Summary

Writes regarding local difficulties concerning Down School and the setting up of a reading-room; his strained relationship with G. S. ffinden following some misunderstanding.

Summary

Arrangements for a visit to Down.

Summary

Encloses a copy of Lord Derby's note of 17 April 1875 (DCP-LETT-9938).

Sir John Lubbock has agreed to meet CD, but no arrangement has been made.

Maybe they should drop the petition, since Lord Derby has agreed to help.

Summary

Discusses the handling of the Memorial concerning animal experimentation.

Summary

Another message about club elections.

Summary

Approves vivisection memorial.

Lyon Playfair supports his request for Kew assistant.

Asks whether CD has botanical suggestions for Arctic expedition.

Summary

Is sending plants from cut-leaved vine.

Invites GJR to visit.

"When in presence of my ladies do not talk about experiments on animals."

Summary

CD recounts events of the April-fool’s day séance at Hensleigh [Wedgwood]’s. Asks GHD to find out whether Sidgwick’s account of it agrees with what he has heard. "What rubbish the whole does seem to be!"

Summary

Encloses draft bill about vivisection; CD and friends may have influence enough to get it introduced in Commons or Lords; TA and the Cruelty Society do not. The Society, however, can pay for preparation of bill.

Summary

"We have not a day to lose if our [Vivisection] Bill or our petition is to do any good". Reports on the activities of the opposition and the attitude of politicians on the subject. Believes a meeting with a minister should be arranged and thinks Lord Derby would be a good man. "All will depend on some half-dozen or 9 or 12 men agreeing on the bill."

Summary

Hooker has told her CD is in London. She requests a meeting.

Summary

Pleased JVC likes Journal of researches. Responds to his queries and thanks him for conscientiousness as a translator.

Insectivorous plants is so large that Murray will publish Climbing plants as a separate little book. Hopes Insectivorous plants is worth translating.

Summary

CD has helped leading physiologists to prepare a draft bill for legislation with regard to vivisection, and he hopes Lord Derby will support the bill and mention it to ministers of the Cabinet. Has heard that other groups are preparing bills for the same purpose, and feels it important that the science of physiology be protected as well as animals.

Summary

Returns papers [unidentified].

One on inheritance destitute of meaning. How can "force" act without any material on which to act? Discussion must assume truth of some such theory as Pangenesis.