Description:

Charles Darwin LS With Science Content "observed facts with male bumble bees"

An unpublished letter signed by Charles Darwin, concerning bird nesting habits. 2pp, measuring 4.875" x 7.75", Downe, Beckenham, Kent, dated May 22, 1873. The body of the letter is written in the hand of Emma Darwin, his wife, on Darwin's personal stationery. It is signed by him at the conclusion "Ch. Darwin." Although the letter is addressed to "My dear Sir", the Calendar of the Correspondence of Charles Darwin, has a record of this letter and identifies the recipient as fellow naturalist, John Jenner Weir. In the letter, Darwin discusses the nesting patterns of birds and expresses his envy for Weir's association with John Stuart Mill— whom Darwin had never met. The letter has flattened mail folds, with minor paper loss at the edges which does not affect the text. Faint toning. Some minor soiling to the top of the first page. Boldly signed by Darwin.

In full:
"Many thanks for your letter with its many interesting details. I have no doubt that I shall find your address likewise interesting, as I have found everything else which you have written. The pig case is capital; & you ought to persuade your informant to send an account with full particulars to Nature. With respect to birds' nests, do you not think that the same spot might prove attractive to birds which had had no intercommunication: I have observed facts with male bumble bees which c[oul]d be explained only on this principle. I never saw J.S. Mill, & I envy you the privilege of having talked to him familiarly. I am very glad to hear that you will soon have more leisure for natural history."

Darwin began studying insect pollination in 1861, publishing "Fertilisation of Orchids" the following year and presenting his numerous findings, including those on the co-adaptation of bumblebees and red clover. John Jenner Weir (1822-1894) was a member of Darwin’s network of non-professional natural history correspondents and was cited by Darwin 45 times in the first edition of The Descent of Man (1871). John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) was an English philosopher and politician and civil servant who contributed to the investigation of scientific methodology. Both he and Darwin are regarded as two of the most influential thinkers that shaped the nineteenth century.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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