Summary

Has written to Col. J. L. Chester [genealogist] to ask whether he would like to see the deeds [for Darwin genealogy, see Emma Darwin 2: 237].

Summary

FD’s experiment shows that caustic does not interfere with the bending of radicles. Believes that the apex is a kind of brain for certain movements, being specialised to receive certain irritations.

Summary

Describes bean experiments. Will tell Emma Darwin to tell Elizabeth Darwin that he has written to the Riffel.

Summary

Notes observations on sensitivity and movement of radicles.

Has finished chapter [of Movement in plants] on sleeping plants and is now looking over heliotropism notes.

Is perplexed by Erasmus Darwin; Erasmus [A. Darwin] likes it, but Henrietta thinks it much too long.

Summary

At work on Movement in plants.

Discusses John Ball’s, G. de Saporta’s, and his own theories of higher plant origin. Their rapid development remains an "abominable mystery".

Frank is working in Würzburg.

Summary

CD gives suggestions concerning FD’s experiments on the radicles of roots. Asks him to find out whether J. von Sachs tried beans. Should also try other gramineous plants.

Bernard looking forward to his father’s return.

Summary

CD thinks nothing had better be done about the deeds at present.

Henrietta thinks Erasmus Darwin almost too dull to publish.

Summary

Stresses importance of ensuring that cauterisation of radicles does not, through injury, prevent movement. Plans an experiment to test for "apheliotropism" in certain radicles.

Summary

Discusses Müller-Thurgau’s work on heliotropism. Will start on Thursday for Heidelberg and Strassburg.

Summary

Thanks CD for sending volumes of Dr Erasmus Darwin’s works. Hopes to finish Krause’s MS in a fortnight.

Summary

Heliotropism nomenclature. Apheliotropic mustard roots grow more quickly in dark. Measures growth with microscope as S. H. Vines did in mould. Studying air roots.

FD’s and Stahl’s negative opinion of Sachs.

Summary

Difficulties with Krause’s handwriting and the time required to correct his sources have delayed the translation [of Erasmus Darwin].

Summary

Asks that authoress be thanked for poem. Enjoyed poetry in old days; now cannot read a line.

Delighted that ERL will find time for original investigations.

Summary

Sends proofs of his preface [to EK’s Erasmus Darwin], with which he is disappointed. Suggests additions and improvements he would like to make.

Summary

Suggests possible visit by EH.

Comments on EH’s research.

Summary

Will not sign a petition, for he feels vivisection is essential to the progress of physiology.

Summary

Contributes to subscription for Grant Allen.

Regrets GJR and wife could not visit.

Encloses paper [not identified] by Thomas Meehan, a very inaccurate observer.

Summary

Best wishes for CD’s trip to Cumberland.

Summary

Thanks CD for comments on Freie Wissenschaft und freie Lehre [1878].

Describes work on Medusae.

Describes work on Challenger Radiolaria and publication plans.

Summary

Relieved to hear that EK approves of his notice [preface for Erasmus Darwin]. Is reflecting on idea that it might appear after EK’s article as "an additional or supplementary notice".

Grieved to hear that Grant Allen has been accused of plagiarism.