JVC is willing to translate [Variation], especially because of his conviction that progress of biology depends on proving CD’s theory.

Ernst Haeckel’s book [Generelle Morphologie (1866)] will do mischief because EH is so immoderate. Suggests CD tell EH that he has done him a bad service. CD is the only one to whom EH would listen.

Asks CD to decide which translator he would prefer for Variation. JVC frankly thinks Carl Vogt not the best man to introduce CD to the German public, though he has a greater name than JVC.

Vogt now preaches materialism in its most absurd form.

CD is delighted that JVC will undertake translation of Variation.

Agrees with JVC’s opinion of Haeckel’s book [Generelle Morphologie (1866)]. CD believes it is bad policy for Haeckel to speak so positively about a disputed theory [i.e., CD’s] and particularly regrets the severity of EH’s criticisms of other authors.

Reassures JVC [who had received the impression that CD would prefer Carl Vogt as translator of Variation].

CD surprised at receipt of an application for a Russian translation.