Summary

Asks JM whether he will publish 750 copies of a pamphlet [Chauncey Wright’s review of Mivart’s Genesis of species, North Am. Rev. 113 (1871): 63–103] at CD’s expense.

Has been ill so cannot say when he will finish new edition of Origin.

Asks about sales and printing of Descent.

Summary

Refused to write a treatise on geological time.

His paper on W. B. Carpenter’s theory of ocean currents is appearing soon.

Summary

Sends CD a volume of West Riding Lunatic Asylum Medical Reports [1 (1871)], which contains some observations on blushing.

Summary

A. J. Gaudry is one of few supporters of Darwinism in Paris.

The climate is so hostile that Kovalevsky must mitigate his views so as not to irritate the French.

Working on Anchitherium, which he believes is intermediate between Palaeotherium and the horse.

His brother-in-law has been arrested.

Summary

Thanks CD for interest in FEA’s work and for money for Index. Sends 1870 volume of Index.

Praises CD’s services to free-thought.

Asks for CD’s view of the influence of his theory on religion, to use in lecture.

Summary

Thanks CD for helping with arrangements for an American edition [of Primitive marriage (1865)].

He is an old friend of CD’s son-in-law, R. B. Litchfield, and of John Lubbock.

Summary

Intends to visit CD at Haredene.

Summary

JL’s views on the sexual peculiarities of the bladder-nosed seal, Cystophora cristata.

Summary

Describes the successful excavation of caves containing interred remains of Neolithic man.

Summary

Sends details of trains for a clerk to travel to Down from London and back.

Summary

Thanks AA for a ‘splendid case of gradation of structure’.

Summary

Thanks CD for Beagle specimens donated to the Museum.

Asks for a live Helix pomatia for dissection.

Summary

Sends an article for insertion in Gardeners’ Chronicle.

Suggests sending a proof ‘as my hand-writing is so bad’.

Summary

In response to a query [from "F. W. B."], CD describes his experience with seeding Leschenaultia, which demonstrates that insect agency is required.

Summary

Sorry he will be away when CD comes down.

Congratulations on Henrietta Darwin’s engagement.

Summary

RC is sure Murray would not object to printing the pamphlet [C. Wright’s Darwinism: being an examination of Mr. St. G. J. Mivart’s "Genesis of species"].

After a lull in sales of Descent, a fresh demand warrants keeping type set up. Has CD seen the review of Descent in the Guardian?