Summary

Explains how he, as "an orthodox clergyman" reading CD’s works, was totally convinced by his arguments. Expresses pleasure "that Science might make gigantic strides without offering such collateral opinions as, if true, would certainly dispense with clergymen altogether".

Summary

Reports what he must pay for university courses. Forgets what CD wants to know about vermiform appendage.

Summary

Asks for a testimonial.

Summary

Argues that [general variability] of species, not single variations or sports, is basis for modification and adaptation to new conditions.

Summary

Suggests the recipient catch the 4.12 train.

Summary

Expands upon their differences in regard to man and the question of the existence of forces not yet recognised by science.

Summary

Inquires about arrangements for the German translation and publication of their original Linnean Society papers [Collected papers 2: 3–19].

ARW thinks he has hit upon a solution to problem of geological time.

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

Gives his opinion of Rolla Charles Meadows Rouse, who is tutoring Horace Darwin in mathematics.

Has not heard that Horace has a chance of a minor scholarship.

Summary

Has given the right of translation [of Descent] to Julius Victor Carus of Leipzig, so the recipient should inform Alexander Duncker to communicate with JVC.

Summary

Asks whether sexual selection could produce the changing plumules or "battledore" scales on the wings of certain butterflies.

Summary

A parcel of engravings has come; shall EAD send them on?

Summary

Looks forward to Descent, though he expects to find more to differ with than in any other of CD’s books.

Problems of usefulness of incipient organs and of the independent origin of similar complex organs are real difficulties.

Plans a little book on "Distribution of animals".

Summary

Discusses CD’s health and James Paget’s "verdict".

Summary

Weir’s paper on relation of protection to colour of caterpillars [Trans. R. Entomol. Soc. Lond. (1869): 21–6; (1870): 337–9] confirms ARW’s hypothesis.

Summary

Has seen J. J. Sylvester again.

Summary

Encloses a letter to which he had replied and saw no need for further attention.

Summary

Encloses Mrs Gray’s notes on expression among Arabs.

Summary

Criticises details of style and tone in Origin [5th ed.].

Summary

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