight; so that if I can keep my spirits, I shall stay eight + weeks here, and thus give hydropathy a fair chance. Before starting here I + was in an awful state of stomach, strength, temper, and spirits. My book + has been completely finished some little time; as soon as copies are + ready, of course one will be sent you. I hope you will mark your copy with + scores, so that I may profit by any criticisms. I should like to hear your + general impression. From Lyell's letters, he thinks favourably of it, but + seems staggered by the lengths to which I go. But if you go any + considerable length in the admission of modification, I can see no + possible means of drawing the line, and saying here you must stop. Lyell + is going to reread my book, and I yet entertain hopes that he will be + converted, or perverted, as he calls it. Lyell has been EXTREMELY kind in + writing me three volume-like letters; but he says nothing about dispersal + during the glacial period. I should like to know what he thinks on this + head. I have one question to ask: Would it be any good to send a copy of + my book to Decaisne? and do you know any philosophical botanists on the + Continent, who read English and care for such subjects? if so, give their + addresses. How about Andersson in Sweden? You cannot think how refreshing + it is to idle away the whole day, and hardly ever think in the least about + my confounded book which half-killed me. I much wish I could hear of your + taking a real rest. I know how very strong you are, mentally, but I never + will believe you can go on working as you have worked of late with + impunity. You will some day stretch the string too tight. Farewell, my + good, and kind, and dear friend, + </p> + <p> + Yours affectionately, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO T.H. HUXLEY. Ilkley, Otley, Yorkshire, October + 15th [1859]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Huxley, + </p> + <p> + I am here hydropathising and coming to life again, after having finished + my accursed book, which would have been easy work to any one else, but + half-killed me. I have thought you would give me one bit of information, + and I know not to whom else to apply; viz., the addresses of Barrande, Von + Siebold, Keyserling (I dare say Sir Roderick would know the latter). + </p> + <p> + Can you tell me of any good and SPECULATIVE foreigners to whom it would be + worth while to send copies of my book, on the 'Origin of Species'? I doubt + whether it is worth sending to Siebold. I should like to send a few copies + about, but how many I can afford I know not yet till I hear what price + Murray affixes. + </p> + <p> + I need not say that I will send, of course, one to you, in the first week + of November. I hope to send copies abroad immediately. I shall be + INTENSELY curious to hear what effect the book produces on you. I know + that there will be much in it which you will object to, and I do not doubt + many errors. I am very far from expecting to convert you to many of my + heresies; but if, on the whole, you and two or three others think I am on + the right road, I shall not care what the mob of naturalists think. The + penultimate chapter (Chapter XIII. is on Classification, Morphology, + Embryology, and Rudimentary Organs.), though I believe it includes the + truth, will, I much fear, make you savage. Do not act and say, like + Macleay versus Fleming, "I write with aqua fortis to bite into brass." + </p> + <p> + Ever yours, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO C. LYELL. Ilkley, Yorkshire, October 20th + [1859]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Lyell, + </p> + <p> + I have been reading over all your letters consecutively, and I do not feel + that I have thanked you half enough for the extreme pleasure which they + have given me, and for their utility. I see in them evidence of + fluctuation in the degree of credence you give to the theory; nor am I at + all surprised at this, for many and many fluctuations I have undergone. + </p> + <p> + There is one point in your letter which I did not notice, about the + animals (and many plants) naturalised in Australia, which you think could + not endure without man's aid. I cannot see how man does aid the feral + cattle. But, letting that pass, you seem to think, that because they + suffer prodigious destruction during droughts, that they would all be + destroyed. In the "gran secos" of La Plata, the indigenous animals, such + as the American deer, die by thousands, and suffer apparently as much as + the cattle. In parts of India, after a drought, it takes ten or more years + before the indigenous mammals get up to their full number again. Your + argument would, I think, apply to the aborigines as well as to the feral. + </p> + <p> + An animal or plant which becomes feral in one small territory might be + destroyed by climate, but I can hardly believe so, when once feral over + several large territories. Again, I feel inclined to swear at climate: do + not think me impudent for attacking you about climate. You say you doubt + whether man could have existed under the Eocene climate, but man can now + withstand the climate of Esquimaux-land and West Equatorial Africa; and + surely you do not think the Eocene climate differed from the present + throughout all Europe, as much as the Arctic regions differ from + Equatorial Africa? + </p> + <p> + With respect to organisms being created on the American type in America, + it might, I think, be said that they were so created to prevent them being + too well created, so as to beat the aborigines; but this seems to me, + somehow, a monstrous doctrine. + </p> + <p> + I have reflected a good deal on what you say on the necessity of continued + intervention of creative power. I cannot see this necessity; and its + admission, I think, would make the theory of Natural Selection valueless. + Grant a simple Archetypal creature, like the Mud-fish or Lepidosiren, with + the five senses and some vestige of mind, and I believe natural selection + will account for the production of every vertebrate animal. + </p> + <p> + Farewell; forgive me for indulging in this prose, and believe me, with + cordial thanks, + </p> + <p> + Your ever attached disciple, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + P.S.—When, and if, you reread, I supplicate you to write on the + margin the word "expand," when too condensed, or "not clear." or "?." Such + marks would cost you little trouble, and I could copy them and reflect on + them, and their value would be infinite to me. + </p> + <p> + My larger book will have to be wholly re-written, and not merely the + present volume expanded; so that I want to waste as little time over this + volume as possible, if another edition be called for; but I fear the + subject will be too perplexing, as I have treated it, for general public. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J.D. HOOKER. Ilkley, Yorkshire, Sunday + [October 23rd, 1859]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Hooker, + </p> + <p> + I congratulate you on your 'Introduction' ("Australian Flora".) being in + fact finished. I am sure from what I read of it (and deeply I shall be + interested in reading it straight through), that it must have cost you a + prodigious amount of labour and thought. I shall like very much to see the + sheet, which you wish me to look at. Now I am so completely a gentleman, + that I have sometimes a little difficulty to pass the day; but it is + astonishing how idle a three weeks I have passed. If it is any comfort to + you, pray delude yourself by saying that you intend "sticking to humdrum + science." But I believe it just as much as if a plant were to say that, "I + have been growing all my life, and, by Jove, I will stop growing." You + cannot help yourself; you are not clever enough for that. You could not + even remain idle, as I have done, for three weeks! What you say about + Lyell pleases me exceedingly; I had not at all inferred from his letters + that he had come so much round. I remember thinking, above a year ago, + that if ever I lived to see Lyell, yourself, and Huxley come round, partly + by my book, and partly by their own reflections, I should feel that the + subject is safe, and all the world might rail, but that ultimately the + theory of Natural Selection (though, no doubt, imperfect in its present + condition, and embracing many errors) would prevail. Nothing will ever + convince me that three such men, with so much diversified knowledge, and + so well accustomed to search for truth, could err greatly. I have spoken + of you here as a convert made by me; but I know well how much larger the + share has been of your own self-thought. I am intensely curious to hear + Huxley's opinion of my book. I fear