Summary

Has read with interest GJR’s review [of Samuel Butler, Unconscious memory (1880)] in Nature [23 (1880–1): 285–7]. Heroic of GJR to call down [Butler’s] revenge on his own head. Ernst Krause’s letter [Nature 23 (1880–1): 288] very good.

As magistrate, CD must enforce rules regarding infection in pigs.

Summary

Thanks GJR for his second letter replying to Butler [Nature 23 (1880–1): 335–6].

Summary

Intends experiment to see if cats released in country can find their way back.

Summary

Comments on the meaning of his definition of the term, "animal intelligence". Encloses further discussion from his forthcoming book [Earthworms].

Summary

Responds to MS of Earthworms. An objective but arbitrary test of intelligence in animals is the ability to learn from experience. Earthworms fall on the border of intelligence. They could justly be called intelligent if they could learn by experience to manipulate some unknown, exotic leaf. CD should make clear that intelligence does not imply self-consciousness.

Summary

Comments on GJR’s view of animal consciousness. Mentions experiment on learning among worms.

Summary

Suggests transplanting plant ovaries to test Pangenesis.

None of the cats released in experiment found its way back.

Summary

Discusses difficulties involved in plant experiment designed to test Pangenesis.

Summary

Discusses concept of intelligence in his Earthworms manuscript.

Remarks on GJR’s work on echinoderms.

Comments on Wilhelm Roux [Der Kampf der Theile im Organismus (1881)].

Discusses animal instincts, citing Fabre’s description of sand-wasps.

Summary

Looks forward to reading CD’s Earthworms.

Agrees that habits of sand-wasp are determined by natural selection.

Experiment of exposing plants to flashing light gives uncertain result.

Summary

Discusses GJR’s experiments on heliotropism in plants; views of Philippe van Tieghem and Julius von Wiesner. Describes his own experiments.

Mentions his letter on vivisection [to Frithiof Holmgren, see 13115] in the Times [18 Apr 1881].

Summary

Only more sensitive seedlings respond to flashing light.

CD’s letter to Times ["On vivisection", 22 Apr 1881] in every way admirable.

GJR to be Zoological Secretary of Linnean Society.

Has decided on arrangement of material for his books Animal intelligence [1882]

and Mental evolution in animals [1883].

Summary

Comments on GJR’s letter in the Times [25 Apr 1881] concerning vivisection. Mentions activity of anti-vivisectionists, G. R. Jesse and F. P. Cobbe.

Summary

Suggests CD delay arrangements for his Linnean Society portrait. GJR thinks John Collier would be willing to paint it.

Summary

Agrees to sit for portrait. Thinks John Collier is a good artist, an opinion based on his portrait of Hooker.

Summary

CD is glad the portrait [of CD by John Collier] has been arranged; suggests dates, but feels he should have no say in the subscriptions or remuneration.

Thinks the Lakes are beautiful.

Is reading W. Graham’s The creed of science.

Summary

Has told John Collier to write to CD to arrange for portrait.

Will read [W. Graham’s] Creed of science.

Has got into row with W. B. Carpenter over thought-reading.

Summary

Is returning to Down.

Rejoices that GJR writes so much in Nature.

Summary

Encloses notice about Wilhelm Roux’s book [see 13118].

Comments on John Collier’s portrait.

Summary

Delighted that portrait of CD has "pleased those who are the best judges".

Arranging for vote on vivisection by International Medical Congress.