Agrees that in a deaf person the jaw may fall because of concentrated attention.

In surprise, mouth is opened suddenly and chest filled with air. This expression occurs in all parts of the world. Odd that so simple a movement is so perplexing to understand.

Pleased with sum the reprint [of Descent] has produced. Terms of payment accepted.

Thanks JM for Nonconformist [review of Descent, 32 (1871): 240–1].

Would like to see other out-of-way reviews – especially religious.

Other reviews favourable, including Wallace’s [see 7569], which is admirable.

Thanks PH for his memoir on Poterion [Natuurkd. Verh. Utrecht 2 (1870)].

Asks name of an Abutilon from Fritz Müller.

Questions about Drosophyllum for experiments;

the meaning of "Sirdar".

Wonderful success of Descent. Astonished by liberality of public. No abuse yet.

Marvels at JDH’s plans for a trip to Morocco. Asks him to look for alpine insects.

Is astonished at sale [of Descent]. Will make no additions, but must correct a few misprints and errors [for third issue].

Comments on WRG’s MS on ratio of the sexes at birth.

Offers to send J. M. A. Thury’s paper ["Loi de production des sexes", Arch. Sci. Phys. & Nat. 18 (1863): 91–8].

Has this day sent off corrections for new issue [of Descent]. Asks whether title-page may read "Sixth Thousand".

Asks for photograph of pointed ear of ERL’s friend.

Amount received from 2d issue of Descent now stands at £840. Would be glad to have 2000 more copies printed because he wants time to collect information for a corrected edition.

Thanks LH for his account of a family weakness of the knee.

Interested in occurrence of hair on backs of weakly children. Asks PBM if he would report particulars of any case he observes during next 6–12 months.

On the flourishing sales of their respective books. Mentions reviews of Descent in Pall Mall Gazette [21 Mar 1871] and in the Spectator [11 Mar 1871, pp. 288–9; 18 Mar 1871, pp. 319–20].

Sends his signature.

Encloses a letter [7617] to be forwarded to the author of the review of Descent in Pall Mall Gazette.

Asks WO to act out the sudden discovery of a dreadful object and to observe whether his platysma contracts. CD has found in his notes that it is never contracted in cases of severe dyspnoea [Expression, p. 301].

If FD gets the chance, will he observe whether the platysma contracts in a shivering fit? Wants much to know whether the platysma of frightened patients contracts before chloroform is given.

Wants permission to have some of AK’s photographs copied for Expression.

Sends Hibiscus

and enclosure [Queries about expression?] on chance of "any point being observed" in Morocco.

Murray informs him edition of Descent will probably be 6500 copies.

Thanks WO for his reply to letter of 26 March. Has tried several people and platysma seemed to act, but it is difficult to observe when they shudder.

Discusses errors in Descent. Not surprised that WT is not committed to full acceptance of evolution of man.

At work on Expression. Asks about muscles that raise spines of hedgehog and tail coverts of peacock. Asks about influence of mind on capillaries with regard to blushing. Mentions views of James Paget on influence of the mind on nutrition of body parts.