Summary

Charles Lyell has asked WE to pass his opinions on the MS of Origin to CD via Murray. WE is convinced of the value of CD’s researches but "to put forth the theory without the evidence", as in the MS, "would do grievous injustice to his views". The omission of these facts reduces both the philosophical and popular value of the work, by virtue of its dryness.

Supports Charles Lyell’s suggestion that CD should first publish his observations on pigeons with a theoretical outline, for "[e]very body is interested in pigeons". Such a work would generate wider interest and be better understood. A subsequent, larger book would then be approached with impartiality "not to say favour" by a wider public.

Summary

Has received a confusing set of engravings, with both missing and superfluous illustrations [for Polish translation of Descent].

Summary

Encloses a letter to be forwarded to CD [see 10212].

Summary

Discusses publication of Descent. Orders copies of vol. 2 sent to Wallace, Mivart, and F. P. Cobbe.

Will attend Athenaeum and vote for RC.

Summary

A second edition [issue] of Descent may be needed in short time; preparations should be made, and corrections sent to Clowes. Wallace, Mivart, and F. P. Cobbe have been sent copies of both volumes.

Summary

Descent publication costs, "including a heavy item of £126 for corrections" have been received. JM can now offer CD 600 guineas for the edition of 2500 copies.

Summary

Receipt for payment by John Murray of £630 for the first edition, consisting of 2500 copies, of Descent.

Summary

First edition [issue] of Descent is exhausted. Asks CD to send corrections at once for a new printing of at least 1000 copies.

Summary

Asks what his profits on the reprints of Descent will be when half have been sold.

Good reviews in Saturday Review and Pall Mall Gazette;

contemptuous one as usual in Athenæum.

Summary

JM will print 2000 more copies of Descent as a second edition [issue]. Profits should be large as expenses are small.

Summary

Pleased about sale and new issue [of Descent]. Discusses presentation copies.

Summary

Second "edition" [of Descent] published this day. Offers CD 800 guineas.

Mentions Wallace’s review in Academy.

Summary

Pleased with sum the reprint [of Descent] has produced. Terms of payment accepted.

Thanks JM for Nonconformist [review of Descent, 32 (1871): 240–1].

Would like to see other out-of-way reviews – especially religious.

Other reviews favourable, including Wallace’s [see 7569], which is admirable.

Summary

Demand [for Descent] is such that JM thinks he will have to print 1000 more copies. Does not want to trouble CD for corrections.

Summary

Is astonished at sale [of Descent]. Will make no additions, but must correct a few misprints and errors [for third issue].

Summary

Has this day sent off corrections for new issue [of Descent]. Asks whether title-page may read "Sixth Thousand".

Summary

Completes payment for 2d issue [of Descent]; has sold 1300 of the 2000 copies printed. Will probably print 2000 more for 3d issue.

Summary

Amount received from 2d issue of Descent now stands at £840. Would be glad to have 2000 more copies printed because he wants time to collect information for a corrected edition.

Summary

Asks CD’s opinion of a request from Loescher of Turin. Thinks Loescher should have named his translator.

Does CD know the name of the Times reviewer?

Summary

Has no idea who wrote the Times review [of Descent]. Writer has no knowledge of science and "seems a windbag full of metaphysics & classics".