Would greatly prefer an enema with a shorter nozzle but with a somewhat larger diameter.

Describes her experiences of blushing on her hands.

Obliged for letter on worm-castings. Asks GK to observe them in southern Europe.

Thanks for AdeC’s Histoire des sciences [1873].

Sends a copy of Expression.

His health keeps him weak; he dreads grappling with the fearful subject of variation [in nature]

so he is working up some observations in botanical physiology to publish with his old papers on climbing plants.

Is delighted to receive expression. Some comments on swallowing and scratching. Asks to be sent reviews.

Sends CD a copy of the second part of his paper on the remains and antiquities of Olmütz in Moravia.

A number of students wish to nominate CD as Lord Rector of the University of Aberdeen and JSC inquires whether CD’s state of health would prevent his standing as a candidate.

Asks CD’s opinion of John Denny’s idea that males have prepotent transmission power in plants. A. J. F. Wegmann says the females are prepotent.

Has received Expression and will forward it to his brother [Jean-Charles Houzeau de Lehaie].

Observations on expression: women gnash teeth when sexually excited. W. Africans do not kiss.

Is convinced that 2000 more copies [of Expression] must be printed without delay in order to meet demand. He therefore asks CD to send his corrections to the printer at once.

Thanks for Expression.

Has finished reading Descent and sends some comments [missing].

Thanks LHJ for a memoir [about remains and antiquities of Olmütz in Moravia].

Cannot accept honour of nomination as Lord Rector [of Aberdeen University].

Sends thanks for Expression; offers some additions, and will send printed queries abroad if CD wishes.

Has sent off a few trifling errata [of Expression] to Mr Clowes. Asks about the heliotypes.

Would like to hear about the sale of his books. [See 8616.]

Rabbits’ coats true in character. If the next ones are true, it is superfluous to keep trying.

Does not know why crying children rub eyes with knuckles.

Mentions FG’s article on prayer ["Statistical inquiries into the efficacy of prayer", Fortn. Rev. n.s. 12 (1872): 125–35].

Has been asked to take shares in the Artizans’ Dwellings Co., in which CD is a shareholder. If it is really a project for public good, he would be glad to be associated.

Owen has answered his letter in Nature [7 (1872): 5–7].

A letter from Tyndall [from America] was read at the X Club.

Writes, as a P.S. to his previous letter, stating his friends have advised him not to answer Owen’s attack.