Summary

Acquaintances say principal contents of Seward book should be recounted in German edition of Erasmus Darwin.

Will CD check MS for errors?

Summary

Wants a plant that shows interesting sleep movements identified.

Summary

Would like CD to write a paper on the results of geese experiments; hopes CD will not object to his doing the same despite the variance of their conclusions [see F. B. Goodacre, "Question of identity of Chinese and domestic goose", Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. (1879): 710–12 and CD’s "Fertility of hybrids from the Chinese and common goose", Collected papers 2: 219–20].

Summary

Sends copy of Die Urzelle [1879].

Clerical party in Germany rejoicing because science cannot explain all facts at once.

Summary

Invites EH to spend night at Down.

Summary

Force of turgor is true cause of movement in plants. HdeV hopes to identify the substance which increases the cell’s water-absorbing power.

Summary

Will do nothing with the geese until he hears from FBG. Is glad FBG intends to publish his results.

Summary

Until C-FR sees the whole of Erasmus Darwin, he cannot decide if it is worth translating into French.

Summary

Arranges to visit Down.

Summary

Urges EK to do as he thinks best about German edition of Erasmus Darwin. CD sends original of EK’s essay and translation of parts he has not used.

Summary

Likes CD’s memoir of his grandfather and offers to publish 1000 copies at his own risk, giving half the profits to CD.

Summary

Though not sanguine about sale [of Erasmus Darwin] it seems fair that if over 1500 copies are sold he should receive two-thirds profit. If JM does not agree, he would prefer publishing on commission or asking Macmillan if they will give him larger profits.

Summary

Confirms details of EH’s visit to Down.

Summary

Murray’s offer to publish Erasmus Darwin. RC states terms and preliminary arrangements.

Summary

Perhaps movement from side to side in plants is caused by the contraction of one side, rather than the expansion of the other.

Sends seeds of Lychnis Githago: he observed the hypocotyledenous stem, not the root, contracting.

Summary

VAEGM pleased CD enjoyed his stay at Coniston.

Reports some rude remarks about CD made by John Ruskin.

Summary

Can dispose of CD’s geese if he wishes.

Summary

Pleased that JM will allow two-thirds profits [on Erasmus Darwin] for he wants Krause to receive some profit.

He and his son [Francis] are preparing a large botanical work [Movement in plants], dry as dust, which he must publish on commission. He will be lucky to lose only £100.

Summary

Movement of tentacles of Drosera.

Summary

Has sent some geese.