my long discussion on Classification + will disgust him; for it is much opposed to what he once said to me. + </p> + <p> + But, how I am running on. You see how idle I am; but I have so enjoyed + your letter that you must forgive me. With respect to migration during the + glacial period: I think Lyell quite comprehends, for he has given me a + supporting fact. But, perhaps, he unconsciously hates (do not say so to + him) the view as slightly staggering him on his favourite theory of all + changes of climate being due to changes in the relative position of land + and water. + </p> + <p> + I will send copies of my book to all the men specified by you;... you + would be so kind as to add title, as Doctor, or Professor, or Monsieur, or + Von, and initials (when wanted), and addresses to the names on the + enclosed list, and let me have it pretty SOON, as towards the close of + this week Murray says the copies to go abroad will be ready. I am anxious + to get my view generally known, and not, I hope and think, for mere + personal conceit... + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO C. LYELL. Ilkley, Yorkshire, October 25th + [1859]. + </p> + <p> + ...Our difference on "principle of improvement" and "power of adaptation" + is too profound for discussion by letter. If I am wrong, I am quite blind + to my error. If I am right, our difference will be got over only by your + re-reading carefully and reflecting on my first four chapters. I + supplicate you to read these again carefully. The so-called improvement of + our Shorthorn cattle, pigeons, etc., does not presuppose or require any + aboriginal "power of adaptation," or "principle of improvement;" it + requires only diversified variability, and man to select or take advantage + of those modifications which are useful to him; so under nature any slight + modification which CHANCES to arise, and is useful to any creature, is + selected or preserved in the struggle for life; any modification which is + injurious is destroyed or rejected; any which is neither useful nor + injurious will be left a fluctuating element. When you contrast natural + selection and "improvement," you seem always to overlook (for I do not see + how you can deny) that every step in the natural selection of each species + implies improvement in that species in relation to its conditions of life. + No modification can be selected without it be an improvement or advantage. + Improvement implies, I suppose, each form obtaining many parts or organs, + all excellently adapted for their functions. As each species is improved, + and as the number of forms will have increased, if we look to the whole + course of time, the organic condition of life for other forms will become + more complex, and there will be a necessity for other forms to become + improved, or they will be exterminated; and I can see no limit to this + process of improvement, without the intervention of any other and direct + principle of improvement. All this seems to me quite compatible with + certain forms fitted for simple conditions, remaining unaltered, or being + degraded. + </p> + <p> + If I have a second edition, I will reiterate "Natural Selection," and, as + a general consequence, "Natural Improvement." + </p> + <p> + As you go, as far as you do, I begin strongly to think, judging from + myself, that you will go much further. How slowly the older geologists + admitted your grand views on existing geological causes of change! + </p> + <p> + If at any time you think I can answer any question, it is a real pleasure + to me to write. + </p> + <p> + Yours affectionately, C. DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br />CHARLES DARWIN TO J. MURRAY. Ilkley, Yorkshire [1859]. + </p> + <p> + My dear Sir, + </p> + <p> + I have received your kind note and the copy; I am infinitely pleased and + proud at the appearance of my child. + </p> + <p> + I quite agree to all you propose about price. But you are really too + generous about the, to me, scandalously heavy corrections. Are you not + acting unfairly towards yourself? Would it not be better at least to share + the 72 pounds 8 shillings? I shall be fully satisfied, for I had no + business to send, though quite unintentionally and unexpectedly, such + badly composed MS. to the printers. + </p> + <p> + Thank you for your kind offer to distribute the copies to my friends and + assistors as soon as possible. Do not trouble yourself much about the + foreigners, as Messrs. Williams and Norgate have most kindly offered to do + their best, and they are accustomed to send to all parts of the world. + </p> + <p> + I will pay for my copies whenever you like. I am so glad that you were so + good as to undertake the publication of my book. + </p> + <p> + My dear Sir, yours very sincerely, CHARLES DARWIN. + </p> + <p> + P.S.—Please do not forget to let me hear about two days before the + copies are distributed. + </p> + <p> + I do not know when I shall leave this place, certainly not for several + weeks. Whenever I am in London I will call on you. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 1.XIV. — BY PROFESSOR HUXLEY. + </h2> + <h3> + ON THE RECEPTION OF THE 'ORIGIN OF SPECIES.' + </h3> + <p> + To the present generation, that is to say, the people a few years on the + hither and thither side of thirty, the name of Charles Darwin stands + alongside of those of Isaac Newton and Michael Faraday; and, like them, + calls up the grand ideal of a searcher after truth and interpreter of + Nature. They think of him who bore it as a rare combination of genius, + industry, and unswerving veracity, who earned his place among the most + famous men of the age by sheer native power, in the teeth of a gale of + popular prejudice, and uncheered by a sign of favour or appreciation from + the official fountains of honour; as one who in spite of an acute + sensitiveness to praise and blame, and notwithstanding provocations which + might have excused any outbreak, kept himself clear of all envy, hatred, + and malice, nor dealt otherwise than fairly and justly with the unfairness + and injustice which was showered upon him; while, to the end of his days, + he was ready to listen with patience and respect to the most insignificant + of reasonable objectors. + </p> + <p> + And with respect to that theory of the origin of the forms of life + peopling our globe, with which Darwin's name is bound up as closely as + that of Newton with the theory of gravitation, nothing seems to be further + from the mind of the present generation than any attempt to smother it + with ridicule or to crush it by vehemence of denunciation. "The struggle + for existence," and "Natural selection," have become household words and + every-day conceptions. The reality and the importance of the natural + processes on which Darwin founds his deductions are no more doubted than + those of growth and multiplication; and, whether the full potency + attributed to them is admitted or not, no one doubts their vast and + far-reaching significance. Wherever the biological sciences are studied, + the 'Origin of Species' lights the paths of the investigator; wherever + they are taught it permeates the course of instruction. Nor has the + influence of Darwinian ideas been less profound, beyond the realms of + Biology. The oldest of all philosophies, that of Evolution, was bound hand + and foot and cast into utter darkness during the millennium of theological + scholasticism. But Darwin poured new life-blood into the ancient frame; + the bonds burst, and the revivified thought of ancient Greece has proved + itself to be a more adequate expression of the universal order of things + than any of the schemes which have been accepted by the credulity and + welcomed by the superstition of seventy later generations of men. + </p> + <p> + To any one who studies the signs of the times, the emergence of the + philosophy of Evolution, in the attitude of claimant to the throne of the + world of thought, from the limbo of hated and, as many hoped, forgotten + things, is the most portentous event of the nineteenth century. But the + most effective weapons of the modern champions of Evolution were + fabricated by Darwin; and the 'Origin of Species' has enlisted a + formidable body of combatants, trained in the severe school of Physical + Science, whose ears might have long remained deaf to the speculations of a + priori philosophers. + </p> + <p> + I do not think any candid or instructed person will deny the truth of that + which has just been asserted. He may hate the very name of Evolution, and + may deny its pretensions as vehemently as a Jacobite denied those of + George the Second. But there it is—not only as solidly seated as the + Hanoverian dynasty, but happily independent of Parliamentary sanction—and + the dullest antagonists have come to see that they have to deal with an + adversary whose bones are to be broken by no amount of bad words. + </p> + <p> + Even the theologians have almost ceased to pit the plain meaning of + Genesis against the no less plain meaning of Nature. Their more candid, or + more cautious, representatives have given up dealing with Evolution as if + it were a damnable heresy, and have taken refuge in one of two courses. + Either they deny that Genesis was meant to teach scientific truth, and + thus save the veracity of the record at the expense of its authority; or + they expend their energies in devising the cruel ingenuities of the + reconciler, and torture texts in the vain hope of making them confess the + creed of Science. But when the peine forte et dure is over, the antique + sincerity of the venerable sufferer always reasserts itself. Genesis is + honest to the core, and professes to be no more than it is, a repository + of venerable traditions of unknown origin, claiming no scientific + authority and possessing none. + </p> + <p> + As my pen finishes these passages, I can but be amused to think what a + terrible hubbub would have been made (in truth was made) about any similar + expressions of opinion a quarter of a century ago. In fact, the contrast + between the present condition of public opinion upon the Darwinian + question; between the estimation in which Darwin's views are now held in + the scientific world; between the acquiescence, or at least quiescence, of + the theologians of the self-respecting order at the present day and the + outburst of antagonism on all sides in 1858-9, when the new theory + respecting the origin of species first became known to the older + generation to which I belong, is so startling that, except for documentary + evidence, I should be sometimes inclined to think my memories dreams. I + have a great respect for the younger generation myself (they can write our + lives, and ravel out all our follies, if they choose to take the trouble, + by and by), and I should be glad to be assured that the feeling is + reciprocal; but I am afraid that the story of our dealings with Darwin may + prove a great hindrance to that veneration for our wisdom which I should + like them to display. We have not even the excuse that, thirty years ago, + Mr. Darwin was an obscure novice, who had no claims on our attention. On + the contrary, his remarkable zoological and geological investigations had + long given him an assured position among the most eminent and original + investigators of the day; while his charming 'Voyage of a Naturalist' had + justly earned him a wide-spread reputation among the general public. I + doubt if there was any man then living who had a better right to expect + that anything he might choose to say on such a question as the Origin of + Species would be listened to with profound attention, and discussed with + respect; and there was certainly no man whose personal character should + have afforded a better safeguard against attacks, instinct with malignity + and spiced with shameless impertinences. + </p> + <p> + Yet such was the portion of one of the kindest and truest men that it was + ever my good fortune to know; and years had to pass away before + misrepresentation, ridicule, and denunciation, ceased to be the most + notable constituents of the majority of the multitudinous criticisms of + his work which poured from the press. I am loth to rake any of these + ancient scandals from their well-deserved oblivion; but I must make good a + statement which may seem overcharged to the present generation, and there + is no piece justificative more apt for the purpose, or more worthy of such + dishonour, than the article in the 'Quarterly Review' for July, 1860. (I + was not aware when I wrote these passages that the authorship of the + article had been publicly acknowledged. Confession unaccompanied by + penitence, however, affords no ground for mitigation of judgment; and the + kindliness with which Mr. Darwin speaks of his assailant, Bishop + Wilberforce (vol. ii.), is so striking an exemplification of his singular + gentleness and modesty, that it rather increases one's indignation against + the presumption of his critic.) Since Lord Brougham assailed Dr. Young, + the world has seen no such specimen of the insolence of a shallow + pretender to a Master in Science as this remarkable production, in which + one of the most exact of observers, most cautious of reasoners, and most + candid of expositors, of this or any other age, is held up to scorn as a + "flighty" person, who endeavours "to prop up his utterly rotten fabric of + guess and speculation," and whose "mode of dealing with nature" is + reprobated as "utterly dishonourable to Natural Science." And all this + high and mighty talk, which would have been indecent in one of Mr. + Darwin's equals, proceeds from a writer whose want of intelligence, or of + conscience, or of both, is so great, that, by way of an objection to Mr. + Darwin's views, he can ask, "Is it credible that all favourable varieties + of turnips are tending to become men;" who is so ignorant of paleontology, + that he can talk of the "flowers and fruits" of the plants of the + carboniferous epoch; of comparative anatomy, that he can gravely affirm + the poison apparatus of the venomous snakes to be "entirely separate from + the ordinary laws of animal life, and peculiar to themselves;" of the + rudiments of physiology, that he can ask, "what advantage of life could + alter the shape of the corpuscles into which the blood can be evaporated?" + Nor does the reviewer fail to flavour this outpouring of preposterous + incapacity with a little stimulation of the odium theologicum. Some + inkling of the history of the conflicts between Astronomy, Geology, and + Theology, leads him to keep a retreat open by the proviso that he cannot + "consent to test the truth of Natural Science by the word of Revelation;" + but, for all that, he devotes pages to the exposition of his conviction + that Mr. Darwin's theory "contradicts the revealed relation of the + creation to its Creator," and is "inconsistent with the fulness of his + glory." + </p> + <p> + If I confine my retrospect of the reception of the 'Origin of Species' to + a twelvemonth, or thereabouts, from the time of its publication, I do not + recollect anything quite so foolish and unmannerly as the 'Quarterly + Review' article, unless, perhaps, the address of a Reverend Professor to + the Dublin Geological Society might enter into competition with it. But a + large proportion of Mr. Darwin's critics had a lamentable resemblance to + the 'Quarterly' reviewer, in so far as they lacked either the will, or the + wit, to make themselves masters of his doctrine; hardly any possessed the + knowledge required to follow him through the immense range of biological + and geological science which the 'Origin' covered; while, too commonly, + they had prejudiced the case on theological grounds, and, as seems to be + inevitable when this happens, eked out lack of reason by superfluity of + railing. + </p> + <p> + But it will be more pleasant and more profitable to consider those + criticisms, which were acknowledged by writers of scientific authority, or + which bore internal evidence of the greater or less competency and, often, + of the good faith, of their authors. Restricting my survey to a + twelvemonth, or thereabouts, after the publication of the 'Origin,' I find + among such critics Louis Agassiz ("The arguments presented by Darwin in + favor of a universal derivation from one primary form of all the + peculiarities existing now among living beings have not made the slightest + impression on my mind.") + </p> + <p> + "Until the facts of Nature are shown to have been mistaken by those who + have collected them, and that they have a different meaning from that now + generally assigned to them, I shall therefore consider the transmutation + theory as a scientific mistake, untrue in its facts, unscientific in its + method, and mischievous in its tendency."—Silliman's 'Journal,' + July, 1860, pages 143, 154. Extract from the 3rd volume of 'Contributions + to the Natural History of the United States.'); Murray, an excellent + entomologist; Harvey, a botanist of considerable repute; and the author of + an article in the 'Edinburgh Review,' all strongly adverse to Darwin. + Pictet, the distinguished and widely learned paleontogist of Geneva, + treats Mr. Darwin with a respect which forms a grateful contrast to the + tone of some of the preceding writers, but consents to go with him only a + very little way. ("I see no serious objections to the formation of + varieties by natural selection in the existing world, and that, so far as + earlier epochs are concerned, this law may be assumed to explain the + origin of closely allied species, supposing for this purpose a very long + period of time." + </p> + <p> + "With regard to simple varieties and closely allied species, I believe + that Mr. Darwin's theory may explain many things, and throw a great light + upon numerous questions."