Darwin-L Message Log 3:57 (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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<3:57>From @VM1.NoDak.EDU:PX53@SDSUMUS.SDSTATE.EDU  Mon Nov 15 10:05:50 1993

Date: Mon, 15 Nov 93 11:10:16 CST
From: PAUL J JOHNSON <PX53@SDSUMUS.SDSTATE.EDU>
To: <darwin-l@ukanaix.cc.ukans.edu>
Subject: Re: Darwin and beetles

Regarding the origin of Haldane's note, misattributed to Darwin, the
following was extracted from a correspondence published in ANTENNA,
1991, vol 16(1): 86-87. The correspondent is R.C. Fisher, University
College - London.

"John Maynard Smith told me that he thinks Haldane may have originally
used it in one of his Radio broadcasts, as he had found no record of
it in any of Haldane's collections of essays."  According to Authur
Cain, Fisher quotes the latter:  "It was Haldane, not Huxley, and he
told me the story himself.  I don't know where you'll find it in print,
if indeed it was ever printed.  Some solemn ass asked him what could
be inferred of the work of creation (putting any such question to
Haldane was just asking for trouble) and got the crushing reply `an
inordinate fondness for beetles'.

Cheers,
Paul

Paul J Johnson
SDSU Insect Museum
South Dakota State University
Box 2207A
Brookings, South Dakota 57007 USA
e-mail: px53@sdsumus.sdstate.edu

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