Summary

Has been unwell but is improving. His father also very ill.

Summary

CD fears he must wear Emma with his unwellness and complaints.

Summary

CD and ED bequeath an annuity of £50 to J. Parslow [the Darwins’ butler].

Summary

A draft letter [but sent in the original state by Emma Darwin]. Approves of FJW’s notice of his views.

CD has slightly revised parts in view of both approving and disapproving critics, but still remains convinced about his fundamental notions.

Summary

Invitation to dine at the Darwins’ with J. S. Henslow.

Summary

Health very bad. All scientific work stopped for 2½ months.

E. B. Tylor’s Early history of mankind [1865] impresses him.

Would like JDH’s opinion of last number of Spencer’s [Principles of] Biology [vol. 1 (1864)], especially on umbellifers. CD not satisfied with Spencer’s views on irregular flowers.

ED reports on CD’s health.

Summary

Glad to hear of the plant; CD instructs WED to make further observations. If it is a good case he will insist on WED’s sending a communication to the Linnean Society.

Summary

Two letters for WED at E. A. Darwin's. G. H. Darwin has been to dentist. Please collect and pay for GHD’s skates.

Summary

Returns Geikie’s letter; is glad he has accepted settlement of gravel through melting of snow. Is trudging around with hammer and bag with help of Ramsay’s book. Describes visits to Kenilworth and Stratford. Sara consulted a physician. Called on Reginald D. and enjoyed meeting relations and seeing picture of Erasmus. Reginald very taken with George.

Summary

Description of their English dinner companions at a foreign hotel.

Summary

Describes the wedding party given for herself and Richard Buckley Litchfield at the Working Men’s College in London.

Summary

Preparations for the wedding, various callers, and other bits of news.

Summary

Responds warmly to his very nice letter. CD need have no fear that she will not be as happy as he.

Again expresses uneasiness that their opinions on religion do not agree on all points. Hopes they will sympathise in their feelings on the subject.

Summary

Writes lovingly of small events since he left Maer. Fears their opinions may differ on "the most important subject", religion, but is grateful for his openness about his "honest & conscientious doubts".

Summary

Responds to items in CD’s letter, just received. Suggests parts of London where he might look for a house. Gives news of friends and relatives.

Summary

Has accepted the Hensleigh Wedgwoods’ invitation to go to London with them; can look at houses with CD. She wishes to avoid extravagance; asks him to choose three or four for her to see.

Summary

She agrees that London is the place to settle. She is eager to see him and full of plans.

Summary

Describes the journey home and the long talks on their return. No maid has been found, so he should engage the one she saw, "for ten guineas & tea & sugar a year". She thought CD looked unwell and overtired.

Summary

Responds to his "business letter" about the maids, then chides herself for feeling dull and disagreeable when she has had everything all her life.

Summary

Is delighted to learn they have "Macaw Cottage" [12 Upper Gower Street] – their second choice; hopes they have disposed of the dead dog in the garden. Much family news.