[Charles Darwin; On the Origin of Species] Well-written Manuscript Essay (talk or lecture) Signed with initials [not interpreted] entitled Suppositions concerning the double origin of Man

Manuscript, Initialled by Author, 6pp., 4to, two bifoliums, good condition. SEE IMAGE FOR FULL TEXT. The essay commences with a reference to Charles Darwin, Origin having been published a few years before; I suppose that animal life - supplied and controlled by the spirit of God (Gen[esis] I.2) - took its upward course through the Ages, developing (possibly one from another as Mr Darwin supposes) and including all the different forms that are or have been, up to the 'man' of the Drift.[See Note below re. Pleistocene]. I suppose this creature's organism to have been similar to our own and his instinct & organic action, and the degree of its development must depend on the nature of an animals organs. I do not suppose that this man was more than an animal - that he had reason or speech- Birds build their nests by instinct; [For rest of text see images] Note: A. The talk or lecture is in a flimsy folder on which is an apparent ascription to an H.Harris BUT see photograph of the concluding initials (not interpreted by me); B. The image [of one page of six] is a handwritten letter or manuscript page from June 1865, containing a discussion of mythological and historical theories regarding ancient peoples and their origins. The author speculates on topics such as the origins of amber trade routes, the identity of the Finns and other northern tribes as descendants of Tubal Cain, and the potential characteristics of the descendants of Cain. The text concludes by acknowledging that these are merely theories, subject to change with better information or understanding of 'revelation.' [AI]; C.The Middle and Late Pleistocene is arguably the most interesting period in human evolution. This broad period witnessed the evolution of our own lineage, as well as that of our sister taxon, the Neanderthals, and related Denisovans. It is exceptionally rich in both fossil and archaeological remains, and uniquely benefits from insights gained through molecular approaches, such as paleogenetics and paleoproteomics, that are currently not widely applicable in earlier contexts. This wealth of information paints a highly complex picture, often described as ?the Muddle in the Middle,? defying the common adage that ?more evidence is needed? to resolve it. See Images (total item) on application.