Sir Roderick Impey Murchison correspondence, 1829-1871
Mss.B.M93
Series I. Correspondence | 1829-1871 | 0.25 Linear feet 1 box. ; 42 items. | ||
Abstract: This is a miscellaneous collection of letters concerning geology, geological exploration of Russia, entomology, glaciers, appointments in the British Museum, Geological Society of London business, Royal Geographical Society, references to David Livingstone, and zoology. Provenance: Purchased from Fleming (Sotheby; £40) and accessioned, 01/20/1958 (1958 145c ms). See in-house shelf list for additional accession numbers and dates. | ||||
Table of contents, B.M93p, Accession Number 1971 418ms | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to "My dear Sir" | May 17, 1829 | |||
Murchison/Sedgwick work on the Isle of Arran is prepped for Transactions; requests a species name. | ||||
Babbage, Charles, 1791-1871.
Letter to [Sir Roderick Impey] Murchison | December 22, 1830 | |||
Searching for a mislaid meteor. | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to [Thomas] Webster | December 6, 1832 | |||
Regarding paleontological bent work. For reply, see Webster's letter of December 7, 1842 (not a part of this collection). Originally dated 1842, revised to follow Michael Collie and John Diemer (Murchison in Moray, Transactions of the APS v. 85, pt. 3, p127). | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to Mademoiselle Duvancel | May 5, 1833 | 3 page(s) | ||
Murchison, then president of the Geological Society, discusses the deep sense of loss that geology and all of the sciences have suffered with the death of Georges Cuvier. Appeals to English geologists to raise a monument to Cuvier. Provenance: 1993 - 1917ms. Purchased from Main Street Fine Books and Manuscripts, Galena, Illinois, with money from the Carlier Fund, November 1993. | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to James [de Carle] Sowerby | December 27, 1837 | |||
Discusses sketches. | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to James de C[arle] Sowerby | March 6, 1838 | |||
Regarding accuracy of sketches. | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to "Dear Shepherd" | September 21, 1844 | |||
Discusses gold in Siberia, communication with Sir Robert Peel. | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to Lady Morley | April 23, 1845 | Pasted onto the letter is a newspaper clipping outlining Murchison's inaugural address as President of the British Association (?), with Prince Albert expected to attend. | ||
Expresses gratitude for a "proposal to include me in the body guard of the distinguished Lady." General physical description: Pasted onto the letter is a newspaper clipping outlining Murchison's inaugural address as President of the British Association (?), with Prince Albert expected to attend. | ||||
Palmerston, Henry John Temple, Viscount, 1784-1865.
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to Sir Roderick [Impey Murchison] and reply | October 4, 1846 | |||
Note from Palmerston (much obliged for Murchison's letter). Reverse side has a note by Murchison, dated 1846, about why Palmerston wrote him and an address delivered by Murchison, with the Palmerstons and Prince Consort in attendance. | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to [Sir Richard] Owen | March 6, 1847 | |||
Hopes to arrange for a meeting. | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to "My dear Sir Francis" | March 29, 1847 | |||
2 page letter regarding the recipient's error on the matter of Lyell and volcanoes. 1 page note about price of the letter and its contents. | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to "My dear Sir" | Thursday morning, [1847] | |||
References an article in the paper about Grand Duke Constantine visiting Murchison, other social plans, and travel to Wales and Scotland. | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to [Thomas Sopwith] | March 24, 1852 | |||
1 page letter, 1 page note on price and contents. Recipient annotated in pencil. Offered presidency of an Australian gold company, speculated on value of his name and potential for enriching himself in the past. | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to "My dear Sir" | December 31, 1856 | |||
Note written from Broadlands. | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to [William] Broderip | October 2, 1858 | |||
References "Owen's Meeting" and Times reporting. | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to "My dear Sir" | February 13, 1861 | |||
Letter of introduction regarding "distinguished mathematician" M. Elafanti (?). | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to "Sir" | August 13, 1861 | |||
Hotel paper; missed opportunities to meet, receive response. | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to "My dear Mr. Watson" | January 18, 1862 | |||
