Summary

Reports further observations on contraction of platysma. Has been assisted by J. Wood. [See Expression, pp. 302, 303.]

Summary

Agrees that in a deaf person the jaw may fall because of concentrated attention.

In surprise, mouth is opened suddenly and chest filled with air. This expression occurs in all parts of the world. Odd that so simple a movement is so perplexing to understand.

Summary

Discusses action of the platysma in a state of fear.

Summary

Thanks WO for his reply to letter of 26 March. Has tried several people and platysma seemed to act, but it is difficult to observe when they shudder.

Summary

Asks WO to act out the sudden discovery of a dreadful object and to observe whether his platysma contracts. CD has found in his notes that it is never contracted in cases of severe dyspnoea [Expression, p. 301].

Summary

Thanks WO for his replies [to 7551]. Discusses the open mouth in surprise; asks WO to investigate its function in hearing and breathing.

Asks why deaf persons generally keep mouths open.

Summary

Thanks WO for a paper and for information about platysma. Has asked several persons to observe the muscle during a shivering fit, but all have failed.

Summary

Sends notes on left- and right-handedness from observations made on his eldest son as an infant.

Summary

Will write again to Tyndall about odours.

Asks for the circumstances under which WO saw a man arrested for murder; quotes from notes he made from WO’s conversation [Expression, p. 294].

Also would like to quote WO on the expression of resignation by persons about to undergo serious operations [Expression, p. 271].

Summary

Thanks for Descent.

He believes he has observed a predominance of the right side over the left in monkeys and man. If so, this is another support of their relatedness.

Summary

JT suggests that Ogle call upon him so that they can arrange experiments suitable for his purpose.

Summary

Discusses movement of ears and contraction of the platysma.

Discusses phyllotaxy, citing work of Carl Nägeli and Chauncey Wright.

Summary

Discusses loss of voluntary movement of ears in man and monkey.

Summary

Thanks WO for valuable letter. Feels he need not trouble any more about platysma. If WO ever sees someone suffering great fear, CD asks him to observe the neck.

Hopes to visit WO when next in London.

Summary

Asks JC-B to observe whether platysma muscle contracts during rigor or shivering fit.

Is just recommencing his essay on expression.

Summary

Contraction of platysma occurs during surgery under chloroform from touch of knife, independently of fear.

Summary

Thanks JT for his kindness to Ogle.

Summary

Has seen Ogle. His subject [olfactory nerve tissue and absorption of odours] has often occupied JT’s attention.

Summary

Discusses errors in Descent. Not surprised that WT is not committed to full acceptance of evolution of man.

At work on Expression. Asks about muscles that raise spines of hedgehog and tail coverts of peacock. Asks about influence of mind on capillaries with regard to blushing. Mentions views of James Paget on influence of the mind on nutrition of body parts.