Summary

FD’s abstract ["Physiology of plants", Nature 23 (1880): 178–81] is excellent, and as clear as daylight.

Summary

Expresses his pride in FD, whose article ["On the structure of the snail’s heart", J. Anat. Physiol. 10 (1876): 506–10] was highly praised by G. H. Lewes.

Lewes has also been quoting FD’s letter in Nature [13 (1876): 384–5] on pycrotoxine in relation to the vivisection controversy.

Was introduced to James Sully, author of the article in Mind on Wilhelm Wundt ["Physiological psychology in Germany", 1 (1876): 20–43]

and Sensation and intuition (1874) [see 10320], by "Mrs Lewes" (George Eliot).

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

Dispatches chapters six and seven [of Earthworms].

Asks for any opinions on V. Hensen and his book, Physiologie der Zeugung [1881], which seems interesting.

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

CD cannot find his pincers and other tools for microscopical dissection. Does FD know where he should look?

Hopes FD will feel better after "so complete a change" [trip to North Africa].

Sends his love to George.

Bernard gets more charming every day.

CD has been put on a committee for a memorial fund for W. K. Clifford.

Summary

Has taken almost all FD’s corrections for chapter six [of Earthworms]. Is glad FD approves of the book.

Summary

Comments on function of bloom.

Describes the effect of water shortage on sleep movements in Porlieria.

Summary

Sends [unidentified] volume for FD.

Ferdinand Cohn is coming to Down.

Summary

Will dispatch the best twisted stems he can find.

Considers the role of the pulvinus in leaf movement.

Summary

Instructions on paying a bill.

Summary

Is sending chapter [of Earthworms] for FD to look over.

Comments on FD’s work on movements of mould.

Is glad to hear about Julius von Sachs and the circumnutation theory.

Summary

Asks FD to check whether a Latin sentence is correct.

Summary

Has had conflicting information on the movement of radicles; wants FD to experiment with them.

Summary

Instructs FD to plant some Oxalis seeds.

Wishes to trace the movement of an old cotyledon. Asks him to examine and compare the pulvinus of a species which moves its cotyledon greatly with one of a species that moves it only moderately.

Are the tendrils ready for heliotropic experiment yet?

Summary

Describes seeds sent by George Payne [see 13205]. Is surprised that they bury themselves.

Summary

Andrew Clark finds that CD’s heart is perfectly right.

Summary

Forwards chapter [of Orchids (1877)] for correction.

Sadness at the death of Amy.

Summary

Observations on bees’ biting holes in Lathyrus.

Suggests an experiment FD could carry out with Drosera.

CD is working on Mimosa, and "everything has turned out as perversely as possible".

Summary

Suggests FD call on Carl Semper.

Inquires about Porlieria: Do the leaves shut to check evaporation? Does it appear silver under water?

Explains how he thinks the pulvinus acts; wishes FD would investigate the point.