Cannot extend a dinner invitation at Belgrave Square while Lady Murchison is in Brighton, offers alternatives in the interim. | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to "My dear Sir" | February 11, 1862 | |||
A new name to add as "a faithful delineator of geological features in Nature." | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to "Dear Sir" | July 8, 1863 | |||
In reply to recipient's letter, explanation of organizational rules. | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to [William Gifford Palgrave] | February 23, 1864 | |||
Includes praise for "instructive & elegant" narratives of Arctic exploration. | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to "My dear Sir" | April 20, 1864 | |||
Committee business. | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to [Hugh] Falconer | June 10, 1864 | |||
Has now read manuscript, urges attendance at meeting, invitation to dine. | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Note | October 31, 1865 | |||
Note of a reply to Revered E. H. Cooper (?) stating he (Murchison) had nothing to do with British Museum appointments. | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Biographical note | January 3, 1865 | |||
Biographical note: specific mention of military captaincy, Silurian System, Geological Society and Royal Geographical Society presidencies. Reply sent to Mr. Delvett (?) | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to "My dear Dr. Kirk" | January 31, 1866 | |||
Regarding African research. | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to Sir William [Denison] | April 7, 1867 | |||
Left for summer holidays, arrangements for key and correspondence. | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to "My dear Sir" | June 23, 1867 | |||
Royal Geographical Society paper. Appreciation and an invitation. | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to Admiral Irminger | July 28, 1867 | |||
Letter of introduction for Edward Whymper. | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to [Henry Walter] Bates | December 10, 1867 | |||
Belgrave Square paper. Reference to the Times. | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to [Henry Walter] Bates | December 10, 1867 | |||
Reference to a letter from the Earl of Dunmore (?) | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to [Richard Henry] Major | March 18, 1868 | |||
Appreciation for The Life of Prince Henry, reciprocal offer of Siluria. | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to [Sir Edwin Henry] Landseer | January 1, 1870 | |||
Belgrave Square paper. Access digital object: | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to [Henry Walter] Bates | January 24, 1871 | |||
Change in handwriting may be due to a stroke. | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to [Henry Walter] Bates | March 21, 1871 | |||
Regarding Belker's (?) letters. | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to [Henry Walter] Bates | May 18, 1871 | |||
Geological Survey of England and Wales paper. | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to [Henry Walter] Bates | July 3, 1871 | |||
References a visit from the Emperor of Brazil, who inquired about Bates and [Alfred Russel] Wallace, recommends Bates make contact so he can call upon His Majesty. | ||||
Whewell, William, 1794-1866.
Letter to "Dear Murchison" | January 12, undated | |||
Request for books. | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to "My dear General" | Monday, undated | |||
Regarding plans to dine together. | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to [Robert Hunt] | undated | |||
Regarding an unforwarded letter, lack of Italian topographical maps. | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to an unknown recipient | undated | |||
Belgrave Square paper (no earlier than 1839). | ||||
Murchison, Roderick Impey, Sir, 1792-1871.
Letter to an unknown recipient | undated | |||
Building instructions, with reference to the Jermyn Street Geological Museum. | ||||
Stafford, Robert A..
Letter to Stephen Catlett | October, 1983 | |||
Corrections to dating and attributions of APS materials. Per handwritten note, corrections were made June 1, 1984. | ||||
Series II. Reproductions | 1830-1867 | 0.25 Linear feet 1 box. ; 34 items, photocopies. | ||
Abstract: These are letters written from America, to Murchison, discussing geology, natural history, and contemporary topics. Provenance: Purchased from Geological Society of London (£14.35) and accessioned, 11/24/1964 (1965 160ph). Location of originals: Originals in Geological Society of London. | ||||
Table of contents, 509.G29 | 1965 | |||
List of 1964 acquisitions from the Geological Society of London. | ||||
Featherstonhaugh, George William, 1780-1866.
