Approves draft of vivisection bill. Huxley strongly in favour of a bill.
Knows of the pitchers of one species of Dischidia.
On pitchers of Dischidia and insects found in them.
Sends concluding part of his Zoologie [see 8531].
Enjoys translating Journal of researches. Questions several passages.
He is honoured by CD’s selection of him as the medium of communication with Government. The matter [Vivisection Bill] now lies with the Home Secretary.
Looking forward to publication of Insectivorous plants, which he will review.
Paul Mantegazza has criticised FD on insectivorous plants
and CD on sexual selection; FD maintains dichogamy in plants supports sexual selection.
Staying with the [Ore H.] Sandwiths during his convalescence.
Lord Cardwell thinks it unlikely that Parliament will take any action on a vivisection bill this session. Playfair should be consulted.
E. F. W. Pflüger’s important memoir on how carbonic acid is produced by living matter and his speculation about origin of living matter [see 9931].
Thanks for letter of 15th and book. Recollects many sights of Tierra del Fuego described by CD.
V. O. Kovalevsky has paid for the Expression plates.
Still has 400 copies of Chauncey Wright’s pamphlet
and 450 of Müller’s Facts and arguments for Darwin.
Returns papers [unidentified].
One on inheritance destitute of meaning. How can "force" act without any material on which to act? Discussion must assume truth of some such theory as Pangenesis.
Further discussion about the act regulating animal experimentation; believes the licensing of places to be impracticable.
Transcribes extracts from Sir James Mackintosh and J. S. Polack on infanticide.
Announces death of W. W. Reade.
Translates letter [of 30 Mar 1875, missing] to CD from the Society of Naturalists in the Imperial University of Kazan, awarding an honorary membership.
Informs CD that he has taken no further action about the petition concerning animal experimentation on the understanding that it would be presented only if the government introduced an objectionable bill. [See 9948.]
Encloses extract which suggests that CD and friends oppose any restriction on vivisection; asks CD to state his principles. Another bill is being sketched for Cruelty Society.
Supports the Vivisection Bill, with a more humanitarian preamble. Working to get it through the House of Lords.
Acknowledges CD’s letter and enclosure on vivisection.
The Society wishes to introduce a bill to limit vivisection and is arranging a meeting with medical men to discuss the bill.
Lyon Playfair approves the bill concerning animal experimentation and would be prepared to introduce it should it be necessary. Believes a bill could be passed by Parliament by September.