Darwin-L Message Log 3:54 (November 1993)

Academic Discussion on the History and Theory of the Historical Sciences

This is one message from the Archives of Darwin-L (1993–1997), a professional discussion group on the history and theory of the historical sciences.

Note: Additional publications on evolution and the historical sciences by the Darwin-L list owner are available on SSRN.

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<3:54>From zorc@hippo.ru.ac.za  Mon Nov 15 00:42:03 1993

From: zorc@hippo.ru.ac.za (Mr RJ Chambers)
Subject: Re: Darwin and beetles
To: darwin-l@ukanaix.cc.ukans.edu
Date: Mon, 15 Nov 1993 08:45:07 +0200 (EET)

Mark Chladil writes:

> We would like to use a quote often attributed to Darwin that goes like:
>
> What do your studies tell you about the mind of God?
> Darwin: That He had an inordinate fondness for beetles.
>
> The trouble is that we need to know
> 1. What was the quote exactly?
> 2. Who asked the question?
> 3. What is the exact citation for this quote?
>
> Please reply to me directly at: mark.chladil@geog.utas.edu.au.
> If there is interest I'll post a summary back to the list
> Thankyou in advance
> Mark Chladil

If you paruse through this years "Natural History" in which Gould writes
a regular essay, you will find one on just such a subject; my copies are
at home, but if no-one else beats me too it, I'll let you know soon.
Actaully, I think the quote originates from Haldane!
--
Richard Chambers - Zoology Department - Rhodes University
Internet: zorc@hippo.ru.ac.za  Telephone: (0461) 22023 xt 524

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