The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online

RECORD: Darwin, C. R. [1868-1870]. Abstract of Dr Wallace Letter 2. CUL-DAR81.109. 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 2.2022. RN2

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 volumes CUL-DAR80-86 contain material for Darwin's book Descent of man (1871).

"Wallace, Alexander, 1829-99. Physician and lepidopterist of Colchester. W is often referred to in Descent as an expert on silk moths. 1868 CD to John Jenner Weir, giving W's views on sexual selection in Bombyx mori. 1868 CD to Henry Tibbats Stainton, giving W's views on sex ratio in Bombyx cynthia." (Paul van Helvert & John van Wyhe, Darwin: A Companion, 2021.) See CUL-DAR81.101.

Darwin refers to the letter from Alexander Wallace of 28 February 1868, Correspondence, vol. 16. Together with that letter, the editors published Darwin's "Abstract of Letter 2." The present manuscript appears to be an addition to that but was unfortunately not known to the editors of the Correspondence.

[109]

Dr. Wallace Letter 2.

p. 6. Denies that ♀ Butterflies notice colour of males — Has seen beautiful perfect ♀ unite with ragged, torn & folded males or very dingy males. All accident whichever male arrives first is seized - How then is it that every male may be seen [pursuing] same female.

p. 7 bottom the ♀ B. cynthia does nothing but protrude the female organs & remain motionless for the entrance of male.

The Letter 2 is placed with M.S. on Disparity of sexes M.S. [now in CUL-DAR85.B41-B45]

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