Offers to pay for use of plate of map of S. America and for three woodcuts, for German edition of Journal of researches [1844].
CD gratified that ED wants to translate his Journal. Will send a copy of Coral reefs, which contains a fuller treatment of topic. Perhaps ED would insert a note to this effect. Can lend woodcuts from Coral reefs if ED wants. CD will send a few corrections; he wants to amend way he criticised Agassiz’s glacier theory.
He is also enclosing a questionnaire concerning differences between races or varieties and species, about which he intends to publish sometime.
Testimonial letter for GRW for position at British Museum.
Says Colburn will allow German publisher to use copperplate and woodcuts [for Journal of researches]. Has been delayed in corrections owing to death of a relative [Josiah Wedgwood II].
CD will be gratified to learn that RBH has recognised a species of Cactornis as a native of Bow Island [Hao, Tuamotu Archipelago].
Classification consists of grouping beings according to descent from common stocks. Analogies are resemblances between forms not inherited from common stocks. Neither number of species nor grade of organisation should be considered in classification. Admits that caution is necessary in admitting a few species to form a group of rank equal to one containing many species.
Has no objection to uniting Monotremata and other marsupials but would object to doing so solely on ground that Monotremata consists of only two species. Members of a natural group need not share common character so long as they are linked with those which do. Believes that if every organism that ever lived were collected, a perfect series would be presented. What are reasons that unite Aptera and Diptera?
Discusses fossil bones found in Australia by Mr Isaac. Suggests they be sent to Richard Owen.
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Had to leave Calcutta owing to his health and was entrusted with a packet for JH from a Mr. McClelland, and has only now succeeded in tracking down JH's new address. Will remain in England for a few years. Hopes that JH's Cape labors are progressing.
Was gratified to receive JH's letter and intends to avail himself of the invitation to visit Hawkhurst. Will be visiting General [Bell]. Gives observations of the comet.
Enclosing the specimens of photographs by different methods; comments on the methods used. Encloses a paper by Were Fox.
Sending a copy of the English Universities. Has quoted JH in the third volume. Hopes that university reform will be a popular topic.
Is pleased JH has such a high opinion of the new work on the English universities; it has hardly been noticed by the public. V. A. Huber belongs to the Conservative party but tries to be impartial as a historian. Hopes that the amount of reading at universities will be reduced.