—'Sur l'Origine de l'Espece. Par Charles + Darwin.' ('Archives des Sc. de la Bibliotheque Universelle de Geneve,' + pages 242, 243, Mars 1860.) On the other hand, Lyell, up to that time a + pillar of the anti-transmutationists (who regarded him, ever afterwards, + as Pallas Athene may have looked at Dian, after the Endymion affair), + declared himself a Darwinian, though not without putting in a serious + caveat. Nevertheless, he was a tower of strength, and his courageous stand + for truth as against consistency, did him infinite honour. As + evolutionists, sans phrase, I do not call to mind among the biologists + more than Asa Gray, who fought the battle splendidly in the United States; + Hooker, who was no less vigorous here; the present Sir John Lubbock and + myself. Wallace was far away in the Malay Archipelago; but, apart from his + direct share in the promulgation of the theory of natural selection, no + enumeration of the influences at work, at the time I am speaking of, would + be complete without the mention of his powerful essay 'On the Law which + has regulated the Introduction of New Species,' which was published in + 1855. On reading it afresh, I have been astonished to recollect how small + was the impression it made. + </p> + <p> + In France, the influence of Elie de Beaumont and of Flourens—the + former of whom is said to have "damned himself to everlasting fame" by + inventing the nickname of "la science moussante" for Evolutionism (One is + reminded of the effect of another small academic epigram. The so-called + vertebral theory of the skull is said to have been nipped in the bud in + France by the whisper of an academician to his neighbour, that, in that + case, one's head was a "vertebre pensante."),—to say nothing of the + ill-will of other powerful members of the Institut, produced for a long + time the effect of a conspiracy of silence; and many years passed before + the Academy redeemed itself from the reproach that the name of Darwin was + not to be found on the list of its members. However, an accomplished + writer, out of the range of academical influences, M. Laugel, gave an + excellent and appreciative notice of the 'Origin' in the 'Revue des Deux + Mondes.' Germany took time to consider; Bronn produced a slightly + Bowdlerized translation of the 'Origin'; and 'Kladderadatsch' cut his + jokes upon the ape origin of man; but I do not call to mind that any + scientific notability declared himself publicly in 1860. (However, the man + who stands next to Darwin in his influence on modern biologists, K.E. von + Baer, wrote to me, in August 1860, expressing his general assent to + evolutionist views. His phrase, "J'ai enonce les memes idees...que M. + Darwin" (volume ii.) is shown by his subsequent writings to mean no more + than this.) None of us dreamed that, in the course of a few years, the + strength (and perhaps I may add the weakness) of "Darwinismus" would have + its most extensive and most brilliant illustrations in the land of + learning. If a foreigner may presume to speculate on the cause of this + curious interval of silence, I fancy it was that one moiety of the German + biologists were orthodox at any price, and the other moiety as distinctly + heterodox. The latter were evolutionists, a priori, already, and they must + have felt the disgust natural to deductive philosophers at being offered + an inductive and experimental foundation for a conviction which they had + reached by a shorter cut. It is undoubtedly trying to learn that, though + your conclusions may be all right, your reasons for them are all wrong, + or, at any rate, insufficient. + </p> + <p> + On the whole, then, the supporters of Mr. Darwin's views in 1860 were + numerically extremely insignificant. There is not the slightest doubt + that, if a general council of the Church scientific had been held at that + time, we should have been condemned by an overwhelming majority. And there + is as little doubt that, if such a council gathered now, the decree would + be of an exactly contrary nature. It would indicate a lack of sense, as + well as of modesty, to ascribe to the men of that generation less capacity + or less honesty than their successors possess. What, then, are the causes + which led instructed and fair-judging men of that day to arrive at a + judgment so different from that which seems just and fair to those who + follow them? That is really one of the most interesting of all questions + connected with the history of science, and I shall try to answer it. I am + afraid that in order to do so I must run the risk of appearing + egotistical. However, if I tell my own story it is only because I know it + better than that of other people. + </p> + <p> + I think I must have read the 'Vestiges' before I left England in 1846; + but, if I did, the book made very little impression upon me, and I was not + brought into serious contact with the 'Species' question until after 1850. + At that time, I had long done with the Pentateuchal cosmogony, which had + been impressed upon my childish understanding as Divine truth, with all + the authority of parents and instructors, and from which it had cost me + many a struggle to get free. But my mind was unbiassed in respect of any + doctrine which presented itself, if it professed to be based on purely + philosophical and scientific reasoning. It seemed to me then (as it does + now) that "creation," in the ordinary sense of the word, is perfectly + conceivable. I find no difficulty in imagining that, at some former + period, this universe was not in existence; and that it made its + appearance in six days (or instantaneously, if that is preferred), in + consequence of the volition of some pre-existent Being. Then, as now, the + so-called a priori arguments against Theism; and, given a Deity, against + the possibility of creative acts, appeared to me to be devoid of + reasonable foundation. I had not then, and I have not now, the smallest a + priori objection to raise to the account of the creation of animals and + plants given in 'Paradise Lost,' in which Milton so vividly embodies the + natural sense of Genesis. Far be it from me to say that it is untrue + because it is impossible. I confine myself to what must be regarded as a + modest and reasonable request for some particle of evidence that the + existing species of animals and plants did originate in that way, as a + condition of my belief in a statement which appears to me to be highly + improbable. + </p> + <p> + And, by way of being perfectly fair, I had exactly the same answer to give + to the evolutionists of 1851-8. Within the ranks of the biologists, at + that time, I met with nobody, except Dr. Grant, of University College, who + had a word to say for Evolution—and his advocacy was not calculated + to advance the cause. Outside these ranks, the only person known to me + whose knowledge and capacity compelled respect, and who was, at the same + time, a thorough-going evolutionist, was Mr. Herbert Spencer, whose + acquaintance I made, I think, in 1852, and then entered into the bonds of + a friendship which, I am happy to think, has known no interruption. Many + and prolonged were the battles we fought on this topic. But even my + friend's rare dialectic skill and copiousness of apt illustration could + not drive me from my agnostic position. I took my stand upon two grounds: + firstly, that up to that time, the evidence in favour of transmutation was + wholly insufficient; and secondly, that no suggestion respecting the + causes of the transmutation assumed, which had been made, was in any way + adequate to explain the phenomena. Looking back at the state of knowledge + at that time, I really do not see that any other conclusion was + justifiable. + </p> + <p> + In those days I had never even heard of Treviranus' 'Biologie.' However, I + had studied Lamarck attentively and I had read the 'Vestiges' with due + care; but neither of them afforded me any good ground for changing my + negative and critical attitude. As for the 'Vestiges,' I confess that the + book simply irritated me by the prodigious ignorance and thoroughly + unscientific habit of mind manifested by the writer. If it had any + influence on me at all, it set me against Evolution; and the only review I + ever have qualms of conscience about, on the ground of needless savagery, + is one I wrote on the 'Vestiges' while under that influence. + </p> + <p> + With respect to the 'Philosophie