Summary

Proofs arrived and Francis is correcting them. Tells Emma Darwin that Amy is delighted about the azaleas. The Ruck family very much like Isabella Bird’s Six months in the Sandwich Islands.

Summary

Thanks AD for his Ursprung [der Wirbelthiere (1875)], which astonished CD. AD’s views, if accepted by competent authorities, will show how much we have to learn about the history of every animal. Suggests caution on "degradation principle". Comments on other views in the work. Has long seen importance of the principle of "Functionswechsel" [transfer [change!?] of function], but never enunciated it as a distinct principle.

Summary

AD is aware of revolutionary character of his pamphlet [Ursprung der Wirbelthiere]. Authorities will not agree with him. Carl Gegenbaur and Ernst Haeckel are opposed. Younger biologists are disposed to accept his views. All he can expect is to put a stop to "the Amphioxus–Ascidian affair, and to open a road for speculation and for investigation on the side of the Annelid-homology".

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Replies to CD’s various questions and suggestions concerning publication plans for Insectivorous plants.

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Will send corrected proofs [of Insectivorous plants].

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Thanks JP for volume of his lectures [Clinical lectures and essays, ed. H. Marsh (1875)].

Mentions "vivisection question".

Summary

CD asks her to tell him how sorry he is not to be there to see Whitney today. He hopes that Whitney will give him another chance when next in England.

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CD believes Playfair’s bill would not restrict demonstrations under anaesthetic.

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Lyon Playfair’s bill [on vivisection] is unacceptable to all teachers of physiology. It prohibits dissections for demonstrations to students. He will have to repudiate it. Asks CD’s advice.

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CD is delighted to hear that JSBS’s exertions and labour will probably be rewarded by success. He has had a note from Playfair who, like Lubbock, thinks the title and preamble [of the proposed bill] "had better wear a more humanitarian aspect".

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Further discussion of the introduction of a bill by Lyon Playfair on animal experimentation.

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Would like to call on CD if convenient.

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JM agrees to raise number of first printing [of Insectivorous plants] to 1250 if CD will wait for his share of profits until sales reach 750 or 800.

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Encloses the bill with its corrected preamble. How many copies would he like?

Hopes JSBS can attend the meeting of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on 5 May 1875.

Summary

Believes Lyon Playfair has been led to compromise too far on bill about animal experimentation as a result of pressure from men wishing to suppress science. A full enquiry is to take place. [See 9987.] Suggests that CD send Playfair Huxley’s letter on the subject.

Summary

Asks whether enclosure [missing] has the correct title of Insectivorous plants.

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Agrees not to receive his share of sales on Insectivorous plants until 750 or 800 copies are sold. 1250 to be printed.

Summary

The Vivisection Bill was defeated because it was repudiated by one of its own fathers: J. S. Burdon Sanderson.

Summary

Discusses the price to be charged to Appleton’s for the plates of Insectivorous plants.

Summary

CD proposes setting price [of Insectivorous plants] on a printing of 1000 copies, but to have 250 additional copies printed – with CD paying for paper and press work. JM would not repay CD until 1000 are sold; and profits on the 250 to be divided as usual. CD proposes this because he does not think a second edition will ever be needed.