Summary

Has received (from CD) the sheets of the second volume [of Descent].

He fears he has offended CD or someone in England and he begs to know his offence.

His brother is working at the Red Sea and wishes CD to know that he has evidence for the affinity of ascidians and vertebrates in their nervous systems.

Plans to go to Paris upon its imminent capitulation to help his sister-in-law.

Summary

Meeting with CD postponed.

Summary

Discusses mailing of presentation copies [of Descent]. Sends addresses of A. R. Wallace and St George Mivart.

Summary

CD’s anxiety about being examined in court if Horsman [former curate at Down] brings suit. He doubts it will happen, but if so will defend himself to utmost.

Has pleasant recollections of his relations with JBI.

Summary

Sends ARW advance copy of vol. 1 [of Descent] for his review in Academy. Vol. 2 is delayed by index. "Do not swear at me more than you can help."

Summary

Has sent CD his book [Genesis of species (1871)]. Has not said a word in opposition to CD except where his view of the truth necessitated it.

Summary

Finished the last proofs of Descent a few days ago. "I shall be well abused."

St George Mivart’s Genesis [of species]: very good, unfortunately theological. Will tell heavily against natural selection but not against evolution, and this is "infinitely more important".

Summary

JBI regrets his part in appointments of his successors.

His friendship with CD and its effect on his fellow clerics.

Summary

Invites AG to stay at Down. Winwood Reade and, he hopes, Hooker and Robert Swinhoe will be there.

Summary

Is obliged for StGJM’s book [On the genesis of species (1871)].

Would not have sent him vol. 1 [of Descent] if he had known that StGJM’s book was already published.

Summary

Thanks CD for vol. 1 of Descent. Feels nothing but sympathy and esteem for a writer labouring for the promotion of what he conscientiously believes to be the truth.

Summary

Sends enclosure copied from letter of F. C. Donders [7207?] dealing with orbicular muscle. Asks about secretion of tears resulting from spasmodic action of orbicular muscle.

Summary

Comments on StGJM’s book [Genesis of species (1871)]. Has no personal objection to a word of it, but regrets their views differ so much.

Summary

Acknowledges StGJM’s kind letter. [See 7451.]

Offers to alter the "dogmatic assertion" referred to on page 102 [of StGJM’s On the genesis of species] but in 5th ed. of Origin and in Variation CD finds only qualified expressions.

Summary

Is sorry CD found Genesis of species unfairly critical. Assures CD of his just intentions and offers to alter certain words and phrases in a new edition. Emphasises his high regard for CD but fears his views are leading to religious decay.

Summary

CD’s health has been poor.

Appreciates JBI’s letter and his expression of friendship.

In the opinion of a Q.C., Horsman has no case.

Summary

Reports his observations on the concurrence of orbicular muscle spasms, engorgement of eyes with blood, and formation of tears.

Summary

A bibliographical query arising in translation of Descent. Two misprints noted.

Summary

Is glad CD does not believe he is biased by an odium theologicum. Comments on the first volume of Descent. Is convinced of the truth of evolution, but believes natural selection plays only a secondary role and that man is fundamentally different from the rest of creation.

Summary

Seeks information and observations on the contraction of the orbicular muscles as a consequence of skin irritation.