FD’s experiment shows that caustic does not interfere with the bending of radicles. Believes that the apex is a kind of brain for certain movements, being specialised to receive certain irritations.
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FD’s experiment shows that caustic does not interfere with the bending of radicles. Believes that the apex is a kind of brain for certain movements, being specialised to receive certain irritations.
Stresses importance of ensuring that cauterisation of radicles does not, through injury, prevent movement. Plans an experiment to test for "apheliotropism" in certain radicles.
CD gives suggestions concerning FD’s experiments on the radicles of roots. Asks him to find out whether J. von Sachs tried beans. Should also try other gramineous plants.
Bernard looking forward to his father’s return.
Notes observations on sensitivity and movement of radicles.
Has finished chapter [of Movement in plants] on sleeping plants and is now looking over heliotropism notes.
Is perplexed by Erasmus Darwin; Erasmus [A. Darwin] likes it, but Henrietta thinks it much too long.
Tells arrangements for their journey to Coniston.
Sends FD £5 for the loan of his microscope.
Asks for a specimen of Pinguicula.
Sends a cheque to clear FD’s debts. Hopes he will be more careful in the future.
Sends a cheque to pay off FD’s debts. Warns him of the dangers of overspending his income and advises him strongly to keep accounts.
Responds to Mivart’s Genesis of species. "I complain of his incessently speaking as if I trusted exclusively to natural selection … Mivart speaks in many places as if I entirely ignored the direct action of external conditions". Answers some of Mivart’s particular criticisms. Suggests FD read the letter to Marlborough Robert Pryor, as Pryor will never be able to read it himself.
Says Descent is "selling like Mad.––" Murray will print another 1500 or 2000 copies. Has received £630 for the 2500.
On Monday he visited Mivart, who is a charming man.
He seemed to be taken aback by CD’s points about the larynx and giraffe.
[See 7507 and 7519.]
He seemed to have forgotten CD’s argument regarding the formation of the greyhound.
Discussed the larynx and the silence of the Cetaceans.
If FD mentions any of this to [Marlborough Robert] Pryor, ask him not to mention it to anyone else "as it is perhaps rather a breach of confidence to repeat even to friends private conversation."
If FD gets the chance, will he observe whether the platysma contracts in a shivering fit? Wants much to know whether the platysma of frightened patients contracts before chloroform is given.
Please thank Mr Jackson for facts about shrugging, but case not distinct enough. Gestures associated with laughter. Platysma.
George [Darwin] plans a trip to America and would like FD to go [see 7757]. CD will gladly pay whole cost if the trip will not interfere with FD’s medical work.
CD will pay for the American trip if it takes place.
Asks whether FD can help him understand the eyes of cephalopods; is the structure the same as in the Vertebrata and are the parts developed from homologous layers of skin?
Has been pleased by a recent review.
Postscript: Is thinking of a cheap edition of the Origin [1872] in which he hopes to answer St George Mivart’s criticisms.
Asks FD whether he can get some references to good papers on cephalapod eyes.
Thanks for FD’s help. CD cannot conceive what Mivart means by "the identity between eyes of Cephalopods and Vertebrata".
Has invited Michael Foster to Down.
Asks who Fiske is. The articles [Harvard lectures?] are "so fair and in some respects so complimentary" that CD thinks he should write to him. [See 8058.]
Asks FD questions about his sketch [missing] of ridges and furrows. [FD’s answers are interlined.]
Will FD try to persuade A. D. Bartlett to show a live snake to a porcupine and observe whether the porcupine rattles the quills on its tail? [See 8333.]
Sends to Pantlludw [North Wales] bottle of formic acid. FD and Amy [Darwin] can search for spawn. If found, keep in two basins and add 6 drops of acid to one and look for differences.