Summary

Describes findings of examination of geese with abnormal wings. Says old gander that sired geese is without injury or abnormality. Encloses his assistant’s report.

Summary

JBI on CD’s integrity and the separateness of science and religion.

Summary

Thanks for the Blue Book [Report to the Local Government Board on the water supplied to London].

Gives instructions for sending the pure water.

Has sent for the Wenham ice.

Enjoyed his talk with EF.

Summary

Petition Cambridge University that candidates for an Honour degree may be relieved from the obligation of passing an examination in Greek.

Summary

Encloses letter of recommendation for RIL [for position as Curator, Botanic Garden, Cambridge?]. [See 11770.]

Summary

Letter recommending R. I. Lynch [for position as Curator, Botanic Garden, Cambridge].

Summary

Has observed, perhaps erroneously, that certain plants were excited to movement by a prolonged high note on the bassoon. Would now like to try a siren and asks JT to bring one from the Royal Institution.

Summary

Congratulates JT on success in breeding potato varieties.

Summary

Comments on GJR’s anonymous book [A candid examination of theism (1878)]. Notes possible theological objections.

Summary

Will provide the siren.

Summary

Would like CD to explain how he reconciles two passages in 6th ed. of Origin.

Summary

Asks whether he may use CD’s letters in his work [Die natürlichen Existenzbedingungen der Thiere (1880)] in order to show that Moritz Wagner has misrepresented CD’s views.

Discusses the influence of isolation and external conditions on animals, and the relative importance of the direct effect of external conditions and of selection in bringing about change.

Summary

Gives CGS permission to use his letters in any way he thinks fit.

Discusses the direct effect of external conditions as an agent of change in organisms; has encountered many cases since the publication of Origin.

Summary

Informs CD of his intention to bequeath his property to him.

Summary

Thinks conservation of energy not evidence for Deity. Agrees with CD that there is little hope to illuminate subject with light of intellect. Intends to drop it.

Summary

Says deformity of wings of geese is not related to injury to gander. Forwards a report on the birds [11717].

Summary

Is deeply gratified by AR’s proposed generosity.

Summary

Much obliged to WHF and Dr Garron for their trouble [over deformed goose wings]. Has no doubt that WHF’s view of the deformity is the right one. Will send WHF’s report to Blair.

CD and Emma enjoyed extremely meeting the Dean at WHF’s house.

Summary

Encloses a cheque for £5.5.0 for the Down Coal and Clothing Club.

Summary

Gives CD details of the property he proposes to bequeath to him.