English naturalist and author (1809–1882) whose book explaining his theories of evolution, On the Origin of the Species by Means of Natural Selection (1859), takes a place among the most influential texts in the history of scientific thought. ALS signed “C. Darwin,” one page, 5 x 8, personal letterhead, May 25 [no year]. Darwin writes to an unidentified gentleman. In full: “As a cheque will probably be less troublesome than a P. Order, I enclose one with my many thanks for the photographs. M. [Jean Luis Armand de] Quatrefages has received them and is much pleased and surprised at the appearance of the Skull. With my sincere thanks for your good kindness, believe me….” Research from the editors of the Darwin Correspondence Project at Cambridge University indicates that the letter must be to William Henry Flower, curator of the Hunterian Museum at the Royal College of Surgeons. Flower had arranged to obtain photographs of the skull of a Niata ox that had been given to the museum by Darwin, so that Darwin could send them on to Quatrefages. Quatrefages (1810–1892), French physician, naturalist, ethnologist, and opponent of Darwinism, undertook extensive zoological research, though his work was largely anthropological. Despite Quatrefages’ rejection of evolutionary theories, he appears to have had a strong personal respect for Darwin and supported Darwin’s election at the French Institut. Faint marginal stain and intersecting mailing folds, otherwise fine, bright, crisp condition. The outstanding condition and scientific content make the present letter both visually appealing and most desirable. LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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