Asks, on behalf of his father, whether he might publish a new German translation of the Origin, believing Bronn’s to be inadequate.
Asks, on behalf of his father, whether he might publish a new German translation of the Origin, believing Bronn’s to be inadequate.
Forgot to thank CD for his praise of tendril paper [see 4944].
Cannot come to Down on weekend because of teaching duties.
Describes plans for new German edition of Origin [1867].
Thanks for the paper on Sterrha (McLachlan 1865).
Oswald Heer [in Die Urwelt der Schweiz (1866)] agrees with CD that Swiss ants (Formica sanguinea) capture more slaves than do British ants. Does this contradict selection, since the British ants are exposed to harder conditions and a poorer fauna?
Writes on slave-making ants; cannot explain why fewer slaves are caught in England than in Switzerland.
Sends CD comb of the Chinese honey-bee, as requested.
Asks [Secretary] to list the proper titles of foreign societies of which he is an honorary member; he has mislaid diplomas.
Calls for more study of behaviour and less of classification to determine whether descent theory can bear the weight not [only] of reasoning but of fact. Hopes CD’s intended book [Variation] will help.
Asks to visit Down on Saturday.
Mrs Hooker will not come with him to Down on Saturday.
The specimen is not a fish but the larva of some batrachian or frog-like animal. Has sent it to British Museum, which says it resembles the axolotl of Mexico.
Is writing an article on the life and work of George Boole and would like JH's advice on one of D. F. Gregory's references.
Has not had time to finish the George Boole paper, but the biographical part is in print. Will send him the complete article when it is finished.
Comments on analytic symbolism in mathematics.
Is Secretary of a committee for advising on Indian weights and measures and would welcome any reports and pamphlets by WH's father [note on verso stating the letter has been passed to his father].
Expressing the thanks of her mother for signing the memorial.
Has his note of the 19th and also saw JH's son [Alexander] for a few minutes yesterday. Agrees that JH's son should not become a candidate until he has given the lectures. Hopes to see him at Merrylea.
Intends to apply for a professorship at Owens College and would like to use JH's letter as a testimonial. Would also like to send a copy of this letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.