Summary

Has sent CD’s letter to Nature [see 8448].

Expresses admiration for H. C. Bastian’s The beginnings of life [1872] and comments on its bearing upon Origin.

Summary

Further reflections upon Bastian’s book [The beginnings of life (1872)].

ARW’s prospects for Directorship at Bethnal Green Museum.

Summary

HS hopes in the future to show more fully "absolute emptiness" of James Martineau’s propositions; is glad CD approved of his article dealing with JM’s arguments. [J. Martineau, "The place of mind in nature", Contemp. Rev. 19 (1872): 606–23; H. Spencer, "Mr Martineau on evolution", Contemp. Rev. 20 (1872): 141–54.]

Summary

His book has received bad reviews; therefore CD’s letter cheers him up.

Summary

R. Cooke has increased the order for heliotypes [for Expression] to 8000. Reimburses CD for cost of artists.

Summary

Studying palaeontology, as the British Museum is closed.

Summary

Samuel Pozzi has been proposed by C. Martin and Paul Broca as translator of Expression.

First volume of Descent has sold 1200 copies.

Summary

CD cannot omit mention of Wilhelm Wundt’s Thierseele [Vorlesungen über die Menschen und Thierseele (1863)] in his book.

Murray could control the number of copies of translation of Expression sold in Russia by the number of heliotypes he will supply.

Summary

Has replied [in North Am. Rev. 115 (1872): 1–30] to Mivart’s communication to the North American Review [114 (1872): 451–68].

Discusses the degree of fixedness of different characters in organisms.

Summary

Has been asked to take shares in the Artizans’ Dwellings Co., in which CD is a shareholder. If it is really a project for public good, he would be glad to be associated.

Owen has answered his letter in Nature [7 (1872): 5–7].

A letter from Tyndall [from America] was read at the X Club.

Summary

Is reading W. R. Greg’s Enigmas of life [1872]: "One of the most eloquent books I ever read".

Owen’s communications are doing incalculable mischief to science in the eyes of Government officials. "This ignorant, careless, unobservant government."

The Nature editors, J. N. Lockyer and Bennett, blame each other for printing Owen’s letter.

Huxley looks wretched.

Summary

Defends Descent against CD’s self-disparagement. The parts on the moral sense seem to him the finest in the book.

Summary

Accepts CD’s proposal for new revised edition of Origin; will pay $50 [dollars or pounds!?] for casts of the plates and pay CD on sales.

Appleton edition of CD’s Journal of researches [1871] still selling well.

Also wants plates sent with CD’s new work on Expression. CD should arrange this with Murray’s.

Summary

Discusses the coiling of tendrils of climbing plants.

AG’s recent tour of the U. S.

Summary

Asks whether he may have the sheets of Expression to produce a Russian edition.

Summary

Received copy of Origin 6th ed. Has had trouble with worm measurements at Winchester.

Summary

Thanks for Expression.

Has lost a year’s work in the fire that has devastated Boston.

Summary

Quickening of heart-beat in fear. A. H. Garrod does not think that this means that the heart is working harder.

Summary

Has received Expression and will forward it to his brother [Jean-Charles Houzeau de Lehaie].

Summary

Suggests possible experiments with Pisum and Lathyrus.

Has read the article CD spoke of; the doctrine of inherited mental and corporeal qualities is most fertile.