Summary

Pleased that a Grace has been submitted to confer on CD an honorary LL.D.; hopes his health will permit him to attend the ceremony.

Summary

Has two young friends who wish to call on CD.

Summary

Lists the tasks he has completed; sends on letter from Romanes; news of Bernard.

Summary

Asks FD to forward some eczema mixture to Southampton for him

and to hunt out notes on earthworm activity at Beaulieu Abbey.

Summary

Discusses effects of natural selection. Discusses absence of blending between geographical races as a problem. Discusses effect of natural selection on productivity of an organism.

Comments on GJR’s review of Grant Allen’s book [Physiological aesthetics (1877)].

Summary

Cites a misprint in Orchids.

Asks how long Forms of flowers will be, and publication date.

Summary

Objects to the passage about the Irish quoted by CD in Descent [1: 174].

Summary

Forwards a copy of his book Diseases of women [1877].

Summary

The widow of Jules Michelet is seeking donations towards his tomb, and says that he was a great admirer of CD.

Summary

JDH has to entertain the Emperor of Brazil [Pedro II], who wants to meet CD.

Summary

Thanks RLT for his work, Diseases of women.

CD is also interested by RLT’s letter reporting a cat rearing chickens. "What a wonderful instinct is the maternal one."

Summary

Had no intention of pressing CD over Madame Michelet’s fundraising for her husband’s tomb.

Summary

CD cannot see the Emperor of Brazil because he is in Southampton, but he sends sincere respects for the Emperor’s role in assisting science.

Summary

JDH finds the Emperor, once an energetic man, all used up.

Summary

Galton agrees with GJR about rudimentary organs.

GJR’s note referred to possibility of selection acting on organic types as distinguished from individuals.

Thinks Grant Allen has not made out his point [in Physiological aesthetics (1877)], but his fundamental principle probably has much truth.

Summary

Forms of flowers will soon be published and is not a long book.

Does not suppose he will publish any more books, "though perhaps a few more papers". He "cannot endure being idle, but Heaven knows whether I am capable of any more good work".

Erratum JVC sent was due to a printer’s error after he had seen last proofs.

Summary

JDH recounts circumstances of his receiving Star of India (K.C.S.I.).

Summary

Asks if phosphoric acid could have killed Drosera he received in a matchbox.

Summary

Notes on the position of one of the fallen stones [at Stonehenge].

Summary

Concerning the publication of a French edition of Coral Reefs.