Answers to CD’s queries will take time. CD may not be aware of the influence of accommodation on the diameter of the pupil of the eye. Parrots, for example, contract or dilate the pupil independently of amount of light [see Expression, p. 304]. Sends his book on the subject [On the anomalies of accommodation and refraction of the eye (1864)].

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.

Note on errata in first volume of Descent.

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.

More details on children with hairy backs;

reasons for greater mortality rate of male children.

Discusses breeding fancy pigeons from the wild blue rock-dove.

Sends scraps of information. Everything he has sent is unreservedly at CD’s disposal.

On reading Descent was reminded of having seen, on a visit to an idiot asylum with her father [J. S. Henslow], a woman with long pointed ears.

Questions CD’s attribution of a sense of beauty to animals and his use of natural selection to explain phenomena JM feels it more appropriate to describe as social selection.

Thanks AHB for her letter about girl with pointed ears.

His undying gratitude to her father [J. S. Henslow].

Thanks him for information on children with hairy backs.

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

Many thanks for copy of Descent.

Would like to visit CD when he comes to England.

On the power of concentration to influence body organs.

A draft letter [but sent in the original state by Emma Darwin]. Approves of FJW’s notice of his views.

CD has slightly revised parts in view of both approving and disapproving critics, but still remains convinced about his fundamental notions.

Has sent photographs of insane woman to be engraved. Assumes JC-B has no objection.

Is making immense use of JC-B’s MS. The book ought to be described as "by Darwin & Browne".

Discusses new edition of Descent.