Has corrected and improved Origin.
Now hopes to make real progress [on Variation].
JDH sends a list of the principal confirmatory evidences of CD’s theory which he has prepared at W. R. Grove’s request for Nottingham speech ["Presidential address", Rep. BAAS 26 (1866): liii–lxxxi].
On reflection, in view of the extensive additions CD has made to Origin, has decided to print 1500 copies [of 4th ed.].
Comments on JDH’s list – very good, but Orchids and Primula paper have too indirect a bearing to be worth mentioning. The Eozoon is a very important fact and to a much lesser degree the Archaeopteryx. Müller’s Für Darwin [1864] perhaps the most important contribution.
CD has forgotten to mention Bates on variation and JDH’s Arctic paper ["Distribution of Arctic plants", Trans. Linn. Soc. Lond. 23 (1862): 251–348] in new edition of Origin.
Now finds that Owen claims to be originator of natural selection.
No enclosure in JDH’s last letter.
Would like to be amused "for my stomach & the whole Universe is this day demoniacal in my eyes".
Sends flowers of buckthorn [Rhamnus catharticus] collected on Isle of Wight.
Age at which babies first shed tears.
Encloses a sketch of the principal events in his life [for RH’s memoir on CD in Walford, ed., Portraits of men of eminence (1863–7)].
No summary available.
No summary available.
No summary available.
Will give him great pleasure if he can assist J. Parkhurst in any way, but regulations in Messrs. Green's ships will preclude him from their service. Met Margaret Brodie Herschel at the Stewarts a few days ago.
Giving observations of a new star observed by him and some of his correspondents.
Comments on new star reported by WH [see WH's 1866-5-18]; includes diagram of that portion of the sky.
Much obliged for his observations of June 1842. Probably the same star that is now being observed. Gives observations sent him by G. B. Airy.
Found the enclosed in a bookseller's shop, found it amusing, and sends it to JH to explain the mystery.
Comments on EH's 'Magic pictures', which JH said he produced and described in a paper twenty-six years earlier; JH is however unable to explain the process chemically.
Mostly about arranging a meeting with both JW and G. B. Airy at the Greenwich Visitation.
The packet for Wilfred Heely has just been delivered and JM will arrange for it to be forwarded to Calcutta by the Mail steamer.
Tells JH that JS's brother, James, is very ill and infirm, almost blind and with his memory failing, but wishing to be reconciled to those with whom he was in conflict in earlier times. Charles Babbage has visited. Would JH come or write?