Is glad CD has found interest in "the old book" [Dr Erasmus Darwin’s commonplace book].

Discusses Erasmus Darwin and his belongings, which RD has inherited.

Owns a portrait of Erasmus Darwin by Joseph Wright of Derby.

Answers NAvM’s letter for CD. CD considers evolution is quite consistent with belief in God, but NvM must remember people mean different things by God.

Details of family history. Has discovered Dr Darwin did get to Edinburgh before his son, Charles, died.

The more CD reads of Dr Darwin the higher he rises in his estimation.

Is tired of writing letters, "half the fools throughout Europe write to ask me the stupidest questions".

Has found a pamphlet of 1780 about Charles Darwin [1758–78].

RD’s sister, Violetta, has found some early verses and a MS by Dr Erasmus Darwin.

Thanks Royal Danish Academy for electing him as a Member, and for the kind expressions toward him from so many illustrious naturalists.

Gives some examples of Dr Erasmus Darwin’s benevolence; will forward some books that may interest CD.

Research for Erasmus Darwin. CD has always thought there is one "golden rule" for biographers: "not to insert anything which … would interest only the members of the Family".

Thanks CD for sending some old family letters of RD’s father’s [Francis Sacheverel Darwin (1786–1859)].

Discusses material for Erasmus Darwin including an engraved portrait by Joseph Wright.

He has nothing at all to send in answer to CD’s questions respecting the book on Erasmus Darwin.

Thanks EAW for assistance. Describes plans for writing preliminary sketch [for Ernst Krause’s Erasmus Darwin].

Sends her sketch of [Breadsall] Priory, as renovated by present owner.

Sends thanks for "communicating the curious case of a habitual gesture, like that which I have treated as inherited. I may add that since I write, the action has been transmitted to another generation. Your case shall be sent to Mr Galton, who gave me the information".

Answers CD’s query about Robert Darwin of Lincoln’s Inn.

Sends an introduction for Leonard Darwin to their tenants at Elston Hall.

Fears he cannot give much information for CD’s book [Erasmus Darwin]. Recounts how his mother’s health was improved by Erasmus Darwin’s treatment. Remembers being attacked as a boy by an angry lady whose beautiful teeth were extracted by Dr Darwin "to cure some nervous spasms".

Thanks for letter of introduction for Leonard Darwin to CMCD’s tenant at Elston.

Sends some information about R. W. Darwin’s residence at Elston; does not plan to include a portrait of him.

Asks the acreage of land at Cleatham.

Offers to send a print of the portrait of himself by W. W. Ouless.

Thanks CD for offer of his portrait.

Suggests a solicitor who has Darwin papers and who may have information about Cleatham.

Describes her portrait of Erasmus Darwin.

Sends letters from RD’s father to R. W. Darwin.

Second edition of Edmond Barbier’s revised translation of Origin selling out; third one to be published.

A new edition of Variation, virtually retranslated by Barbier, is in press.

Second edition of Descent selling out.

CD’s botanical books are losing money.

Observations on unusual mating behaviour of canaries.