Henry Holland and others have attacked his reasoning from analogy to one primordial created form – by which CD means only that we know nothing of how life originated. The reasoning seems probable to him, so he has kept it in.
His poor health keeps him from work.
His book [Origin] is a success "in the ordinary sense" – has had to reprint another 3000 copies.
Will now begin his "bigger book" which he plans to publish in three separate volumes with distinct titles and also a general title.
Discusses purchase of additional land.
High, detailed praise for introductory essay to Flora Tasmaniae [reprinted as On the flora of Australia (1859)]. CD expects it to convert botanists from doctrine of immutable creation.
Has sent off last proof of 2d ed. of Origin. Assumes JM has remembered the diagram. Asks that remaining clean sheets be sent to Asa Gray.
Mentions William Clift ["Report in regard to the fossil bones found in New Holland", Edinburgh New Philos. J. 10 (1830–1): 394–6].
Discusses relations between fossil and living types.
Discusses Hooker’s introductory essay [in Flora Tasmaniae]. Criticises Hooker’s views on flora of rising and sinking islands.
CD has written to Asa Gray criticising J. D. Dana’s arguments for a warm period subsequent to glacial period.
Remembers it is Alphonse de Candolle who states that many species are not true species.
Did Huxley write the excellent review in the Times?
Delighted with Times review [26 Dec 1859]. Puzzled by author, suspects THH, but publication in Times makes it unlikely. Sorry for Owen.
Encloses letter concerning Edward Blyth’s application for a position with the China expedition.
Mentions reviews of the Origin. Guesses that Huxley wrote the Times review.
Alludes to discussion of relations between fossil and modern types [in Principles of geology 3: 144].
Discusses destruction of tropical forms in the glacial period.
Mentions letter from Dana concerning Dana’s illness.
Queries possible misprint in JDH’s introduction to Flora Tasmaniae.
Thanks for correction concerning the scarcity of fossil littoral shells.
Grieved at JDD’s illness. Recommends water-cure. Describes his own illness.
The reception of Origin has been more successful than he dreamed.
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