Typescript copies of letters from Erasmus Alvey Darwin to Frances Wedgwood
Scope and Contents
Typescript copies of approximately 150 letters from Erasmus Darwin, brother of Charles Robert (1809-1882), naturalist, geologist and originator of the theory of natural selection, to Frances (Fanny) Wedgwood (1800-1889), wife of Hensleigh Wedgwood (1803-1891), etymologist, philologist and barrister and cousin of Charles, including mentions of Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881), historian and essayist, as well as family matters. Also included are some 'rough notes' by Leonard Darwin (son of Charles) including his memories of Carlyle and references to his uncle's character in Family letters by Emma Darwin nee Wedgwood (1808-1896), wife of Charles, and Charles Darwin's Life and Letters. The original letters and another set of copies are held in the Wedgwood Museum as part of the Wedgwood Mosley Collection, item 227. http://www.wedgwoodmuseum.org.uk/media/_file/events/wedgwood_mosley_collection_catalogue_2.pdf
Dates
- Creation: 1836-1881
Creator
- Darwin, Erasmus Alvey, 1804-1881 (brother of naturalist Charles Darwin) (Person)
- Wedgwood, Frances, 1800-1889 (née Mackintosh) (Person)
- Darwin, Leonard, 1850-1943 (scientist and eugenicist) (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Extent
1 archive box(es) (1 box (7 folders))
Language of Materials
English
Custodial History
In Leonard Darwin's 'rough notes' he explains: 'These letters were given me by Lady Farrer. Hope Wedgwood told me that she believed that the original had been destroyed, being difficult to read.' The original letters are in fact held in the Wedgwood Museum as part of the Wedgwood Mosley Collection, item 227.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Purchased from M and M Books, Lumen Road, Off Mill Road, Royston, Herts, SG87AG
Existence and Location of Originals
Wedgwood Museum, Wedgwood Mosley Collection, item 227. http://www.wedgwoodmuseum.org.uk/media/_file/events/wedgwood_mosley_collection_catalogue_2.pdf
Subject
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Cambridge University Library Repository
Cambridge University Library
West Road
Cambridge CB3 9DR United Kingdom
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all other enquiries: mss@lib.cam.ac.uk