Darwin, Charles

Autograph letter signed ("Ch. Darwin"); 3 pages (8 x 5 in.; 202 x 127 mm), "Down [house], Beckenham, Kent" heading, 5 June 1879; to an unnamed recipient giving him notices about his botanical work in progress; formerly folded, soiling and gluestain on the corners of the last blank leaf. With: folding plate from a later edition of Darwin's "geological observations on the volcanic islands and parts of South America, titled "Proofs of Blocks..."; 1876; (17 3/8 x 11 1/2 in.; 442 x 290 mm).

formerly folded, soiling and gluestain on the corners of the last blamk leaf.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

"I thank you (...) for your (...) offer to send me the Calliandra; but I am much engaged on another subject, and have very little strength to spare, and therefore I cannot at present take up a new subject. I looked, however, casually at the leaves, and could see no sign of the absorption of animal matter, & therefore believe the insects are caught only accidentally (...)"

Charles Darwin is asked by a [probable] biologist for help on tropical flower Calliandra researches. Even though he is engaged in the redaction of his last work, The Formation of Vegetable Mould Fhrough the Action of Worms, 1881, he remains a great specialist in tropical plants since his voyage on the Beagle, offering his views on animal matter related to this plant. At the age of 70 and 3 years before his death, Darwin remained a passionate and dedicated scientist, willing to broach any subject.