Asks whether capillary circulation is ever influenced by the mind’s being directed intently to any part of the body.

Has JC-B ever seen idiots blush? JC-B’s MS on blushing is capital.

Comments on influence of nervous system on nutrition of body parts as discussed in James Paget’s Lectures on surgical pathology [delivered at the Royal College of Surgeons of England, 3d ed. (1870)]. Asks about mental influence on capillary circulation.

Wonders whether correspondent might possibly know of any cases in which intense concentration of the mind on one portion of the skin produces dilation of the capillary vessels and hence reddening of the area.

Thanks GBAD for permission to use his photographs [see 7623] and for the information on the expression of astonishment in monkeys.

Thanks him for information on children with hairy backs.

Discusses paper by J. M. Duncan on the relative weights of male and female infants.

Discusses his concept of beauty. "I daresay I have made too much of natural selection".

Protests against FJW making the struggle for existence still more odious by calling it ‘selfish competition’.

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.

Formally declines dinner invitation.

Agrees to have his or Emma Darwin’s name added to the General Committee for securing medical education to women.

Thanks for information on colour differences in sexes of Lemur.

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.]

Has no idea who wrote the Times review [of Descent]. Writer has no knowledge of science and "seems a windbag full of metaphysics & classics".

Reports safe arrival of rabbits.

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