Zoologique,' it is no reproach to Lamarck + to say that the discussion of the Species question in that work, whatever + might be said for it in 1809, was miserably below the level of the + knowledge of half a century later. In that interval of time the + elucidation of the structure of the lower animals and plants had given + rise to wholly new conceptions of their relations; histology and + embryology, in the modern sense, had been created; physiology had been + reconstituted; the facts of distribution, geological and geographical, had + been prodigiously multiplied and reduced to order. To any biologist whose + studies had carried him beyond mere species-mongering in 1850, one-half of + Lamarck's arguments were obsolete and the other half erroneous, or + defective, in virtue of omitting to deal with the various classes of + evidence which had been brought to light since his time. Moreover his one + suggestion as to the cause of the gradual modification of species—effort + excited by change of conditions—was, on the face of it, inapplicable + to the whole vegetable world. I do not think that any impartial judge who + reads the 'Philosophie Zoologique' now, and who afterwards takes up + Lyell's trenchant and effectual criticism (published as far back as 1830), + will be disposed to allot to Lamarck a much higher place in the + establishment of biological evolution than that which Bacon assigns to + himself in relation to physical science generally,—buccinator + tantum. (Erasmus Darwin first promulgated Lamarck's fundamental + conceptions, and, with greater logical consistency, he had applied them to + plants. But the advocates of his claims have failed to show that he, in + any respect, anticipated the central idea of the 'Origin of Species.') + </p> + <p> + But, by a curious irony of fate, the same influence which led me to put as + little faith in modern speculations on this subject, as in the venerable + traditions recorded in the first two chapters of Genesis, was perhaps more + potent than any other in keeping alive a sort of pious conviction that + Evolution, after all, would turn out true. I have recently read afresh the + first edition of the 'Principles of Geology'; and when I consider that + this remarkable book had been nearly thirty years in everybody's hands, + and that it brings home to any reader of ordinary intelligence a great + principle and a great fact—the principle, that the past must be + explained by the present, unless good cause be shown to the contrary; and + the fact, that, so far as our knowledge of the past history of life on our + globe goes, no such cause can be shown (The same principle and the same + fact guide the result from all sound historical investigation. Grote's + 'History of Greece' is a product of the same intellectual movement as + Lyell's 'Principles.')—I cannot but believe that Lyell, for others, + as for myself, was the chief agent for smoothing the road for Darwin. For + consistent uniformitarianism postulates evolution as much in the organic + as in the inorganic world. The origin of a new species by other than + ordinary agencies would be a vastly greater "catastrophe" than any of + those which Lyell successfully eliminated from sober geological + speculation. + </p> + <p> + In fact, no one was better aware of this than Lyell himself. (Lyell, with + perfect right, claims this position for himself. He speaks of having + "advocated a law of continuity even in the organic world, so far as + possible without adopting Lamarck's theory of transmutation"...) + </p> + <p> + "But while I taught that as often as certain forms of animals and plants + disappeared, for reasons quite intelligible to us, others took their place + by virtue of a causation which was beyond our comprehension; it remained + for Darwin to accumulate proof that there is no break between the incoming + and the outgoing species, that they are the work of evolution, and not of + special creation... + </p> + <p> + "I had certainly prepared the way in this country, in six editions of my + work before the 'Vestiges of Creation' appeared in 1842 [1844], for the + reception of Darwin's gradual and insensible evolution of species."—('Life + and Letters,' Letter to Haeckel, volume ii. page 436. November 23, 1868.) + If one reads any of the earlier editions of the 'Principles' carefully + (especially by the light of the interesting series of letters recently + published by Sir Charles Lyell's biographer), it is easy to see that, with + all his energetic opposition to Lamarck, on the one hand, and to the ideal + quasi-progressionism of Agassiz, on the other, Lyell, in his own mind, was + strongly disposed to account for the origination of all past and present + species of living things by natural causes. But he would have liked, at + the same time, to keep the name of creation for a natural process which he + imagined to be incomprehensible. + </p> + <p> + In a letter addressed to Mantell (dated March 2, 1827), Lyell speaks of + having just read Lamarck; he expresses his delight at Lamarck's theories, + and his personal freedom from any objection based on theological grounds. + And though he is evidently alarmed at the pithecoid origin of man involved + in Lamarck's doctrine, he observes:— + </p> + <p> + "But, after all, what changes species may really undergo! How impossible + will it be to distinguish and lay down a line, beyond which some of the + so-called extinct species have never passed into recent ones." + </p> + <p> + Again, the following remarkable passage occurs in the postscript of a + letter addressed to Sir John Herschel in 1836:— + </p> + <p> + "In regard to the origination of new species, I am very glad to find that + you think it probable that it may be carried on through the intervention + of intermediate causes. I left this rather to be inferred, not thinking it + worth while to offend a certain class of persons by embodying in words + what would only be a speculation." (In the same sense, see the letter to + Whewell, March 7, 1837, volume ii., page 5):— + </p> + <p> + "In regard to this last subject [the changes from one set of animal and + vegetable species to another]...you remember what Herschel said in his + letter to me. If I had stated as plainly as he has done the possibility of + the introduction or origination of fresh species being a natural, in + contradistinction to a miraculous process, I should have raised a host of + prejudices against me, which are unfortunately opposed at every step to + any philosopher who attempts to address the public on these mysterious + subjects." See also letter to Sedgwick, January 12, 1838 ii. page 35.) He + goes on to refer to the criticisms which have been directed against him on + the ground that, by leaving species to be originated by miracle, he is + inconsistent with his own doctrine of uniformitarianism; and he leaves it + to be understood that he had not replied, on the ground of his general + objection to controversy. + </p> + <p> + Lyell's contemporaries were not without some inkling of his esoteric + doctrine. Whewell's 'History of the Inductive Sciences,' whatever its + philosophical value, is always worth reading and always interesting, if + under no other aspect than that of an evidence of the speculative limits + within which a highly-placed divine might, at that time, safely range at + will. In the course of his discussion of uniformitarianism, the + encyclopaedic Master of Trinity observes:— + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Lyell, indeed, has spoken of an hypothesis that 'the successive + creation of species may constitute a regular part of the economy of + nature,' but he has nowhere, I think, so described this process as to make + it appear in what department of science we are to place the hypothesis. + Are these new species created by the production, at long intervals, of an + offspring different in species from the parents? Or are the species so + created produced without parents? Are they gradually evolved from some + embryo substance? Or do they suddenly start from the ground, as in the + creation of the poet?... + </p> + <p> + "Some selection of one of these forms of the hypothesis, rather than the + others, with evidence for the selection, is requisite to entitle us to + place it among the known causes of change, which in this chapter we are + considering. The bare conviction that a creation of species has taken + place, whether once or many times, so long as it is unconnected with our + organical sciences, is a tenet of Natural Theology rather than of Physical + Philosophy." (Whewell's 'History,' volume iii. page 639-640 (Edition 2, + 1847.)) + </p> + <p> + The earlier part of this criticism appears perfectly just and appropriate; + but, from the concluding paragraph, Whewell