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In 1862, the French physiologist Guillaume-Benjamin Duchenne published a photographically illustrated study of facial expression. By applying an electric current, Duchenne was able to mechanically produce expressions, and to sustain them long enough…

Moseley was a naturalist on the Challenger expedition, (1872–6). With this letter, he sends Darwin a Japanese book illustrating the expression of emotions. Although Darwin’s own copy of the book does not survive, we know that he received it as he…

This map of the British Empire in 1869 shows some of the places where Darwin sent questionnaires

Henrietta made a significant contribution to her father’s work, most notably as editor of Descent. Darwin’s correspondence suggests that she was selected as editor less for the civilizing, feminine influence she might exert on his work and more for…

'I have delayed somewhat longer than I intended, acknowledging the copy of your new volume, which you have been kind enough to send me. I delayed partly in the hope of being able to read more of it before writing to you; but my reading powers are so…

Darwin had included the word ‘sexual’ in the title of an earlier draft of Descent: Murray was relieved when it was omitted.

Murray suggests that Darwin tone down a passage on the delicate subject of female sexual desire.