RECORD: Darwin, C. R. [1852]. [Notes on the chain for the well at Down House]. Carroll5. Edited by John van Wyhe (The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online, http://darwin-online.org.uk/)

REVISION HISTORY: Photographed by Angus Carroll. Transcribed and edited by John van Wyhe 5.2021. RN2

NOTE: See record in the Darwin Online manuscript catalogue, enter its Identifier here. Reproduced with the kind permission of Angus Carroll and William Huxley Darwin.

This manuscript in a private collection contains calculations by Darwin on the weight of the chain or cable used by his servants to draw water in a bucket from the deep well at Down House. There is a manuscript in Darwin's hand at Down House (EH88202558.2) which is closely associated with this one. It records changes to the weight of chain or cable used for the well over several years. Darwin continually tried to lighten the weight of the cable and bucket used in his well. One late note is dated 17 July 1852 with "Wire rope weighs 50lb".  This new weight is exactly what is used in the calculations in this manuscript. Darwin continued to try new materials to lighten the very heavy chain and bucket for his well. See an overview of materials relevant to Down House here.

See also:

Darwin, C. R. 1852. Bucket ropes for wells. Gardeners' Chronicle and Agricultural Gazette no. 2 (10 January): 22. Text F1680
Darwin, C. R. 1857. The subject of deep wells. Gardeners' Chronicle and Agricultural Gazette no. 30 (25 July): 518. Text F1696
Darwin, Notes on the well at Down House 1843-1852. EH88202558.2
Darwin, [1852]. [Notes on the chain for the well at Down House]. Text & image Carroll5

Paul Whincup. 2021. Darwin's deep well at Down House, England (UK). Hydrogeology Journal 29(7): 2305-2311.

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

File last updated 2 August, 2025