Mentions receipt of EH’s History of creation [1876].

Describes his own work on cross- and self-fertilised flowers. Subject bears on the very principle of life.

Has read EH’s History of creation [trans. E. R. Lankester (1875)]. Was much struck with many "brilliant & original remarks". Is gratified by the way EH speaks of CD’s books.

Thanks EH for Arabische Korallen [1876].

EH’s Arabische Korallen is spirited, clear, and poetical. With respect to formation of islands, thinks EH lays too much stress on views of Ehrenberg. Admires drawings.

Book [Webb and Berthelot] has reached CD.

Sorry EH dissents from Pangenesis.

Glad EH is coming to England.

Will be visiting eldest son in Southampton in September [but visit apparently delayed until 7 Oct, see "Journal"].

Discusses death of his daughter-in-law

and possible visit by EH.

Thanks for EH’s Anthropogenie, 3d ed.

Sends Cross and self-fertilisation.

Thanks EH for album of photographs of German scientists.

Thanks EH for birthday greetings.

Mentions his work on movement of plants.

Thanks for kind letter.

Has not yet read EH’s article in Kosmos ["Einstämmiger und vielstämmiger Ursprung", 4 (1878–9): 360–76].

Rudolf Virchow affair lamentable. Virchow’s conduct inexplicable.

Admires EH’s Freie Wissenschaft und freie Lehre [1878].

Virchow’s conduct is shameful.

Suggests possible visit by EH.

Comments on EH’s research.

Invites EH to spend night at Down.

Confirms details of EH’s visit to Down.

Comments on new edition of EH’s book [Natürliche Schöpfungsgeschichte, 2d ed. (1870)].

Mentions his own book [Descent].

Visit by Kölliker.

Comments on Descent.

EH’s refusal of position at Vienna.

Refers to priest who believes in "our ape-like progenitors".

EH’s work on sponges.

Pangenesis.

Describes new edition of Origin [6th]

and his work on plant crossing.

Comments on EH’s criticism of authors in third edition of Natürliche Schöpfungsgeschichte [1872].

Discusses book by H. C. Bastian [The beginnings of life (1872)].

Comments on EH’s forthcoming [Die Kalkschwämme (1872)].

Thinks EH is working much too hard.