Summary

Thanks for his article Valeur philosophique de l’hypothèse du transformisme (Bertillon 1870), which is very clear.

Would not himself trust so much in Agassiz’s conclusions.

Glad the essay has been published, as he believes ‘there are but few in France who admit the doctrine of evolution’.

Summary

As a follower of CD, Spencer, and Kant, wishes to announce his work on the origin of "foolish illnesses" and prostitution [? Kort begrip der proefunderlijke zielkunde (1869)].

Summary

Asks for a ticket for THH’s lecture at the Royal Institution for WED. With ED’s and HED’s forgeries of CD’s signature.

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Sends contribution of £5 to Settle Cave Exploration Fund.

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Gives CD some information on wills.

Summary

J. S. Mill’s account of the moral sense in Utilitarianism [1863] appears muddled. [See Descent 1: 71 n.]

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All the inhabitants of Down hope JL will endeavour to induce the Post Office to improve the telegraph service.

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Describes a pouting expression in a 3½–year-old child.

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Sends correspondent a £25 subscription for George Cupples.

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Sends his work discussing the anatomical seat of the faculty of language [On aphasia (1870)]. Concludes that it may be impossible to find any cerebral centre for speech and that this fact opposes the idea of the descent of man from some lower form.

Summary

Displays in turkeys.

Summary

Thanks for note concerning JP’s new book [Geology of Oxford (1871)].

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Recommends a photographer to CD for Expression.

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Copy of and note on a picture of Noah’s daughter averting her eyes in shame.

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Sends two books detailing a new medical method that will produce "a state of health & vigour on every occasion & in every instance" and is applicable to "the entire circle of animated nature" [William Hibbert, Important discovery. Hibbert’s new theory and practice of medicine (1870) and The new theory and practice of medicine (1870)]. The volumes apply to animals and man. Subsequent books will detail the method for insects and plants.

[Letter erroneously addressed to E. A. Darwin, and forwarded by EAD to CD.]

Summary

CD’s photographs have been sent to [J. W. A.] McDonald, the sculptor, who will make a marble bust for the Liberal Club of New York and a bronze or plaster one for sale; CD will receive a copy. CD has been elected an Honorary Member of the Club, and

CB asks whether he could give them a few words of advice on a practical method of biological study for beginners.

Summary

Feels it unlikely that CD could employ a secretary but he is prepared to experiment if Miss I. would care to come to Down for a period.

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Suggests aesthetic sense in animals is merely secondary to sexual selection.

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Sends CD a ptarmigan.

Summary

Extract from Robert Knox on hermaphroditism [Lond. Med. Gaz. 12 Jan 1844].