Entirely sympathises with CD about Mivart’s attack on George. THH has had a letter from Mivart in which he pleads guilty, but THH has decided there is no patching the matter up. Advises against doing anything unless Mivart takes initiative.

Thanks THH and Hooker for defending George Darwin against Mivart’s libel.

CD has written to Mivart to say that he will never hold any communication with him in future.

Is alarmed by the petitions against vivisection that are being circulated. Believes there is scope for reasonable legislation and would like to see eminent physiologists prepare a petition so that the science could be protected and animals saved from needless suffering.

Sends suggestions for observations on glacial phenomena that might be made on the [Polar] expedition [of H. M. S. Alert and Discovery, 1875–6].

Affected by THH’s letter – will send a copy to the other 17 friends. Hopes for his and public’s sake his health will improve.

CD believes Playfair’s bill would not restrict demonstrations under anaesthetic.

Playfair "disgusted at our pronunciamentos against the Bill". Burdon Sanderson and William Sharpey agreed to it. THH feels he must serve on Vivisection Commission.

Encloses an invitation to give evidence to Vivisection Commission. Satisfied with way things were going, but E. E. Klein’s evidence that he is utterly indifferent to pain of animals has done great mischief.

Arrangements for CD’s appearance before Vivisection Commission.

A Dr Sarazin offers services as translator.

Will read CD’s letter about Robert Swinhoe to Royal Society Council and see what can be done for him.

Agrees with CD that Charles Voysey’s "Protest" would not do any good.

Has less sympathy with half-hearted sentimental school than with thorough-going orthodoxy. On theological dogmas, benevolence of the Creator.

[Encloses copy of his letter to Voysey.]

He said nothing in his tribute to CD that was not strictly accurate. Has written out a version as well as he can recollect it and will send CD a copy.

Sends article on "Evolution" [Encyclopaedia Britannica, 9th ed.]. CD will be interested in Lamarck’s opinions in 1794.

Is working on crayfish and their distribution.

Othniel Marsh of Yale would like to visit CD.

Describes Anthony Rich, whom he has visited.

Refers to "Devonshire Man"’s attack on him ["Professor Huxley’s last new theory", Pall Mall Gaz. 18 Jan 1870, p. 6]. His intention to answer – a waste, except for political bearing of Celt question ["Professor Huxley on Celts and Teutons", Pall Mall Gaz. 21 Jan 1870, p. 6].

Reports "shindy" at Oxford over persons proposed for doctorate. Pusey assented to CD’s being "doctored" to keep out seven worse devils.

Thanks for new book [Descent].

Shocked at Lyell’s appearance and speech.

Family news.