Lot 280
Darwin, Charles (1809-1882) British naturalist whose scientific studies and subsequent theory of natural selection form the basis of modern evolutionary theory. Autograph letter signed ("Ch. Darwin"), 1p, 8 x 5", Down House, Bromley, Kent, March 8, 1857. To Dr. Hugh Falconer (1808-1865), a Scottish geologist, botanist, palaeontologist, and paleoanthropologist who studied the flora, fauna, and geology of India, Assam, and Burma and was the first to suggest the modern evolutionary theory of punctuated equilibrium. He became famous for his study of fossil mammals in the Siwalik Hills (India) and made the first discovery of a fossil ape in the 1830s.
Darwin writes, "My dear Falconer, I have written down what I gathered from you on Tibet dogs; and if at any time you could add a few details, the case probably would be a very valuable and interesting one for me, as I know of nothing parallel to it…." He adds a postscript, "I enjoy so much a chat with you, that you will be sure to see me when next in London." Light toning, with a contemporary ink blotch.
An important letter, written not long before the publication of Darwin's The Origin of the Species. Darwin considered Falconer's information so significant that he specifically cited it in his 1868 book, The Variation of Animals and Plants Under Domestication.
Estimated Value $7,000 - 9,000.
The Arden Family Holdings of Beverly Hills.
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| Realized $9,300 |
