Two letters for WED at E. A. Darwin's. G. H. Darwin has been to dentist. Please collect and pay for GHD’s skates.

Glad to hear of the plant; CD instructs WED to make further observations. If it is a good case he will insist on WED’s sending a communication to the Linnean Society.

Health very bad. All scientific work stopped for 2½ months.

E. B. Tylor’s Early history of mankind [1865] impresses him.

Would like JDH’s opinion of last number of Spencer’s [Principles of] Biology [vol. 1 (1864)], especially on umbellifers. CD not satisfied with Spencer’s views on irregular flowers.

ED reports on CD’s health.

Invitation to dine at the Darwins’ with J. S. Henslow.

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.

Is hopeful about Anne after receiving an encouraging message.

Gives her reactions to CD’s reports on Anne’s health.

Discusses Anne’s sickness and her hope.

Thanks CD for his Monday notes about Anne, which are much better than previous ones.

Tells of the hopes raised by CD’s letter of Monday regarding Anne’s health.

Her reactions to Anne’s death; hopes CD may soon return.

Describes her compassion for all his sufferings and writes of her wish that his gratitude could be offered to heaven as well as to herself. To her, the only relief is to try to believe that suffering and illness are from God’s hand "to help us to exalt our minds & to look forward with hope to a future state".

Writes lovingly of small events since he left Maer. Fears their opinions may differ on "the most important subject", religion, but is grateful for his openness about his "honest & conscientious doubts".

Responds to items in CD’s letter, just received. Suggests parts of London where he might look for a house. Gives news of friends and relatives.

Has accepted the Hensleigh Wedgwoods’ invitation to go to London with them; can look at houses with CD. She wishes to avoid extravagance; asks him to choose three or four for her to see.

She agrees that London is the place to settle. She is eager to see him and full of plans.

Describes the journey home and the long talks on their return. No maid has been found, so he should engage the one she saw, "for ten guineas & tea & sugar a year". She thought CD looked unwell and overtired.

Responds to his "business letter" about the maids, then chides herself for feeling dull and disagreeable when she has had everything all her life.

Is delighted to learn they have "Macaw Cottage" [12 Upper Gower Street] – their second choice; hopes they have disposed of the dead dog in the garden. Much family news.

Seeks to persuade CD to leave town at once, go to Shrewsbury for doctoring and some rest, then come to Maer for more rest, for he has looked "so unwell". She knows it must be hard for him to be unable to do his work.