My dear Sir

Sir J. Paget has not published on the subject, but took extraordinary trouble in corresponding with various eminent surgeons & writing to me.¹ He gave me particulars of some degree of regrowth especially of the humerus in children, but disbelieves in a digit being ever reproduced. He goes so far as to suspect that when even a nail is reproduced part of the matrix has been left; but I cannot avoid thinking that he is in this respect over sceptical. I sent him full particulars & tracings of the two cases which had been communicated to me.²

I send by this post D^r Rudinger’s essay which I advise you to read³

I think your intention of amputating the extra digit of a kitten is an excellent idea. Could not you try also on a Dorking fowl. I suppose that you would keep the amputated little toe in spirits; and then if there were re-growth, you could give drawings of the bones of the first digit & of the regrowth   I would suggest your amputating one of the ordinary toes at the same time as a control experiment.⁴

I am glad you are examining tail-less animals, but it would not be worth while to send me the specimens, as I have not sufficient knowledge & am much engaged with other subjects.⁵

I fear that you will fail about regrowth, but if you can prove it the discovery will be an interesting one.

My dear Sir | Yours sincerely | Ch. Darwin