Lot 211
Darwin, Charles (1809-82) English naturalist; best known for his theory of natural selection, published in On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection (1859). Manuscript Letter Signed, two pages, 8 x 5 inches, on stationery engraved "Down, Beckenham, Kent. Railway Station / Orpincton. S.E.R.," May 3, 1875. To an unidentified correspondent, with important content on animal rights. Light scattered foxing, else fine.
In full: "I beg leave to acknowledge the receipt of your circular of Ap. 30. I am sorry to say that the state of my health renders it impossible for me to attend the meeting on May 5th. I regret this, as I am very anxious that some legislative measure should be passed, serving to protect animals from needless suffering, & at the same time not interfering with the progress of the science of Physiology, which I am convinced, from the analogy of all other sciences, will ultimately confer the highest benefits on mankind. Sir your obedient servant Charles Darwin."
In 1871, Darwin had given his opinion on vivisection to British zoologist Ray Lankester: "… I quite agree that it is justifiable for real investigations on physiology; but not for mere damnable and detestable curiosity. It is a subject which makes me sick with horror, so I will not say another word about it, else I shall not sleep to-night."
The legislative measure which Darwin hoped for and promoted was passed in 1876. The Cruelty to Animals Act was the first law specifically aimed at regulating animal testing. It stipulated that researchers would be prosecuted for cruelty unless they conformed to its provisions, that is, experiments involving the infliction of pain upon animals could be conducted only when "the proposed experiments are absolutely necessary for the due instruction of the persons [so they may go on to use the instruction] to save or prolong human life." Additionally, the animal must be anesthetised during the experiment, used only once, and killed as soon as the study was over.
Estimated Value $35,000 - 40,000
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