Asks FW to thank F. P. Cobbe for her liberal offer, but the differences [between Descent and Cobbe’s review "Darwinism in morals", Theol. Rev. 33 (1871): 167–92] are too fundamental to be reconciled.

FPC’s article on consciousness of dogs is best analysis of an animal’s mind CD has read.

Regrets she quotes [Edward?] Jesse.

Since writing Descent, CD has come to believe dogs have a conscience.

Formally declines the vice-presidency of a proposed society.

CD is glad to hear of nature of JF’s work;

proposes that JF call when CD comes to London.

Has read JF’s attack on Agassiz ["Agassiz and Darwinism"] in Popular Science Monthly [3 (1873): 692–705].

Thanks for the Pinguicula plants, which have recovered, and asks if he could also send Utricularia, since his other supplies have failed.

Thanks JF for copy of Cosmic philosophy [1874].

Praises JF’s book [Cosmic philosophy (1874)].

Has long wished to understand H. Spencer but is not convinced by him and some others. CD cannot trust deduction from a starting principle, as his mind is so fixed by the inductive method.

CD regrets that he feels large parts of Krause’s essay [on Erasmus Darwin] must be omitted. Gives his criticisms and his plan for condensed publication of his own article, with only parts of EK’s. If EK is unwilling to change, CD will publish his article privately. It is manifest that EK can publish his essay in its extended form in Germany if he wishes to do so.

Glad to receive the German edition of Erasmus Darwin. Hopes sales will be good. Favourable review has appeared in the United States, in the Nation.

Profit on Erasmus Darwin is £9 15s 5d. Sends cheque. 218 copies remain unsold.

All his advisers agree that CD ought not to take notice of Butler’s attack.

F. M. Balfour has offered to translate EK’s reply to Butler and to send it to Nature. [The letter was published in Nature 23 (1881): 288.]

Asks further questions about shell attached to beetle’s leg.