Thanks for THH’s essay on species [article for an American encyclopedia].

Will probably never again write on large and general subjects; will keep to easier specific ones such as insectivorous and climbing plants.

Astonished and disgusted at Klein’s evidence. No doubt there will be severe and vicious legislation against physiology. Will give evidence before Commission.

Thanks for Elementary biology [1875]. Wishes he had had a course like it.

Is coming to London. Will call on THH.

Deeply grateful for THH’s tribute to him at conferring of LL.D. at Cambridge.

Thanks for evolution article; would like to know what made Lamarck "change his front" so completely.

CD’s election to Botany Section of French Academy amuses him, because he "doesn’t know the characters of a single natural order!".

About Anthony Rich, who has decided to leave his fortune to CD [and later also to make a bequest to THH]. CD’s account of what he wrote to Rich.

Has read Hume with great pleasure, but found parts very stiff reading.

George Darwin has visited Anthony Rich.

Thanks for Haeckel’s Freedom in science and teaching [1879], with preface by THH.

Enjoyed rap on knuckles THH gives Rudolf Virchow.

Asks for a ticket for THH’s lecture at the Royal Institution for WED. With ED’s and HED’s forgeries of CD’s signature.

Asks for figures of embryos by A. Ecker and T. L. W. Bischoff to copy [for Descent, ch. 1].

On Mivart’s Genesis of species, and THH’s intention to reply to it.

Chauncey Wright’s pamphlet [see 7940].

CD is revising Origin and will answer Mivart on incipient organs. "Pendulum is swinging against us, but will swing back again".

On THH’s review [see 7977] of Mivart’s Genesis of species and the Quarterly Review article on Descent.

Hooker admires THH’s review of Mivart [see 7977]. Most impressed by THH’s handling of metaphysics.

Hooker’s problems: family health and A. S. Ayrton [Commissioner of Works].

Asks whether THH has written on affinities of Eocene cetacean Zeuglodon. Wants to cite it in 6th ed. of Origin as in some slight degree an intermediate form, but does not know how far he may venture.

Has had more evidence of profound impression of Mivart’s book [Genesis of species].

Supports the abolition of prize fellowships at the universities.

Plans to see THH in London.

Informs THH that 18 friends have given him a fund of £2100 to enable him to take a holiday.

Affected by THH’s letter – will send a copy to the other 17 friends. Hopes for his and public’s sake his health will improve.