Summary

Discusses error in CD’s calculation of natural increase of elephants.

Includes extract from Origin.

Summary

HCFJ’s review of the Origin was the wittiest and in some respects the best written.

Thanks him for his Electricity and magnetism [1873].

Summary

Hopes that Charles Lyell has enjoyed his excursion.

Summary

Observations on her pet pug.

Summary

Recipient is to stay with CD;

sender relates some observations of dogs and birds, to be passed on to CD.

Summary

Is trying to persuade "our friend" [T. H. Huxley?] to accept a gift.

Summary

Comments on SB’s book [The fair haven (1873)]. CD is struck by SB’s dramatic power – thinks he could write "a really good novel". Surprised at strength of case SB makes that Jesus did not die on the cross. SB’s identity will soon be universally known: Leslie Stephen knows he is the author.

Summary

Having now read Expression, WM repeats his criticism of "antithesis". Explains his theory of up-and-down-tending lines.

Summary

The impossibility of conceiving that the universe arose through chance is the chief argument for the existence of God, but CD has never been able to decide whether this is an argument of real value. Safest to believe that the subject is beyond man’s intellect, "but man can do his duty".

Summary

Comments on article ["Perception and instinct in lower animals", Nature 7 (1871): 377–8].

Explains his contention that "many of the most wonderful instincts have been acquired, independently of habit, through the preservation of useful variations of pre-existing instincts". Cites examples: sterile workers of several species of social insects have acquired different instincts; movements of tumbler pigeons. Speculates that "many instincts have originated from modification or variations in the brain".

Summary

Anxious to have GHD come home because of his poor health. Recommends Huxley’s physician (Andrew Clark) – an advocate of milk diet.

Summary

Thanks for present of

Summary

Has sent JDH’s letter to Nature ["Perception in ants", Nature 7 (1873): 443–4].

Sons recall kindness received from JDH and others in America.

Summary

Debates the existence of God.

Summary

Contradicts passages in Descent and Variation.

Summary

Wants to discuss raising a testimonial fund for Huxley and whether Huxley would stand this.

Summary

Sends photograph of a diseased roebuck shot by Prince Frederick Charles of Prussia.

Summary

Thanks TD for catalogue of his Cretacean fossils.

Regrets he cannot visit Brighton.

Summary

CD particularly wishes to see JT "On business not connected with himself" [the fund for Huxley’s holiday]. Asks whether CD may call that afternoon. GHD adds postscript saying CD very fatigued. He hopes JT can come to see CD instead, but he should not mention that GHD suggested it.

Summary

Thinks the Huxley fund should be done. Difficulty will be getting him to accept it.