All but last two chapters of Origin proofs corrected.
Praise for JDH’s introductory essay [to Flora Tasmaniae].
Very ill and sick of work.
CL’s research on flint tools.
Promises to send proof-sheets of Origin. Discusses his view of species.
Ill health of himself and his family.
Delighted with JM’s suggestions. Asks JM to send sheets to Lyell.
On title of Origin, suggests omitting word "Varieties" altogether if JM does not object. Last proofs corrected, but revises still to do.
Inquires about the chances of meeting her when he goes to Ilkley for a cure.
Corrected last proof of Origin yesterday. Still has revises and index to do.
Will read more JDH proofs of Flora Tasmaniae.
Reports the results of some poultry crossing experiments; comments on transmission of different features.
"My unlucky Book [Origin] will be published 1st week in November."
Thanks CL for his favourable remarks to the Geological Section of the BAAS concerning the forthcoming publication of the Origin. Hopes CL will accept his view of species.
Comments on CL’s paper ["On the occurrence of works of human art in post-Pliocene deposits", Rep. BAAS 29 (1859): 93–5].
His book [Origin] is nearly done. Is not so silly as to expect to convert WDF. Lyell is wavering; Hooker has come round.
Family news.
Asks WDF to find out if a cross between differently coloured horses produces a dun.
Discusses text of Origin.
Compares Eocene and modern climates.
Mentions Hooker’s view of his geographical [distribution] chapters.
Asks CL’s opinion of his statements on distribution during "glacial and preceding warmer periods".
Mentions chapters on geological record and embryology.
Encloses draft in payment for tutoring of sons Francis and Leonard, with thanks for all GVR’s assistance.
Will send his servant for Arum plant.
Is sending off last proof-sheets of Origin.
Asks CL’s opinion of final chapter. Mentions difficulties of his argument.
Is too unwell to start for Ilkley.
Murray’s printing of 1250 copies seems too large to CD.
Tells how to get information on, and gain membership in, the London Library.
Discusses events at Ilkley.
Declines an invitation to visit [Moor] Park.
He hopes that Dr Lane is arranging things to his satisfaction.
Thanks JP for bearing in mind his strong wish to learn any facts on inheritance at corresponding ages, and on correlation of growth.
JP’s case of teeth affected by syphilitic parents seems very curious. Would like to hear a few particulars when they meet.
Praises the Origin: a "splendid case of close reasoning".
Objects to CD’s having ignored Lamarck and Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire.
Thinks CD should omit mentioning problem of explaining the eye at the beginning of chapter 14. Suggests rewording several passages.
Thinks want of peculiar birds in Madeira a difficulty, considering presence of them in Galapagos.
Has always felt that the case of man and his races is one and the same with animals and plants.
First impressions of the water-cure establishment are not favourable – "I always hate everything new".
CL’s comments on Origin. Mentions corrections to last chapter suggested by CL.
Comments on lack of peculiar bird species on Madeira and Bermuda. Emphasises importance of American types in Galapagos.
Denies necessity of continued creation of primitive "Monads".
Denies need for new powers and any principle of improvement.
Discusses gradations of intellectual powers.
Adaptive inferiority and extinction of groups of species and genera.
Asserts that climate is less important than the struggle with other organisms.
Suggests an experiment involving primroses and cowslips.
The chapter on hybridisation.
Rudimentary organs.
Gives opinion of Lamarck’s work.
Book finished some two weeks.
Feeling much better at Ilkley.
Lyell thinks favourably of book but "staggered" at lengths to which CD goes.
Which continental botanists should receive presentation copies?
