Essay reviews: The species theory evolves

Abstract

The correspondence of Charles Darwin. Volume IV (1847—1850) (ed. Frederick Burkhardt & Sydney Smith) Cambridge University Press, 1988. Pp. xxxiii + 711, £32.50. ISBN 0-521-25590-2. Volume V (1851-1855). 1989. Pp. xxix + 705. £ 32.50. ISBN 0-521-25591-0. Volume VI (1856-1857). 1990. Pp. xxix + 673. £ 35.00 ISBN 0-521-25586-4 These three volumes cover the years in which Darwin’s theory underwent major developments, finally emerging in a form which he felt suitable for publication. At one time, it was widely believed that the version of the theory outlined in the 1844 ‘Essay’ was already fairly mature. Darwin refrained from publishing because he was afraid of public condemnation and turned aside to other matters, especially his work on barnacles. Recent scholarship had emphasized that this interpretation does not do justice to the facts, and the letters transcribed in these volumes back up the new historiography. Darwin’s ideas developed and matured as he worked on a variety of projects, all of which (including the barnacles) were grist to the mill of his species theory. His decision in 1856 to begin preparing an account of the theory for publication, was the result not merely of a growing feeling that the topic could now be put before the public, but also of a new level of confidence in the explanatory power of the theory itself. Sydney Smith died on 21 September 1988, while Volume V was still in preparation. This and subsequent volumes have thus become a memorial to the scholar who did so much to get the whole project under way. The professionalism of the team that Frederick Burkhardt and Sydney Smith assembled to edit the letters is evident from the rate of publication (one volume a year) coupled with the high standards that are being maintained.