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Lot #168
Charles Darwin

Darwin requests writings on the 'domestic cat'

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Description

Darwin requests writings on the 'domestic cat'

Sought-after ANS signed “C. Darwin,” one page both sides, 7 x 4.5, October 8, no year but likely 1856. Written from Down House, England, a brief note addressed "Royal Soc., Somerset House," in full: "The Bearer has called for the Books." Darwin's addition of "over" to the lower right corner reveals additional notations, "Will you please also send me Isis Band XXI Heft II and Isis 1828 H. 2. (I daresay this is the same volume.)—Also Isis 1828 VI, p.639, Brehm, Abstammung der Hauskatze." In very good to fine condition, with intersecting folds, a tear to the center, two small areas of paper loss to the bottom, and small mounting remnants on the reverse. While working on his 'big species book,' Darwin, in mid-October 1856, finished the second chapter of the manuscript, which, according to its table of contents, paid particular mention to cats. His request for Brehm's article, "Abstammung der Hauskatze," or "Pedigree of the Domestic Cat," also ties in neatly with Darwin's current writings. Another article given mention, Vol. 21 of Isis, entitled 'Ueber Columba domestica, livia et Amalia,' presumably correlates to the prey of felines, that is the 'domestic pigeon.' A fascinating bit of correspondence that is ideal for further study.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts
  • Dates: #500 - Ended May 10, 2017





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