CD has caused a great change in HS’s views, in showing how a great proportion of adaptation should be explained by natural selection not direct adaptation to changing conditions. HS had remarked on the survival of the best individuals as a cause of improvement in man, but he "& every one" overlooked selection of spontaneous variation. Believes so many kinds of indirect evidence must add up to a conclusive demonstration of the doctrine.

[Responding to JH's 1860}-1-12,] HS admits some of JH's objections to HS's views on distribution of cometary orbits, but attempts to salvage HS's cyclonic theory of sunspot formation.

Asks JH to become a subscriber to a work that HS is bringing out. Lists prominent persons who have already done so.

Thanks JH for agreeing [1860-3-17] to be a subscriber to HS's project and for JH's critique of HS's use of the term 'Absolute.' Admits that it has difficulties.