Thanks LH for his account of a family weakness of the knee.

On the case of a male acquaintance with two pairs of mammae.

Interested in occurrence of hair on backs of weakly children. Asks PBM if he would report particulars of any case he observes during next 6–12 months.

On the flourishing sales of their respective books. Mentions reviews of Descent in Pall Mall Gazette [21 Mar 1871] and in the Spectator [11 Mar 1871, pp. 288–9; 18 Mar 1871, pp. 319–20].

Sends his signature.

Unfortunately he has missed an opportunity to review Descent in Nature.

Robert Chambers, AD’s father, spoke of CD’s book [Descent?] during his last hours of life.

CD’s respect for Chambers, to whose scientific work he had not done justice.

Encloses a letter [7617] to be forwarded to the author of the review of Descent in Pall Mall Gazette.

Asks WO to act out the sudden discovery of a dreadful object and to observe whether his platysma contracts. CD has found in his notes that it is never contracted in cases of severe dyspnoea [Expression, p. 301].

Gives CD permission to use photographs of expressions.

Anecdotal comments on various sections of Descent:

Red Indians erecting their ears;

reasoning in a pet antelope, stag deer, and mongoose;

use of foot as prehensile organ by carpenters in India.

Thanks for £50 contribution to Edward Cresy’s memorial. £1000 collected so far for an annuity for Mrs Cresy.

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.

Answers CD’s questions.

Reception of Descent. Evolution accepted everywhere; descent of man accepted calmly.

Morocco plans.

Fears for Huxley, who is overworked.

Thanks for CD’s letter on his review of Descent in the Pall Mall Gazette [21 Mar 1871].

Wants permission to have some of AK’s photographs copied for Expression.

Sends Hibiscus

and enclosure [Queries about expression?] on chance of "any point being observed" in Morocco.

Murray informs him edition of Descent will probably be 6500 copies.

Thanks WO for his reply to letter of 26 March. Has tried several people and platysma seemed to act, but it is difficult to observe when they shudder.

Discusses errors in Descent. Not surprised that WT is not committed to full acceptance of evolution of man.

At work on Expression. Asks about muscles that raise spines of hedgehog and tail coverts of peacock. Asks about influence of mind on capillaries with regard to blushing. Mentions views of James Paget on influence of the mind on nutrition of body parts.

Effects of first impregnation on litters from subsequent pregnancies.

Power of selective breeding to produce different varieties.