Summary

CD’s father has been very ill, but is now slowly improving.

Writes of Leonard Jenyns’ cabinet and J. S. Henslow’s parties.

Summary

His routine days at Cambridge.

Entomology stopped for the present.

His reading, gambling, and parties. News of Cambridge friends.

Summary

CD on a reading party at Barmouth, Wales;

difficulty with mathematics.

Reports on his entomological collecting.

Summary

Hopes to publish volume on coral formations in a few months.

He and Emma live quietly, having given up parties.

Asks WDF if he remembers the Darwin family motto. He means to have a "seal solemnly engraved".

Summary

Undergoing hydropathic treatment for his old ailment.

The "Abstract" [Origin] is the cause. Only two chapters to do.

His satisfaction that he believes he has convinced Hooker and Huxley and staggered Lyell.

Summary

Has no letters or papers [of Erasmus Darwin].

Suggests CD cite some of Erasmus Darwin’s poems to answer the charge of atheism [see Erasmus Darwin, p. 44].

Recounts a story of a remarkable cure by Dr Darwin, showing his sagacity and daring.

Summary

He is staying on the Isle of Wight because he has been unwell. He is thought to be in danger of contracting consumption, and the climate is beneficial. He is convalescent now, but will spend the winter there.

Offers to forward any natural history stores CD may want.

Summary

His poor health keeps him from work.

His book [Origin] is a success "in the ordinary sense" – has had to reprint another 3000 copies.

Will now begin his "bigger book" which he plans to publish in three separate volumes with distinct titles and also a general title.

Summary

Pairing habits of birds: polygamy among ducks and canaries.

Information on the proportion of sexes in fowls and other birds.

Summary

CD reading very hard for his examination.

Too busy for beetles.

Trusts WDF will be in orders by Christmas.

Summary

Congratulates CD on his birthday.

WDF has been suffering from bronchitis.

Summary

WDF’s letter gives CD the kind of facts he wants. His story about peacocks is so good that CD will quote it [Descent 2: 46].

Pleased WDF approves of his book [Variation]

– "beloved Pangenesis disagrees badly with many".

Summary

All at Shrewsbury glad to hear good news of Mrs Fox.

CD left Tuesday by coach and two days’ horseback ride to Cambridge. Goes to the Henslows’ that night.

Summary

Has come to think his brains were not made for thinking – he immediately feels better when at Moor Park.

News of his family.

Summary

Informs WDF of his activities since the Beagle landed.

Summary

Has been in N. Wales two weeks, having gone with Hope and two Eytons. Not many good insects; disillusioned with Hope, found him egotistical and stupid.

Hopes WDF will stay in Cambridge until after CD arrives.

Some entomological news.

Summary

CD finds the reading involved in "getting up all my subjects" almost "intolerable"; has had no time to write, or send insects, or catch any.

Glad WDF has heard of a curacy where he may "read all the commandments without endangering [his] throat".

Summary

Has not been well.

Plans a geological trip to Glen Roy in Scotland.

Thanks WDF for remembering the crossing of animals, CD’s "prime hobby". "I really think some day I shall be able to do something on that most intricate subject species and varieties."

Summary

CD likes Down House, describes countryside.

Tells of Edward Charlesworth fracas at Geological Society.

Is at work on Volcanic islands.

Summary

He misses society. "I often conjecture what will become of me; my wishes certainly would make me a country clergyman. – You expect sadly more than I shall ever do in Nat. Hist: I am only a sort of Jackall, a lions provider; but I wish I was sure there were lions enough."

Has collected a host of minute beetles, some reptiles, small quadrupeds, and fishes. Invertebrate marine animals are his delight. The pleasure of working with microscope ranks second only to geology.