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DARWIN, Charles (1809-1882). Autograph letter signed to Francis Buckland, Down, 15 December n.y. (ca. 1860), discouraging his correspondent from visiting him because his health is 'so uncertain', describing his symptoms including 'almost incessant vomiting for nine months and that has so weakened my brain that any excitement brings on whizzing and fainting feelings when I cannot speak', 3½ pages, 8°.
After 1842 Darwin suffered long periods of ill health, sometimes said to have been brought on by his seasickness during the voyage of the Beagle. He sought a more peaceful environment by moving to Down in Kent. Even on his best days, he writes, he dare not converse for more than 10 or 15 minutes. 'All I can say is that I should be delighted to see you for a few minutes but it would not be worth all the trouble of coming here'.
After 1842 Darwin suffered long periods of ill health, sometimes said to have been brought on by his seasickness during the voyage of the Beagle. He sought a more peaceful environment by moving to Down in Kent. Even on his best days, he writes, he dare not converse for more than 10 or 15 minutes. 'All I can say is that I should be delighted to see you for a few minutes but it would not be worth all the trouble of coming here'.