The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online

RECORD: Darwin, C. R. 1869.07.18. Sexual Selection Man. CUL-DAR85.A10. Edited by John van Wyhe (Darwin Online, http://darwin-online.org.uk/)

REVISION HISTORY: Transcribed by Christine Chua and edited by John van Wyhe 3.2022. 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 volumes CUL-DAR80-86 contain material for Darwin's book Descent of man (1871).

Darwin cited this in Descent 2: 328, n: "J. Stuart Mill remarks ('The Subjection of Women,' 1869, p. 122), 'the things in which man most excels woman are those which require most plodding, and long hammering at single thoughts.' What is this but energy and perseverance?"

[A10]

Sexual Selection Man July 18 - 1869

After stating mental difference of ♂ & ♀, say I am aware that some dispute whether there is any mental difference, but analogy comes strongly in support of the common belief - for with these animals in which the sexes differ in external characters (as understood in the case with mankind) the mental characters differ - compare for instance a bull & cow - a boar & sow a statement & more by a cock & Hen.

[A10v]

What I have said about difference of genial between men & women, agrees fairly much with what J. S. Mill (The Subjugation of Women 1869) remarks, after speculating in the manner in which it appeared larger Brain of Man wd resemble – "The things in which ♂most excels ♀are those wh require most plodding & long hammering at single thoughts." It does not hint at sexual selection & analogy with body difference & Bodily perseverance in bodily action - defending the tribe & determined Perseverance wd be hunting - gained through Sexual Selection.

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