Summary

CD’s views [on religion] are far from clear. He cannot make up his mind how far an inward conviction that there must be some Creator or First Cause is really trustworthy evidence. Does not feel he has thought deeply enough to express himself publicly on religion.

Summary

On St G. J. Mivart’s Genesis of species and Chauncey Wright’s review of it [North Am. Rev. (July 1871)].

Summary

Explains why he must decline to write for the Index: his health is poor and he has never systematically thought much on religion. FEA may print his comments, "with qualifications", if he wishes.

Summary

Refused to write a treatise on geological time.

His paper on W. B. Carpenter’s theory of ocean currents is appearing soon.

Summary

Thanks for the report of CLB’s lecture about Descent to the New York Liberal Club on 3 March 1871.

Sends four photographs of himself for the sculptor J. W. A. MacDonald.

Summary

Lengthy discussion of William Thomson’s address [BAAS, Edinburgh 1871].

Summary

CW’s pamphlet [Darwinism (1871)] nearly ready. Friends have been much struck by it but say several passages rather obscure.

Glad CW coming to England. Will be delighted to see him at Down.

Summary

Answers CD’s questions.

Reception of Descent. Evolution accepted everywhere; descent of man accepted calmly.

Morocco plans.

Fears for Huxley, who is overworked.

Summary

Responds to ARW’s comments on CD’s argument about protection in Descent.

Comments on St G. Mivart’s criticism [Genesis of species (1871)]. "The pendulum will now swing against us."

Summary

Thanks for present of FWF’s The witness of history [1871].

Summary

Comments on points made in Hensleigh Wedgwood’s letter [7470] on moral sense in Descent.

Summary

AG hopes to meet CD’s sons, who are visiting America.

Summary

Delighted that CD does not hesitate to follow his theory to its last consequences. "This is far more difficult in England than in Germany."

Wilhelm Müller in his new book [Beiträge zur pathologischen Anatomie und Physiologie des menschlichen Rückenmarks (1871)], adduces many facts in favour of CD’s theory.

Various observations on the human ear. [See Descent, 2d ed., p. 14 n.]

Summary

Thanks HN for photographs of his ears and one showing the form of the ears in a foetal orang. He will show them to a wood-engraver when a new edition of Descent is called for [see Descent, 2d ed., p. 17].

Summary

Asks what his profits on the reprints of Descent will be when half have been sold.

Good reviews in Saturday Review and Pall Mall Gazette;

contemptuous one as usual in Athenæum.

Summary

Sends a paper on denudation ["On modern denudation", Trans. Geol. Soc. Glasgow 3 (1871): 153–90].

Summary

Believes heliotype process is best for book illustrations. Has sent copies [of Descent] to Loescher and Carus.

Is working on an estimate for the cheap [6th] edition of the Origin.

The Times review has not hurt sales of Descent.

Summary

CD will pay for the American trip if it takes place.

Asks whether FD can help him understand the eyes of cephalopods; is the structure the same as in the Vertebrata and are the parts developed from homologous layers of skin?

Has been pleased by a recent review.

Postscript: Is thinking of a cheap edition of the Origin [1872] in which he hopes to answer St George Mivart’s criticisms.

Asks FD whether he can get some references to good papers on cephalapod eyes.

Summary

Is turning to experiments with rats, "Siamesed together" for cross-circulation.

Summary

Opinions on Descent.

Sexual selection and mimicry in Lepidoptera; sexual selection as an aid to protective imitation.