RECORD: Darwin, C. R. n.d. Dn. 72: Rev. R. H. Blair 9/11/1872. CUL-DAR53.2.73. Edited by John van Wyhe (The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online, http://darwin-online.org.uk/)
REVISION HISTORY: Transcribed and edited by John van Wyhe 9.2025. 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-DAR53.2 contains drafts, notes & clippings for Darwin's book The expression of the emotions (1872) and notes to correct a further edition.
73
Dn. 72
Rev. R. H. Blair 9/11/1872
After concluding with the born-blind have no control over the corrugator-supercilii found 2 frowning at the same moment! Still, though how it [illeg] can know involuntarily he is sure the born bline cannot forwn at the word of command tho they can smile or look serious when told to do so
p. 227, note
See letter from R. H. Blair 9 November 1872. Correspondence vol. 20, p. 493. Cited in Expression 2d ed., p. 237n "The Rev. H. H. Blair, Principal of the Worcester College, states that the born-blind have little or no control over the corrugator supercilii, so that they cannot frown when told to do so; nevertheless, they frown involuntarily. They can, however, smile at command."
Citation: John van Wyhe, ed. 2002-. The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online. (http://darwin-online.org.uk/)
File last updated 26 September, 2025