evidently imagines that by + "creation" Lyell means a preternatural intervention of the Deity; whereas + the letter to Herschel shows that, in his own mind, Lyell meant natural + causation; and I see no reason to doubt (The following passages in Lyell's + letters appear to me decisive on this point):— + </p> + <p> + To Darwin, October 3, 1859 (ii, 325), on first reading the 'Origin.' + </p> + <p> + "I have long seen most clearly that if any concession is made, all that + you claim in your concluding pages will follow. + </p> + <p> + "It is this which has made me so long hesitate, always feeling that the + case of Man and his Races, and of other animals, and that of plants, is + one and the same, and that if a vera causa be admitted for one instant, + [instead] of a purely unknown and imaginary one, such as the word + 'creation,' all the consequences must follow." + </p> + <p> + To Darwin, March 15, 1863 (volume ii. page 365). + </p> + <p> + "I remember that it was the conclusion he [Lamarck] came to about man that + fortified me thirty years ago against the great impression which his + arguments at first made on my mind, all the greater because Constant + Prevost, a pupil of Cuvier's forty years ago, told me his conviction 'that + Cuvier thought species not real, but that science could not advance + without assuming that they were so.'" + </p> + <p> + To Hooker, March 9, 1863 (volume ii. page 361), in reference to Darwin's + feeling about the 'Antiquity of Man.' + </p> + <p> + "He [Darwin] seems much disappointed that I do not go farther with him, or + do not speak out more. I can only say that I have spoken out to the full + extent of my present convictions, and even beyond my state of FEELING as + to man's unbroken descent from the brutes, and I find I am half converting + not a few who were in arms against Darwin, and are even now against + Huxley." He speaks of having had to abandon "old and long cherished ideas, + which constituted the charm to me of the theoretical part of the science + in my earlier day, when I believed with Pascal in the theory, as Hallam + terms it, of 'the arch-angel ruined.'" + </p> + <p> + See the same sentiment in the letter to Darwin, March 11, 1863, page 363:— + </p> + <p> + "I think the old 'creation' is almost as much required as ever, but of + course it takes a new form if Lamarck's views improved by yours are + adopted." that, if Sir Charles could have avoided the inevitable corollary + of the pithecoid origin of man—for which, to the end of his life, he + entertained a profound antipathy—he would have advocated the + efficiency of causes now in operation to bring about the condition of the + organic world, as stoutly as he championed that doctrine in reference to + inorganic nature. + </p> + <p> + The fact is, that a discerning eye might have seen that some form or other + of the doctrine of transmutation was inevitable, from the time when the + truth enunciated by William Smith that successive strata are characterised + by different kinds of fossil remains, became a firmly established law of + nature. No one has set forth the speculative consequences of this + generalisation better than the historian of the 'Inductive Sciences':— + </p> + <p> + "But the study of geology opens to us the spectacle of many groups of + species which have, in the course of the earth's history, succeeded each + other at vast intervals of time; one set of animals and plants + disappearing, as it would seem, from the face of our planet, and others, + which did not before exist, becoming the only occupants of the globe. And + the dilemma then presents itself to us anew:—either we must accept + the doctrine of the transmutation of species, and must suppose that the + organized species of one geological epoch were transmuted into those of + another by some long-continued agency of natural causes; or else, we must + believe in many successive acts of creation and extinction of species, out + of the common course of nature; acts which, therefore, we may properly + call miraculous." (Whewell's 'History of the Inductive Sciences.' Edition + ii., 1847, volume iii. pages 624-625. See for the author's verdict, pages + 638- 39.) + </p> + <p> + Dr. Whewell decides in favour of the latter conclusion. And if any one had + plied him with the four questions which he puts to Lyell in the passage + already cited, all that can be said now is that he would certainly have + rejected the first. But would he really have had the courage to say that a + Rhinoceros tichorhinus, for instance, "was produced without parents;" or + was "evolved from some embryo substance;" or that it suddenly started from + the ground like Milton's lion "pawing to get free his hinder parts." I + permit myself to doubt whether even the Master of Trinity's well-tried + courage—physical, intellectual, and moral—would have been + equal to this feat. No doubt the sudden concurrence of half-a-ton of + inorganic molecules into a live rhinoceros is conceivable, and therefore + may be possible. But does such an event lie sufficiently within the bounds + of probability to justify the belief in its occurrence on the strength of + any attainable, or, indeed, imaginable, evidence? + </p> + <p> + In view of the assertion (often repeated in the early days of the + opposition to Darwin) that he had added nothing to Lamarck, it is very + interesting to observe that the possibility of a fifth alternative, in + addition to the four he has stated, has not dawned upon Dr. Whewell's + mind. The suggestion that new species may result from the selective action + of external conditions upon the variations from their specific type which + individuals present—and which we call "spontaneous," because we are + ignorant of their causation—is as wholly unknown to the historian of + scientific ideas as it was to biological specialists before 1858. But that + suggestion is the central idea of the 'Origin of Species,' and contains + the quintessence of Darwinism. + </p> + <p> + Thus, looking back into the past, it seems to me that my own position of + critical expectancy was just and reasonable, and must have been taken up, + on the same grounds, by many other persons. If Agassiz told me that the + forms of life which had successively tenanted the globe were the + incarnations of successive thoughts of the Deity; and that he had wiped + out one set of these embodiments by an appalling geological catastrophe as + soon as His ideas took a more advanced shape, I found myself not only + unable to admit the accuracy of the deductions from the facts of + paleontology, upon which this astounding hypothesis was founded, but I had + to confess my want of any means of testing the correctness of his + explanation of them. And besides that, I could by no means see what the + explanation explained. Neither did it help me to be told by an eminent + anatomist that species had succeeded one another in time, in virtue of "a + continuously operative creational law." That seemed to me to be no more + than saying that species had succeeded one another, in the form of a + vote-catching resolution, with "law" to please the man of science, and + "creational" to draw the orthodox. So I took refuge in that "thatige + Skepsis" which Goethe has so well defined; and, reversing the apostolic + precept to be all things to all men, I usually defended the tenability of + the received doctrines, when I had to do with the transmutationists; and + stood up for the possibility of transmutation among the orthodox—thereby, + no doubt, increasing an already current, but quite undeserved, reputation + for needless combativeness. + </p> + <p> + I remember, in the course of my first interview with Mr. Darwin, + expressing my belief in the sharpness of the lines of demarcation between + natural groups and in the absence of transitional forms, with all the + confidence of youth and imperfect knowledge. I was not aware, at that + time, that he had then been many years brooding over the species-question; + and the humorous smile which accompanied his gentle answer, that such was + not altogether his view, long haunted and puzzled me. But it would seem + that four or five years' hard work had enabled me to understand what it + meant; for Lyell ('Life and Letters,' volume ii. page 212.), writing to + Sir Charles Bunbury (under date of April 30, 1856), says:— + </p> + <p> + "When Huxley, Hooker, and Wollaston were at Darwin's last week they (all + four of them) ran a tilt against species—further, I believe, than + they are prepared to go." + </p> + <p> + I recollect nothing of this beyond the fact of meeting Mr. Wollaston; and + except for Sir Charles' distinct assurance as to "all four," I should have + thought my "outrecuidance" was probably a counterblast to Wollaston's + conservatism. With