Discusses loss of voluntary movement of ears in man and monkey.

Is honoured to hear from JLC and would welcome the communication of any facts that he cares to send him.

Asks TW to persuade painters to observe how far down body blush extends on models.

Thanks for information about blushing of idiots.

Case of pregnant woman "truly wonderful".

Thanks for photographs.

Has found London photographer, O. G. Rejlander, with passion for photographing expression.

Received information about iris of eye from F. C. Donders; shows contraction and dilation of pupil is very complex.

Asks JC-B to read CD’s MS on confusion of mind, which often or generally accompanies blushing.

Discusses blushing. CD believes confusion of mind alone can account for it. Sends MS for JC-B’s comments and corrections.

Reports further observations on contraction of platysma. Has been assisted by J. Wood. [See Expression, pp. 302, 303.]

Cannot provide comment on GF’s paper for publication. Hopes GF will publish in Nature. Will consider his remarks when revising book [Descent].

Comments on JM’s review of Descent, vol. 2 [Pall Mall Gaz. 13 (1871): 1358–9].

Mistake CD made "in speaking of greatest happiness as the foundation of morals" is unintelligible to CD. Discusses J. S. Mill’s view of moral feelings as natural. Discusses basis of conscience.

Glad to read remarks on hive-bees.

Comments on notes by JC-B on relation between blushing and mental disturbance. Asks for further information about blushing. "The single pencil line down this MS is my mark that I have used it once."

Thanks for "dreadful photo of the imbeciles".

Obliged for letter about dog.

Comments on HH’s article ["Zur Geschlechtsbestimmung", Bot. Ztg. 29 (1871): 81–9, 97–109].

Case of the reasoning bear is analogous to the elephant blowing with trunk to bring object within reach.

Please thank Mr Jackson for facts about shrugging, but case not distinct enough. Gestures associated with laughter. Platysma.

Is sending copy of Descent.

Thanks for copy of WP’s book [Die Blutkrystalle (1871)].

Discusses shape of external ear.

Obliged for letter about human ear. Comments on ears and on E. R. Lankester’s idea about the ear-lobe.

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.

Thanks for present of FWF’s The witness of history [1871].

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 AN for facts and corrections [for Descent].

The case of the gull must come out [Descent 2: 108 n. 9]. "Oh Lord, how difficult accuracy is!"

Discusses homologies in various animal groups.

Comments on Mivart [Genesis of species].