The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online

RECORD: Darwin, C. R. n.d. Keeper is positive that Baboon did not snarl. CUL-DAR195.3.8. Edited by John van Wyhe (Darwin Online, http://darwin-online.org.uk/)

REVISION HISTORY: Transcribed by Christine Chua and edited by John van Wyhe 5.2022. RN1

NOTE: See record in the Darwin Online manuscript catalogue, enter its Identifier here. Reproduced with permission of the Syndics of Cambridge University Library and William Huxley Darwin. The volume CUL-DAR195 contains materials for Darwin's book Expression of the emotions (1872) organised roughly as: DAR195.1 blushing. DAR195.2 astonishment, fear. DAR195.3 indignation, rage, screaming, etc. DAR195.4 laughter, frowning, introduction.

"Bartlett, Abraham Dee, 1812-97. 1859-97 Superintendent, Zoological Society's Gardens, Regent's Park, London. Renowned taxidermist. His shop was near the British Museum. In this capacity CD had contact with B. Among the animals B stuffed were the first gorilla ever shown in England (1858), and the famous elephant Jumbo owned by P.T. Barnum, of circus renown. Frequently helped CD by answering queries and sending materials. Letters with CD published in 1900 (F2183)."

"Sutton, Seth, 1828-1902. Keeper at zoological gardens. 1867 Corresponded with CD about expression in apes. 1870 Jan. 5 CD to Abraham Dee Bartlett, S was a keeper at the Zoological Society of London's Gardens, Regent's Park, who made many observations on monkeys for Expression. CCD18." (Paul van Helvert & John van Wyhe, Darwin: A Companion, 2021.)

[8]

Expression

Keeper is positive the Baboons do not snarl or uncover canines alone — They (& macacus) show indignation by opening mouth very wide & showing all their teeth & clamping their jaws together: Mr. Bartlett has seen two baboons doing this when first brought into each other's presence, without other signs of anger.

[Expression, p. 138: "Mr. Bartlett has often seen two baboons, when first placed in the same compartment, sitting opposite to each other and thus alternately opening their mouths; and this action seems frequently to end in a real yawn. Mr. Bartlett believes that both animals wish to show to each other that they are provided with a formidable set of teeth, as is undoubtedly the case." and p. 253: "It is indeed a surprising fact that man should possess the power, or should exhibit any tendency to its use; for Mr. Sutton has never noticed a snarling action in our nearest allies, namely, the monkeys in the Zoological Gardens, and he is positive that the baboons, though furnished with great canines, never act thus, but uncover all their teeth when feeling savage and ready for an attack."]

Citation: John van Wyhe, ed. 2002-. The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online. (http://darwin-online.org.uk/)