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UNPUBLISHED DARWIN LETTER.

Mr Symington Grieve mentioned that in 1880 he wrote a paper which appeared in the Proceedings of the Edinburgh Botanical Society. That paper created some discussion at the time, and, hearing at the beginning of 1882 that Professor Charles Darwin was interested, he sent him a copy of his note. He did not know that Profesor Darwin was then very ill and unable to leave his room. He had been told that he was so prostrate that he could only be lifted to a couch from his bed to have it made. Notwithstanding his critical state, Darwin wrote to Mr Grieve on March 22, 1882, the following letter, which had never been published:—

"DEAR SIR, — The subject of your essay would, I think, be well worth pursuing. I have long known that stones were transported by floating Fuci, but I cannot remember my authority. Perhaps cases are given by Lyell. It is, however, quite new to me that stones are thus dragged along the bottom, leaving a trail behind them.— I remain, dear, sir, yours faithfully, (Sgd.) CH. DARWIN."

That letter was evidence of the kindness and enthusiasm of the great naturalist. There was something pathetic about it, as it was written from his deathbed.

[...]

A DARWIN LETTER.—A hitherto unpublished letter from Charles Darwin on the floating power of seaweed, written during his last illness. See article in this page.

Picture on this Page.

[The complete letter here is transcribed by Rosy Clarkson:

Down, | Beckenham, Kent. | (Railway Station | Orpington. S.E.R.)

March 22nd 1882

Dear Sir

The subject of your Essay would, I think, be well worth pursuing. I have long known that stones were transported by floating Fuci; but I cannot remember my authority.— Perhaps cases are given by Lyell.— It is now, however, quite new to me that stones are thus dragged along the bottom leaving a trail behind them.

I remain Dear Sir | Yours faithfuly | Ch. Darwin]