Sends text of the gravestone inscription [for E. A. Darwin] and details of arrangements for removal of furniture from Queen Anne St.

Has sent the inscription [for E. A. Darwin’s gravestone]. If CD approves, will he forward it to G. S. ffinden [Vicar of Downe Parish] and William [Darwin].

Occupied with details of E. A. Darwin’s house and furniture. He has ordered a gravestone.

Sends an agreement for his signature and forwarding to Patterson & Bloxham.

Hears that James Challis [Plumian Professor of Astronomy, Cambridge] is on the point of death. Believes he has a good chance to succeed him; sends a list of the electors.

Writes of Challis’ health

and of other matters of family interest.

Thinks William Thomson will support him [for Plumian Professorship at Cambridge].

Asks whether he is to give a gratuity of "cinquanta lire sterling" to the cook at 6 Queen Anne St.

Writes of his work and a paper accepted for publication in the Philosophical Transactions [? "Stresses caused in the interior of the earth", Philos. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. 173 (1883): 187–230].

Gives news of friends.

Has sent Kovalevsky his major paper on the moon’s motion, with references to others.

Encloses letter from R. S. Ball [missing], who has placed reliance on Samuel Haughton’s wild speculations.

Has heard that J. Challis’s health is worse.

Circular letter regarding the distribution of CD’s excess income, with a note addressed to W. E. Darwin concerning his handling of Elizabeth Darwin’s share.

About the distribution of [surplus income] funds among the children.

A circular letter on the distribution of his money at death and the division ofErasmus’ estate.

Has promised to pay Hooker about £250 annually "for the formation of a perfect MS catalogue of all known plants [Index Kewensis]".

Advises his children as to how some money will be distributed among them.

Thanks his children for their present of a fur coat.

Send CD a present of a fur coat.