On the delay in publication of his Journal of Researches - photo 1

On the delay in publication of his Journal of Researches

Lot 75
27.06.2024 00:00UTC +00:00
Classic
Sold
$ 7 560
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUnited Kingdom, London
Buyer Premiumsee on Website%
Archive
The auction is completed. No bids can be placed anymore.
Archive
ID 1236305
Lot 75 | On the delay in publication of his Journal of Researches
Estimate value
$ 8 000 – 12 000
DARWIN, Charles (1809-1882). Autograph letter signed (“Chas Darwin”) to William Lonsdale, n.p., n.d. [ca February 1839].

One page, 159 x 166mm (laid in margins).

Toning down his criticism of the captain of the HMS Beagle and of the Royal Navy. An unpublished letter that illuminates an important episode in the publishing history of Darwin’s first book, his Journal of Researches, and his concern that the commander of the Beagle voyage, Captain Robert FitzRoy, not be offended by a comment made by William Whewell in address before the Geological Soceity of London that was soon to be published. Darwin writes a brief note to Lonsdale (1794-1871), the geologist in charge of overseeing publication, returning “Mr. Whewell’s address,” suggesting that “the word rules should be changed to customs….” William Whewell (1794-1866), President of the Geological Society, had delivered an address in which he expressed disappointment that the publication of the Voyage of the Beagle had been delayed due to Royal Navy regulations. Darwin had asked Whewell to tone down his criticism of the navy and Captain Fitzroy, commander of the HMS Beagle. Darwin’s suggestion to Lonsdale to change the world “rule” to “custom” was intended to further the same end.

At about the same time he wrote to Londsale, Darwin also appealed to Whewell directly, on 16 February 1839, the day after he had delivered his verbal remarks at the Geological Society: "I hope you will excuse, what I am going to say.— You alluded yesterday evening to the delay in the publication of my volume in rather strong terms; although I do not deny, that this delay has much deranged my plans of publication, yet as the circumstance of any naturalist being on board the Beagle is entirely due to Captain FitzRoy’s wish, and as by the custom of the Navy, the Captain of such a vessel is considered to have a right to the first use of all the papers belonging to the officers on board (a right, which FitzRoy did not enforce) I should be very sorry that anything should be publickly said, which might annoy him: and I fear your remarks of yesterday were too pointed not to have that effect in a considerable degree. I hope, therefore, you will oblige me, by considering whether you could not alter the passages referred to, without any inconsistency on your part." (Darwin Correspondence Project, “Letter no. 496,” accessed on 1 September 2023, https://www.darwinproject.ac.uk/letter/?docId=letters/DCP-LETT-496.xml).

Darwin proved successful in his efforts to alter Whewell's published remarks and they read as follows: "In speaking of Mr. Darwin’s researches I cannot refrain from expressing for myself, and I am sure I may add for you, our disappointment and regret that the publication of Mr. Darwin’s journal has not yet taken place. Knowing, as we do, that this journal contains many valuable contributions to science, we cannot help lamenting, that the customs of the Service by which the survey was conducted have not yet allowed this portion of the account of its results to be given to the world." ("Address to the Geological Society, delivered at the anniversary, on the 15th February, 1839." Proceedings of the Geological Society of London 3 (1838–42): 61–98.)
Place of origin:England
Auction house category:Letters, documents and manuscripts, Medicine & science
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
8 King Street, St. James's
SW1Y 6QT London
United Kingdom
Preview
13.06.2024 – 27.06.2024
Phone +44 (0)20 7839 9060
Email
4FQ.AYGKAGLUQ@FO3G@
Buyer Premium see on Website
Conditions of purchaseConditions of purchase

Related terms

Frequently asked questions

First of all, you should register to be able to purchase at auction. After confirming your email address, enter your personal information in your user profile, such as your first name, last name, and mail address. Choose a lot from the upcoming auction and the maximum amount you want to place on it. After confirmation of your choice, we will send your application by e-mail to the appropriate auction house. If the auction house accepts a request, it will participate in the auction. You can view the current status of a bid at any time in your personal account in the "Bids" section.
Auctions are performed by auction houses and each of the auction houses describes their terms of auction. You can see the texts in the section "Auction information".
The results of the auction are published within a few days after the end of the auction. In the top menu of the site, find the tab "Auctions". Click on it and you will be on the auction catalog page, where you can easily find the category "Results". After opening it, select the desired auction from the list, enter and view the current status of the interested lot.
The information about the auction winners is confidential. The auction winner will receive a direct notification from the auction house responsible with instructions for further action: an invoice for payment and the manner in which the goods will be received.
Each of the auction houses has its own payment policy for the won lots. All auction houses accept bank transfers, most of them accept credit card payments. In the near future you will find detailed information for each case in the section "Auction information" on the page of the auction catalog and the lot.
Shipment of the won lot depends on its size. Small items can be delivered by post. Larger lots are sent by courier. Employees of the auction houses will offer you a wide range to choose from.
No. The archive serves as a reference for the study of auction prices, photographs and descriptions of works of art.