RECORD: Darwin, C. R. 1949. [Unrecorded letter to John and Ellen Lubbock, c. March 1872]. Maggs Bros. Autograph letters and historical documents. Catalogue no. 785. London.

REVISION HISTORY: Transcribed and edited by John van Wyhe 11.2023. RN1

NOTE: See record in the Freeman Bibliographical Database, enter its Identifier here.

Darwin heard from Alexander Agassiz on 4 March 1872 that he was working on his forthcoming Revision of the Echini (1872-1874).

[page]

610 DARWIN (CHARLES, 1809-1882). Naturalist and Author

4 A.L.S. to Sir John and Lady Lubbock. 9 1/2 pages, 8vo. N.D.

"There are many species of Spatangus & Echinus .... in the chalk & I do not suppose you would find any particular description, beyond mere specific details, of any one species. Agassis is publishing a great work on these animals. . .

The insects you sent me are the males of the common English glow-worm or Lampyris. I believe it shines a very little in the dark; at least the males of some foreign species do. I never before heard of any great number being seen together; but all insects are apt to migrate in a body, when bred in too great numbers in some adjoining district." &c.

Return to homepage

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

File last updated 3 November, 2023