Wishes to inform CD that, contrary to CD’s impression, natural selection is widely accepted in U. S. by educated men; encloses copies of his lectures, papers, and the Index.

Writes that he does not share at all in Lionel Beale’s letter in Nature [4 (1871): 25–6];

his new experiments are not hopeful.

Will require at least six weeks’ notice before a new edition of Descent has to go to press because of considerable corrections needed.

Thinks cheap edition of Origin is needed, since he could answer objections in it.

Obliged for letter about human ear. Comments on ears and on E. R. Lankester’s idea about the ear-lobe.

Has arranged a trip to the U. S. with Cambridge friends; believes it would be much jollier if Frank could go too.

Recommends [W. M. Williams] The fuel of the sun [1870] as remarkably illuminating about physical astronomy. Williams solves the problem of duration of sun’s heat in "a most satisfactory manner".

Is pleased GL is to translate the Journal of researches into Swedish.

Disagrees with CD and especially with Lubbock and McLennan about communal marriage. [See Descent 2: 361–3.]

George [Darwin] plans a trip to America and would like FD to go [see 7757]. CD will gladly pay whole cost if the trip will not interfere with FD’s medical work.

He is waiting to hear about the requirements for the MB examination before considering the possible trip to north America.

Thanks for the cheque, and also for the offer to pay for him to go on a trip to north America with G. H. Darwin.

Interested in W. Hepworth Dixon’s Free Russia, but does not know "whether he is to be trusted".

VOK’s hard work in palaeontology will prepare him for future original investigations.

Thanks for present of FWF’s The witness of history [1871].

CD will pay for the American trip if it takes place.

Asks whether FD can help him understand the eyes of cephalopods; is the structure the same as in the Vertebrata and are the parts developed from homologous layers of skin?

Has been pleased by a recent review.

Postscript: Is thinking of a cheap edition of the Origin [1872] in which he hopes to answer St George Mivart’s criticisms.

Asks FD whether he can get some references to good papers on cephalapod eyes.

Explains about the attendance at St George’s hospital that is required for the MB examaminations, and how this would affect plans for a trip to north America.

Thanks for a copy of Alexander Buchan’s Introductory text-book of meteorology (Buchan 1871).

Will translate passages as CD requests [see 7735].

Bitter at Prussian militarism.

Comments on and corrections for chapter 13, "Mammals", of Descent.

Has finished Descent, which charmed but did not convert him.

Sends examples of dogs’ reasoning.

Has given up his farm.

Sends two bills [JM’s notes for payments due to CD] for £420 each for 3d issue of Descent.