Summary

Wishes to introduce his son, George Howard Darwin.

Has glanced at the second of AdeQ’s articles on natural history in Revue de deux mondes; ordered first article but second is already out of print.

Summary

Comments favourably, though often differing, on articles by G. H. Lewes.

Discusses claim of Agassiz [in A journey in Brazil (1868)] that he found evidence of glaciers in Brazil. Suggests sponsoring an expedition to test these claims.

Summary

Asks CD to propose him for Linnean Society.

Would like to have Lyell put his objections to GHL’s papers [Fortn. Rev. 9 (1868): 353–73, 611–28; 10 (1868): 61–80, 492–509] in the form of notes, so he can have them before him when he recasts his papers into a book.

Summary

ARW’s review of 10th ed. of Lyell’s Principles [see 6684] is admirable.

But he differs "grievously" with ARW on man. CD sees no necessity for an additional and proximate cause.

Summary

Introduces E. L. Youmans to correspondent. Youmans is seeking small monographs by the most competent English authors [for his International Scientific Series].

Summary

Pleased that GHD will help with second edition of Descent. Cautions him not to alter strength of CD’s expression or improve the style too much.

Summary

Would like recipient to ask inmates whether they are offspring of cousin marriages.

Summary

Thanks CD for article by G. H. Lewes ["Mr Darwin’s hypotheses, pt 1", Fortn. Rev. n.s. 3 (1868): 353–73]. Comments on article.

Describes hybridisation experiment carried out on rabbits and hares by Dr Conrad.

Encloses description of Monera

and a phylogenetic table of vertebrates.

Mentions work on Medusae.

The controversy over CD in Germany.

Summary

Thanks CD [for his increased allowance?].

Writes of his tour [in Algeria].

Summary

Will propose GHL for the Linnean Society.

Writes of his objections to GHL’s views.

Considers Weismann’s remarks on the importance of the nature of the organism as well as conditions of life in determining variability have much truth.

Summary

Relates death of H. G. Bronn.

Discusses publication of German edition of Orchids [1862].

Summary

Thinks GHL’s articles are quite excellent; hopes they will be republished.

Discusses adaptation. Doubts whether similar conditions without selection can produce similar organs independent of blood relationship: "resemblances due to descent and adaptation can commonly be distinguished".

Discusses luminous insects, electrical organs of fish, thorns and spines.

Summary

Comments on their differences regarding evolution. Acknowledges that CD alone has produced an evolutionary theory that is scientific and all-embracing. Appreciates grandeur of CD’s work.

Summary

Did not intend to persuade CD against publishing Pangenesis. Will not take the responsibility, nor risk being made a horrible example 50 years hence.

Summary

Writes in detail about Cambridge offer of the honorary LL.D.

Summary

GHKT should not take more trouble about human expression. Discusses contraction of orbicular muscles in elephants.

Asks about colour of first plumage of breeds of Ceylon fowls in which hens alone are coloured.

Summary

Sends MS chapter on voice from Expression to HL for examination.

Agrees with R. B. Litchfield about Herbert Spencer’s views on speech and music.

Summary

Returns Geikie’s letter; is glad he has accepted settlement of gravel through melting of snow. Is trudging around with hammer and bag with help of Ramsay’s book. Describes visits to Kenilworth and Stratford. Sara consulted a physician. Called on Reginald D. and enjoyed meeting relations and seeing picture of Erasmus. Reginald very taken with George.