In a thread initiated, as they often are, by the eclectic Michael S., we discussed whether Darwin had a speech impediment. I found a website (http://www.aboutdarwin.com/darwin/WhoWas.html ) which said he did, consisting of a slight stutter on the first word of a sentence, particularly words beginning with "W" (dubya to Americans).
The claim was unattributed of course, and challenged, as such claims often are, by Allen Esterson. I suggested that an inquiry to the website author, David Leff, might be fruitful. Allen replied, as he often does, "I'm sure that is the case, but I'll leave that to someone who's really keen to find out. -:) ". So, stuck as I often am with the dirty jobs, I wrote, as I often do, to Mr. Leff. Just when I had given up hope of a response, Mr. Leff provided this information: "You can find this in "The Autobiography of Charles Darwin", edited by Charles' son Francis Darwin. I have this book listed in the literature section of my website and it is still in publication. If I recall correctly, this is stated in the section where Francis describes his father's various attributes." A search of the website turns up this: Autobiography of Charles Darwin and Selected Letters. Darwin, Francis (Editor). New York: Dover Publications, 1992 Bishop's Library doesn't list this but a similar-sounding book: The life and letters of Charles Darwin : including an autobiographical chapter / edited by his son, Francis Darwin. Author: Darwin, Charles, 1809-1882. Date: 1898. Now I suppose Allen's going to want me to trot over to the library to check it out. Stephen ----------------------------------------------------------------- Stephen L. Black, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology, Emeritus Bishop's University e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 2600 College St. Sherbrooke QC J1M 1Z7 Canada ----------------------------------------------------------------------- --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
