Summary

Describes his critique of natural selection [Die Lehre Darwins kritisch betrachtet (1871)].

Summary

The Natural Philosophical Society [Academy of Sciences] will publish his translation of Origin in August, before Descent.

A distinguished member of the Hungarian Parliament attacked CD’s theory. LD answered, and a controversy ensued.

LD has noted many signs of public support for CD.

Summary

Sends corrections of Descent and Expression.

Summary

Praises TWH’s Army life in a black regiment [1870]. CD always thought well of Negroes, and is delighted to have his impressions confirmed.

Summary

Informs JVC that he is beginning a second, corrected edition of Descent, in case a new edition is wanted in Germany.

Summary

Has sent JDH’s letter to Nature ["Perception in ants", Nature 7 (1873): 443–4].

Sons recall kindness received from JDH and others in America.

Summary

Sends CD a copy of his book [Die Urgeschichte der Menschheit, 2 vols. (1873)].

In Germany CD’s views have achieved great recognition among naturalists, but in other disciplines there is great controversy. OC’s book seeks to resolve the controversy by showing how state, morals, religion, and church have developed from natural beginnings.

Summary

Thanks CD for comments on Die Kalkschwämme.

Plans trip to Greece, Asia Minor, and Egypt.

Discusses work of a Polish translator, Ludwik Masłowski.

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

The evidence of tameness of Alpine butterflies [see 8672] seems good and the fact is surprising to CD for they can hardly have acquired this in their short life-time.

The question whether butterflies are attracted to bright colours independently of the supposed presence of nectar is still unanswered.

CD has great difficulty in believing that any temporary condition of parents can affect the offspring.

Pangenesis is much reviled, but CD must still look at generation from this point of view, which makes him averse to believing that an emotion has any effect on the offspring.

Summary

Has not seen number of Botanical Bulletin with account of Apocynum.

Summary

Sends proofs of pages on shells with revised species names. Discusses Crag Moll, Sutton and Butley Red Grag, and Scrobicularia beds. Son asks him to thank Lyell for extract from Darwin’s book.

Summary

Believes some flowers fail to produce seed because of the access of too great a quantity of pollen. Asks for CD’s opinion and references.

Summary

Sends a paper on behaviour he has observed in ants.

Summary

Answers Emma Darwin’s request that the school room be used in the winter as a Reading Room. Protests the Darwins approaching the Education Department directly.

Summary

Although he believes in evolution, TM feels that natural selection is an inadequate cause;

nor is he satisfied with E. D. Cope’s law of acceleration and retardation.

Discusses some of his work relating to nutrition and sex and colour and sex.

Summary

Describes an ear from a microcephalous idiot, which does not lend support to Ludwig Mayer’s view [that points on ears are mere variations; see Descent, 2d ed., pp. 15–16].

Is working on involution rather than evolution, with results confirming CD’s teaching.

Summary

He is travelling overnight by train from London to Pantlludw and will wake A. R. Ruck with a morningade on his flute.

Summary

Pleased CD enjoyed his book [Outdoor papers (1871)].

Rejoices at CD’s kindly feelings toward the coloured race.

The Index is in financial trouble due to F. E. Abbot’s unworldliness.

Agassiz is setting up a summer school for natural history off the Massachusetts coast. His pupils develop more liberal scientific opinions than Agassiz’s.

Encloses some notes on expression.