Dear Lord Derby,

I hope that, you will excuse the liberty which I take in troubling you.– with a long letter.

I feel, a deep interest in preventing cruelty to animals & on the other hand am convinced that physiology is one of the most important of all the sciences, & is certain to confer great benefit on mankind, but that it can advance only by experiments on living animals.— I have lately spent ten days in London consulting several eminent physiologists on this subject.¹

We first drew up ⁠⟨⁠$\frac{1}{4}$ of a line⁠⟩⁠ This petition has been signed by the Presidents of the Royal Society, College of Surgeons, & of Physicians, & ⁠⟨⁠professors of⁠⟩⁠ Physiology in Oxford, Cambr⁠⟨⁠idge⁠⟩⁠ Edinburgh. by Prof Owen, Huxley, Sir J Paget Burdon San & myself.; justifying the necessity of occasional experiments on live animals, & praying Parliament to have a due regard in any legislation for the interest of science,²

Since then several of the persons just named have thought it advisable to have a sketch of a bill drawn up, which served to answer the double purpose of protecting animals & science, namely by enacting that experiments shall not be tried on animals without the use of anaesthetic, for the mere purpose of teaching,: that such animals sh^d be immediately afterwards killed; & that licences shall be granted under certain regulations to men carrying on original research.— Recommendations to the same effect, but not so strict, were passed in 1871 by the British Assoc. for Science; & I hear that they met with the approbation of the Cruelty Prevention Soc.^y.³

Now my colleagues are very anxious to interest your Lordship on this subject, & I offered to write to you believing that you would excuse me. We are desirous, unless you see some objection, that you should mention the subject to the proper members of the Cabinet, such as the H. S. or the L. President of the Privy Council, who, I believe is at the head of all the scientific departments science.⁴

We are informed that no less than three associations of gentlemen who care chiefly or exclusively for humanity; are preparing bills;⁵ & we hope that the Government will not legislate without due consideration for physiology.— We could soon send our sketch of a bill, or a small deputation would wait on any member of the Cabinet person or we w^d do whatever else you think best, if you would be so kind as to give us your counsel.

I trust that this letter may be favourably received by your Lordship [illeg] for the sake of humanity & science & I remain your Lordship | very faithfully | Chas Darwin

April 15. 75