The pursuit of knowledge. Criticism of 'Vestiges' - the progress of man, (with a thought diagram), mentioning the theories of Weismann, Darwin, Oliphant, Fiske and Miss Buckly and stressing his belief in the importance of the reproductive factor. Commentary on disestablishment of the church. The Duke of Argyll's attack on natural selection: he is 'tolerably far gone in muddleheadedness'. Reference to Fothergill, Erasmus, [Jean Baptiste] Lamarck, Robert Chambers and Thomas Huxley.
Thomson, Sir John Arthur, 1861-1933, Knight, zoologistOutlines that ten introductory lectures on the 'Study of Cities' are required for publication, with line illustrations only. Confirms that G. H. Perris will follow up with an agreement. Comments on Patrick Geddes' evolution syllabus and upcoming biological symposium. Suggests that they should write an essay or paper. Envelope extant and included.
Thomson, Sir John Arthur, 1861-1933, Knight, zoologistSeeks help from Patrick Geddes in securing authors, asks to secure the 'Evolution of Cities' or an 'Introduction to Sociology' in conjunction with Victor Branford. Mentions enclosures sent to MacDougall and discusses a situation involving lawyers and children.
Thomson, Sir John Arthur, 1861-1933, Knight, zoologistWrites about his failure to secure an author for 'Evolution', advises he is to meet with Ray Lankester. Encourages Patrick Geddes to commit to writing a joint book on the subject of evolution.
Thomson, Sir John Arthur, 1861-1933, Knight, zoologistIn Switzerland working on the 'World Institute'. His doubts about co-writing a book on sex. Mention of Langdon Davies, publisher.
Thomson, Sir John Arthur, 1861-1933, Knight, zoologistRegarding the book's preface.
Thomson, Sir John Arthur, 1861-1933, Knight, zoologistWith reference to the publication of Patrick Geddes's papers after his death. Reference to James Slater and John Ross, and the possibility of some papers being at Montpellier.
Thomson, Sir John Arthur, 1861-1933, Knight, zoologistPublication of Geddes's papers.
Suggests that if a volume of Patrick Geddes's sociological papers is to be published, such material as McGregor already has should be used for an essay entitled 'His Conception of Sociology'.
Discusses his reply to publishers, Walter Scott Publishing Company, on the failure to uphold the agreement in the decade since the edition of The Evolution of Sex was published, and a denial of Frederick J. Crowest's claim of leftover stock as reason for not paying royalties. Expresses his desire to 'get away from this firm altogether'.
Thomson, Sir John Arthur, 1861-1933, Knight, zoologistDiscusses the revised edition of The Evolution of Sex and enquires if Geddes can create an envoi entitled "Sex in Evolution" to present to the publishers.
Thomson, Sir John Arthur, 1861-1933, Knight, zoologistConcerning proposed collaboration on book on 'The Principles of Biology'.
Thomson, Sir John Arthur, 1861-1933, Knight, zoologistIncludes draft of a review or article based on John Middleton Murray's God, Being an Introduction to the Science of Metabiology (1929). Manuscript.
Thomson, Sir John Arthur, 1861-1933, Knight, zoologistPossibly relating to a joint publication with Patrick Geddes. Manuscript.
Thomson, Sir John Arthur, 1861-1933, Knight, zoologistManuscript.
Thomson, Sir John Arthur, 1861-1933, Knight, zoologistNotes apparently by J. Arthur Thomson for a lecture on the theory of evolution. Includes discussion of the nature and origin of variation; growth [theory]; Darwinian orthodoxy; problems of variation; causes of variation; and problems of evolution. Paginated. Typescript.
Thomson, Sir John Arthur, 1861-1933, Knight, zoologist