The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online

RECORD: Darwin, C. R. n.d. Introduce when I discuss voice of man in contrast with that of woman. CUL-DAR85.A8. 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: 336: "See the very interesting discussion on the Origin and Function of Music, by Mr. Herbert Spencer, in his collected 'Essays,' 1858, p. 359. Mr. Spencer comes to an exactly opposite conclusion to that at which I have arrived. He concludes that the cadences used in emotional speech afford the foundation from which music has been developed; whilst I conclude that musical notes and rhythm were first acquired by the male or female progenitors of mankind for the sake of charming the opposite sex. Thus musical tones became firmly associated with some of the strongest passions an animal is capable of feeling, and are consequently used instinctively, or through association, when strong emotions are expressed in speech. Mr. Spencer does not offer any satisfactory explanation, nor can I, why high or deep notes should be expressive, both with man and the lower animals, of certain emotions. Mr. Spencer gives also an interesting discussion on the relations between poetry, recitative, and song."

[A8]

Introduce when I discuss voice of man in contrast with that of woman. It wd be too bold without facts to speculate - but again fancy will with speculation, the depth of emotions & their kind - (even rivalry & war) Like sense of smell exciting emotions - Once given the rudest power of music & capable of any improvement - even Birds can be taught air & say music improved for example. - Poetry, chanting so ancient. -

Reverence is expressed by music - or may it not be better said adoration & then will agree p. 371 H. Spencer cannot explain rhythm. I revere his view - song created for love, & speech under excitement partial of character of song & poetry.

p 372 History opposed to my views - Some Howling in cadences to love - song of our progenitors more musical than any monkeys wd partly suffice & Revised & wonderfully improved with civilization.

[A8v]

My origin of song (& so of music) is like the origin of language from the modification of imitates crys & interpretation or the male crys of emotion, common to almost all animals.

See H. Spencer Essay (Most ingenious)

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