Summary

Proposes to delay issue [of 4th ed. of Origin] until November to obtain better market conditions. Now printing 1250 copies.

Explains practice of not cutting pages is due to propensity of English public to read books without buying them.

Summary

JM states he will publish [Variation] on same basis as Origin, i.e., paying CD two-thirds of the profits.

In response to Asa Gray’s suggestion, he could supply Ticknor & Fields with 250 copies [of Origin, 4th ed.] at half-price.

Summary

Gives consent, which is unnecessary because term of protection has expired, for French translation of Journal of researches.

Is at a loss to know how many copies of F. Müller’s Facts and arguments for Darwin to print.

The printer is ready for copy for a new "edition" of Variation. [Presumably another issue. 2d edition did not appear until 1875.]

Summary

JM advises CD regarding his relations with Masson, the French publisher of the Origin [1866], and the possibility of Reinwald’s publishing a translation of the 5th edition.

Summary

Cannot find the [indelicate] passage he referred to in last letter.

Various publication arrangements.

Summary

A second edition [issue] of Descent may be needed in short time; preparations should be made, and corrections sent to Clowes. Wallace, Mivart, and F. P. Cobbe have been sent copies of both volumes.

Summary

JM will print 2000 more copies of Descent as a second edition [issue]. Profits should be large as expenses are small.

Summary

Offers CD same payment for the 3d issue of Descent as for 2d.

Has bespoke four better drawings of birds in case a 4th issue is needed.

Vanity Fair wants CD’s portrait by Carlo Pellegrini ["Ape"].

Summary

Messrs Clowes have received MS of Expression. JM submits specimen pages for CD’s approval.

Summary

Is convinced that 2000 more copies [of Expression] must be printed without delay in order to meet demand. He therefore asks CD to send his corrections to the printer at once.

Summary

Price of Expression is 12s.

Sends cheque to pay CD his share of profits on Origin [6th ed.].

Summary

Encloses cheque for 1000 guineas, CD’s share of profits on first 7000 copies of Expression.

Summary

At last, Expression is beginning to sell again.

Cooke has not yet decided on number of Variation [2d ed.] to print.

Summary

Encloses amended note of £372 for third edition of Origin. Provides details of the calculation of profits.

Summary

Discusses manuscript by H. W. Bates [Naturalist on the river Amazons (1863)].

Mentions CD’s forthcoming book [Orchids].

Summary

Will be glad to see Miss Wedgwood’s MS on Wesley.

The clichés of Fritz Müller’s work [Für Darwin] have arrived.

Summary

Various arrangements concerning the publication of Descent. "It will cause men to prick up [their] ears – & to elevate their eyebrows." JM thinks he will venture to print 2500 copies.

Suggests CD tone down as possibly indelicate a passage on proportion of advances made by the two sexes in animals.

Summary

On photographic illustrations [for Expression].

Estimates 7s 6d price for a cheap edition of Origin [6th].

Summary

Orchids is at last sold out. Settles account.

The Origin [6th ed.] is making good [sales] progress.

Expression is not selling.

Summary

JM will publish [Variation] "coute qui coute", paying CD half the profits.

Thinks he can count on 500 purchases of what he calls the "Pièces Justificatives" of the Origin and will print 750 copies.

His literary friend found it "difficult of digestion".