Summary

Answers CD’s query about payment made to him [for Descent and Forms of flowers] and explains the basis on which it was made. Because of CD’s wish to be paid before editions are sold off, profits must be estimated. If he were willing to accept annual statements of sales, payments based on them, and final accounting when all were sold, there would be no uncertainty. This is JM’s usual practice.

Summary

Is well disposed toward publishing Krause’s essay on Dr Erasmus Darwin, particularly if CD undertakes to fill up its gaps. He thinks ED’s reputation is increasing.

Summary

Likes CD’s memoir of his grandfather and offers to publish 1000 copies at his own risk, giving half the profits to CD.

Summary

On the strength of CD’s details about his work on species and his knowledge of CD’s former publications, JM offers to publish [Origin] without seeing the MS.

Summary

By this post he sends for approval specimen copy of CD’s book [Origin of species]. At 14 s., 1250 copies will yield £240, two-thirds of which will go to author. Arrangements for early copies.

Summary

Presents statement of expenses and anticipated profit of the new edition of 3000 copies [of Origin].

Summary

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

Summary

Offers to publish Orchids, giving CD one-half of the profits of each edition.

Summary

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

Mentions CD’s forthcoming book [Orchids].

Summary

Will be proud to publish CD’s new work on domestic animals [Variation]. Will announce it as the complement of the Origin. Advises on woodcuts; does not wish to limit number; agrees to CD’s suggestions for artists.

Summary

Account of Orchids.

Summary

Informs CD third edition of Origin is exhausted. Proposes a new edition. Has CD any changes? Since demand is slowing up, proposes printing only 1250 copies and deferring payment of CD’s share until sales have repaid manufacturing costs.

Summary

Undertakes to pay two-thirds of profits of the [fourth] edition of Origin as soon as one-half of the copies are sold.

Summary

Printing [of 4th edition of Origin] nearly complete. Will print 1000 copies which, at present rate of sale, may last three to five years.

Summary

On reflection, in view of the extensive additions CD has made to Origin, has decided to print 1500 copies [of 4th ed.].

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

Will attend to CD’s wishes regarding six presentation copies [of Origin, 4th ed.] for England and America.

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

Under circumstances [reluctance of Ticknor & Fields to compete with Appleton], best course is to offer Appleton the 250 copies [of 4th English edition of Origin].

Summary

The presentation copy [of Origin, 4th ed.] was sent to B. D. Walsh in August. Will send another.