Summary

Would be pleased if CD called.

Summary

Sets a time for CD to call.

Summary

Has asked gentlemen who administer chloroform to make observations [on expression?] for CD.

Summary

Answers CD’s queries on sexual characters and differences among the Urodela.

Is interested in the relationship of pectoral and pelvic limbs in man and apes and has looked at reptiles and amphibians to find traces of the earlier conditions of the limbs.

Asks whether CD knows any instances of deformities or pathological conditions occurring simultaneously in both sets of limbs.

Summary

Will not be returning to London for a week; writes to save CD’s calling.

Summary

Is not prepared to express an opinion on man’s origin. On pure anatomical grounds he would form a family of the higher division of the primates, but if man’s intellectual, moral, and religious nature is considered, then "he differs more from an Anthropoid Ape than such an Ape differs from a lump of granite".

Summary

Apologises for saying more than was necessary in his previous letter. Although he feels gratitude and esteem for CD, he execrates those who use natural selection to oppose man’s higher interests and impede his advance. Has seen Huxley’s Man’s place in nature for sale among a crowd of obscenities at most Italian railway stations.

Summary

Asks by what action CD believes bee, spider, and fly orchids came to resemble their namesakes

and how the beauty of bivalves could have been produced by natural or sexual selection.

Summary

Has sent CD his book [Genesis of species (1871)]. Has not said a word in opposition to CD except where his view of the truth necessitated it.

Summary

Thanks CD for vol. 1 of Descent. Feels nothing but sympathy and esteem for a writer labouring for the promotion of what he conscientiously believes to be the truth.

Summary

Is sorry CD found Genesis of species unfairly critical. Assures CD of his just intentions and offers to alter certain words and phrases in a new edition. Emphasises his high regard for CD but fears his views are leading to religious decay.

Summary

Is glad CD does not believe he is biased by an odium theologicum. Comments on the first volume of Descent. Is convinced of the truth of evolution, but believes natural selection plays only a secondary role and that man is fundamentally different from the rest of creation.

Summary

Thanks CD for the second volume of Descent.

Summary

Feels their conflict lies in the field of philosophy rather than in that of physical science. Regrets that they differ so widely.

Summary

Has seen an article by Chauncey Wright ["Darwinism", North Am. Rev. 113 (1871): 63–103] and has heard it has been enlarged and reprinted [1871]. As CD has been distributing copies StGM wonders whether he might have one.

Summary

Thanks for Chauncey Wright’s article. Admits it is clever, but hardly expected CD to think it a serious defence of his position.

Summary

Sends his reply to Huxley’s criticisms [Contemp. Rev. 19 (1872): 168–97].

Summary

As a man of science, StGM has no choice but to pursue what he sees as the truth. Will happily admit he has misrepresented CD if CD will disclaim the position that StGM attacks.

Summary

Agrees to close their correspondence. Defends his position against criticisms of Huxley and Chauncey Wright; assures CD of his continuing friendly feelings.