Summary

THF’s view, if confirmed, pleases CD in that what appears a mere morphological character is found to be of use. Carl Nägeli has been attacking him on this head.

Summary

Asks CD’s opinion of a paper he has written on papilionaceous flowers.

Summary

Sympathises with THF at being forestalled by Delpino, but urges him to publish confirmation.

Summary

JM is about to start a new monthly literary review [the Academy]. Would like to publish in first number a short notice of the new work upon which CD is engaged [Descent].

Summary

Reinwald will be pleased to publish Descent.

He would also like to publish a Moulinié translation of the latest English edition of Origin. Negotiations with the old publisher are needed.

Summary

Comments on Huxley’s address ["Geological reform", Q. J. Geol. Soc. Lond. 25 (1869): xxxviii–liii].

Physicists have ignored variation in sea-level in calculating effects.

Doubts if sun only source of heat.

Notes average depth of sea is 15 times height of land.

Criticises CD’s concept of permanent continents.

Sedimentary strata of Alleghenies must have derived from continent located where Atlantic is. Thinks enormous amount of denudation, submergence, and elevation may have accompanied relatively insignificant organic changes.

Summary

"I shall not be in London on Monday, but I have written to my Brother to ask him to aid you"

Summary

"When a man has laboured hard in science & has proved that he is capable of original research, he may [some]times indulge in speculation [&] the public will indulge him. But even in this case it is a common error to speculate too largely, for speculation is far easier than observation or experiments . . ."

Summary

Sends corrections of JJM’s translation of Origin. Sends preface.

Summary

Comments on 5th edition of the Origin [1869];

preparation of second edition of Natürliche Schöpfungsgeschichte [1870].

The reception of CD’s theory. Mentions support of Pieter Harting and Michael Sars.

EH’s research on calcareous sponges and plans to publish monograph on them.

Summary

Thanks for confirmation about the extent of blushing.

Passed JP’s house but did not call; and now regrets his restraint.

Summary

Would be delighted to have JJM translate new book [Descent].

Can CD legally bring out new edition of Origin in France with new publisher? Has been ill-used by V. Masson and C. Royer. Wants edition without Royer’s preface.

Summary

Did not intend to imply that Hallett said variation stopped, but that it arrives at a point where further accumulation in direction sought is so slow as to result practically in fixity of type – but not absolute fixity.

Duke of Argyll has requested JDH to superintend publication of a flora of India. JDH thinks he [Argyll] is paying him off for his kick at natural theology.

Willy [Hooker] returning from New Zealand.

A unique character in Drosophyllum.

Sees no reason for CD to contribute to Ross and Faraday memorials.

Summary

Females have no preference for particular males in deer and elk. Observations on sexual behaviour and characteristics of elk, deer, bison, and other animals.

Summary

Discusses the bristling of hair in melancholics and the action of the platysma myoides muscle and the grief muscles in the insane.

Summary

Speculates on the function of the separate stamen of papilionaceous flowers.

Summary

Further comments on arrangements for German translation of their joint paper.

Summary

A new edition [4th German] of Origin to be published by Schweizerbart. JVC asks CD to send any changes or additions.

Variation has sold two-thirds of the first printing [1868].

Hopes he may do translation of CD’s new work [Descent].

Summary

On butterfly scales: there are many secondary characters which baffle conjecture.

Was forced to make additions to Origin as short as possible.

Summary

Describes expression of her baby when crying.