My dear Sir,

Herewith I return the Dec. no. of Kosmos for the loan of which I am extremely obliged.

I look upon Fritz Müller’s conclusions as confirmations of a principle long ago laid down by you in the “Origin of Species”. You there state that the larva of an insect may be regarded as an active embryo. From this it follows that a larva (or a pupa) can become adapted to its environment quite independently of the perfect insect.¹

I am exceedingly obliged for the kind permission which you have given me to make use of Fritz Müllers last letter to you. It contains many new & interesting observations which will enrich our “Proceedings” & thereby become permanently recorded in a form more convenient for future reference should you at any future time desire to make use of them.²

His (F. M’s) observation of the serrated costal margin of ♂ Callidryas is a new fact. It has been known for some time as existing in Prioneris (Wallace) & Pyrrhosticta (Butler).³

I was delighted to hear Prof. Huxley at the Royal Institution last night draw a comparison between Harvey & yourself—you being among the few who have seen their ideas take root & flourish in their own time.⁴

With the greatest respect, | I am, dear Sir, | Yours very truly, | R. Meldola.