Erasmus Alvey Darwin has rheumatism; his sisters complain of his bad temper but CD thinks him very good tempered. CD has received a new cabinet. [This is the first of six entries written in a "Memorandum book" comprising four sheets folded into a gather and sewn together in book form. The entries are in the style of letters addressed to an unnamed friend and are dated between 1 and 12 January 1822, shortly before CD's thirteenth birthday. As they were written straight into the memorandum book, it is clear that they were never sent through the post, but were either to an imaginary recipient, or intended to be read by someone in the household, possibly CD's youngest sister, Emily Catherine Darwin (Catherine).]
Shrewsbury news.
Glad he likes Edinburgh.
They have been going to plays performed by a travelling company he knows.
Family news.
Tells CD he is recovering from the illness with which he was afflicted when CD visited.
Account of insects he has collected, with figures drawn by sister.
News of his activities in recent months, of mutual Edinburgh acquaintances, and the Plinian Society.
JC has given up natural history for a time to prepare himself better for medical practice.
All at Shrewsbury glad to hear good news of Mrs Fox.
CD left Tuesday by coach and two days' horseback ride to Cambridge. Goes to the Henslows' that night.
Is glad of CD's appointment and hopes it will be a source of happiness and honour.
Answers a query about books.
Suggests CD go to Geological Society, present himself, as AS's friend, to William Lonsdale and study the Society's collection.
Tells CD of his work in Wales; includes a diagram and explanations.
Ramsay's death a grievous loss.
Describes his appointment, the Beagle, his companions, and the objectives of the voyage. Gives his schedule before departure.
Describes the wedding of her sister Sarah and related festivities. She misses CD very much.
Darwin Correspondence Project
darwin@lib.cam.ac.uk
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