regard to Hooker, he was already, like Voltaire's + Habbakuk, "capable du tout" in the way of advocating Evolution. + </p> + <p> + As I have already said, I imagine that most of those of my contemporaries + who thought seriously about the matter, were very much in my own state of + mind—inclined to say to both Mosaists and Evolutionists, "a plague + on both your houses!" and disposed to turn aside from an interminable and + apparently fruitless discussion, to labour in the fertile fields of + ascertainable fact. And I may, therefore, further suppose that the + publication of the Darwin and Wallace papers in 1858, and still more that + of the 'Origin' in 1859, had the effect upon them of the flash of light, + which to a man who has lost himself in a dark night, suddenly reveals a + road which, whether it takes him straight home or not, certainly goes his + way. That which we were looking for, and could not find, was a hypothesis + respecting the origin of known organic forms, which assumed the operation + of no causes but such as could be proved to be actually at work. We + wanted, not to pin our faith to that or any other speculation, but to get + hold of clear and definite conceptions which could be brought face to face + with facts and have their validity tested. The 'Origin' provided us with + the working hypothesis we sought. Moreover, it did the immense service of + freeing us for ever from the dilemma—refuse to accept the creation + hypothesis, and what have you to propose that can be accepted by any + cautious reasoner? In 1857, I had no answer ready, and I do not think that + any one else had. A year later, we reproached ourselves with dullness for + being perplexed by such an inquiry. My reflection, when I first made + myself master of the central idea of the 'Origin,' was, "How extremely + stupid not to have thought of that!" I suppose that Columbus' companions + said much the same when he made the egg stand on end. The facts of + variability, of the struggle for existence, of adaptation to conditions, + were notorious enough; but none of us had suspected that the road to the + heart of the species problem lay through them, until Darwin and Wallace + dispelled the darkness, and the beacon-fire of the 'Origin' guided the + benighted. + </p> + <p> + Whether the particular shape which the doctrine of evolution, as applied + to the organic world, took in Darwin's hands, would prove to be final or + not, was, to me, a matter of indifference. In my earliest criticisms of + the 'Origin' I ventured to point out that its logical foundation was + insecure so long as experiments in selective breeding had not produced + varieties which were more or less infertile; and that insecurity remains + up to the present time. But, with any and every critical doubt which my + sceptical ingenuity could suggest, the Darwinian hypothesis remained + incomparably more probable than the creation hypothesis. And if we had + none of us been able to discern the paramount significance of some of the + most patent and notorious of natural facts, until they were, so to speak, + thrust under our noses, what force remained in the dilemma—creation + or nothing? It was obvious that, hereafter, the probability would be + immensely greater, that the links of natural causation were hidden from + our purblind eyes, than that natural causation should be incompetent to + produce all the phenomena of nature. The only rational course for those + who had no other object than the attainment of truth, was to accept + "Darwinism" as a working hypothesis, and see what could be made of it. + Either it would prove its capacity to elucidate the facts of organic life, + or it would break down under the strain. This was surely the dictate of + common sense; and, for once, common sense carried the day. The result has + been that complete volte-face of the whole scientific world, which must + seem so surprising to the present generation. I do not mean to say that + all the leaders of biological science have avowed themselves Darwinians; + but I do not think that there is a single zoologist, or botanist, or + palaeontologist, among the multitude of active workers of this generation, + who is other than an evolutionist, profoundly influenced by Darwin's + views. Whatever may be the ultimate fate of the particular theory put + forth by Darwin, I venture to affirm that, so far as my knowledge goes, + all the ingenuity and all the learning of hostile critics have not enabled + them to adduce a solitary fact, of which it can be said, this is + irreconcilable with the Darwinian theory. In the prodigious variety and + complexity of organic nature, there are multitudes of phenomena which are + not deducible from any generalisations we have yet reached. But the same + may be said of every other class of natural objects. I believe that + astronomers cannot yet get the moon's motions into perfect accordance with + the theory of gravitation. + </p> + <p> + It would be inappropriate, even if it were possible, to discuss the + difficulties and unresolved problems which have hitherto met the + evolutionist, and which will probably continue to puzzle him for + generations to come, in the course of this brief history of the reception + of Mr. Darwin's great work. But there are two or three objections of a + more general character, based, or supposed to be based, upon philosophical + and theological foundations, which were loudly expressed in the early days + of the Darwinian controversy, and which, though they have been answered + over and over again, crop up now and then to the present day. + </p> + <p> + The most singular of these, perhaps immortal, fallacies, which live on, + Tithonus-like, when sense and force have long deserted them, is that which + charges Mr. Darwin with having attempted to reinstate the old pagan + goddess, Chance. It is said that he supposes variations to come about "by + chance," and that the fittest survive the "chances" of the struggle for + existence, and thus "chance" is substituted for providential design. + </p> + <p> + It is not a little wonderful that such an accusation as this should be + brought against a writer who has, over and over again, warned his readers + that when he uses the word "spontaneous," he merely means that he is + ignorant of the cause of that which is so termed; and whose whole theory + crumbles to pieces if the uniformity and regularity of natural causation + for illimitable past ages is denied. But probably the best answer to those + who talk of Darwinism meaning the reign of "chance," is to ask them what + they themselves understand by "chance"? Do they believe that anything in + this universe happens without reason or without a cause? Do they really + conceive that any event has no cause, and could not have been predicted by + any one who had a sufficient insight into the order of Nature? If they do, + it is they who are the inheritors of antique superstition and ignorance, + and whose minds have never been illumined by a ray of scientific thought. + The one act of faith in the convert to science, is the confession of the + universality of order and of the absolute validity in all times and under + all circumstances, of the law of causation. This confession is an act of + faith, because, by the nature of the case, the truth of such propositions + is not susceptible of proof. But such faith is not blind, but reasonable; + because it is invariably confirmed by experience, and constitutes the sole + trustworthy foundation for all action. + </p> + <p> + If one of these people, in whom the chance-worship of our remoter + ancestors thus strangely survives, should be within reach of the sea when + a heavy gale is blowing, let him betake himself to the shore and watch the + scene. Let him note the infinite variety of form and size of the tossing + waves out at sea; or of the curves of their foam-crested breakers, as they + dash against the rocks; let him listen to the roar and scream of the + shingle as it is cast up and torn down the beach; or look at the flakes of + foam as they drive hither and thither before the wind; or note the play of + colours, which answers a gleam of sunshine as it falls upon the myriad + bubbles. Surely here, if anywhere, he will say that chance is supreme, and + bend the knee as one who has entered the very penetralia of his divinity. + But the man of science knows that here, as everywhere, perfect order is + manifested; that there is not a curve of the waves, not a note in the + howling chorus, not a rainbow-glint on a bubble, which is other than a + necessary consequence of the ascertained laws of nature; and that with a + sufficient knowledge of the conditions, competent physico-mathematical + skill could account for, and indeed predict, every one of these "chance" + events. + </p> + <p> + A second very common objection to Mr. Darwin's views was (and is), that + they abolish Teleology, and eviscerate the argument from design. It is + nearly twenty years since I ventured to offer some remarks on this + subject, and as my arguments have as yet received no refutation, I hope I + may be excused for reproducing them. I observed, "that the doctrine of + Evolution is the most formidable opponent of all the commoner and coarser + forms of Teleology. But perhaps the most remarkable service to the + Philosophy of Biology rendered by Mr. Darwin is the reconciliation of + Teleology and Morphology, and the explanation of the facts of both, which + his views offer. The teleology which supposes that the eye, such as we see + it in man, or one of the higher vertebrata, was made with the precise + structure it exhibits, for the purpose of enabling the animal which + possesses it to see, has undoubtedly received its death-blow. + Nevertheless, it is necessary to remember that there is a wider teleology + which is not touched by the doctrine of Evolution, but is actually based + upon the fundamental proposition of Evolution. This proposition is that + the whole world, living and not living, is the result of the mutual + interaction, according to definite laws, of the forces (I should now like + to substitute the word powers for "forces.") possessed by the molecules of + which the primitive nebulosity of the universe was composed. If this be + true, it is no less certain that the existing world lay potentially in the + cosmic vapour, and that a sufficient intelligence could, from a knowledge + of the properties of the molecules of that vapour, have predicted, say the + state of the fauna of Britain in 1869, with as much certainty as one can + say what will happen to the vapour of the breath on a cold winter's day... + </p> + <p> + ...The teleological and the mechanical views of nature are not, + necessarily, mutually exclusive. On the contrary, the more purely a + mechanist the speculator is, the more firmly does he assume a primordial + molecular arrangement of which all the phenomena of the universe are the + consequences, and the more completely is he thereby at the mercy of the + teleologist, who can always defy him to disprove that this primordial + molecular arrangement was not intended to evolve the phenomena of the + universe." (The "Genealogy of Animals" ('The Academy,' 1869), reprinted in + 'Critiques and Addresses.') + </p> + <p> + The acute champion of Teleology, Paley, saw no difficulty in admitting + that the "production of things" may be the result of trains of mechanical + dispositions fixed beforehand by intelligent appointment and kept in + action by a power at the centre ('Natural Theology,' chapter xxiii.), that + is to say, he proleptically accepted the modern doctrine of Evolution; and + his successors might do well to follow their leader, or at any rate to + attend to his weighty reasonings, before rushing into an antagonism which + has no reasonable foundation. + </p> + <p> + Having got rid of the belief in chance and the disbelief in design, as in + no sense appurtenances of Evolution, the third libel upon that doctrine, + that it is anti-theistic, might perhaps be left to shift for itself. But + the persistence with which many people refuse to draw the plainest + consequences from the propositions they profess to accept, renders it + advisable to remark that the doctrine of Evolution is neither + Anti-theistic nor Theistic. It simply has no more to do with Theism than + the first book of Euclid has. It is quite certain that a normal fresh-laid + egg contains neither cock nor hen; and it is also as certain as any + proposition in physics or morals, that if such an egg is kept under proper + conditions for three weeks, a cock or hen chicken will be found in it. It + is also quite certain that if the shell were transparent we should be able + to watch the formation of the young fowl, day by day, by a process of + evolution, from a microscopic cellular germ to its full size and + complication of structure. Therefore Evolution, in the strictest sense, is + actually going on in this and analogous millions and millions of + instances, wherever living creatures exist. Therefore, to borrow an + argument from Butler, as that which now happens must be consistent with + the attributes of the Deity, if such a Being exists, Evolution must be + consistent with those attributes. And, if so, the evolution of the + universe, which is neither more nor less explicable than that of a + chicken, must also be consistent with them. The doctrine of Evolution, + therefore, does not even come into contact with Theism, considered as a + philosophical doctrine. That with which it does collide, and with which it + is absolutely inconsistent, is the conception of creation, which + theological speculators have based upon the history narrated in the + opening of the book of Genesis. + </p> + <p> + There is a great deal of talk and not a little lamentation about the + so-called religious difficulties which physical science has created. In + theological science, as a matter of fact, it has created none. Not a + solitary problem presents itself to the philosophical Theist, at the + present day, which has not existed from the time that philosophers began + to think out the logical grounds and the logical consequences of Theism. + All the real or imaginary perplexities which flow from the conception of + the universe as a determinate mechanism, are equally involved in the + assumption of an Eternal, Omnipotent and Omniscient Deity. The theological + equivalent of the scientific conception of order is Providence; and the + doctrine of determinism follows as surely from the attributes of + foreknowledge assumed by the theologian, as from the universality of + natural causation assumed by the man of science. The angels in 'Paradise + Lost' would have found the task of enlightening Adam upon the mysteries of + "Fate, Foreknowledge, and Free-will," not a whit more difficult, if their + pupil had been educated in a "Real-schule" and trained in every laboratory + of a modern university. In respect of the great problems of Philosophy, + the post-Darwinian generation is, in one sense, exactly where the + prae-Darwinian generations were. They remain insoluble. But the present + generation has the advantage of being better provided with the means of + freeing itself from the tyranny of certain sham solutions. + </p> + <p> + The known is finite, the unknown infinite; intellectually we stand on an + islet in the midst of an illimitable ocean of inexplicability. Our + business in every generation is to reclaim a little more land, to add + something to the extent and the solidity of our possessions. And even a + cursory glance at the history of the biological sciences during the last + quarter of a century is sufficient to justify the assertion, that the most + potent instrument for the extension of the realm of natural knowledge + which has come into men's hands, since the publication of Newton's + 'Principia,' is Darwin's 'Origin of Species.' + </p> + <p> + It was badly received by the generation to which it was first addressed, + and the outpouring of angry nonsense to which it gave rise is sad to think + upon. But the present generation will probably behave just as badly if + another Darwin should arise, and inflict upon them that which the + generality of mankind most hate—the necessity of revising their + convictions. Let them, then, be charitable to us ancients; and if they + behave no better than the men of my day to some new benefactor, let them + recollect that, after all, our wrath did not come to much, and vented + itself chiefly in the bad language of sanctimonious scolds. Let them as + speedily perform a strategic right-about-face, and follow the truth + wherever it leads. The opponents of the new truth will discover, as those + of Darwin are doing, that, after all, theories do not alter facts, and + that the universe remains unaffected even though texts crumble. Or, it may + be, that, as history repeats itself, their happy ingenuity will also + discover that the new wine is exactly of the same vintage as the old, and + that (rightly viewed) the old bottles prove to have been expressly made + for holding it. + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Life and Letters of Charles +Darwin, Volume I (of II), by Charles Darwin + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LIFE AND LETTERS OF DARWIN *** + +***** This file should be named 2087-h.htm or 2087-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/0/8/2087/ + +Produced by Sue Asscher and David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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