Summary

Sends his paper ["Tidal action as a geological cause", Proc. Liverpool Geol. Soc. 2 (1874): 50–72].

Has not yet studied CD’s list of South American molluscs.

Summary

Spottiswoode is pressing for an answer to invitation to GHD to lecture at the Royal Institution. GHD is having MS of the paper he has written sent to CD, so that CD can advise whether he should accept the invitation.

Summary

CD may keep the photograph of "the holy Mary of Egypt". TLB may have been led away by his imagination in thinking that one side of the face expressed repentance and the other devout joy.

Comments on David Ferrier’s observations on electrical stimulation of the brain. Extent of response relates to intensity of stimulus.

Crichton-Browne’s observations on the asymmetry of convolutions on the two sides of the brains of maniacs.

Summary

Statement of stock on hand of CD’s works.

Expression, curiously, at a dead stand-still.

Summary

GHD has been using E. Norman [CD’s copyist], and he apologises if this has caused delays to CD’s work.

Summary

Accepts CD’s suggestion of new edition of Descent, and asks that Murray supply the stereotype plates and woodcuts for $50 [dollars or pounds!?], as soon as possible; supply of copies of Descent is exhausted.

Will publish CD’s proposed book [Insectivorous plants (1875)] on same terms as other works.

Summary

Cites examples of the inheritance of maternal impressions.

Summary

Wishes to know where, in his works, CD refers to some particular behaviour in dogs.

Mentions the sensitivity of cirripedes to passing shadows.

Summary

Thanks for the present of the book [Thomas Belt, The naturalist in Nicaragua (1874)].

Summary

Calls CD’s attention to a book that deals with subjects related to both Descent and Expression: Ferdinand Jahn, Die abnormen Zustände des menschlichen Lebens als Nachbildungen und Wiederholungen normaler Zustände des Thierlebens [1842].

Summary

An omission in a bibliographical note in Descent [2d English ed.].

Summary

On Drosera, with which MZ has worked for four years.

Summary

Sends photograph of epileptic idiot and encloses case history.

Summary

RBS seeks a testimonial from CD; he is applying for the British Museum vacancy left by J. E. Gray’s resignation and A. Günther’s promotion.

Summary

Encloses a letter [from Huxley about his invitation to lecture at Edinburgh]. Has done his best to dissuade Huxley from accepting the burden.

JDH’s depression in bereavement.

Summary

Huxley feels he can accept the Edinburgh lecture invitation.

Also tells JDH he is preparing a paper for Linnean Society on classification which will uphold evolution ["On the classification of the animal kingdom", J. Linn. Soc. Lond. (Zool.) 12 (1876): 199–226]. He has thrown overboard all his old ideas of definite demarcation. He will make a clean breast of it, and will bear hard on necessity of all such ideas as Haeckel’s in dealing with systematic zoology.

Summary

New edition of Descent just off the press. Murray feels price must be 9s instead of 12s, if it is to sell. This will reduce profit to almost nil.

Summary

Booksellers approve of [9s] price for 2d edition of Descent. 1350 copies were sold at annual sale.