Sends proofs and details [concerning VOK’s Russian translation of Expression (1872)].

CD suggests fair way for the Heliotype Company to charge for new negatives and copies of plates.

The carrier will call at University College on Thursday 15 August.

Acknowledges a box of worm-casts from India and a bottle of worms in spirits. There is no memorandum.

His book on expression is finished and includes valuable information from JS.

Is greatly relieved to hear that the estimate [of the Heliotype Company] was a mistake. Sends lettered copies of seven plates for Expression, and discusses payment to be made by foreign editors for copies of the plates.

Arrangements for the plates for Expression and charges to be made for them to foreign editors.

Will inform all foreign publishers that John Murray will supply 1000 copies of heliotype plates [for Expression] for £75. CD would not have used so many photos had he foreseen the cost, but woodcuts would not have done.

Cost of plates [for Expression] is greater than expected: £75 per 1000 copies.

Can believe animals communicate together, but does not know how.

CD has given translation right [for Expression] to Dutch publisher Joh. Ijkema.

Thanks for valuable information [about worms?]. "The more I investigate the extreme amount of work effected, the more perplexed as yet I become."

Rejoices at success [of Naples Zoological Station]. Will send complete set of his books to the library.

If AD is interested, he will send a copy of Expression when it comes out.

Invites AD to visit Down.

CD’s son Leonard of the Royal Engineers has applied to Sir George Biddell Airy to be an observer on the Venus Expedition. Leonard failed to mention his qualifications, which CD now relates with the request that HA draw them to his father’s attention.

Detailed response to reading of Bastian’s Beginnings of life [1872]. On the whole, it seems probable to CD that spontaneous generation is true.

Explains that William Penman Lyon has misquoted CD in Lyon [1871].

Is now at work on Drosera and asks to borrow D. capensis and other species.

Acknowledges receipt of cheque.

Asks JM to send copies of all his books to Anton Dohrn.

Koch [of Schweizerbart] requires 3000 sets of copies of the heliotype plates [for German edition of Expression].

Asks them to procure the two volumes of Living Cirripedia for Anton Dohrn’s zoological station in Naples.

CD thanks CW for long, interesting letter; hopes the ideas will be worked into an essay some day.

Suggests dates for a proposed visit and gives instructions for reaching Down.