My dear Darwin,

I ought ere this to have thanked you very much for your new book— I find it most interesting—but the material for thought in it so abundant that I can’t get on with it as fast as I could wish—¹ I am reading it at all spare moments— Your bunch of 3 keys is wonderfully efficacious in the penetration of the dark problems you work upon²—and I am certain that through the avenues you open to us can these secrets become alone gradually understood. Thank you for some kind expressions— I feel that you appreciate too highly any little aid I may have supplied—³

most truly yrs | W Bowman

our good Donders has had on the 15^th of Oct. the ‘Jubilium’ of his 25^th year as Professor at Utrecht & a perfect ovation from his many friends & pupils⁴   He writes “I have been accumulated with kindness by my pupils & old pupils by my colleagues & many friends— The pupils presented me with most beautiful marble busts of Helmholtz (who had been kind enough to give his time for sittings) and of Johannes Muller sculptured by Drake in Berlin the first artist of Germany I think.⁵ I could not have had such a happy idea as they had had for myself. There was a great banquet to which 115 united & I was the only guest. In a word every one did all he could for making a happy day of the 15 Oct^r which brought at the same time so cruel souvenirs   Poor fellow alluding to the loss of his only child & daughter in her confinement of twins 2 yrs ago— They are both living & in Utrecht with their father Engelmann—⁶

I thought you might like the above extract—as I am sure you feel an attachment towards my old friend whose head & heart are alike great.

WB.