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].

Lyon Playfair’s bill [on vivisection] is unacceptable to all teachers of physiology. It prohibits dissections for demonstrations to students. He will have to repudiate it. Asks CD’s advice.

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.

THH sends to AD a draft, prepared by himself and CD, of a statement for a subscription fund to assist AD’s Naples Zoological Station.

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

Has received Chauncey Wright’s pamphlet [see 7940].

Has reviewed Quarterly Review article and 2d ed. of Genesis of species for the Contemporary Review [18 (1871): 443–76].

Mivart has hopelessly misunderstood Suarez [Disputiones (1630)] on evolution.

Appreciation of the "marriage gift"; their affection for CD.