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ALS, one page, 4.75 x 7.75, April 30, [no year, but circa 1856–68]. Handwritten letter to the physician Robert Hall Bakewell, in part: "I beg leave to return you my very sincere thanks for your kindness in taking the trouble to send me the particulars of the very curious case of inherited malconformation, which has interested me very much." Affixed to a slightly larger scrapbook page and in very good to fine condition, with scattered light stains. Recorded in by the Darwin Correspondence Project as Letter no. 13770F, dating it based on the form of address used by Darwin, "Down Bromley Kent."
A significant letter by Darwin relevant to his work on evolution: his theory of natural selection explains how inherited traits that provide a survival or reproductive advantage become more common in a population over generations. He observed that variations in traits, such as beak shapes in finches, could determine an organism's ability to adapt to its environment. Interestingly, in 1846, Darwin wrote to Joseph Dalton Hooker to inquire about 'Eléments de tératologie végétale [Elements of Plant Teratology]' by A. Moquin-Tandon, asking: 'Is it good book & will it treat on hereditary malconformations or varieties?'
The recipient of this letter, Dr. R. H. Blakewell, was described by the Transactions of the New Zealand Institute as 'formerly Vaccinator-General and Medical Officer of Health for the Colony of Trinidad; author of the 'Pathology and treatment of Smallpox'; Fellow of the Royal Medical and Chirurgical Society of London.'
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