Discusses ideas on the development of language; agrees with CD that it is a process governed by unconscious selection; he considers it analogous to unconscious selection of domestic animals by savages. Remarks on the differing views of Max Müller and W. D. Whitney regarding the origin of language and its development. Comments on the extent to which unintentional effects can be ascribed directly to the agency of free intelligent wills.

Report about six-toed cats; trait persistent for three generations.

Further reflections upon Bastian’s book [The beginnings of life (1872)].

ARW’s prospects for Directorship at Bethnal Green Museum.

He became entrapped in the W. Lyon controversy by defending CD against Frederic Bateman of Norwich.

As a religious man, FWH wants to apologise for the attacks CD has suffered in the name of religion.

Discusses the price of some heliotype prints [for Expression?].

Requests proofs of Expression.

Informs CD that he has forwarded some oils and opium.

Encloses letter and cheque [from John Scott].

Again in thick of Ayrton matter. Tyndall and Huxley have shown themselves equal to the occasion in grasp of subject, tenacity of purpose, independence, and good-will.

Answers CD’s questions on arrangements for forthcoming publication of Expression – including cost of stereotypes, woodcuts, and photo reproductions for foreign translations.

Sends Murray’s cheque for £315 for the last issue of Descent.

Details regarding foreign editions of Expression.

Agrees on price for supplying Appleton with Expression electrotypes and stereotypes. Difficulties with heliotypes [for illustrations of Expression].

Is satisfied with CD’s arrangement with Murray for Appleton’s to pay $50 [pounds or dollars!?] for stereo plates and clichés of 21 woodblocks for CD’s new book [Expression, see 8217]. Has ordered 5000 sets of plate impressions from Robert Cooke at Murray’s.

Explains the cost of heliotype plates [for Expression] and the consequent need to raise the price of the book.

Sends a set of plates [for Expression]. Price of the book must be 12s instead of 10s 6d, or 14s instead of 12s.

Cost of plates [for Expression] is very high and will make "a terrible hole in the profits".

Has ordered printing of 2000 sets of illustrations [for Expression] for Murray’s and informed D. Appleton of price per thousand. Has answered letter from Eduard Koch [of Schweizerbart]. Has also arranged for index.

Cost of impression of the heliotype plates [for Expression] is so high that he asks CD to consider having a set photographed onto wood and then engraved. Index [for Expression] is in hand.

Defers to CD and has ordered 2000 sets of impressions from heliotype plates [for Expression] for Murray’s and 3000 sets for Appleton. Also has directed printer to send Appleton a set of stereotype plates of the work and the woodcuts.