Parallel between CD’s account of morality [in Descent], of social instinct preceding selfishness, and Henry Maine’s account of notions of property of a community preceding individual property [in Ancient law (1861)].

Notes on Variation and Descent.

Was aware of Maine’s view but never thought of its extension to morals. Cannot avoid thinking that personal property like flint tools must have "strictly belonged to individuals as much as a bone to a dog".

Thanks for Descent.

He is "driven" from his post.

He has homologised the face muscles of cetaceans and man. Although the former do not show expression, the nose and upper lip muscles are highly developed.

Quotes authority on the decline in height of French army recruits.

Dutch translation [of Descent].

Notes about reversion.

Hermaphroditism in fishes.

Polydactylism.

Comments on Descent.

EH’s refusal of position at Vienna.

Asks for a drawing from life of a "laughing monkey" (Cynopithecus niger) for Expression [p. 136].

Rereading Journal of researches, particularly on Buenos Aires and varieties of cattle observed there [pp. 145–6]. Reports a case of a cow in which the characters of the niata and two other breeds were combined.

Admits pointer illustration is faulty.

Discusses shame, remorse, social instincts, approbation, and other topics discussed in Descent, ch. 4. "But as yet I nail my colours to the mast."

French translation of Descent all but complete.

Hopes translation of Origin will soon be finished.

Invites him to visit.

Miss Butler is dead.

Thanks CD for copy of Descent; wishes it had appeared earlier so that he could have made use of the facts in his Principles of psychology [2d ed. (1870–2)].

On private property, with regard to tools and arms; comments on Maine’s book and the history of law regarding property.

Agrees that social instinct or love for fellows is the beginning of moral feeling. Responds to CD’s letter [7537].

Has forwarded FDuCG’s book [Natural history of the Azores (1870)] to Dr Hartlaub.

Asks about eyes of camel when the animal is uttering a loud sound.

Thinks J. P. M. Weale’s papers all require great condensation.

Thanks for letter and invitation to come to Down.

Sorry about CD’s bad health; Brazilian climate has improved his own.

Sorry to hear Miss Butler is dead.

Praise for gentle but resolute tone of Descent.

Reports case of apparent consciousness of complicity in an elephant.

Believes that Darwinism is applicable to Greek language.