Comments on W. H. Harvey’s article on a monstrous Begonia [Gard. Chron. 18 Feb 1860].
Is astonished at being attacked for not allowing great and abrupt variations under nature. More evidence needed to make CD admit that forms have often changed "by saltum".
Gradation in the eye.
Hooker intends to reply [to W. H. Harvey’s article in Gard. Chron. (1860): 145–6].
Discusses Aspicarpa with respect to correlation.
Comments on monstrous animals.
Discusses objections of Bronn and Asa Gray to natural selection. Cites parallel between natural selection and Newton’s concept of gravitation.
Mentions German experiments on spontaneous generation.
Too ill to go to club.
Is extremely pleased by what FJP says of his book [Origin]. Recalls how slowly he changed his own opinion; does not think anyone "could at once undergo so great a revolution in opinion". Thanks FJP for his intended notice of the work [Bibl. Univers. Arch. Sci. Phys. & Nat. 7 (1860)].
Recommends an "excellent Review by that admirable Botanist Asa Gray" [Am. J. Sci. 2d ser. 29 (1860): 153–84].
L. Agassiz is very bitter against CD’s book but H. G. Bronn, although very much opposed, "with noble liberality of sentiment" is going to superintend a German translation.
As FJP’s studies lead him to reflect on "Geological Succession, Geographical Distribution, Classification, Homology & Embryology", CD expects that he will go a little further with him because "these facts … are inexplicable on the theory of creation".
Pleased ACR likes Origin. Every geological believer is most important. A long, stiff battle is ahead for the new doctrine.
Discusses poultry crosses, "what a hopelessly difficult subject is that of inheritance!" Gives details of some pigeon crosses he made; cannot positively recall which produced the blue bird.
Last sheets of AG’s review of Origin have arrived. CD’s comments and criticisms.
Comments on CL’s reaction to the Origin. Mentions reactions of other scientists.
Discusses fertility of Aspicarpa.
Criticises Herbert Spencer’s views on population.
Applauds JDH’s reply [25 Feb 1860] to W. H. Harvey in Gardeners’ Chronicle.
Asks JDH for some Goodenia.
Suggests Daniel Oliver try to cross Mimosa, noted for sterility.
Has been ill with pleurisy.
Sends more corrections and additions for American edition of Origin.
CD’s list of fifteen converts. His opinions on opponents and supporters.
Gardeners’ Chronicle has reprinted THH’s Times review.
W. H. Harvey made weak attack on Origin [Gard. Chron. (1860): 145–6], to which Hooker made admirable rejoinder [Gard. Chron. (1860): 170–1].
Orders J. B. Jukes’s Student’s manual of geology [1857] and Macmillan’s Magazine (Dec 1859).
Responds to JL’s comments on effect of natural selection on grouse or reindeer.
Asks if dirt adheres to feet of water-birds.
Orders first part of vol. 3 of Isidore Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, Histoire naturelle générale des règnes organiques [3 vols. (1854–62)].
Will be glad to have SPW’s criticisms of Origin.
Discusses his use of terms, "typical" and "specialisation".
Emphasises large body of facts explained by his theory of species.
Reports on the snakes he collected in the Galapagos.
Further additions and corrections for American Origin.
Views of Owen, G. H. K. Thwaites, and W. H. Harvey on CD’s theories.
Lyell and CD would urge JDH to make his essays into a book, but see he has embarked on a huge project with G. Bentham [Genera plantarum, 3 vols. (1862–83)].
