Summary

Thanks for SL’s [Études sur les echinoïdées (1875)]. Nothing could be more difficult than the homologies of this group.

Summary

Promises to vote for Lankester.

Acknowledges faults of R. L. Tait’s paper.

Summary

Thanks CD for comments on Arabische Korallen [1876].

Comments on Monoenia darwinii [?] as a primitive sponge.

Discusses criticisms of CD’s theory by K. E. von Baer ["Über Darwin’s Lehre", in Reden 2 (1876): 235–480].

Summary

Thanks for advice concerning preparation of soil for experiments. Will order the salts. Asks about burning soil or washing it with acid.

Thanks for invitation. His son [Francis] would like to inspect JHG’s plots.

Summary

Tells CD of his engagement to Louisa, eldest daughter of Lord Claud Hamilton.

His investigations [into spontaneous generation] continue. He will deal with Bastian’s work [The modes of origin of lowest organisms (1871)].

The medical journals see that the end of the nonsense they have so long countenanced is nigh.

Summary

Sends autograph.

Summary

Sends congratulations and a teapot on the occasion of JT’s engagement.

Is pleased JT is not giving up on the spontaneous generation question. Feels strongly that subject will not be clear until it is understood how J. S. Burdon Sanderson and others succeeded in getting bacteria in infusions they had boiled for a long time.

Summary

Congratulates WTT-D on [election of E. Ray Lankester to] Linnean Society.

Mentions visit to Royal Society.

Pleased to see George Bentham looking well.

Summary

JT will not quit the subject [of spontaneous generation] until light is let in on every cranny of the question.

Summary

The teapot is exquisite. Louisa says to say "the gift is worthy of the giver. Nothing higher can be said."

Summary

Discusses use by correspondent of clichés from one of his books.

Summary

Thanks for his election as an Honorary Member

Summary

Has sent FM’s letter on to Nature ["Brazil kitchen middens, habits of ants, etc.", Nature 13 (1876): 304–5].

Would be grateful for Ceropegia seeds.

Summary

Has signed enclosure [Royal Society nomination for McLachlan] with pleasure.

Summary

Writes regarding affairs of the Down Friendly Society.

Summary

Comments on her new book [A short history of natural science (1876)].

Summary

Writes regarding affairs of the Down Friendly Society.

Summary

Thanks CD for letter complimenting her book. Responds to his comments on botany and geology in book.

Summary

Inquires whether insectivorous habit in plants supplements or replaces the normal method of plant nutrition.

Summary

Asks for identification of a Cineraria which is self-sterile.

Fritz Müller’s letter on Cecropia [see 10384].