Summary

Thanks CD for translation of Climbing plants.

AG is at work on Les enchaînements du monde animal [1878]. Will send CD a copy as soon as it is ready.

Summary

Acknowledges receipt of French translation of Forms of flowers. "No one more than you has made us feel the beauties of Creation and made us enter more profoundly into the secrets of nature."

Summary

Sends a notice on a reptile intermediate between true Triassic reptiles and Devonian fishes ["Sur le reptile (Actinodon)", C. R. Hebd. Acad. Sci. 63 (1866): 341–4].

Expresses his admiration for CD, and his growing sense that transformation of species is probable, though he does not share CD’s explanation of the cause. He avoids the question, since he lacks requisite knowledge and is convinced that there are causes of which God alone knows the secret.

Summary

Sends an article ["Des lumières que la géologie peut jeter sur … l’histoire ancienne des Athéniens"] extracted from his work [Animaux fossiles et géologie de l’Attique (1862–7)]. CD’s letters have been an encouragement.

Hopes the belief in transformation will gradually be accepted. For himself the idea in no way undermines his idea of spirituality and his respect for human dignity.

Hopes to continue his work on the genealogical relationship (enchaînement) of fossils.

Summary

Thanks CD for copy of Variation.

CD’s work on pigeons demonstrates the close relationship between modifications in soft tissues and the hard parts, which are the only ones we possess in the fossil state.

Summary

Asks permission to dedicate to CD his book on the fossil animals and geology of Attica [Animaux fossiles et géologie de l’Attique (1862–7)]. CD will find much in it relating to the "filiation" of species, genera, and families.