- 211
Darwin, Charles
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
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Description
- Darwin, Charles
- Autograph letter signed ("C. Darwin"), to Arthur Rawson
- ink on paper
discussing unusual primula flowers and asking for additional details about Rawson's experiments with gladioli ("...of two plants of same var. A you find pollens from one does not fertilise the stigma of the other; but that pollen (as in previous years) from vers. B.C.D. &c do fertilise var. A - This is correct??..."), 4 pages, 8vo, headed stationery of Down, Bromley, Kent, 2 April [1863], some adhesive residue on left margin of first page
Literature
The Darwin Correspondence Project (http://www.darwinproject.ac.uk/)
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
A typical example of Darwin's scientific correspondence, enquiring in meticulous detail about ongoing experiments and observations, written the year after the publication of his book on the fertilisation of orchids. Arthur Rawson (1818-91) was a clergyman in Bromley (just a few miles from Darwin's home) who cultivated orchids and other flowers. Two of Rawson's letters to Darwin relating to the experiments discussed here are known, but the present letter is unpublished.