Summary

Sends CD his book of experimental work on fluids [Experimental researches into the properties and motions of fluids (1881)].

Draws his attention to a particular passage on liquid behaviour which, he speculates, may relate to the form of some lower plants.

Summary

No one could have thought about evolution and not about representative species; yet no one discussed it fully until Origin, including von Baer.

Did not know of Leopold von Buch’s Description physique des îles Canaries [1836] when Origin was published.

"As far as I know no one ever discussed the meaning of the relation between representative species before I did & as I suppose Wallace did in his paper before the Linn. Soc. [1858]."

Summary

CD gives his opinion on vivisection with the understanding that the whole letter will be published. Worked for Act of Parliament, but disapproves of the one passed. CD convinced English physiologists do not perform cruel experiments.

Summary

Sends some additions and corrections he has made in the 5th thousand, [of Earthworms] now being printed.

Summary

Delay in publication [of Earthworms] vexes CD, as he likes to throw a subject off his mind.

Summary

Sends corrections ("two bad errata & a blunder") in Earthworms, which is selling well in England.

Summary

Thanks JVC for his corrections of "stupid errata" [in Earthworms]. Explains, in answer to JVC’s query, that he has used the word "humus" as the equivalent of vegetable mould.

Summary

Ernst Krause wishes to publish a section of Earthworms in Kosmos. CD has consented. Hopes JVC will not object. He feels under obligation to Krause.

Summary

CD will soon finish corrections [of Earthworms] for printer, and then clean sheets will be sent to JVC for translation of the book and to Ernst Krause. The subject has been a "hobby-horse" with CD, and he has perhaps treated it in foolish detail. Has told Krause he does not think any part of the MS suitable for Kosmos, but Krause must decide.

Summary

Thanks JVC for corrections of Movement in plants. Sends a clarifying sentence.

Earthworms nearly done – "a small book of little moment".

Reports his health is better than it was, "but I have little strength & feel very old".

Summary

Earthworms leave their burrows on hearing rifle volleys.

Summary

Enthusiasm for Henry George’s Progress and poverty. Considers it to rank with Adam Smith’s work. His own work on the land question [Land nationalisation (1882)].

Summary

Communicates two cases of inheritance reported by J. P. Bishop [in 13137]. The work of E. Brown-Séquard has demonstrated that effects of injuries can be inherited ["Hereditary transmission of an epileptiform affection accidentally produced", Proc. R. Soc. Lond. 10 (1860): 297–8]. E. Dupuy has sent CD a still more remarkable case.

Summary

Is making final preparations for his address [at York BAAS meeting] and questions CD on specific points.

Summary

Passage in first edition of Origin, [p. 184] on bears rendered larger and more aquatic by selection was omitted from subsequent editions on advice of Richard Owen. Has always regretted following that advice.

Summary

Asks whether blue eyes are peculiar to the human species.

Summary

Outlines address to York BAAS meeting on history of geographical distribution. Organising theme: advancement in this science based on ideas enunciated by scientific voyagers. Asks CD’s advice.

Summary

Recounts a remarkable incident of development of worms in a barrel of wheat. Sends his account, having pondered CD’s view that plants and animals may have had a common ancestor.

Summary

Thanks for gift of JCL’s book on pigeons (J. C. Lyell 1881).

Declines to endorse it, because he lacks the time to read it with sufficient care.

Summary

Thanks for honour conferred upon him by the Otago Institute.