DARWIN, Charles (1809-1882). Autograph letter signed ("Ch. Darwin"), to Dr. [Michael] Foster. Kent, England, 9 May [1874].

1 page, 8vo, on Down, Beckenham, Kent stationery. Darwin thanks Foster for sending a a long-awaited report on the state of the appeal for the Naples Zoological Station: "My dear Dr. Foster, I am very much obliged for the paper, as I was anxious to hear how it was getting on. I am rather disappointed at 480. I fear we shall not get up much more. I had hoped for 700 or 800. Well, we have done our best. I suppose even 500 would be a maerial aid to Dr. [Anton] Dohrn. Yours very sincerely, Ch. Darwin." In a postscript vertically along the margin he adds: "a rich & hopeful backer? has been sent to."Mindful of the scientific assistance he received from so many quarters, Darwin remained keen to help those in his circle of correspondents when the occasion arose. He continued to provide support to Anton Dohrn's Zoological Station at Naples, which had got into financial difficulty and needed more funds if it was to be completed. Darwin learned from Huxley that Dohrn's father would allow him to accept a public subscription for the Zoological Station and that Dohrn was overworked and troubled about the zoological station's debts of 1500. Darwin immediately sent a donation of 100, and 10 each from his sons George and Francis.Dohrn replied from his sickbed mentioning a photograph of the station to be sent to Darwin by Francis Maitland Balfour; Darwin offered to try to get it exhibited at a Royal Society of London soire. Darwin also helped Michael Foster to prepare a printed appeal for funds, raising 860.

Property from the Robert L. McKay Collection, North Tustin, California