Thinks it better to send proofs of his preface [to Erasmus Darwin] rather than MS – he always corrects proofs heavily. Doubts that it is worth translating into German – it is written for the English public. Supposes EK will not object to a French translation and an American edition of the little book. Has written a dozen pages during a break

in his experimental work [on movement of plants].

Sends first part of MS of Erasmus Darwin.

Has found useful criticism of Anna Seward in J. G. Lockhart’s Life of Sir Walter Scott.

CD should regard MS as a draft and correct anything that seems incorrect or questionable. Asks biographical questions about Dr Darwin. Can CD give information about origin of family name?