Letter to [Sir Roderick Impey] Murchison | February 22, 1830 | |||
Gifts sent on the ship the Alexander from Philadelphia to Liverpool. Particular attention paid to shells and fossils, hope for samples in return. Copy of the freshly-published poem "The Deluge" (with "geological and minerological allusions") and a request for further distribution. Some general discussion of finances and will. | ||||
Featherstonhaugh, George William, 1780-1866.
Letter to [Sir Roderick Impey] Murchison | April 14, 1830 | |||
Follow up to the earlier shipment of "Deluge" and shells. Promises to forward a forthcoming American Quarterly Review with "my notions of Geology, and of its importance." | ||||
Featherstonhaugh, George William, 1780-1866.
Letter to [Sir Roderick Impey] Murchison | May, 1830 | |||
Request for assistance: feedback, securing copyright. | ||||
Featherstonhaugh, George William, 1780-1866.
Letter to [Sir Roderick Impey] Murchison | September 23, 1831 | |||
Reply to Murchison's letter from Liverpool. Appreciates feedback, will correct map as noted. Americans are "beginning to take to geology" and Featherstonhaugh plans to promote Murchison's name among them. | ||||
Featherstonhaugh, George William, 1780-1866.
Letter to [Sir Roderick Impey] Murchison | October 28, 1831 | |||
Re: letter from Buckland, reasons why casts and writing was not presented to the Geological Society. Authenticity questioned; asks for Murchison's support. | ||||
Featherstonhaugh, George William, 1780-1866.
Letter to [Sir Roderick Impey] Murchison | March 18, 1832 | |||
Details of fossils and casts forwarded. | ||||
Harlan, Richard, 1796-1843.
Letter to [Sir] R[oderick] I[mpey] Murchison | May 18, 1832 | |||
Forwarded casts, fossils, descriptions, on the advice of mutual acquaintance Featherstonhaugh. | ||||
Featherstonhaugh, George William, 1780-1866.
Letter to [Sir Roderick Impey] Murchison | September 2, 1833 | |||
Praise for Murchison's address in the July Philosophical Magazine. Complaints about the state of American geology, subscribers' failure to pay for Featherstonhaugh's journal. Discussion of efforts in Washington. | ||||
Lea, Isaac, 1792-1886.
Letter to [Sir Roderick Impey Murchison] | December 16, 1833 | |||
Fossil samples sent (alas, not a complete collection); would be pleased to receive feedback on his writings. | ||||
Harlan, Richard, 1796-1843.
Letter to [Sir] R[oderick] I[mpey] Murchison | April 11, 1834 | |||
Murchison elected corresponding member of the Geological Society of Pennsylvania. Harlan's "On certain Saurian fossils discovered in the U.S." forwarded for Murchison's perusal. | ||||
Rogers, Henry D. (Henry Darwin), 1808-1866.
Letter to [Sir Roderick Impey Murchison] | July 15, 1834 | |||
Appreciation for Murchison's introcucing him to the Geological Section of the British Association; report of United States geology for Murchison's perusal; particular interest in Murchison's work on Welsh graywacke. | ||||
Agassiz, Louis, 1807-1873.
Letter to [Sir Roderick Impey Murchison] | November 4, 1834 | |||
In French. Regarding fossils and scheduling. | ||||
Featherstonhaugh, George William, 1780-1866.
Letter to [Sir Roderick Impey] Murchison | April 12, 1835 | |||
Introduction of the bearer, William Pitt Adams. | ||||
Agassiz, Louis, 1807-1873.
Letter to [Sir Roderick Impey Murchison] | July 7, 1835 | |||
In French. Regarding travel plans. | ||||
Agassiz, Louis, 1807-1873.
Letter to [Sir Roderick Impey Murchison] | October 6, 1835 | |||
In French. Regarding fish fossils. | ||||
Agassiz, Louis, 1807-1873.
