Summary

Has difficulty with E. Krause’s orthography and quotations.

Asks CD to lend him Anna Seward’s biography [Memoirs of the life of Dr Darwin (1804)].

Summary

Compatibility of evolution and theism.

Summary

Believes it absurd to doubt that a man may be an ardent theist and evolutionist; gives the examples of Kingsley and Asa Gray. As regards CD’s own views, his judgement often fluctuates but "I have never been an Atheist in the sense of denying the existence of God". Thinks that "generally (and more and more as I grow older) … an Agnostic would be the most correct description of my state of mind".

Summary

Answers EK’s queries about Erasmus Darwin’s friends and relations. Will rectify Anna Seward’s false account of Dr Darwin’s conduct. Advises EK to leave to him the account of the Darwin family. Declines EK’s offer to allow CD to alter his MS. Fears repetition in the two essays. They can judge how best to present the material when they have seen each other’s manuscripts.

Summary

CD awarded the Baly Medal of the Royal College of Physicians.

Summary

Are modifications in human form and intellect due solely to natural selection or do altered external conditions also play a role?

Summary

Has CD seen Samuel Butler’s Evolution, old and new [1879], which contains a biography of Erasmus Darwin and exposition of his philosophy? "Does not this rather take the wind out of our sails?"

Summary

Sends a collection of wheat varieties from Turkestan in response to a newspaper notice of CD’s interest.

Summary

Appreciates award of the Baly Medal and hopes to attend ceremony on 26 June.

Summary

Sends abstracts of more articles [on Dr Erasmus Darwin] from Monthly Magazine.

Summary

CD is particularly obliged for the copy of Maria Edgeworth’s letter.

Summary

CD astonished at receiving the Baly Medal of the Royal College of Physicians.

Summary

Assures EK he will lose no time in writing his essay [on Erasmus Darwin].

A book by Samuel Butler on Erasmus Darwin and Lamarck has been announced [Evolution, old and new (1879)]. Will have a copy sent to EK.

Summary

Assures EK that he will not change his mind about publishing a translation of EK’s article on Erasmus Darwin. It is unfortunate that Samuel Butler should have published [Evolution, old and new] just then, but that does not change CD’s determination.

Butler is clever, but knows no science. His views that cells have memory and the power of wishing – even if correct – cannot explain how they could change themselves chemically or structurally.

EK can do anything he likes with CD’s preface [to Erasmus Darwin].

Summary

Has received CD’s letter [see 12050]. Gives CD the history of the Baly Medal and names previous recipients. It is not necessary for CD to be present for the award, but if he chooses to attend, arrangements could be made for him to arrive just before the presentation. CD will not be required to make an acceptance speech.

Summary

Thanks for answers to questions [in 12032].

Has ordered the new book by Butler [Evolution, old and new (1879)]. It may make EK’s own essay superfluous.

Summary

Sends some queries connected with his writing of the biographical preface to Erasmus Darwin.

Summary

Sends an ammonite from the Upper Lias, which has Balanus-like bodies on surface. He wants CD’s interpretation. Discusses possible function of aptychi, siphuncular tube, and operculum in ammonites.

Summary

Sends newspaper cutting referring to CD.

Summary

Wants some Sunday tickets for the Zoological Garden.