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From Human Origins: The Big Questions
Darwin to Thwaites
Darwin wrote this letter to naturalist George Thwaites in Ceylon [Sri Lanka] to ask if he agreed with a report claiming that “captured elephants when moaning and screaming weep.” In response, Thwaites provided a letter from one Reverend Glenie who, upon request, made special observations of captured elephants. He reported violent screams, but no tears. Darwin also sent out similar queries about human emotions, furthering his insights into similarities between people and animals.
Charles Darwin (1809–1882). Letter to George H. K. Thwaites, January 31, 1868.
(The full text of this letter is not yet available online.)
