A Calendar of the Correspondence of Charles Darwin, 1821–1882

Abstract

Abstract Charles Darwin's correspondence is extremely important for the study of his intellectual development, and for the history of science in the 19th century generally. During the voyage of the {itBeagle} (1831–1836), the letters and specimens which Darwin sent to his mentor John Henslow established his reputation amongst British scientists as an outstanding naturalist. His health deteriorated markedly after the voyage, and in 1842 he moved from the noise and smoke of London to the rural peace of Down, where he spent the remaining 40 years of his life. From his sick-bed he corresponded extensively with scientists and other people all over the world, very many of whom were pleased to assist Darwin by providing him with information or specimens for his researches. He did get a standard acknowledgement form printed, but he rarely used it—he personally replied with courtesy to most of his correspondents. When he was not well enough to write then he would dictate to his wife or his sons, and when he was too ill to dictate, then they wrote letters on his behalf. Darwin was a man of great charm and courtesy as well as scientific distinction, and even during his lifetime some people treasured letters from him as precious relics. Many hundreds ofletters from Darwin have been published in a remarkable variety of publications ever since 1835, but there was clearly need for a comprehensive edition of Darwin's correspondence.