RECORD: Darwin, C. R. 1880. Abstract of Hofmeister, 1845. Familie der Regenwürmer. CUL-DAR64.1.55. Edited by John van Wyhe (The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online, http://darwin-online.org.uk/)
REVISION HISTORY: Transcribed by Christine Chua and edited by John van Wyhe 6.2021. Corrections by John van Wyhe 7.2025. RN2
NOTE: Reproduced with permission of the Syndics of Cambridge University Library and William Huxley Darwin. The volume CUL-DAR64 contains material for Earthworms, experiments on worms; different locales & photographs and cuttings from journals.
Darwin cited Hofmeister's Familie der Regenwürmer, 1845 in Earthworms. F1357
55
Hoffmeister Light
a great abstract - "great sensitiveness to light" - within certain time respond
- act as if [withdrawing] – Then dash into holes - some squirm – others instantly – very few
no signs of sensitiveness - & others copulating. – The latter only seldom affected by light.-
If light once being [pronounced] effect withdrawing it down into stop [action] -
Only 2 front rings sensitive cerebral ganglia.– if [illeg] end furnished will bear nearest approach of flame– true for sun-light in water
Citation: John van Wyhe, ed. 2002-. The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online. (http://darwin-online.org.uk/)
File last updated 7 July, 2025