Encloses a letter [7617] to be forwarded to the author of the review of Descent in Pall Mall Gazette.

Asks WO to act out the sudden discovery of a dreadful object and to observe whether his platysma contracts. CD has found in his notes that it is never contracted in cases of severe dyspnoea [Expression, p. 301].

Gives CD permission to use photographs of expressions.

Thanks for £50 contribution to Edward Cresy’s memorial. £1000 collected so far for an annuity for Mrs Cresy.

If FD gets the chance, will he observe whether the platysma contracts in a shivering fit? Wants much to know whether the platysma of frightened patients contracts before chloroform is given.

Answers CD’s questions.

Reception of Descent. Evolution accepted everywhere; descent of man accepted calmly.

Morocco plans.

Fears for Huxley, who is overworked.

Thanks for CD’s letter on his review of Descent in the Pall Mall Gazette [21 Mar 1871].

Wants permission to have some of AK’s photographs copied for Expression.

Sends Hibiscus

and enclosure [Queries about expression?] on chance of "any point being observed" in Morocco.

Murray informs him edition of Descent will probably be 6500 copies.

Thanks WO for his reply to letter of 26 March. Has tried several people and platysma seemed to act, but it is difficult to observe when they shudder.

Discusses errors in Descent. Not surprised that WT is not committed to full acceptance of evolution of man.

At work on Expression. Asks about muscles that raise spines of hedgehog and tail coverts of peacock. Asks about influence of mind on capillaries with regard to blushing. Mentions views of James Paget on influence of the mind on nutrition of body parts.

Effects of first impregnation on litters from subsequent pregnancies.

Power of selective breeding to produce different varieties.

Answers to CD’s queries will take time. CD may not be aware of the influence of accommodation on the diameter of the pupil of the eye. Parrots, for example, contract or dilate the pupil independently of amount of light [see Expression, p. 304]. Sends his book on the subject [On the anomalies of accommodation and refraction of the eye (1864)].

Asks whether capillary circulation is ever influenced by the mind’s being directed intently to any part of the body.

Has JC-B ever seen idiots blush? JC-B’s MS on blushing is capital.

Note on errata in first volume of Descent.

Comments on influence of nervous system on nutrition of body parts as discussed in James Paget’s Lectures on surgical pathology [delivered at the Royal College of Surgeons of England, 3d ed. (1870)]. Asks about mental influence on capillary circulation.

Wonders whether correspondent might possibly know of any cases in which intense concentration of the mind on one portion of the skin produces dilation of the capillary vessels and hence reddening of the area.

Thanks GBAD for permission to use his photographs [see 7623] and for the information on the expression of astonishment in monkeys.

More details on children with hairy backs;

reasons for greater mortality rate of male children.

Discusses breeding fancy pigeons from the wild blue rock-dove.