Thanks AG for his essay on geology and Athenian history [see 5784].

Comments on French rejection of evolution. "How strange that the country of Buffon, Geoffroy and especially Lamarck should now cling to species as immutable creations."

Variation will soon appear in French.

Sends an article ["Des lumières que la géologie peut jeter sur … l’histoire ancienne des Athéniens"] extracted from his work [Animaux fossiles et géologie de l’Attique (1862–7)]. CD’s letters have been an encouragement.

Hopes the belief in transformation will gradually be accepted. For himself the idea in no way undermines his idea of spirituality and his respect for human dignity.

Hopes to continue his work on the genealogical relationship (enchaînement) of fossils.