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

Statement of stock on hand of CD’s works.

Expression, curiously, at a dead stand-still.

Summary

Thanks JM for granting his request. Will write to D. Appleton.

CD is sorry about heavy loss from Expression; still thinks the book will sell in the course of years.

Summary

Sends a suggested title [for Insectivorous plants?].

Summary

Thanks for two German letters about translations, which he has answered. The enclosed one contains a proposal for CD’s correspondent to bring out a translation of a very successful German book, and must be answered by the correspondent.

Summary

Asks whether JM thinks another edition of Variation worth while. Asks because a Polish translation is planned and he would undertake corrections for a 2d edition, but not just for a Polish edition.

Summary

JM expresses his willingness to publish a new edition of Variation whenever CD revises it.

Descent [2d ed.] has not sold much since the annual sale – 1300 copies altogether.

Summary

Sends CD a cheque for 68 guineas – his two-thirds share of profit on sale of 2000 copies of 2d edition of Descent.

Summary

JM expresses willingness to publish CD’s Climbing plants [2d ed.].

Summary

Is glad JM will publish [Climbing plants] as a separate little book. Some people have been much interested in it, though it has been read by very few.

Summary

Insectivorous plants will soon be ready to print. Does not know what to advise on size of printing. May sell poorly.

Summary

JM proposes to print 1000 copies [of Insectivorous plants].

Summary

CD proposes setting price [of Insectivorous plants] on a printing of 1000 copies, but to have 250 additional copies printed – with CD paying for paper and press work. JM would not repay CD until 1000 are sold; and profits on the 250 to be divided as usual. CD proposes this because he does not think a second edition will ever be needed.

Summary

JM agrees to raise number of first printing [of Insectivorous plants] to 1250 if CD will wait for his share of profits until sales reach 750 or 800.

Summary

Agrees not to receive his share of sales on Insectivorous plants until 750 or 800 copies are sold. 1250 to be printed.

Summary

Editor of L’Unione, Turin, would publish an Italian edition of Variation if the clichés of the English edition were made available at not more than £10.

Summary

Thanks for Quarterly Review [Oct 1874, containing G. H. Darwin’s letter and a rejoinder]. Is convinced the author is Mivart. Is therefore not surprised at malice in the article attacking his son [George Darwin] and grossly misrepresenting CD.

Summary

CD is convinced that the suggestions [for the Origin?] of both Lyell and Whitwell Elwyn are impracticable.

Will send first six chapters of MS next week. Has taken such pains with it that he hopes corrections will not be heavy.