Summary

A review and criticism of Chauncey Wright’s paper on phyllotaxy [Mem. Am. Acad. Arts & Sci. n.s. 9 (1867–73): 379–415]. Does not believe that the "distributive" and "cyclical" properties, which CW claims characterise the existing spiral orders of leaf arrangement, can be shown to be advantageous to plants. CW’s speculations on the origins of the spiral arrangement of leaves are purely hypothetical.

Summary

In England to write a monograph on Anthracotherium.

Summary

Expresses his "unbounded admiration" for HS’s article on Martineau ["Mr Martineau on evolution", Contemp. Rev. 20 (1872): 141–54]

and his article on sociology [Contemp. Rev. 19 (1872): 701–18]. CD never believed in the reigning influence of great men on the world’s progress but could not have given his reasons. "Now every one with eyes to see and ears to hear . . . ought to bow their knee to you, as I for one do."

Summary

Asks recipient to send parcels to his brother, Erasmus Alvey Darwin, at 6 Queen Anne Street, London, and not to Down.

Summary

Has signed the memorial by men of science with real pleasure. Fears it may be too severe. He told Lady Derby about JDH’s troubles. She said she would tell Lord Derby what he had said.

Summary

Expects the memorial to make Gladstone frantic. Government regrets granting Lord Derby the correspondence and Lubbock has been advised to postpone calling for it in Lower House. This looks fishy. Is exhausted by the affair.

Summary

Asks CD for seeds of some plants.

Summary

Encloses a memorial concerning the Botanical Gardens at Kew signed by ‘some of our most eminent scientific men’ (including CD).

Summary

Sends publication details of Coral reefs, which he thinks is now only available in Geology of the ‘Beagle’: Geological observations on coral reefs, volcanic islands, and on South America.

Summary

Has not strength or time to hunt for Herminium monorchis; has failed to make orchid seeds germinate.

Summary

Thanks CD for invitation but declines because of his need for a rest instead of coming to England in July.

Repeats his offer to help CD at any time. "I am always learning by trying to answer your questions."

Summary

Outlines his theory on the origin of existing orders of leaf arrangement. Believes spiral and whorled orders have evolved from a primitive distichous arrangement. These arrangements permit a compact bud form of small surface area that can withstand external changes in temperature, and in particular can tolerate frost.

Summary

Thanks CD for reading his MS [8412] and for his suggestions.

Clarifies his statement on the contraction of the bud-axis: did not mean to imply that this contraction occurred in an individual’s life-time, rather that it was the effect, after the course of ages, of successive favourable modifications.

Believes the true theory of phyllotaxy will give a convincing illustration and proof of the theory of evolution.

Summary

Corrects a factual error in his previous letter [8418].

Sends specimens illustrative of the "nodal" question.

Summary

Responds to CD’s comments on his MS on phyllotaxy.

The initial variation required by his theory would be a slight twist of the bud-axis; believes the frequent twisting of stems and branches renders such a variation possible.

Admits he placed too much emphasis on the importance of frost. He should have spoken more generally of "vicissitudes of climate".

Summary

Thanks for her pains over corrections [for Expression].

Summary

Mentions work he did in the Sandwich Islands. Asks to visit and bring shells.

Summary

Sends paper read before Anthropological Institute ["Strictures on Darwinism, pt 1", J. Anthropol. Inst. 2 (1873): 21–40]. CD is his master, though they disagree.

Criticises Wallace’s "contemptuous phrases".

Is studying elevation and subsidence.

Summary

Thanks recipient for information about eye colour of his shepherd dogs.

Summary

Answers CD’s questions on arrangements for forthcoming publication of Expression – including cost of stereotypes, woodcuts, and photo reproductions for foreign translations.