Summary

Thanks for Variation.

Summary

Offers notes and reflections on Variation.

Not convinced by Pangenesis, particularly its dependence on the Cytisus [graft hybrid] examples [ch. 27 and ch. 11].

What a book could be written on the application of natural history to man! Gives examples of inheritance in man.

Summary

Thanks AdeC for his long letter full of interesting facts, which will be of great use if a new edition [of Variation] is demanded.

As for when CD will publish on variation in a state of nature: he has had the MS almost ready for several years but Variation fatigued him so much

that "I determined to amuse myself by publishing a short essay on the Descent of Man".

AdeC will have plenty of time to publish his views. Asks permission to quote AdeC on a case of inheritance of scalp-muscles [see Descent 1: 20].

Hooker has expressed a view, similar to AdeC’s, "that morals & politics would be very interesting if discussed like any branch of Natural History".

Agrees with AdeC on acclimatisation

and on graft-hybrids.

CD is repeating Hildebrand’s method in producing graft-hybrid potatoes.

As for Pangenesis, very few people approve of it though it has some enthusiastic friends and CD has much faith in its vitality.

Summary

Corrects himself on Robinia pseud-acacia: its spines are stipules, which explains hereditary fixity.

AdeC’s observations on movement of scalp muscles.

Summary

Thanks AdeC for correcting an error about thorns, which CD might have quoted.

CD will be cautious in regard to the muscles of the scalp. [Descent 1: 20].

His health has failed again "in the usual manner" and he has been ordered to do no work.

Repeats how interested and pleased he was by AdeC’s last long, remarkable letter.