Asks RHM to clarify his statement in Annals of Natural History, vol. 15, p. 39, about variation in the maxillae of Phalangiidae and in true spiders, and to provide information on the variation in maxillae of spiders.
Presents statement of expenses and anticipated profit of the new edition of 3000 copies [of Origin].
If an American edition of Origin is considered worth while, CD would like AG’s reviews prefixed to it.
Will use all his strength to produce first part of his three-volume big work [Variation].
The pamphlet on the origin or variation of species sent by IGS-H has not arrived. CD is eager to see it and requests precise reference. ["Cours de zoologie (mammifères et oiseaux), fait au Muséum d’histoire naturelle, en 1850", Revue et Magasin de Zoologie Pure et Appliquée 2d ser. 3: 12–20.]
Orders copy of book by Louis Agassiz [Nomenclatoris Zoologici Index Universalis (1846)].
Mentions book sent by Quatrefages de Bréau.
Measles has ben running through the house, but they are now quit of it.
Discusses plans for JSH to visit; eager to discuss Origin.
Returns MS [of biography for Dictionary of contemporary biography (1861)]. Part was inaccurate, and there was an important omission so CD has had a new copy made.
Had forgotten that Journal [of researches] was stereotyped. Not worth while now to improve style. Wants to make a few corrections, if possible, on p. 378.
On the Origin. Before expressing his disagreements, CJFB praises CD’s labour, patience, fairness, and other qualities which make the work "one of the most important that has ever appeared in Natural History". [See 2690.]
CD preparing historical sketch, which will go into second American edition of Origin.
Asks JDH to copy out Naudin’s line on finality.
Very pleased with Asa Gray’s letter to JDH [see 2638], which is "rich on Agassiz".
Has arranged with Baily the poulterer for pigeons for THH to exhibit at Royal Institution lecture.
E. A. Darwin will subscribe to H. Spencer’s book [First principles: a system of philosophy (1862)].
It is not true that all the fossil cave bears are of the same species.
Discusses the direction of WED’s studies.
Tells of the response to the Origin and the impact that it has made in England and abroad.
CD is glad there is to be an American edition of Origin printed from the corrected 2d English edition.
Discusses NA’s pamphlet on human progress. Suggests making it a book [A survey of human progress (1861)].
Comments on study of dead languages.
Denies that animals are "governed only by selfish motives".
CD is sending some books by carrier. Requests that he be given the 1st and also the 10th editions of Vestiges of creation [1844, 1853], and also the 2d edition of Baden Powell’s Unity of worlds [1856]. "No other editions will be of any service." [See Origin (1861), "Historical sketch".]
H. G. Bronn offers to superintend a German translation of Origin.
Bronn has reviewed Origin [Neues Jahrbuch für Mineralogie (1860), p. 112].
Has prepared a historical sketch [of writers on origin of species] for foreign editions of Origin. It includes HS. He was too ill to provide it for the 1st ed.
Sorry Murray has not sent HS his copy of Origin, as he was instructed.
Huxley will put CD and E. A. Darwin down for HS’s gigantic [publishing] programme. Suggests Dr Drysdale be approached about it.
Has not yet obtained information for the most important correction for Journal of researches.
Has told P. T. A. Talandier that JM will declare that CD has full authority to give him right and profit of translation of Origin. Unless he hears by return, CD assumes JM does not object.