Serie WB/J/J.1 - Correspondence relating to Samuel Butler

Extent: 1 folder

Notes inscribed on, or attached to, the letters by a previous archivist give details of where the originals are to be found in the Bateson Library, John Innes Centre.

Authors and recipients as follows. The first three letters are photocopies. Letter from Butler to J.A. and Mrs Fuller Maitland, 1902, concerning Butler's health; two letters from R.A. Steatfeild (Butler's literary executor) to Bateson, 1909, 1910; letter from H.F. Jones (biographer of Butler) to Bateson, 1909; postcard from R.C. Punnett to Bateson, 1925.

Admin History: It is unclear when Bateson became interested in Butler's books (such as 'Unconscious Memory', 'The Way of All Flesh', 'Life and Habit' etc). There are references to Butler's 'Erewhon' in lecture notes by Bateson on 'Heredity', 1901, and in his inaugural address as Professor of Biology at Cambridge in 1908 (see A.G. Cock and D.R. Forsdyke. 'Treasure Your Exceptions': The Science and Life of William Bateson', New York 2008, p.545 ff. Bateson's library in the John Innes Centre holds most of Butler's titles.