Summary

HM intends studying bees to find evidence supporting CD’s theories. His work has shown him there are problems in separating species from varieties, and has also revealed many surprising instances of variation in habits.

Summary

Interested that HM is studying structure of insects in relation to flowers.

Summary

The "man-essay" [Descent] is "very interesting but very difficult".

Cat-like behaviour in dogs.

Thanks for information from Louis Agassiz;

wishes he could feel he deserves what Alexander Agassiz says of him.

Summary

Interim report on the experiments with rabbits [to test Pangenesis].

Summary

Thanks CD for copy of Origin.

Encloses extensive, but incomplete, notes on expression among the insane, dealing specifically with blushing and the actions of the platysma and grief muscles.

Summary

CD much interested by ERL’s book [On comparative longevity (1870)]. Is pleased to find ERL refers to CD’s "despised child" Pangenesis, and is also pleased how thoroughly ERL appreciates Herbert Spencer, a philosopher perhaps equal to any that has lived.

Summary

Is currently at work on the development in birds of organs of flight according to CD’s principles; asks permission to quote CD in stating the theory.

Urges CD to republish his works in a collected edition, to make them more readily available to Germans.

Summary

Describes the unusual appearance of a horse whose mother had previously borne a foal by a quagga. The effect of one mating on the subsequent pregnancy of another mating is explained by JJW using Pangenesis.

Summary

CD thinks JJW’s account [in 7137] is significant for a theory of generation and should go to some scientific society; suggests additional data is needed. Quotes cases of subsequent progeny apparently affected by a previous impregnation. Perhaps not prudent to allude to "despised" Pangenesis, which CD fully believes will have its day.

Summary

Experiments are not going well, but the quantity of blood transfused was small.

Summary

Explains that law of inertia, and most of modern mechanics, is all wrong. Explains his concept of "elasticity" of bodies. Applies it to physiology.

Summary

The illness and death of his daughter have delayed his answers to CD’s queries. He has, however, worked on the circulation of the eye and has almost finished a paper on it, which he will send to CD. In general, the views of Charles Bell are confirmed.

As for CD’s second query, he doubts that the relationship exists, but will answer fully in next letter.

Summary

JC-B’s essays are the fullest CD has received. His observations on blushing closely agree with James Paget’s. Platysma and horror: Duchenne’s statement doubtful.

Summary

Thinks the German publisher would not object to publishing quotations from CD’s works, unless it was a whole chapter.

Fears the development of bird wings will prove a very difficult subject.

Summary

Variety in rabbits less than he hoped for; will try a new mode of transfusion.

Summary

CD should soon receive woodcuts.

R. A. v. Kölliker would much like to visit CD.

Summary

Has read and enjoyed the Kant that FPC sent.

Returns P. C. Despine [?Psychologie naturelle (1868)].

Summary

Expresses his "unbounded admiration" for Mr Ford’s woodcuts [for Descent]. Thanks AG for his kindness.

Summary

Declines offer of book on physics.

Summary

Thanks WHF for his very good lecture.