Summary

Encloses two questions he hopes MF can answer: the mechanism of transmission by nerves; and the mechanism by which contemplating part of our body, we become conscious of its existence

Summary

Anecdote of bear reasoning [see Descent, 2d ed., p. 76].

Similarity of forms of ornamentation and implements in widely separate races and ages [Descent 1: 233].

Summary

Corrects CD on his assertion that the platysma myoides "cannot voluntarily be brought into action" [Descent 1: 19].

Summary

Thanks for the report of CLB’s lecture about Descent to the New York Liberal Club on 3 March 1871.

Sends four photographs of himself for the sculptor J. W. A. MacDonald.

Summary

His beard is darker than his hair, an exception to CD’s rule in Descent [2: 319]. Encloses sample of his hair, beard, and whiskers.

Summary

Comments on JM’s review of Descent, vol. 2 [Pall Mall Gaz. 13 (1871): 1358–9].

Mistake CD made "in speaking of greatest happiness as the foundation of morals" is unintelligible to CD. Discusses J. S. Mill’s view of moral feelings as natural. Discusses basis of conscience.

Glad to read remarks on hive-bees.

Summary

Sexual differences in sloths. J. G. Wagler article on sloths [Isis 24 (1831): 604–12].

Summary

Thanks CD for Origin, 5th ed.

Comments on reviews of Descent by the Duke of Argyll and A. R. Wallace.

Lists the Darwinian professors at Jena.

WP’s work shows external ear to have no physiological functions.

W. Müller’s book not yet arrived. Will send Müller’s next works.

Summary

On reception of Descent in Edinburgh.

Anecdote about a dog helping another by separating combatants.

Summary

Replies to Francis Galton’s paper on tranfusing blood between rabbits to test Pangenesis [Proc. R. Soc. Lond. 19 (1871): 393–40]. FG’s conclusion that his experiments prove Pangenesis to be false is "a little hasty", since CD had never maintained that gemmules in the blood formed any part of his hypothesis.

Summary

Is reading Descent.

Encloses some answers to CD’s queries about expressions of Laura Bridgman.

Summary

Thanks for EJP’s suggestion that it is fascination rather than aesthetic appreciation that drives sexual selection.

Summary

Sends quotations from Xenophon and Horace pointing to sexual selection. [See Descent, 2d ed., p. 29 n.]

Summary

Asks correspondent to thank Thomas Laycock for his references. CD has been away from home and has not yet consulted his copy of Laycock’s Mind and brain [1860].

Summary

Movement of hair; action of occipito-frontalis muscle.

Summary

Gives permission for the photographer to come to Down, but states that O. J. Rejlander has recently taken several photographs of him which would be available to purchasers.

Summary

Please thank Mr Jackson for facts about shrugging, but case not distinct enough. Gestures associated with laughter. Platysma.

Summary

Asks JM to lend him his copy of 1st edition (1806) of Charles Bell’s Anatomy of expression.

JM should tell him when he wants new cheap edition of Origin, so he can arrange his plans and time.

Summary

Asks TW to persuade painters to observe how far down body blush extends on models.

Summary

Discusses loss of voluntary movement of ears in man and monkey.