Darwin

Best.-Nr. 23112 — July 19th 1886. Questionnaire partly filled in by Darwin from "Translation of Scientific Memoirs' Committee" 2pp 4to minor sunning good condition. NOT including the Printed Letter p.1 from H.W. Crosskey explaining what the questionnaire is for "Action for the Translation and Publication of Foreign Scientific Memoirs" to be put to the attention of the British Association. Signed on recto two answers on verso.See Image.The questionnaire comprises four questions with a final section headed "Remarks" the questions being "1."Do you think it advisable that steps should be taken to secure the systematic translation and publication in English of all the more important foreign scientific memoirs; 2. If so advisable would the work be best accomplished: a by the formation of a Special Society or Committee for dealing with memoirs on all subjects; or b by the formation of separate Societies or Committees each dealing with one particular branch of science; or c by urging the existing scientific Societies to undertake the translation of the memoirs with which they are most nearly concerned 3. Would it be necessary in your opinion to translate memoirs in the French language 4. Should the work of translation be done voluntarily or be paid for by a small fee; the name of the translator in either case being attached to his work" Section 5 is headed "Remarks" verso.DarwinHe answers Question 1. "I do not think it advisable. IIt seems to me that no amount of translation that is at all practicable would do away with the necessity of being able to read french & germansic".No answers to questions 2 and 3 left blank. Question 4 answer rather conflicting with the earlier answer: "I think it should be paid for by a fairly good fee. The translations must as pointed out in the pamphlet be made by those having special knowledge of the subject and I cannot help doubting whether such persons would undertake the drudgery of translation unless they were well paid."No Remarks. Note: A copy of the report based on this and other completed questionnaires apparently the only one recorded is at the National Library of Medicine Bethesda USA . Despite valiant efforts including being one hour's drive away I have been unable to see it or secure a copy: " Report presented by the council to the annual meeting of members held in the library of the Medical InstituteOctober 8 1885. Birmingham Philosophical Society Birmingham England. See other completed questionnaires Galton Huxley Francis Darwin etc. July 19th, 1886. unknown