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.

Summary

Pleased to have encouraged CD to look at Kant.

Summary

His observations on mimicry in butterflies

and self-sterility in plants.

Summary

He and Milne-Edwards are nominating CD for the Académie Française.

Sending book [Charles Darwin et ses précurseurs Français (1870)].

Despite their differences of opinion, expresses his respect and admiration.

Summary

Describes crying in an infant.

Summary

Thanks for a woodcut sent by ARW for Descent.

Congratulations on his removal from London,

and praise of his review of Francis Galton ["Hereditary genius", Nature 1 (1870): 501–3]. CD agrees with every word of it.

Summary

Better news about the rabbits.

Summary

JO found fossil shells in the Amazon Valley, which discredits Agassiz’s claim of a glacial origin.

Would like Huxley’s opinion of the fossil horse’s tooth from Quito.