Letter to [Sir Roderick Impey Murchison] | February 24, 1837 | |||
In French. Regarding a previous letter, a course on glaciers. | ||||
Agassiz, Louis, 1807-1873.
Letter to [Sir Roderick Impey Murchison] | [1838] | |||
In French. Regarding travel, fish fossils. | ||||
Agassiz, Louis, 1807-1873.
Letter to [Sir Roderick Impey Murchison] | March 4, 1840 | |||
In French. Regarding Holoptychus, Old Red Sandstone ("Old Red d'Angleterre"), Silurian/Devonian organization. | ||||
Vanuxem, Lardner..
Letter to [Sir Roderick Impey Murchison] | May 1, 1840 | |||
Regarding Murchison's letter to Silliman and interest in visiting the U.S. to examine its geology. | ||||
Agassiz, Louis, 1807-1873.
Letter to [Sir Roderick Impey Murchison] | November 8, 1840 | |||
In French. Regarding glaciers, Silurian and Devonian fish. | ||||
Agassiz, Louis, 1807-1873.
Letter to [Sir Roderick Impey Murchison] | May 4, 1845 | |||
In French. Regarding specimens from St. Petersburg, Megra, and Riga; opinions on fish and reptiles. | ||||
Agassiz, Louis, 1807-1873.
Letter to [Sir Roderick Impey Murchison] | May 4, 1845 | |||
In French. Regarding specimens from St. Petersburg, Megra, and Riga; opinions on fish and reptiles. Duplicate copy. | ||||
Hall, James, 1811-1898.
Letter to [Sir Roderick Impey Murchison] | January 29, 1847 | |||
Regarding Silurian/Cambrian boundary. | ||||
Agassiz, Louis, 1807-1873.
Letter to [Sir Roderick Impey Murchison] | June 12, 1847 | |||
In French. Regarding de Verneuil's work with fish fossils, travel to the United States. | ||||
Rogers, Henry D. (Henry Darwin), 1808-1866.
Letter to [Sir Roderick Impey Murchison] | December 1, 1848 | |||
Regarding faults. Diagrams referenced are not included in this collection. | ||||
Silliman, Benjamin, 1779-1864.
Letter to Sir Roderick Impey Murchison | September 21, 1853 | |||
Asked publisher to forward a copy of his observations (apologetically classified as a popular work); praise for Murchison's work in Wales. | ||||
Everett, Edward, 1794-1865.
Letter to Sir Roderick [Impey Murchison] | August 15, 1854 | |||
Appreciation for Murchison's "extremely valuable and interesting work," which Everett received. | ||||
Silliman, Benjamin, 1779-1864.
Letter to Sir Roderick Impey Murchison | May 23, 1856 | |||
Regrets on the death of Henry de la Beche, confidence in Murchison's stewardship of the Geological Survey, some quid pro quo. | ||||
Dana, James Dwight, 1813-1895.
Letter to Sir Roderick I[mpey] Murchison | July 9, 1856 | |||
Appreciation for collection of British rocks and fossils; invitation to American Association meeting in August. | ||||
Everett, Edward, 1794-1865.
Letter to Sir Roderick [Impey Murchison] | August 10, 1857 | |||
Regrets that, due to health concerns, Murchison canceled his planned trip to the United States. | ||||
Agassiz, Louis, 1807-1873.
Letter to Sir Rod[erick] I[mpey] Murchison | May 21, 1860 | |||
Letter of introduction for an American mathematician (Peince?) | ||||
American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Letter to [Sir Roderick Impey Murchison] | February 4, 1861 | |||
Appreciation for a collection of U.K. geological maps. | ||||
Featherstonhaugh, George William, 1780-1866.
Letter to [Sir Roderick Impey] Murchison | September 20, 1861 | |||
Reflections upon Murchison's life, the rise of geology. | ||||
Campbell, P..
Letter to Sir Roderick I[mpey] Murchison | September 28, 1867 | |||
Regarding coal mining in regions of Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Cape Breton, and New South Wales. |