Summary

Refers correspondent to Descent for some information on marriage arrangements, and on the mental and moral nature of monkeys.

Summary

Sir Wyville Thomson misunderstands natural selection when he says the theory "refers the evolution of species to extreme variation guided only by natural selection". CD demurs at the "extreme variation" and the "only". No one has said evolution depends only on natural selection. CD has adduced many facts on the effects of use and disuse and on the direct action of the environment.

Summary

Explains delay in printing proofs [of Movement in plants?].

Summary

Thanks for CD’s letter, and further discussion of the sale of Tromer Lodge.

Summary

Thanks for copy of Movement in plants; CD’s discovery of a "nervous system without nerves" will have important bearing on origins of animal nervous system.

Summary

Discusses matters relating to Great Western Railway Company stock.

Summary

Sends the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union’s publications prior to the visit to Down of its deputation.

Summary

Expresses his gratitude for the Address he has been given.

Summary

High praise for Island life; ARW’s "best book". Encloses notes of comments and criticism. Hooker pleased by dedication.

Summary

Thanks for seeds of Megarrhiza and for information in letter to Asa Gray.

Will send copy of Movement in plants in which Megarrhiza is discussed [see pp. 81–2].

Summary

Thanks for address honouring him.

Summary

Has read THH’s review of Sir Wyville Thomson’s [Introduction to the] Voyage of the "Challenger".

Sends a draft of a letter for Nature [Collected papers 2: 223–4]. He particularly asks THH to decide whether he should include a certain paragraph [see ML 1: 389].

Summary

Lectured on mental evolution in Newcastle.

Has conducted interesting research on locomotor systems of echinoderms.

Summary

He has observed several instances of animals’ tails lying to the left in rigor mortis. Is this a general rule?

Summary

Has spoken to Wallace to see if reluctant to accept a Government pension. He would accept if CD and Huxley believe it justified. Encloses details of Wallace’s efforts to obtain a position as naturalist and his claims for a pension.

Summary

Response to CD’s notes [on Island life]:

1. On relation of paucity of fossils to coldness of water;

2. Cessation of the glacial period;

3. Rate of deposit and geological time;

4. The importance of preoccupation (by plants) in relation to plants arriving later.

Charge of speculative explanations is just.

Defends plausibility of migration of plants from mountain to mountain.

Summary

Believes the flexure in GM’s dead animals must result from the greater strength of the muscles on the left side. Thinks his son George once tested the strength of each leg of a group of boys, and CD could get his notes if wanted.

Summary

Thanks for information about Wallace. Is preparing memorial to be submitted to Government [seeking pension for Wallace].

Summary

Sorry he forgot the gardener’s address. Having a very nice time in Cambridge, and is almost finished the bramble paper. Drawing room is upside down, so living in Horace’s working room and dining room. Greek question was lost in the Senate House. George dined there last night. Too muddy to bicycle. Has some stuff for spectacles.

Summary

Has found three zones of stones in the Welsh and Pennine mountains which he accounts for by elevation and subsidence. Does CD think that these movements in historical times have been caused by earthquakes or by slow and gradual movements?